Walt,
A new "Peggy" has shown up on this board, so, as the older one, I'm calling myself PeggyH. I'm the one with U.C.
Something very strange happened today. I was lying awake in bed this morning and was suddenly hit with dizziness that got worse, nauseau, became very hot, cold sweats, dry heaves, threw up. It slowly subsided, but remained shaky, weak, wet with sweat. Moved from my side to my back and got sick, whole thing happened again. Was taken to doctor, while being wheeled in chair, was spun around which made me sick again. While laying on table, moved my head from one side to the other, so doc could look in my ears, this made me sick again. (We see the pattern here, movement of the head.) Saw no infection. Do not feel sick otherwise.
Doc gave it a name which I do not recall. She said there's an imbalance going on in the inner ear which happens for no reason that they know of. Gave me a prescription (which I'm not taking) to feel better until this whole thing passes over.
Have recalled few things in the last few days: one time felt too warm, but no real fever registered. "Head-rushes" couple times upon standing. Very mild head-ache came and went couple times (I don't get headaches). Sore throat for couple days.
This afternoon I'm feeling much better although I feel too warm; I think I have a mild fever. I can feel my heart beating. For about the past month I've been meditating 2x daily and exercising almost every day. The only drug I'm taking is Asacol. I take Vitamin C and for the past few days I've been drinking aloe vera juice. Before this episode this morning, I had been feeling great.
Any ideas?
Thank you,
PeggyH
Follow Ups:
One more thing ...
Posted by PeggyH on August 24, 1998 at 20:01:18:
In Reply to: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by PeggyH on August 24, 1998 at 19:49:13:
Walt,
I had been trying to meditate while laying in bed this morning, shortly before I got ill.
PeggyH
Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please
Posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 24, 1998 at 20:15:59:
In Reply to: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by PeggyH on August 24, 1998 at 19:49:13:
I have two family members who have had the same problem. Both have subluxations(misalignments) of C2 and both find relief with chiropractic adjustments. We think that it has a lot to do with sleeping posture and know that a "cervical pillow" helps keep the problem from recurring.
You might want to have a chiropractor look at your neck. Keep up with the skilled relaxation.
Follow Ups:
Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please
Posted by Walt Stoll on August 25, 1998 at 12:55:11:
In Reply to: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by PeggyH on August 24, 1998 at 19:49:13:
Hi, Peggy H.,
This is called positional vertigo and is related to the same blood supply problem that contributes to your U.C.. They are not directly related except through the hypothalamic mechanisms you already know about. Make sure your teeth are not touching when you are not chewing something.
Your prescription is probably Antivert (the standard treatment for this) which I would take if it helps.
In the meantime, the advice you have been given: "move your head as little as possible" and "keep someone in the house with you to help you to the bathroom if needed" should be followed.
I would be surprised if there were not acupuncture, herbs & self-hypnosis approaches that would help but I do not know what they are. Call your local chiropractor for structural advice (frequently a simple adjustment will stop it in its tracks) AND for who, in your area, can offer the other stuff above AND can come to your home.
Good luck! I have had this for about 12 hours (the average length of time is a couple of weeks) and know how miserable it is. I credit my wellness program for keeping is as short as it was. I also increased my esterified C to 10 grams twice a day--I have no idea if this helped but it surely went away fast.
Let us know how you do. At least, lying still in bed, you can practice skilled relaxation 10 hours a day.
Walt
Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please
Posted by Walt Stoll on August 25, 1998 at 13:01:51:
In Reply to: Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 24, 1998 at 20:15:59:
Deasr Doc Dave,
We both should be proud of ourselves: you for teaching me & me for learning from you.
I actually recommended that she get adjusted for this (before I read this note): something that is diametrically opposed to what I was taught in medical school.
THANK YOU! Walt
I Hope It's Just My Neck
Posted by PeggyH on August 25, 1998 at 16:26:24:
In Reply to: Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 24, 1998 at 20:15:59:
David,
Thanks for reminding me of something. Several weeks ago my chiropractor was manipulating my neck and I ended up with massive neck pain in the days following. Upon another manipulation, the pain ceased. But now this! Could he have messed up my neck? If your neck is out of alignment can that cause the Vertigo Walt is talking about?
In the early morning hours I'm awake with pain across the middle of my back and trying to find a position to ease it. As soon as I get up out of bed, it stops. Neck alignment??
I'm much better today, although feel a very mild wooziness. Off and on I feel a mild pressure/pain in the back of my head at the base. This is making me think it is a neck problem.
Walt: I'm afraid you can't lay in bed for 10 hours when you have a 15 month old!
Thanks,
PeggyH
Follow Ups:
BTW, I'm seeing a Chiropractor tomorrow (NMI)
Posted by PeggyH on August 25, 1998 at 16:31:05:
In Reply to: Re: A 2nd Opinion, Please posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 24, 1998 at 20:15:59:
Re: Nothing is ever just ONE thing, unfortunately.
Posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 25, 1998 at 18:32:31:
In Reply to: I Hope It's Just My Neck posted by PeggyH on August 25, 1998 at 16:26:24:
1. It IS 'possible' that something the chiropractor did brought on the neck pain. More than likely it was due to the sudden correction at one level in relation to the rest of your neck and in the second adjustment he helped along that "rest of your neck" to speed the process of regional adaptation to a correct area.
Yes, neck problems and vertigo can go hand in hand. In a 1985 study regarding many "cervicogenic" studies 7 patients with vertigo were included. After a few adjustments 3 had no more problems, 3 had improvement, and 1 had no change. Thus, we know there is more than "just one thing" that can cause or complicate vertigo. In fact, vertigo is not to be taken lightly as it can be associated with other vertebrobasilar problems. Rare, but can.
The early morning symptoms you describe indicate that it is an alignment problem. See what you chiropractor can detect and get yourself a "cervical pillow".(one of those orthopedic curved pillows that most chiropractors carry)
I do think it is your neck and MAYBE only your neck but you should look to do things besides worry about neck alignment. Like skilled relaxation. Getting to bed and up at regular times. For some reason laying around in bed when your not tired and should be getting up, tends to bring on the vertigo for some people.
If things don't work out with one chiropractor, don't be afraid to find another. Call around, talk to them about your problem.
Good luck.
Re: I Hope It's Just My Neck
Posted by Walt Stoll on August 26, 1998 at 10:28:29:
In Reply to: I Hope It's Just My Neck posted by PeggyH on August 25, 1998 at 16:26:24:
Dear Peggy,
I am SOOOO glad to hear that you do not have even a moderate case of this. I agree with the 15 month old comment. I have had 4 under 4 of my own.
HOWEVER, if you even had a moderate case of this (forget a severe case) you wouldn't have ANY choice. Someone else would have to be taking care of BOTH of you.
Your comments about the adjustment helps me think that something structural is at least contributing to this & more adjustment might be the answer.
However, since this is just a mild case, you have to consider the possibility of making it worse by the same mechanism. I would bow to Doc Dave's suggestions in this area.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Severe Vertigo -- I'd rather die
Posted by PeggyH on August 26, 1998 at 16:49:28:
In Reply to: Re: I Hope It's Just My Neck posted by Walt Stoll on August 26, 1998 at 10:28:29:
Oh my God! I couldn't IMAGINE a moderate/severe case. I had to call my husband to come home immediately for my mild episode. From the unrecognizable sound of my voice, his co-workers were already signing the condolence cards for his upcoming widow-hood.
Feel perfect today.
Bye,
PeggyH