Yesterday, I had an unwanted visitor. BPPV. That’s short for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. If you’ve never experienced it, pray it never happens. Seems we have tiny crystals in our inner ear somewhere, I can’t recall, and if they become disturbed, we get seriously dizzy. I mean seasick dizzy, nausea, vomiting, the whole schmere. And I’ll tell you, it’s unsettling.
When it first happened years ago, I went to the doc, got everything checked out, ct scan, everything. Nothing wrong. Checked my hearing too, and found the left ear had lost lots. So, I’ve been living with one good ear for a while. That’s ok. And I discovered after trying a therapy group, that did nothing for me, that there are videos on youtube with different ways to clear the initial dizziness, and restore balance.
Why knew?
Well, I tried the famous Epley Maneuver, and got nowhere. But I found a lady doctor who had the problem herself who posted a video with a maneuver where you get down on the floor, in a somersault position, and I can’t find it now, but that worked! And I used it yesterday. This is the one I found years ago. And found yet another video by a chiropractor who helps folks with BPPV, and he did a maneuver very similar, but better for old people like me with bum knees. You can get the same result using a chair! Well, I tried that one, too. Very useful. Can’t find that video now, though.
Today, I’m a bit wobbly, because it takes a bit of time for your equilibrium to come back, and your confidence! Jeez.
Thanksgiving next week, and to all that I have to be thankful for we can add these nifty maneuvers to solve the BPPV attacks. Now, pray I don’t get another when I have to cook next week!