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

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

I asked him because he lives in Belgium and can not get hold of the exact same supplements we all use in the US, UK and Australia etc There are many people who can not get access to the same supplements for one reason or another, be it they are in different country or they can’t afford it perhaps, so we are want to help find alternatives for those people.

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Jonas Govaerts to me
show details 4:40 PM (1 hour ago)
Hi Mike,

Thanks for your reply!

I showed your site to a friend who studies alternative medicine, and he provided me with these products: MarinEPA (gold + vitamine D, supercritical Omega-3 supplements) from Minami Nutrition, a bottle of Ginkgo Biloba from Phyto Reform, and Multivitamins from OrtoPhyt.

If there’s anything missing, or if I should add anything, please let me know.

I’ve only been diagnosed six months ago, and for now, the symptoms are relatively mild: I suffer from tinnitus and low-frequency hearing loss, but not vertigo. However, since I’m a professional musician and filmmaker, I find this illness very distressing.

I’m really glad I found your site, since very little people in the medical world seem up to date about Menière’s.
Which reminds me: I’m also taking Betahistine (I think it’s called BetaSerc in the States) but am already lowering my dose,
since it doesn’t seem to do much for me. I hope this medicine doesn’t interfere with the products you recommend?

All the Best from Belgium,
Jonas Govaerts

Mike Spencer to Jonas
show details 4:48 PM (1 hour ago)
HI Jonas,

We use a Ginkgo which is important, a broad spectrum optimized multivitamin/mineral,
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT (is the main ingredient that helps inflammation….allegedly).

The Omega oils are a good addition because the Dr who originally put the program together added that a few years ago.

As you know the supplements will be available in Belgium soon but I am always looking for alternatives (cheaper) for people.
Would you mind if I followed your progress and put it as a case study on the blog to help others in your position?

I know its a lot to ask but it would help others

Take Care and mail me anytime

Mike

Jonas Govaerts to me
show details 5:24 PM (43 minutes ago)
Hi Mike,

I don’t mind at all, I’ll keep you updated about my progress and you can ask me anything you want.

I’m also a member of the Facebook group Youngsters With Menière’s, they’ve been a great help.
There’s so much misinformation on the net about the disease it’s always good to come in contact with people who know what their talking about and/or have lived through what I’m experiencing.

Just to be clear: do I still need to get the grape seed extract, or is that included in the Multivitamins?

Take Care,
Jonas

Jonas Govaerts to me
show details 5:35 PM (33 minutes ago)

Hi Mike,

Just to give you the whole picture: I’m also trying accupuncture, and have recently received a steroid injection in my left eardrum.
I’ve experienced less pressure and tinnitus since then, but the hearing loss seems the same.
They’re doing a new audiogram next week, I’ll let you know if anything has changed.

I know of only two supplement stores in Antwerp, where I live, so please let me know if the new shop opens!

All Best,
Jonas

Mike Spencer to Jonas
show details 6:02 PM (7 minutes ago)

Thanks so much for your help Jonas. I am sure a lot of people will appreciate it

You will most probably have to get the grape seed extract separately, but check the labels for the ingedients….you never know.
And thanks for the advice about the Facebook group ‘Youngsters with Menière’s,’

Hope the first update is a positive one

Take Care and mail me anytime

Mike

Jonas Govaerts to me
show details 6:06 PM (3 minutes ago)

Okay, I’ll try to track it down!

Like I said, I’m ‘only’ suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus at the moment, but I understand the vertigo is a far worse symptom.
Hope I never have to experience it, but you never know with this unpredictable disease…

All Best,
Jonas

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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.

I haven’t written to you in a while and I just wanted to give you a quick update. I haven’t had a Menieres attack in about a year and a half! Yay! I am so pleased. Thanks for your help. I am passing your email onto someone else who has just been diagnosed with it. I have told them about the supplements and I can help them on that end.

Thanks again!

J.

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

It’s time to pull the mysterious “dizzy terror” which afflicts at least 50,000 Australians out of medical science’s too hard basket, an Australian researcher says.

Dr Daniel Brown, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Sydney’s Medical School, heads the world’s first research facility solely dedicated to finding the cause and a cure for Meniere’s Disease.

The debilitating condition of the middle ear has been baffling scientists since it was first described by French physician Prosper Meniere in 1861.

Its cause remains unclear – genetic, hormonal or even a viral trigger for fluid or pressure fluctuations within the body’s balancing mechanism, the middle ear – but its impact on sufferers is well known.

They experience sudden and recurring bouts of dizziness, each lasting up to 24 hours and accompanied by nausea and vomiting, with the first of these attacks usually occurring in a person’s mid-30s.

“Some people will get these attacks and will immediately drop to the floor and other people they can sense it is coming on,” Dr Brown, who heads the Meniere’s Laboratory, told AAP this week.

“Imagine being so dizzy that you have to call an ambulance and stay in hospital for a couple of days.

“… Or if you’ve ever had a big night out and then the room is spinning and you just want it to stop – well times that by 10.”

When a sufferer experienced one of these attacks, which they dub the “dizzy terror”, in public they may be dismissed by onlookers as simply being drunk.

Dr Brown said these attacks often occurred in clusters. Stress could bring on an attack as could a diet high in salt while sufferers would also experience worsening hearing and balance problems over time.

It was also common for sufferers to report feeling increasingly sensitive to certain sounds and changes in atmospheric pressure.

Sufferers could feel uncomfortable driving in a car with the window down while routine sounds could also have a “distressing” effect.

“When you have a complex hearing loss, your brain reorganises itself,” Dr Brown said.

“They’ll flush the toilet and say that sounds awful … it can have a high-pitched wheeling. It won’t sound right.”

Dr Brown said this all added up to a debilitating condition that was enough to force some sufferers out of the workforce.

While 50,000 Australians were diagnosed with the condition the total number of sufferers could be triple this as the condition was often confused for migraine or vertigo.

Diagnosing was also no guarantee of fixing the problem, Dr Brown said, as conventional treatments alleviate the dizzy spell but do not halt the decline in hearing or balance.

“Clinicians all know about it, and know of Meniere’s sufferers, but because they can’t really help them it gets put to the side,” Dr Brown said.

“People have been studying it for the last 100 years and they drop it because they think that’s old Meniere’s Disease, no one is ever going to come up with an explanation for that or come up with a cure.

“It’s done with – we can’t work it out.”

The Meniere’s Laboratory was established last year as the culmination of about eight years of fundraising by the Meniere’s Research Fund, a group formed by Australian sufferers.

Dr Brown’s work is now focused on trying to find an improved diagnostic test for identifying excess fluid in the ear and determining the effects of the resultant build-up of pressure.

Recent studies overseas had made some headway in understanding what a sufferer experienced at the height of a dizzy attack, he said, including a spike in sensitivity for the middle ear without temporary deafness.

Dr Brown said there was a growing global momentum behind the research effort, with the aim of pushing treatment to the next step.

“The you-beaut treatment would stop the attack and prevent the degeneration of hearing and balance,” he said.

“.. And that would be a god-send for these people, allowing them to get back on with their normal lives.

“These people are distraught with the fear of when one of these attacks is going to come on.”

Taken from http://news.ninemsn.com.au

You can see the whole article here: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/1068824/aussie-bids-to-crack-middle-ear-disease

You can find the article here: http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?t=37&id=40608

You can read it here