Another sufferer Free of Meniere’s Disease Symptoms
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.
Jonas from Belgium has agreed to communicate for a case study using supplements to try and bring his Meniere’s Disease symptoms under control.
I asked him because he lives in Belgium and can not get hold of the exact same supplements used in the US, UK and other English speaking countries. 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 want to help find alternatives for those people.
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Jonas Govaerts to me
show details 4:40 PM
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
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
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 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
Hi Mike,
Just to give you the whole picture: I’m also trying acupuncture, 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 ingredients….you never know.
And thanks for the advice about the 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…
Hofferica then took extended leave to get treatment for the disorder. She said she regularly provided her supervisor with updates on her condition, but her manager often failed to return her calls.
Just before she was scheduled to return, Hofferica submitted a certification saying she could return to work but needed a one-week extension.
The manager never called her back. Instead, she received a letter saying she’d been fired for exceeding the agreed-to amount of FMLA leave.
Hofferica filed suit, claiming the hospital retaliated against her for taking leave.
Natural Supplements for Meniere’s Disease – Mark’s case
Mark contacted me in the late last year regarding the natural supplements that help so many Meniere’s sufferers and after chatting back and forth in emails he very kindly agreed to be a real-time case study for us on this blog. There has been a delay getting it on here from my part….sorry. So big thanks to Mark. I hope this will help a lot of readers who are either considering trying supplements or have already started.
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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
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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:
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.
There is plenty of evidence to suggest that there are autoimmune connections to Meniere’s disease at least for some people. Below we examine the studies and facts around autoimmunity and Meniere’s disease.
Autoimmune connections to the symptoms of Meniere’s disease
Table of Contents
“In order to clarify whether autoimmune mechanisms form part of the etiopathogenesis of Meniere’s disease, sera and endolymphatic sac tissues from 30 patients with Meniere’s disease were analyzed according to the clinical criteria for autoimmune diseases stated by Mackay & Burnet. Several cases showed hyper gamma-globulinemia, antibody elevation to Type II collagen in the serum and endolymph, positive staining to immunoglobulins and C3 or infiltration of immuno-competent cells in the endolymphatic sac, good response to prednisolone and combination with systemic immune disorders. Other examinations showed a significant elevation of OKT 4/8 ratio and a decrease of OKT8-positive cells, and elevated levels of circulating immune complex and antiviral antibody titers. It is suggested that certain cases of Meniere’s disease may have an altered immunological background, which may be attributed to an autoimmune mechanism dependent on humoral and/or cellular responses.”
From American-Hearing,org
Hain T. 2012
What is Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease?
Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is a syndrome of progressive hearing loss and/or dizziness that is caused by antibodies or immune cells which are attacking the inner ear. In most cases, there is reduction of hearing accompanied by tinnitus (ringing, hissing, roaring) which occurs over a few months. Variants are bilateral attacks of hearing loss and tinnitus that resemble Meniere’s disease, and attacks of dizziness accompanied by abnormal blood tests for antibodies. About 50% of patients with AIED have symptoms related to balance (dizziness or unsteadiness).
The immune system is complex and there are several ways that it can damage the inner ear. Both allergy and traditional autoimmune disease such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjoegren’s syndrome (dry eye syndrome), Cogan’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and psoriatic arthritis (Srikumar et al 2004) can cause or be associated with AIED. Another multisystem disease, Bechet’s, commonly has audiovestibular problems. Allergy is traditionally suspected to be food related, but there is presently no agreement as to the importance of food allergy.
AIED is rare, probably accounting for less than 1% of all cases of hearing impairment or dizziness (Bovo et al 2009). The precise incidence is controversial.
What is autoimmunity? How is it connected to vestibular disorders?
Parts of the immune system, working constantly and behind the scenes, patrol the body in search of foreign invaders and relentlessly attack them once found. On rare occasions, in some people the immune system runs amok, identifies the body itself as foreign, and launches a lethal attack. This self-attack is referred to as an autoimmune reaction.
The immune system can attack just the ear, attack the ear and some other body part like the eye, or attack the entire body (including the ear). An autoimmune reaction also creates debris. Even if the ear is not being directly attacked, it could end up with debris transported from distant locations and deposited by the circulation. This debris in the ear can cause problems.
Some autoimmune disorders that can affect the ear include Cogan’s syndrome, relapsing polychondritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Wegener’s granulomatosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Hearing loss has been viewed historically as the main inner ear effect of an autoimmune problem, but the vestibular system can also be attacked. Several factors determine the type of vestibular symptoms that may be experienced. Those factors include the speed with which the vestibular loss occurred, the degree of loss, whether one side or both sides are affected, and whether the damage has triggered a problem with fluctuating function (for example, if endolymphatic hydrops developed from the autoimmune reaction). The symptoms of autoimmune problems can be similar, even indistinguishable, from other vestibular disorders. Read the whole report here
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