By way of a very short introduction (Iām sure you all feel the same that you could talk for hours about all the problems MAV bring) I had suffered from a heavy/fuzzy head for 12 years (starting in pregnancy), heavy eyes/headache, restless legs, nausea and an awful spinning in my head. Some days marginally better than others but never symptom-free. At times it was debilitating, but with a young baby/child to manage I had to try to carry on.
Over the years I was told it was an inner-ear problem, iron deficiency, sleep deficiency, cluster-headachesā¦ an endless list but none of them sorted my symptoms. I took cinnarazine up to 6 a day for years hoping that would stop my dizziness, but it didnāt. And lots of painkillers. And 4Head. Anything was worth a shot!
I was lucky enough to get a referral from my GP to see Dr Nicholas Silver about a year ago. He diagnosed MAV and prescribed a tablet-free lifestyle change.
No caffeine
Big increase in water intake
regular sleep pattern
lose weight
Exercise
I have had such an improvement, its made a huge difference to my quality of life. Yes there are still days that I feel a bit fuzzy/spinney but these are rarer now rather than the norm. Going decaf has been hard, but I buy Nespresso decaf capsules so I feel like I am still getting a real coffee, regular sleep pattern isnāt very rock n roll, and losing weight is always hard - but its been so worth it.
I have some āemergencyā meds to take for if I feel an attack coming on (900mg Dispersible aspirin, some anti-sickness tablets and a migraine reliver - I donāt have them to hand to write the exact names, sorry).
This year I went on holiday to Florida. I rode rides, I didnāt need any medication, I didnāt need a sleep in the day as my head was clear. I have missed out on so many things over the last 12 years (inc previous trips to Florda) ā¦but this was the best holiday I have ever had.
Anyway, I just wanted to post this year incase it helps someoneā¦ 