Strange, on a disability lawyer’s website they actual describe Meniere’s better than a lot of ‘medical’ websites……
…” The most common vestibular balance disorder is Ménière’s disease. The symptoms of vestibular balance disorders include vertigo, nausea, vomiting, profound dizziness, disorientation and blurred vision.”

In this article you can find:

Can I Get Disability for My Vestibular Balance Disorder?
What Type of Medical Evidence Do I Need?
What if My Vestibular Balance Disorder Doesn’t Meet the Listing?

Here is a snippet:

Listing 2.07: Disturbance of Labyrinthine-Vestibular Function
The SSA discusses the criteria for automatic approval for vestibular balance disorders (including Ménière’s disease) under Listing 2.07. To meet the criteria for Listing 2.07, you must prove that your labyrinthine-vestibular disorder or Ménière’s disease has caused recurrent problems with your balance, tinnitus, and a gradual decrease in your ability to hear. In addition to these basic requirements, you must provide the SSA with the following:
Results that show abnormal function of your vestibular labyrinth established by examinations such as positional or caloric testing (where cool or warm water or air is placed in the ear), and
A test that demonstrates your hearing loss.
If you can prove that your vestibular hearing disorder meets all of the criteria, your claim will be automatically approved.

Read the full article on Meniere’s and Disability here

Hi Michael,

Sorry for the delay in replying to you.

I am doing much better these days. I was taking the supplements for over 4 months without any improvement and not being able to pinpoint any factors which was my trigger. Someone told me about a doctor in Belfast who no longer worked for the NHS as he took a more alternative therapy view on health, a more holitic approach. I attended his clinic about 3 months ago and after a consultation and some investigations he diagnosed my problem as candida overgrowth. For this he put me on supplements to deal with the bacteria overgrowth and a strict diet (no yeast, no diary, no sugar). He also had me attend a chiropractor as he felt my neck had alot of tension in it which could be triggering some of my dizziness/vertigo. Since I have been on this diet & supplements and finished course of chiropractor treatment i am feeling much better, more energy, no vertigo in 2 months, sleeping better….just feeling like my old self again! The only thing that still bothers me at times is the tinnitus but i can live with that!

Thanks once again for the help and support i received from yourself and Karin

Joanne

Used with permission.
Learn more about what helps many stay Meniere’s free

Malcolm Hewitt to me
show details 9/19/09
Hi Mike,

I am doing well, feeling better and stronger generally. I am taking my tablets, staying off wine and bitter, if I do drink, I drink a good lager.
I have cut right back on salt, but still indulge in coffee. I feel least good when I am walking for some reason with my head fuzzy and I find it difficult to go in a straight line!

Malcolm to me
show details Mar 28
Hi Michael,

I have been great four a couple of years now but have had a set back over the last few months.
I was worried about keeping on taking the supplements constantly so given that I felt ok i let things slide
and stopped taking the tablets. Needless to say within a week or so I had bad dizziness and hopeless hearing in my left
ear and I was back on the phone for more supplies and have been back on the pills for four weeks now.
I would say I am still a long way short of where i was before I stopped taking the pills. So, any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Malcolm Hewitt

Best regards,

MALCOLMHEWITT

Business leadership adviser and speaker

Mike Spencer to Malcolm
show details Apr 4
Hi Malcom,

Good to hear from you. Sorry to hear you have had a setback……at least you know that the supplements can help you so you have that safety net……unlike many people who feel they have no hope with Menieres.

In addition the the supplements of course we always believe that taking great care with your diet, alcohol, lifestyle etc. keeping relatively fit and active and absolutely no smoking………if you would like some help with this just let me know.

How is your business??………are you managing ok with it?

Take Care and mail me anytime you like

Mike

Malcolm to me
show details Apr 23
Thanks Mike. The vertigo has go much better over the last few days.
Also being fitted with a hearing aid too 50% hearing loss now in my left ear.
Apart from that I am as fit as flea!

All the best,

Malcolm

Doing well thanks Michael. Had all my mercury fillings removed. Still taking
what I would call a maintenance dose of USANA supplements and feeling great.

Malcolm

MALCOLMHEWITT

Business leadership adviser
www.malcolmhewitt.com

Sincerely,

Jude

……………………………………………..

Hi mike,

I am doing a lot better obviously I have good days and bad days but they are mostly good. I am also taking betahistine tablets three times a day.

Great to hear from you

Kate

…..update Oct 2011…..
I am following a low salt no caffeine low alcohol and no smoking life style. I am also back to running four times a week.

…………………………………………………

All testimonials are used with permission
Find out more about the supplements we all use to stay Meniere’s Disease symptom free

——————————————————————————————————————–

Mark to me
show details 11/8/10
Hi Mike,

Thanks for the reply.

I am due to start the supplements shortly (when they arrive)….will let you know how I go.

All the best

Mark

———————————

Currently on diuretics to reduce the “fullness” in my ears…which has worked quite well (tinnitus reduced also)…although has left me quite dizzy and unsteady. (Head pressure very high).

Would you encourage me to stop taking the diuretics when I start using the nutrients…conscious of mixing them with drugs ?.

Try to get to see my GP for advice…

Some background for you

I’m live in the Australia (Sydney). Believe my Menieres has been triggered in some way by a Sinus related Virus I had back in April. I have a history of sinus relates issues although for the 1st 14 months over here was really good. In April, caught a “virus” which had me sneezing constantly for over 4 weeks. I normally dont take anything for any sinus issues and let it run it’s course. But this one just wouldn’t go away. I finally after about 6 weeks went to the doctor who put me on nasal sprays and an anti-biotic. The sneezing stopped but I was left with this complete bunged up feeling in my head. It lasted for a number of weeks. I then woke up one morning with a blocked/ringing left ear. I had these before when I had sinus issues so expected it go away after a few days. After 3 weeks, it was still there (and worse)…went to the doctor who sent me to an ENT…and after loads of tests and head scratching…and fluctuating/deteriorating symptoms…..finally had an ear specialist confirm I have Menieres Disease.

Currently my hearing is still “good” although fluctuates when I get the ear pressure build-up. Mainly my left ear is impacted although I have tinnitus also and some low pain in my right ear….which perhaps suggests I’m bilateral.

Conscious to start “cleansing” my body with these nutrients as soon as possible to give it the chance to prevent further damage and harm. And of course get some sort of life back. Currently doing all the required things…low salt diet, plenty of exercise (when possible), no caffeine, no alcohol (aaagh)…but i’ve got to admit….I feel dreadful most of the time…

Appreciate yours and the teams offer of support.

Thanks again,

Mark

Mark – to me
show details 11/16/10
Hi Mike,

Thanks for the reply back….yes I have the doses.

Currently working my way into the supplement treatment (in the 1st week)….will let you know after a couple of weeks on the nutrients

One question for you…and this seems to come up a lot.

I mentioned below that I thought my Menieres was caused by Sinus related problems…still do…..but before it came on I had root canal work done for the first time…and I am still suffering from sporadic pain/discomfort in the specific tooth area (it’s on the same side as my bad ear). The dentist won’t fit a crown because she wants to check some TMJ issues (i mentioned my tinnitus) but she has recently had to clean up some infected gum related issues around the tooth area.

Is there a possible connection between the root canal work and the on-set of possible Menieres symptoms?. Aware you may not be the best person to ask…but if there’s someone I can contact…would be good to run this by them.

I also have a number of Amalgam fillings in my back molars which I’m considering getting removed.

Trying not to be too much of a hypo with all of this but I feel I must give myself the best chance for recovery.

Thanks

Mark

Mike to Mark
show details 11/18/10
Hi Mark,

Without trying to sound like a doctor, which of course I am not, so you shouldn’t listen to me but I would personally consider the fact that this root canal work and amalgam fillings could be at least one of the root causes of your meniere’s. There is no way to prove this, but in our experience, many people have meniere’s symptoms after root canal work, and amalgam has long been suspected of being a culprit. You can get them removed, but be aware that removing them is also going to cause trauma in that area so symptoms may get worse before they get better. Here are two websites related to this:

http://www.mercuryfreenow.com/

http://www.dentalwellness4u.com/

Take Care and mail me anytime

Mike

Mark – to me
show details 12/2/10
Hi Mike,

Thanks again for your advice below.

Quick Update

- Teeth

I’m actually having a wisdom tooth out tomorrow…the specialist I saw confirmed the top one on my “dodgy” left side needs to be removed…so thats a start. He was very non committal about Amalgam fillings (it’s called sitting on the fence !) but I’m trying to get to see another dentist to have them checked…before moving forward on that front.

- Supplements.

: Now 2 weeks into using them. Head fog much better…ear pressure still up and down but not as severe as previously.

: In general feeling a lot more focused….which is what I need for work purposes

: Main issue I have is that I’m feeling very weak compared to before. I’ve lost a heck of a lot of weight as my system has been cleansed. I’ve tried to up my calorie (low salt) intake to try and compensate but this just leads to more bathroom stops

Aware it’s early days…would be good to know if this is normal ?

Thanks again for your support,

Mark

Mark – to me
show details 12/22/10
Hi Mike,

Hope you are well ?

Quick Update: (around 6 weeks into the program)

- Seeing some really good signs !

: Head fog – Almost gone
: Tinnitus – Reduced
: Ear pressure – Reduced and currently free for 10 days (!!)
: Dizziness – None for 3 weeks
: Energy levels – Increased
: Lethargy – Almost gone

Only negative (it’s a small one !!!) is that I’m around 2/3 of a stone lighter than when I started. Was always a tall skinny bu$$er so it shows a bit….but I’ve increased my calorie intake along with my exercise regimes (just walking and some small weights at the moment due to a knee flare up)…so will see where this takes me.

Appreciate the support again

And all the best to you and your family for the festive period.

Thanks

Mark

Mark – to me
show details 12/24/10
Hi Mike,

By all means post my story….they have really helped

I will hopefully be providing you with a full “blog” in a few months time…personally want to wait until then to make sure i’m fully in control of the MD symptoms with the use of this method

Thanks again for all your support

Mark

Mark to me
show details Feb 2
Hi Mike,

Update for you.

Continue to improve..

I did though have a “spin” last week…it lasted literally two seconds but it was enough to through me slightly and undermine my confidence a little. Thing is…I felt fine after it although I had some increased pain in my ear and some head pressure for a few days or so after…nothing serious. It was very hot (35 C in Sydney) and I was under a bit of pressure at work on the day and experienced it while straining to read some s/sheet data on the computer. Had felt a bit off that morning…had put it down to the recent (48hrs before) injection for the Dust mite desensitization program I am on. (Discovered after tests that i’m acutely allergic to them). I am aware this will/may provoke things for the next short period while I get on top of it.

Current status
: Brain fog – Sporadic…minimal when i have it…periods of clarity !!
: Tinnitus – Low level
: Ear pressure – Minimal….none at times
: Dizziness – None for 8 weeks
: Vertigo – a two second experience last week (1st for months)
: Energy levels – Increased
: Lethargy – Almost gone.

Some questions for you if I may

- I do get what I class as pain or niggle in my left ear more than right. Do you class this as pressure or not (just trying to sync with some of your comments on your site)? I have no Hydrops build up to speak of where my ear feels blocked

- I do get a lot of “bounce” from my ears when I have indigestion…the air rattling and vibrating off the ears. Did you experience this. A weird question but I find this very unsettling

- Been interested in some of the studies into large doses of Vit C and the impact it has on various illnesses. Have you done any investigations into this for MD ? Interested in what your thoughts are if so.

Thanks again for all your help

Mark

ps- After much deliberating and research…I do feel you are correct about root canal work and it’s impact on our well being…and am having my affected tooth pulled next week.

Mark to me
show details Mar 31
Hi Mike,

Hope you are well ?.

Quick update to confirm that the ear continues to improve.

The hearing part is excellent…still tinnitus and ear pressure…hoping these will continue to abate over time.

I am still finding it hard to take confidence from my ear improvement. I do have some depression/anxiety issues as a result of the “ordeal” I’ve been through…and am finding it hard to get into 2nd gear so to speak. Fatigue and some sleeping issues still exist.

Wondering if you have any tips to help me get going again ?. Know you went through this also per your blog on the web site

Thanks again for all your help,

Mark

Mark to me
show details Jun 29
Hi Mike,

Hope you are well ?

Quick update to confirm that I’m still free of the main Menieres symptoms…and have been for the last 6 months….which is just great news

Get the odd period of pressure and pain in the ear…but nothing more. Tinnitus still annoying but the least of my worries

Have reduced some of the vitamins to a “maintenance” level…the Gingko and calcium…..no adverse impact

Take care,

Mark

On Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 1:07 PM, Mark wrote:
Hi Mike

Sorry for not getting back to you yesterday.

More than happy with you adding my story to the web…the supplements help greatly….people need to know this.

You can download a full report here and read an abstract report regarding a clinical study taken out in the US.

Well according to this lawyer, you CAN claim social security for Menieres. Social Security adult listing 2.07 apparently explicitly states that you can. For the full story go here:

http://www.socialsecuritydisabilitylawyer.us/blog/2010/07/menieres-disease-and-social-security-disability.html

This is a quick post so I Can’t put a link in. Just copy and paste it into your browser…

Hi Michael,

Now into my fourth month of taking the supplements. Feeling great. Lots of energy, no dizzy spells and a clear head. Still have the tinnitus and poor hearing in my right ear but these are very definitely at livable levels. Am also finding that I don’t need to be quite so careful with the salt intake. Of course, I am careful most of the time but if I have a meal out for example I don’t notice it. I can also enjoy a glass of wine now!

Here’s a funny thing: I normally eat mostly a vegetarian diet as my partner is vegetarian but lately I’ve been really craving meat and fish. Maybe my body needs the extra protein as part of the healing process?

Many thanks

Lizzie