Balancing Act

So I am a little late to the party. It was Balance Awareness Week from the 20th- 26th of September. I have been wanting to write and help create awareness but to be honest with you I have been struggling trying to get that grey matter working. This change of seasons has really triggered my migraines and as such my head feels like it is full of heavy foam. Brain fog is very real and very frustrating. I had all these intentions of writing and working as I am in Germany this week but in fact I have felt helpless and think I just needed some time off.

It has been so lovely to switch off but even on this holiday I have had a few flair ups. One comic situation where I was literally glued to my chair as the film we were watching triggered a bad dizzy attack and while I want to escape I could not move my body. Felt like that spinning chair you sat on as a kid in the science museum where you used your body and gravity to increase the speed. My body felt so heavy that I could barely lift my head off the chair let alone the rest of me. 

Anyway, I wanted to try and help get awareness out for all vestibular disorders. I was diagnosed with Meniere's and Chronic Migraines over five years ago. It took about nine months to get a diagnosed and it was such a relief to have label even if this disease does not have a cure. I know everyone is different but for me  I would suddenly get lightheaded and dizzy. My vision would go blurry and I would feel nauseous. You would soon find me on the bathroom floor holding on for dear life while trying not to be sick. Day to day you might notice me stumble, bump into chairs/tables/the wall which can easily be disguised by clumsiness. Alternatively you might see me jump or flinch as my senses suddenly felt like the floor flipped suddenly.

This all took a toll on my self confidence and for a long time I didn't want to leave home alone. Through trial and error I have learnt what my triggers are which has helped me manage my illness. My inbox is always open if you have any questions. I will try my best to answer although for my condition I find we have more questions than answers. I hope that by spreading awareness of vestibular illness we can soon have more answers for everyone.
 


​