still in motion

[Owen]

I was on the 6/20 cruise of the Sapphire. The cruise was wonderful, and there was very little motion on the ship. I still wore the "patch", becuase as we pulled out of port I could feel myself leaning.

Well, it's been over a month, and things are still moving when they should not be, I've been to the doctor twice and next week I'll be going to a balance clinic.

My husband says no more cruising. I say no more cruising with him !

HAs anyone else had this experience ? I'm really dreading this balance clinic thing.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had the same experience.

My doctor called it "acute benign postural labrynthitis".

Believe me there is nothing "cute" about this.

Thanks !

[colette5479]

After my first cruise, I went through the same thing. The ship vibrated horribly the whole time at sea and I tried the patch to help ease the sickness. Unfortunatly, the side effects of the patch made the dizziness much worse. I remained in this state for about two weeks after the cruise. I am greatful mine went away but I do feel for you. I hope you can find some help on the boards!

[spritzy]

What you have simply is vertigo . It is an inner ear imbalance . Only time will take it away . The first time I had it it took 2 months for it to leave me totally. Hang in there.

[Ellya]

It could be Mal de Debarquement, something to discuss with the doctor when you go:

 

http://www.etete.com/mdd/

[JanetMarie]

Also, when you fly, folks with ear issues tend to have them exaserbated because of the cabin pressure. Maybe the flights, in combination with your cruise, is causing this, too. But definately see your PCP quickly.

[iowagirl411]

I read about this problem a year or so ago on these boards. That was fortunate because then I didn't freak when it happened to me after our last cruise. I've never had any problem with seasickness and have never worn a patch. We experienced no turbulence or vibrations and it wasn't our first cruise. What ever it was disapeared in about 4 weeks but it was really wierd while it lasted.

[romy]

Hi,

 

I've only cruised twice and both times experienced this. The correct term is indeed Mal de Debarquement. It mostly affects women of child-bearing years. I've heard taking over-the-counter sinus medication helps minimize the symptoms. Though I didn't know this after my last cruise.

It always went away for me after a week or so. However, I've read that for a very select few it never goes away.:eek:

The balance clinic should be able to help.

Good luck and look at the positive; it certainly reminds you that you just went cruisin'!!

Happy Sailing!!!!

Romy

[kathyjack]

After our first cruise, and wearing a patch, I came back weaving like crazy. I'd be sitting at my desk and feel myself going from side to side. I too called my doctor and was told to take motion sickness pills - that helped quite a bit. Since then, (about 7 years later) I have been diagnosed with Vertigo. Not a fun thing to have. Instead of dizziness, you feel like you are spinning out of control. Good luck. I feel for you!

[Owen]

Went to a specialist for my vertigo today. They did a hearing test and discovered I'm deaf in my right ear. I knew I had a hearing loss, but not deafness.

So now there are two problems, an MRI next week and lab this week.

I don't see a specialist until the 25th.

One of the possibilities is MS. I have a cousin with MS and my mother died of ALS.

The other possibility is a tumor.

Today life sucks...tomorrow will be better.

[Ellya]

That must be very scary for you. But, if it is any comfort, it has been my experience that doctors have to rule out all possibilities, no matter how scary. Hang in there and you probably will find out soon that the worst will not be true. Hard to do, easy to say I know.

[JanetMarie]

Owen - oh, my, sorry to hear the news. I am a firm believer in that our higher power only gives us what we can handle. My DH lost his hearing in his right ear, unbeknownst to us. It seemed that he wasn't quite getting what I was saying to him. I would say, "please get the paper." He would interpret it to be "please get the diaper." It was the oddest thing. He's 47, and lost his hearing in that ear well over 10 years ago! He finally went to the doc, and it was discovered. I now have to be sure that I face him when I speak to/with him. If I talk while walking away from him, he does not properly hear everything that I am saying.

[cen822]

has anyone tried taking Dramimine or any other over the counter sea sickness medication and does it work?

[ca2ga2000]

I was on the Caribbean Princess 7/10 - 7/17. The first day off the ship, I was OK...by day 2, my world was rocking too! I've been home 2.5 weeks now, and I would say it's about 95% gone...but every once in a while, I still feel a little shaking!

 

P.S. I didn't experience any seasickness while on board, never took any kind of medication and didn't wear the patch. We only had one sea day that was quite windy and the ship rocked some...but it wasn't that bad! The after effect really surprised me!

 

P.P.S. I have also heard the same thing about it affecting women of child-bearing years more...weird. My husband didn't have any of the rocking at all...just me!

[divepal]

We own a boat and I have a tendency to suffer vertigo from time to time. My husband is never affected by the movement. My doctor suggested I take magnesium for the symptoms. It seems to help.

[Lizzybell]

Hello, yes it's "mal de desembarkment" or sickness of the land. My experience is unique in that before I was 16 I had been on over 15 long voyage cruises and lived on a 50 ft boat for 7 yrs. Went out sailing 100's of times and never a problem. Cut to 30 yrs. later, we have a 22 ft power boat and go to Catalina and out to Long Beach alot. Over the last several yrs. I have noticed that it takes me longer to get my "land legs" back. I took my first 4 day "cruise" in Feb(1st in 30 yrs) and have been rocking ever since. At was very bad for the first month. I did alot of research, not alot can be done, just ret from the Princess Sapphire 7/18 Alaskan cruise, hardly any problem at all though the symptoms are still there. Tonite got bk from Catalina Island on our 22 ft. You really get bouced @ out there and we sent 4 days on that boat- I am rocking and rolling-not sure how my body is going to react to this. I now take ginger capsules, bronine and sea-band-both before and after. There is alot of good info on the net. I NEVER get sea sick, it's always the minute I hit land that if I am gonna have a problem it's then. Think I might have to move back onto the ocean. Good luck, Liz