Happy Anniversary!

Today my hubby and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary! We've been together for 13 years and married for 9. He is the love of my life, my best friend, my prince charming. He is seriously my hero! I don't know how I would of made it without him throughout my time with this condition. He has comforted me through the spinning, held my hair back when I was vomiting, and wiped away my tears when I just couldn't take it anymore. He's had to carry me when I couldn't walk, and brought me my meals in bed. He has gone above and beyond what many husbands would do, taking the vow "...in sickness and in health" VERY seriously. I can't even begin to express my love for this man and how much he means to me. I love you honey, thank you for being so wonderful!

Much Love,
Shanon

A much needed vacation!

I can't remember the last time we went on a REAL vacation. For the last 2-3 years all my time off from work was spent in a doctor's office, or at home dizzy and in bed. So when my hubby had a business trip come up in Miami, Florida I jumped at the opportunity to get away. Actually, at first I was a little hesitant to go along with him, worried I would have an attack while I was so far from home and end up ruining both of our trips. But after we weighed our options and thought about the pros and cons of me staying home versus going with him, I soon realized that I wasn't ready to put my life on hold just because I have Meniere's disease. It just wouldn't have been fair for me to sit at home alone, waiting. Even though I was super excited to go I was still scared to death. In spite of my fears I decided to go for it, and let me tell you I'm so glad I did. It was great to get away and RELAX for once. I think I've been in such a routine of worry and fear that I forgot what it felt like to just relax. I got out and saw the sights, sunned by the pool, played on the beach and I ate yummy food without worrying about every ounce of sodium and sugar I consumed. Now don't get me wrong, I didn't go crazy eating whatever I wanted and I stayed cautious of my balance, but for the most part I let loose and tried to feel "normal" for once. I did have a couple "bad" episodes, but for the most part it went great! The second night we were there I stayed confined to the hotel room because of a dizzy episode. It wasn't a horrible attack but I definitely couldn't walk let alone leave my bed. I ended up passing on our dinner plans and stayed in bed to sleep. By the next morning I was feeling better. My second "bad" episode was when (silly me) tried snorkeling. We knew it might not be a good idea for me, but I just had to try. Like I said, I'm not willing to let my condition hold me back. Unfortunately, it didn't work out well. I don't recommend snorkeling for anyone with Meniere's disease, at least not in rough waters. The mask made me feel dizzy instantly and then getting in the water with waves crashing into me made my balance all disoriented. Luckily, I immediately noticed that this was a bad idea and I got out of the water ASAP! Spent the rest of my time on the boat while everyone else had a great time snorkeling. It ended up being kinda a waste of money but a lesson well learned. No more snorkeling for me! :)

Overall it was a great trip. We were there for four days and I had only one bad day. SO glad I decided to go! Don't ever let Meniere's disease hold you back. Do what you can and now your limits. Life is too short.

Much Love,
Shanon

Art Therapy

When I was going through some of my most challenging times with depression due to Meniere's Disease and the anxiety that comes along with it, I was finding it difficult to coupe as most people do. Unfortunately, the normal treatment for this is an anti-depressant, something that I didn't want any part of but was finding it difficult to avoid. The more severe my Meniere's got the more depressed I got and soon I found myself at rock bottom with no other answers. Everyone I turned to suggested drugs to get me through it. My family, friends and of course several doctor's gave me recommendations. But deep down I knew that this was not the answer for me. I'm more of a naturalist. I prefer to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest for a bad cold than to get hopped up on medications. So for me treating my sadness wasn't any different. But of course this was much more challenging than treating the common cold. Luckily, I found two things that helped me through it all, and still help me today.

One, was counseling. I think having someone to talk to and to teach me how to deal with my vertigo episodes was imperative. I received some great treatment through counseling and would recommend it to anyone who is battling with depression. The second thing that helped me though my darkest of days was art therapy. I found that painting took away my stress, anxiety and sadness. I even seemed to take away my tinnitus. Of course the ringing in my ears was still there but when I paint it's like it just disappears. It's amazing! Now I know what some of you are thinking, "I don't have a creative bone in my body, I can't do art therapy." PLEASE give it a try. You never know, you might surprise yourself! :)

Here are a few of my recent paintings. I created them on 6" x 6" wood blocks.

Bird Paintings - Acrylics on Wood Blocks

Start off with sketching, or doodling. Maybe try watercolor or pastels. Even paint by number can be therapeutic! I hope you'll give it a try and I hope you love it as much as I do. Of course, be sure to decide with your doctor if anti-depressants are right for you. I'm not a doctor and don't in any way recommend not treating your depression medically if it's what is best for you. What is most important is that you feel better!

Much Love,
Shanon

Being Prepared

It's always a good idea to be prepared. Especially if you have meniere's disease. Here are a few ways that I like to plan ahead. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section! :)

1. ALWAYS have your cell phone with you. - This can be tough at times but it's really important especially if you have a sudden drop attack and hurt yourself, or just need help getting to a more comfortable place to rest.

2. ALWAYS have your meds close by. - I don't leave the house without my medications in case of a dizzy episode. You never know when you might need them. AND be sure your meds are always filled and that you have enough on hand.

3. Prepare an emergency kit - If there is a place in your house or office that you spend a lot of time, I recommend you have an emergency kit close by. I'll have to post pictures of my soon, but basically it's a kit with meds, water, wash clothes, vomit bags, a pillow and blanket. Anything you might need in case you have an attack.

4. Prepare a food menu for the week. - It's a good idea to have meals planned out so that when you are having a bad day you don't have to think about "what's for dinner?" I also like to have meals prepared and ready to drop in the oven for the days that I don't feel well enough to make something.

5. Rest - Be sure to plan for enough sleep and rest when you need it. Not having enough sleep can really effect your condition. Usually I don't have to get up by a certain time in the mornings but when I know I will have to get up early I will go to bed early. And I ALWAYS lie down when I'm starting to feel sick. It's better to catch an attack early in its development than to let it go.

6. Allow plenty of time to get ready - One thing I've learned since my Meniere's has gotten worse in the last several months is to allow myself plenty of time to get ready to leave the house. I used to eat breakfast, shower, do my hair and makeup all in an hour or less. Now I give myself two hours. Sometimes I don't need the whole two hours and I'm ready early. But sometimes I have to rest several times while I'm getting ready which can take up the whole two hours or more.


I'm sure there is more, but that's everything I can think of right now. I hope this list will help you be prepared for your next attack and maybe lessen the anxiety and worry about when your next spell will occur. I once had a panic attack because I couldn't find my cell phone when I had to leave for work. I searched the house frantically, destroying everything in sight certain that I couldn't leave the house without my phone. It's better to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

Much Love,
Shanon

Saying "Good-Bye"

It's really difficult to say good-bye. That's no secret. But it's REALLY difficult when you REALLY don't want to.

Tonight my co-workers threw me a little farewell party. It was a wonderful gathering of people I've worked with and got to know as friends over the last 7 years. We enjoyed some yummy food, and had great conversations with lots of laughs. But in the end I had to say good-bye. Good-bye to friends. Good-bye to my job. Good-bye to being a graphic artist for a wonderful company who really cares about their employees. But, I never wanted to leave this way. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't planning on retiring there or anything. But I wanted to leave on MY terms. I wanted to leave when I was ready. I wanted to leave because I got an exciting new job, or was going to be a stay at home mom, or for some other new chapter in my life. But instead it's because I have Meniere's Disease. It's because I can't always walk down the hallway from my office to the bathroom. Or I can't hear what's going on in an important meeting. Or I can't get out of bed and make it to work because of a dizzy episode.

But while saying good-bye may be difficult, it doesn't have to be the end. I can still visit my friends at work when I'm able. And on my good days I can still draw and paint and create art from home. I didn't want to say good-bye to my job, but I refuse to let Meniere's Disease take over. I refuse to say good-bye to my life.

Much Love,
Shanon

FEEL BETTER

Yesterday I received some good news. Actually great news. I should be ecstatic and relieved by this news but instead I'm feeling quite the opposite. Yesterday I found out that my application for long term disability was approved. Finally, after all those months of paperwork and calling doctors for medical information, and forms and emails and worrying over how we'll make it without me working. All of it is over, I was approved. Like I said I should be ecstatic, but instead after I heard this wonderful news I cried. I cried my eyes out. Not tears of happiness or of joy or relief, but tears of sadness. Sad because this is my reality. Sad because I can't work anymore. Sad because I don't want to be on disability, I JUST want to FEEL BETTER.


I got my first official job when I was in Junior High School. I worked in a daycare facility taking care of children. It was a good first job especially considering I had babysat for a few years before. It was a natural fit. It was also natural for me to be working at such a young age. While all the other 13 year-old kids were goofing off and playing video games, I was working. It was important for me to have my own money and to have responsibility. This is something that my parents instilled in me at a very young age. Working is a part of life and I happily accepted it.

I worked various jobs through high school and college. As a waitress, a cashier, even a telemarketer, which doesn't fit my introverted personality at all but I was good at it. I was good at every job I've ever had because I was a good employee. No matter how much the job sucked I gave it my all and never called in sick or was late. That is until I started having Meniere's symptoms. Eventually the vertigo episodes, the headaches, hearing loss and nausea got to be too much and as much as I hated it I called in sick to work. I missed work for numerous doctors appointments and came in late because I was too dizzy to get out of bed. It was painful. I don't mean physically, although the physical pain was there, but the pain in my heart hurt more. I hated not being able to make it into work. I hated asking other people to do MY job. I hated not following through on MY responsibilities. But now I have no other choice. Now my husband tells me that my only responsibility is to feel better. So that's what I'm working on. Trying to feel better. It actually may be my most difficult job yet. On my good days it's pretty easy, but the bad days are another story. Luckily my boss isn't too strict and understands when I'm having a bad day. Hopefully, one of these days I'll start having more good days than bad and I'll become a pro at this job. And eventually "quit" this job and go back to the working world. Until then, I'll just take it one day at a time.

By the way, the picture in this post is of a gift to me from one of Jeff's high school students. I've never even met her but she cared enough to make it for me when my health and spirits were really down. It sits on a shelf in my bathroom so I can see it every day and be reminded of the kindness of a complete stranger. If you know someone who is having a tough time with meniere's or any other condition be sure to send them a card or give them a call to say hello. You have the power to make their day a good day.

Much Love,
Shanon

Good Day

Well, yesterday wasn't a good day and the evening didn't get much better. I decided not to push myself and ended up not making it to my art opening. It's so disappointing how Meniere's gets the best of me.

But, that is in the past now and like with any chronic illness, it's best to take one day at a time, and to take full advantage of the good days. It's 6:00 A.M. on Saturday morning as I write this and so far it's a good day! I'm currently outside working on a new painting. I've watched the sun rise and listened to the birds sing their morning song. It's definitely a good day.

Off to enjoy it! Hope you're having a good day too!

Much Love,
Shanon

I think I over did it...

Well, we're not exactly sure what triggered it but I had a bed vertigo attack at 3:00 AM this morning. I have a feeling it was too much salt but hubby thinks it was too much sugar. At any rate I just plain over did it yesterday. After many meds and a couple sleepless hours last night I finally dozed off around 5:00 AM and slept in til 10:00.

Now, the recovery. The morning after one of these episodes I feel like I've been run over by a truck. A REALLY big truck. I ache everywhere. My tinnitus is bad and my balance is shot. Today, I will rest.

But tonight I have plans so hopefully I will feel better soon. Every first Friday of the month there is an Artwalk in town where all the galleries stay open late to invite the public in to enjoy music, food, poetry, food and of course art. My art will be on display at one of the new galleries here in town. I really want to be there so I hope things turn around for me soon. (fingers crossed)

Here is a sample of one of my pieces that will be on display tonight:

Four Seasons - Digital Illustration

I don't want to turn this blog into a "hey, look at my art" blog but it is a part of me. It is one of the challenges that make up "My Life with Meniere's". If you'd like to see more be sure to visit my fookaDESIGNS blog. :)

Off to recover. Have a great day!

Much Love, Shanon

mmmm....BACON!

Wait! What? Bacon?!

Yes, bacon. I know, a couple slices of bacon and you've had half of your daily intake of sodium when following a low sodium diet, right? Well, that's true if you are a Meniere's sufferer who is on a 500mg or less sodium diet per day. And I know you're out there, so for you I apologize for this post. But I think most of us try to stay around 1,000 - 1,200 mg/day. Luckily, I don't have that much trouble with sodium triggering my episodes, so I don't have to watch my salt intake like a hawk. Sure, I still have to be aware of it and I can't eat a whole bag of potato chips or a tub of popcorn, but it's important to pay attention to it. So whenever there are lower sodium options when buying pre-packaged foods I tend to try them out.


Introducing Oscar Myer NEW lower sodium turkey bacon! Have you tried it yet? I had a couple slices for breakfast this morning, along with a scrambled egg seasoned with Mrs. Dash table blend (no sodium) and some strawberries! Mmmmm....good! Each slice has 130 mg of sodium making my breakfast about 320 mg total. Not bad. I'll probably just have a basic salad for lunch and a simple dinner with chicken and veggies. Keeping my total for the day within a good range.

Much Love,
Shanon

Short and Sweet

So today hasn't been such a good day for me so far. I woke up with my tinnitus out of control so I slept in a little. When I woke up later I started with my usual stretching and breakfast but after I ate I had a small dizzy episode. I caught it early enough in the sense that I went back to bed for a couple hours and I'm feeling better now. Hopefully it was just a fluke after a few good days. Anyways, I will be avoiding the computer as much as possible today so here is just a short post with a little fun comic to help us through the day. Have a good one!


Much Love,
Shanon