It all started after a plane ride three years ago, this past October. I know now that because I had a sinus infection and flew that this was probably what caused my problems. For the first two months, I saw my doctor on a regular basis, then in December I had my first visit to the ER. They ran all sorts of tests and ruled it to be a panic attack. I was not a nervous person, so this was very hard for me to understand. Not long after my doctor put me on disability. Okay, maximum, six months to find answers. Twenty-one doctors later, most felt as though it was in my head. Figuring maybe they all could not be wrong, I sought out a psychologist. At this point, I was basically staying in all of the time, my nerves were shot, the dizzies were so bad that I spent most of the time vomiting. She convinced me that with behavioral therapy, doing the things I hadn't been doing, I would get better.

So I drove, went into stores, nothing really ever got better. It was then I read a book about vestibular disorders and how they can cause panic attacks. The doctor was in the next state and I took a chance that he would still be practicing, called and made an appointment. He immediately, after ENG testing, and a rotary chair test, new I had a vestibular disorder. He gave me meclizine, and valium, which turned out to be enough to get me rolling again. Back to work I went. I was never quite right, but it was manageable. He said it sometimes would take years but the problem may all of a sudden correct itself. I became pregnant in July of 99. I stopped taking my medications, and it wasn't much different. Rebecca was born April 5, 2000, a healthy 8lb. 6oz. baby girl. I thank God every day for her. She has become my reason for living. In December of 2000, things took a turn backwards. I got the flu and my symptoms were just like they were before. Dizzies, vomiting, panic attacks. I went to a new ENT, who referred me to a neurologist who specializes in vestibular disorders.

My tests show abnormalities however, I am still undiagnosed. He prescribed Zoloft, says this has helped many people with undiagnosed dizzies. I have only been taking it for three weeks. Not much of a change, however, they say it can take up to eight weeks to be affective. So once again, I am out of work, not driving, trying to stay sane until I can get it under control again. I know the panic attacks have my head spinning, wondering if when they will occur again. I have also started physical therapy, they are trying to retrain the brain to compensate when I feel dizzy. I hope to find the answers and be able to live a normal life again.

There are so many of us suffering from this and the message boards and other stories were a blessing to me. Thank you, Jill for creating such a wonderful thing. I know this was very long and drawn out, but one more thing. I just wanted to list some of the tests I have been through. ENG's, rotary chair assessment, EKG, echocardiogram, MRI of the brain, cat scan of the sinus', just to name a few. To all who read this, keep the faith and don't give up, keep seeking out those answers. God bless.

Malexa6993@aol.com