I have recently gotten over a crappy cold. Luckily it did not aggravate my Meniere’s which can often be the case. Having Meniere’s Disease puts stress on our bodies. When additional stress is added to our systems through daily life experiences, fatigue, or illness it can often initiate a Meniere’s attack. It is one more reason to try to stay as healthy and stress free as possible. I have talked about this previously and it is not really what I wanted to bore you with again today.
I am not feeling well, I am out of sorts, do you not understand what I am trying to tell you here?
I'm tired too, but at least I make sense.
It’s the cold I had. It really knocked me for a loop. Besides all the usual cold symptoms, this time I was totally exhausted. Not just tired, or a little slow moving, but barely able to get out of bed for more than a few short periods during the day. I napped during the day (which is almost unheard of for me) but was still able to sleep the whole night. But worse than the exhaustion I felt with this cold was the increase in “the cotton head syndrome”. This is my term I use to explain how my head feels with having Meniere’s. It feels cloudy or foggy or thick, I don’t even know how to explain it. And, it is always there to varying degrees. It is the inability for me to think and to express myself clearly. Sometimes my head feels so cloudy it is difficult for me think a thought through, but mostly my “cotton head” is displayed while trying to express myself. I may know what I want to say, but just can’t think of the correct word/s, or how to put them together. Sometimes it may be a single word, such as “please hand me the…. the, you know… the, the… you know that thing you use to take off the skin of the cucumber??? Yes, of course the peeler, what did you think I meant?” Sometimes it’s whole thoughts I just can’t get into words. I feel like I am playing charades or “guess what I am thinking?” Thank goodness the people who know me know that I am not stupid (or, am I taking that for granted?). It is often embarrassing especially with people I do not know, frustrating too. For the most part, I try to make light of it, it can be rather comical at times. When physicians ask Meniere’s patients about their symptoms, they ask about the number of episodes they have, how long they last, how far apart they have them. They ask about vomiting, nausea, ear fullness, tinnitus, balance, and so forth. I have never heard any doctor ask about “cotton head”. Having spoken to many Meniere’s patients I know that I am not the only one who experiences this. In fact,
WHAT are you thinking!!!!?
unscientifically (I’ve never done a study, or read one) I can say that many Meniere’s patients do encounter this feeling. I know after having children I had similar problems, which increased with each additional child (stopped at 3 so I wouldn’t go completely insane). However, my “cotton head” is different from that. It is more of an actual fuzzy or cloudy feeling in my head, and my difficulty with expressing myself is much more severe than calling one of the kids by his/her siblings’ or my spouse’s name. I notice when I have increased fatigue or tinnitus, fullness, imbalance, headache (increased Meniere’s symptoms), or have an actual episode this “cotton head” of mine grows quite large (worse). I just wanted to write about this today because I want other Meniere’s patients to know that if you have some of these same issues, you are not alone. Also, you are not crazy – because if you are, that means I am too!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I get something similiar to the ‘cotton head syndrome’ where I get tongue tied and absent minded. it can be really annoying!
David
I am newly Meniere’s diagnosed, but have been dealing with “cotton head” for a couple of years. I thought I was getting “computer hypnotized” at work, then I thought I was suffering burnout, then I thought that everyone looked like yammering monkeys. Now I am realizing that my hearing has been getting crappier, that feeling dizzy and nauseated while trying to get dressed for work int he morning is NOT a character flaw, and that it all makes sense in light of the Meniere’s diagnosis. NOW I am worrying how much to talk about the ups and downs of feeling dizzy and crappy. Do I just shut up and deal with it, or do I report to my husband what it feels like. Will my family get sick of me? I am sick of me sometimes.
Hi- thanks for sharing your story. I am newly diagnosed and suffering from extreme self-pity and despair. I can’t get used to the idea of having this condition and haven’t figured out how to control it yet. I don’t have much vertigo thank god, but the tinnitus and hearing loss which brings on incredible sound sensitivity is really awful. I have days which are not really livable. I haven;t given up hope. I tried anti-virals and was symptoms free for two weeks but it came back. Just wanted to tell you how I appreciate your strength. I’m looking for a support group. Take care of yourself!
I just got caught up on all your blog posts. I love your humor and common sense! These things are important for all of us: to pay attention and notice when we feel tired or “off” and be kind to ourselves. Rest more and recharge. I am especially good at pushing (another post), not aware of being tired until I am ready to fall on the floor. I am trying to do better with that. I don’t have Meniere’s, but when I take care I definitely feel better.
Do you have any food triggers? Or when you get too hungry?
Thanks for writing this, Barbara. I trust all is well.
Sorry Lori that this reply is so late. Personally, I feel that is important for your family and close friends to understand your disease and how it affects you. Once that is done they have a better understanding of what type of difficulties you run up against. On your bad days, you may mention to your husband (family member, or friend) that you are having a bad day and to please have patience with you. My husband and children no longer even have to be told, they recognize it in me when I am having more difficulty than usual, and they are very understanding. I am sure those close to you would feel the same.