I found out what's wrong with me!

[mouse_chalk]

Some of you may remember this thread about my dizziness/vertigo that has gone on for 2.5 years, and my doctors appointments that have turned out to be really useless.

Well, I went to see my GP a few weeks ago, and he agreed to refer me to whatever doctor I wanted to see. ANYWHERE in the country.

So, I chose a doctor all the way over in Kent, which is pretty much the other side of the country from me. He runs one of the top 3 balance clinics in the country and is very widely respected as an expert in his field.

Steve called up yesterday and arranged a private consultation with him. It means we have to pay, but then I can get referred back onto the NHS for further treatment/appointments if I need them.


My appointment is 29th June! I thought I'd have to wait months!


Googling the doctor, these articles came up about his centre:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/3382897.stm


http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/oct/14/health-healthandwellbeing





Again, I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but if he can't help me, I'm out of ideas as to who can! From what I've read I get the feeling that at least he'll listen and take me seriously, which is better than I've got so far....

 

[hartleybun]

:bunnyhug:could be that you're finally getting somewhere - sounds like this clinic will know what you mean dont give up hope

 

[Becca]

Jen I'm so happy for you! I hope this goes somewhere and you can get sorted out!

*fingers crossed* this guy can help :hearts:

 

[maherwoman]

Oh good!! That's wonderful news! I'm so happy you'll be able to have a specialist finally check you out for this, and hopefully get it solved!

:clover::goodluckleaseplease:

 

[DeniseJP]

Good luck - I hope they find answers for you.

Denise

 

[bat42072]

fingers crossed that you will get some answersray:

 

[Saudade]

These specialists are always great! They pick up on things that doctors usually don't, chances are it's something that most of the other doctors were just too rushed/stupid to pick up on.

 

[Luvr of Wabbits and Polar Bears]

Jen I sure hope everything works for you. {{HUGS}}

 

[mouse_chalk]

Thanks everyone!

Sorry I didn't reply before- it's been a busy weekend and I'm so exhausted now!

I am trying not to pin all my hopes on this appointment, in case he can't help, and I'm no further along, but I am quite hopeful. I just want to get it over and done with really! I'm so grateful to Steve as well for finding the money for a private appointment. I honestly don't know what I'd do without him! He's been amazing throughout all of this....

 

[slavetoabunny]

I hope they can figure things out for you Jen. You would be a shoe-in for the Mystery Diagnosis show:

http://health.discovery.com/fansites/mystery-diagnosis/about.html

 

[kherrmann3]

Good luck, Jen!

 

[mouse_chalk]

Thanks Kelly and Patti!

Patti, I should go on that program! Assuming that he can actually diagnose me that is, lol.

I read through the conditions in the different episodes, and one of them, intussusception, I had when I was about 6 months old. None of the doctors could work out what was wrong with me and I nearly died, except my mum (a nurse) guessed it and made them listen to her!

 

[mouse_chalk]

My appointment is in the morning- about 12 hours time! :nerves1

We're leaving at 8am for my appointment at 12pm. I've been so worried all weekend.... I just don't know what to think/hope/expect...

Wish me luck guys! :expressionless

 

[Luvr of Wabbits and Polar Bears]

GOOD LUCK JEN!! I'm sure hope the specialist can help you.

 

[degrassi]

Good luck! I hope he can help you

 

[SnowyShiloh]

Good luck, Jen! I'll be thinking of you!

 

[LuvaBun]

Good luck, Jen - will be keeping you in my thoughts.

The 'not knowing' what the cause is is often nearly as bad as the symptoms themselves. I hope this doctor can help you out :hug:

Jan

 

[Pipp]

I know I've posted this before, but I spent two years sidelined by vertigo as well, probably a combination of BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and Menaire's or something like it. (The vertigo wouldn't go away after 30 seconds or so like most cases, the room would NOT stop spinning wildly for hours to the point where I'd need an ambulance, so I was deemed 'unusual').

A doctor who did the Epley maneuver at the emergency ward probably provided the greatest help.

The specialist I saw was almost useless -- took her a year to diagnose it -- although at least she didn't make it worse, like one doctor did. (And her Epley helped I think as well). But she was sooo rude and arrogant, she almost immediately accused me of being a hypochondriac when she heard I'd been hospitalized for it, and sniffed that I couldn't have had long-lasting attacks -- and this was before she gave me the simple position test that easily proved it.

A low sodium diet and drinking a ton of water would help, too. And not scratching my ears. (I triggered a whole new period of episodes by doing that once or twice -- I had developed a little eczema, they were very itchy!)

Very curious to see what the specialist says. And sorry for not commenting more often on this, I've always meant to! A sister in (medical) arms!


sas :bunnydance:

 

[CorkysMom]

Good luck...I hope you get some good news (answers)!

 

[kherrmann3]

Good luck, Jen! Hopefully they can shed some light on this for you! :hug: