My name is Michelle, I am 32, happily married and a mum to two wonderful boys Tyler, 10 & Isaac,2. On the 12th November 2014 after suffering with dizzy spells for over 12 months I was finally referred to an ENT and diagnosed with Meniere's disease.
Meniere's disease is rare vestibular disorder, it mainly affects my balance and hearing. I suffer with attacks of vertigo, ear fullness (pressure in my ear that is similar to the feeling you get when you have been swimming and get water in your ear), hearing problems and tinnitus.
My hearing problems are a little weird at times, sometimes I just can't hear and everything goes silent (mainly in one ear) other times I can hear you in that I know you are making sounds but I can't actually understand what you are saying. Its like the teacher on Charlie Brown, just noises, so if you find I am just looking blank or confused I probably haven't heard what you said or I am trying to figure out what it was you just said.
My balance is also out of sync some days so I walk like I have had a few too many to drink and have to put my hands out to steady myself or walk up the stairs leaning against the wall. Luckily as Isaac still has his buggy I use that to lean on when I am out walking. I also get a lot of headaches which I have been told is from my neck and head trying adjust to the imbalance.
There are lots of other symptoms that are associated with Meniere's but you wouldn't necessarily think they are linked. The brain fog is a nightmare, I can be talking to you about something and completely lose my train of thought or just can't remember the word I was trying to use.
Most days although I look fine from the outside I am suffering with one symptom or another. It really takes it out of you especially during an attack so I feel tired and nauseous a lot but with having two boys to run around after I just try to get through it as best I can.
When I am not running around with my boys I love to read, anything from science fiction to crimes thrillers and everything in between. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Kit Berry, Patricia Cornwell and Karin Slaughter. A few years ago I taught myself to crochet and have had some of my creations sent to various parts of the world.
I am hoping that the treatment plan we are trying works and that I can get back to being me with out all these awful symptoms, I know it is going to take time (at the moment its looking around 2 years) but I am determined to get better and not let this take over my life.