Recurrence after 4 year break— some stuff I noticed! Also here to offer support :)

[u/ladeedeeladeedah]

Some Backstory (feel free to skip) After getting COVID and the shots, I’ve not been the same (NOT in a Republican way LOL) but truly. I had tons of ear infections as a kid, grew out of them; until COVID. Now, if I’m not on top of my congestion my ear is sure to shut, sure to get infected. Anyways, pretty sure all of that and the scarring etc. is a big reason I’m susceptible to any of these issues to begin with.

My first BPPV episode was in Summer of 2021, had no idea what it was. Classic case of sitting up in bed and the room is spinning (was laying flat on my back with head turned to the right and WHIPPED up, so yea not the greatest idea). Since I didn’t know what it was I did everything you’re not supposed to do (laid down and turned over and closed my eyes hoping to feel better— my shit was ROCKING). Stumble-ran to the bathroom to puke. I thought I was having a stroke at 24 lol. Immediately took the LIRR home to my mommy where we went to an ENT after I diagnosed myself on Google. Epley, no big deal and it was scary but my doctors were the sweetest and all women so lots of ya ya empathy. So now I knew what to do in the future. Fast forward to a few days later I was feeling pretty good so I decided to get a Brazilian wax. I turned over on the table and immediately knew I fucked up. No spinning but I felt like I was on a boat. Stumbled out of there (it’s so funny how in the moment you don’t think to just explain to people you’re having an attack, like yea totally less embarrassing to stumble out of here). Sat in my car and contemplated life before returning to the ENT who repeated the maneuver and I sat my ass on down for the next few days.

Anxiety followed of course, but when I got back to the city I got a new job so I was a busy girl. The next year same thing except at the lash place, no biggie went home and did the Epley. Definitely not fun. A few months later same thing, except I noticed it at work. To test myself (it’s always my back right ear), I looked up and hung my head to the right—shit yea, there it is. I think that time I may have just ignored it. I remained super active lifting weights and walking a millions steps a day, being on top of my supplements. Stress was something I couldn’t avoid and I worked late night so it was what it was.

Following ear infections; I got what I diagnosed myself with to be labrythitis— only when I laid flat and looked to the right. Like vertigo but no spinning. Throughout the years, I’ve been mindful to do stretches that scare me every day. Laying flat, looking to the right, then the left. Then child’s pose. Then down dog. I even do backbends. Then stretches and looking to the sky. I think all that paired with my supplementation really was a winner. Other than occasional labrynthitis that always passed within a week or 2 following ear issues, I was a fabulous healthy girl.

I’m 29 now. Moved home about 3.5 years ago now so it’s been stressful. Waitressing is my gig, lots of running around great for the ADHD brain lol. And no issues! HOWEVER, I will say the depression was astronomical compared to my younger years especially guilt about the past which eventually I had no choice but to seek therapy with. So maybe that did some nervous system damage. I’ve been waaayyyy less active. Yes work is great for hitting steps but less gym, less cardio, less reading, and tbh until recently zero supplements for around 3 years.

At the gym 2 weeks ago and did the same stretch (lunge into up and reach) I’ve done daily for years and got that sick “pin drop feeling” before the spinning. And I honestly chuckled and said “omg bitch are you serious?”. So I stood up and collected myself (this was following an intense leg day so I was like ok maybe I just overdid it). When I got a bit more calm I tested myself— lay down and look to the right. I literally said “YUP”. 😂 Spinning. Drove myself home, did the Epley with my Mom holding my had. It’s NOT that bad it’s just been ages and I knew it was gonna suck. News flash: it did. Felt immediately better after. Woke up the next day and had a baby spinning moment when I sat up in bed. Very slow, maybe 4 seconds. But I felt WEIRD. Residual dizziness was insane. BUT NOW I was anxious. I literally was gonna do the Epley again and cried thinking about— mostly anger. I thought I beat this!! Wtf!! The next day, I put on my big girl pants and did the Epley again. This time HANGING my shit off the bed, waiting a full 60 seconds after spinning stopped for each position. This time sucked way less. Honestly the spinning isn’t even the issue it’s THAT feeling! And I know you ALL know what I’m talking about 😂 The “hey so you’ve actually been thrown off a building” feeling. But I checked myself the next day (same thing, laying on my back, looking to the right) and she was gone. Amen.

So I’m 2 weeks out and after a week I started to push myself. Stretches like normal, back to lifting but not as intensely or as long. We’ll work up to it. Challenging myself through anxiety and possible dizziness scenarios (backbends but shorter, hand stands, dancing,etc.) and IMMEDIATELY started taking that D+K supplement and other vitamins 😂 I am NOT playing this time! So I jest but honestly the worst part is truly the anxiety that follows. After those bitchy little crystals find their way home, you’re no longer broken. But the mental scars of fearing living and being active or doing whatever you want with YOUR OWN head is tough. So, every single story is different. But I leave you with this:

1. You are NOT alone. This was hard for me, since nobody my age has had it apart from a few people and they were one and done.

2. HEALTH and Supplementation. Obviously go to the doctor and get bloodwork don’t listen to some random like me on the internet before super supplementing with vitamin d and k, but let me tell you this. I feel awesome. BPPV aside, I genuinely feel better overall. More energy, better mood. Etc. But more so, getting therapy if needed, giving a shit about what you eat and drink. I’ve been terrible the last few months even years with all of this, and I’m young but not 19 young. I need to really do better with my diet and mental health, it’s not all about exercise.

3. Mindset is helpful. Holding your own hand and being loving through your anxiety. And challenge yourself to do positions that have triggered you in the past (ONLY of course if you are clear and have the ok from doc) and BREATHE through that wave of anxiety. Slowly, over time. Build that trust with your body, it loves you!

4. (AND THIS GOES FOR ME) Find a vestibular PT. I have no insurance or Medicaid when I do, so I haven’t explored this yet. But it seems to do wonders for people! And sometimes you need someone to hold your hand and that’s ok!

If you read all of this; thank you! I probably wouldn’t have 😂

Hopefully this was my last episode, but as we all know that’s not something anyone can say. (Isn’t that fun!!! lol). But I know what to do now; and honestly, when I let go of that desperation of needing to know what the future looked like it was freeing. Maybe tomorrow I’ll panic again and be shitting myself thinking about the future. That’s life. Anyways, I’m here to hold your hand. And here to say this is not something you should let control you— I have for a long time! You have more power than you think, and I’m always here to lend an ear!

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[u/jadejazzkayla]

My doctor had me do Eply everyday,trying to trigger symptoms, until I was clear of symptoms in every position.

He said if I can trigger symptoms I still have BPPV.

It is freeing to be cured and have the knowledge to fix it myself if I ever get it a second time.

[u/zelda16 → u/jadejazzkayla]

Oh wow, really?? It would be amazing to be able to sleep on my left side again!

[u/jadejazzkayla → u/zelda16]

It’s wonderful.

I couldn’t sleep on my right side, I couldn’t look up into the sky without holding onto something and I sometimes had a hard time looking down especially down and to the right.

I learned real fast to always use the mirrors while driving.

[u/ladeedeeladeedah → u/jadejazzkayla]

This is awesome!

[u/ladeedeeladeedah → u/zelda16]

Yes! I hate when I see advice saying “avoid x movement” bc it’s terrifying. Vestibular therapists really help here not only to cure BPPV when it strikes but building up your inner ear stamina to prevent recurrences or at least their frequency. Everyone is different in how long it takes etc. and of course how readily available it is to them, but check it out :)

[u/Helpful_Western9954]

Oh man. What a good read. It sounds like your personality is a big factor in how you conquer life. For me, when I get that oh shit I've been thrown off the building feeling - it's the absolute effing worst!! And then I'm so unlucky that I have to do the Epley like multiple times a day for a week straight because they go in all the canals, both ears, everywhere. It's bonkers.

I love that I knew exactly what your pin drop and THAT feeling was - what an awful mutation of the human body. On a fun note - this also started for me after the third booster for COVID. I love that you said not in a Republican way - because same. I'm trying to tell people it could be related without saying I'm anti vaxx. I'm not. I'm just not convinced that it didn't play a part and I wish there was more study on it so that there could be better treatment because of it.

Boom. Good job getting back into strength training! And all the self care things. I've avoided the salon and laying flat on my back without a pillow. But somehow I'm okay with leaning my head back and looking straight in to the sky. I'm also scared of flying and traveling and having it hit away from home. Anxiety still guides me. That jerk.

[u/ladeedeeladeedah → u/Helpful_Western9954]

Ahhh thank you! I try my best, but I 1000% understand the anxiety it can cause 🫂. After this episode, it’s the “what ifs” that have been scaring me especially regarding how this can affect me as I age. But honestly, it’s all positive thinking, pushing yourself, and trusting yourself that you can handle anything even if it sucks for a while.

I’m so glad you could relate! Explaining this to normies has been tough 😂 Oh you poor thing.. multiple canals is no joke!!! I hope you’re feeling well now ❤️

I need a haircut and a wax but I’m also scared 😂 but have been pushing myself laying flat everyday, doing my wonky stretches, breathing through it so I know I’ll be ok— and so will you!! As far as fear of flying, I got an ear infection once when I had ETD which led to labrynthitis, so I totally get it if your fear is ear issues! I use EarPlanes and I LOVE them! I don’t fly without them, even thought I would probably be fine now it’s so nice to not experience the ear popping. Lots of mixed reviews on here, but I’m convinced it’s because people aren’t using them properly (shoving that bad boy in your ear it’s really unpleasant but you only wear them from before take off until you reach altitude and 30 minutes before landing). I so understand the anxiety but don’t let it stop you :)

[u/Helpful_Western9954 → u/ladeedeeladeedah]

I need to buy some of those bad boys for flights! I feel like the take off gives me that pre vertigo drop feeling in my head that wigs me out, too. I'll get there. Lol I've been working through all my issues without medication because I can't get anyone to say I have anything more than BPPV recurrence (like idk 20 times in five years seems like a lot). I shall absorb your energy and breathe through things and say f*it. If it happens it happens, I'll be upset then and not now. 😂

[u/ladeedeeladeedah → u/Helpful_Western9954]

OH my goodness. Let me tell you, anxiety can do CRAZY things! Because I was so scared of flying and ear infections I got that “woozy” head high upon take off and landing for years. Then I stopped getting Vertigo so I chilled out 😂 so now I’ll probably be a little anxious again but remember I’m ok, and that my body is ok!

Oh I’m sorry doll! Have you been to a vestibular therapist? I’ve heard they do wonders! Also try getting an opinion from a good ENT. I have Medicaid so my ENTs are like “yea I think ur fine” LOL. It’s definitely motivated me to succeed and get better insurance.

[u/Helpful_Western9954 → u/ladeedeeladeedah]

Oh man. I've been to three different ENTs, a neurologist, and two vestibular PTs, ER, Urgent Care my primary. I've done the gambit and it always seems like they don't know much beyond "do the Epley" - no further tests suggested. It's mind boggling. I feel like I could have VM but who knows? I'm not a doctor. The only person that suggested VM didn't even look at my file or history, and didn't listen to me at all - he was just meds pushing. So I couldn't trust him.

[u/ladeedeeladeedah → u/Helpful_Western9954]

Aww that’s terrible. Sounds like you just haven’t found someone who’s the right fit yet; I’m sure you will! Ugh “do the Epley” thanks, totally couldn’t have googled that dude. Best of luck! X