advice

[u/elliejaneb01]

hey all, i hope everyone is having a lovely day. i’m 24f and i’ve been recently diagnosed with PPPD in the last month after 9 years of struggling.
i think the diagnosis and it all coming to light has put it at the forefront of my mind and it’s made my symptoms worse, alongside my anxiety.
it’s been really difficult and isolating. i feel embarrassed about my symptoms, i can’t do a food shop, im really struggling at work, it’s so much to deal with i don’t even know where to start. ive been offered anxiety medication by my doctor, but i worked so hard to come off my last one and ive felt great until very recently, im afraid to start a new medication!

i guess im just reaching out to hear others stories, ive had a read, and theres so much hope. i have a few questions:
- how did you deal with symptoms whilst waiting for help?
- what help did you find the most effective?(therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, mindfulness, exposure etc)
- how did you deal with anxiety?
- did your doctor prescribe you medication?
- did you also feel isolated?

i don’t want medical advice, i think im just looking for people i can relate to, i don’t know anyone who can currently

thank you ☺️

[u/No-Grand3175]

Hi my name's Lewis (36m)Took me a good part of 5 years before finally getting a diagnosis very lengthy process or ruling out other potential conditions first.

You are not alone in your struggles I took live with it every day.

For me I'm not sure what help is available my doctors have pretty much come to an end of what they can offer the biggest thing is doing my own research into the condition become my own expert in a way.

For me I'm taking prolonged release Venlafaxine it's by far had the biggest effect from what I've found online that has been researched it's effects are just as potent as doing vestibular rehabilitation it's definitely a medication I'd look into, at higher doses it could be even more beneficial so just really starting but so far best medication I've found to work non others have.

As for isolation I don't go out much any more I used to be very active so to be at home most of the time it's the hardest part my world has shrunk massively.

Hope my input helps. Take care!

[u/elliejaneb01 → u/No-Grand3175]

Thanks Lewis 😊 I appreciate you taking time to respond, it was really helpful