A not so typical anniversary

Today marks one year since I experienced my 1st of many labyrinthitis attacks. A year ago, I was called into my boss' office to go over some reports and as I was sitting there, this dizzy and weird sensation took over me and I wasn't sure if I was going to pass out or throw up right there. It was awful, and I completely freaked him out! I shrugged it off to low blood sugar and went home and tried to eat a healthy lunch. Didn't work..

Fast forward a few weeks, and it's not getting any better. The attacks come and go, and are at their worst when I'm in public places such as Target, the mall, or the grocery store. Something about the lighting in those places really set me off.

My symptoms:

-I felt seasick.. which led to me feeling nauseous when it would hit

-I also felt really disoriented a lot which was kind of like being drunk without the good feelings that come with drinking

-I had a very stiff neck and upper back and severe pain in the back of the lower part of my head

-I went through periods of exhaustion, but also had a hard time sleeping through the night

-Sometimes you just don't feel a part of reality, it's like you know you're there, but you feel like it's a dream and you're not really there

-Near the end was when I started to become really sensitive to noise and my ears started to hurt

-I was very sensitive to different lightings. I felt the most sick going into stores (like Target or the grocery store... the mall was completely off limits or else I think I would have passed out) and in my boss' office because of the way the light came in through the blinds and it was always hot in there.

-I also felt sick when I had to talk to someone and maintain eye contact


Thankfully, this gradually started to get better around Thanksgiving when I decided to kick my caffeine habit. Oh how I miss my morning coffee! But I had read on all the labyrinthitis boards, that caffeine exacerbates the attacks. It was amazing, as soon as I cut the caffeine, the attacks became fewer and farther between.


I look back to a year ago, and remember how scared I was, and how I had a few months of suffering ahead of me. I'm so thankful for how far I've come since then, and how I'm pretty much back to normal. I've been able to fly a few times for work and did great on our cruise in August. I can also do every day things such as going shopping or making eye contact while someone is talking to me without feeling seasick. 


I wouldn't wish Labyrinthitis on anyone, it was absolutely debilitating, but I got through it and it made me stronger and much more appreciative for my health and every day life. 


Sorry if this post was depressing or sappy, it should be uplifting! And now to watch "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" on ABC. Love holiday Charlie Brown specials!