Hey everyone,
I’ve had a pretty bleak nearly three months since I’ve had a return of dizziness symptoms after basically 10 years without. Diagnosis unclear, likely VM and I’m quite convinced PPPD, but symptoms are constant.
I basically wallowed in miserable, scary symptoms for the first two months. I have been staying with family (better than in my one bedroom apartment alone) and working from home, and otherwise just surviving.
But the past 10 days or so I decided to do what I knew I had to: push through and try to live life as much as possible, learn to be dizzy in public/social situations without fear and convince my nervous system I was safe. It’s what ultimately, gradually helped in previous bouts of dizziness and I knew I ultimately had to tough it out again.
In the past 10 days I’ve done more than I did the entire two months prior. I’ve visited friends and relatives, gone out to a couple restaurants, met a friend for a beer, and just sat reading a book at a busy coffee shop.
Was I dizzy and anxious? Absolutely. Did I have moments where I thought I had to leave? Sure did. But I made it through and felt stronger on the other side.
Now by no means are my symptoms gone or is this awful experience over. But I do believe I’ve taken a significant step toward copying. I’ve been able to push my symptoms further back in my mind and proven to myself that I can handle them when needed. I have also been sleeping better and my anxiety (which has been a HUGE issues) has levelled down a fair bit.
I am feeling very hopeful that I will soon get back to a manageable place where I can live my life somewhat normally, and frankly, it has just been so healing to have some social experiences and be out in public more.
Sorry for the rant, but I just wanted to share some positivity. I don’t feel great today (maybe tired from all the stuff I’ve done lately) but I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I’m grateful.
Wishing you good health.
Dan
