depression and dizziness--research?

[nannettesea]

Well, here I am 5 months post-op and as dizzy as the day after surgery.  Worse since 5 weeks ago.  Truthfully, though I try to be happy for those with great recoveries, I get depressed.  I feel like there is something very wrong with me for not recovering.  Especially a recent post about an elderly lady who has no balance problems 2 1/2 months post-op!  And Josh, who can walk a straight line.

My doctor denies that my ongoing dizziness is due to the tumor/surgery.  How could that be?  He says my depression is inhibiting my healing...but I'm not buying.  My recent MRI looked okay, no tumor recurrance, or problems with good ear, or brain.

Has anyone seen any research about depression and dizziness, if depression can prevent healing/compensation of vestibular function?

Any info appreciated.
Nan

[Kathleen_Mc]

I don't know on what physical evedince your doctor determined that the dizziness is not related to your tumor/surgery, did you loose function of the nerve involved in balance? If I think about it I am dizzy everyday, but I have learned to ignore the sensation and carry on. In terms of depression causing the dizziness..... I don't buy that one. Is your depression accompanied by anxiety? Anxiety and panic will cause dizziness. Kathleen

[SKT]

What do you mean by 'as dizzy as day after surgery'.  i recall that the first few days after surgery, i was so dizzy i couldn't walk without leaning on someone, if i could walk at all, and there was so much double vision.  I simply could not live like that.  My dizziness subsided dramatically over the days and weeks after surgery. Is your dizziness still as bad as that initial post op dizziness - if so , that's just craziness and you should get your doctors to refer you to a physiotherapist to try and rehabilitate you. I go through periods where i always feel like i'm about to fall - i have to hold on to something, but it passes. I  may have a general unsteady feeling throughout the day.  I do find htat when i'm not feeling the best, down or just tired, my balance is worse.  So i do think your emotions, stress levels  and your general wellbeing will affect things like tinnitus and balance.  However, if the sort of balance issues you're talking about are more like that extreme post-op dizziness - that's just torture and you should insist on some expert help - surely that's not attributable to being depressed.  Many people get bouts of depression after such major surgery - I would be surprised if it inhibited balance recovery to that extent.

[cookiesecond]

Hi Nan,
 It's me again. I am also 5 months post op. I am still battling dizziness at times. Last night I actully threw up. YUCK! My balance nerve was removed and I know my other side will compensate but...
 I am much better than I was just after surgery. My doctor's say that rather than avoiding things that make me dizzy, I shoulld challenge myself to do more so my "good" side can learn to compensate.
I am in PT for a previous neck/back injury but we have been working on some balance things too.
I totally understand how you feel about thinking something must be wrong with us because others have overcome this much faster but then I remind myself that with AN each case is different. We will get there too!!!
I think doctors just expect us to be depressed and although it is depressing at times I refuse to let this get the better of me.
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!
Lynn

[nannettesea]

Thanks to all for your input.

Kathleen, yes, they cut my balance nerve--trans lab approach.  Sometimes I have anxiety, actually quite a lot, but it's not severe.  Regardless, I'm dizzy ALL the time.  I agree that this can't all be depression.

SKT, I will say I'm like I was about 2-3 weeks post-op, and that's what recent balance tests showed.  Actually was doing okay, though not improving, till 5 weeks ago.  I am now unable to work at all.  This IS torture, don't want to get out of bed in the morning.  I started physical therapy a month out of surgery, still doing it as I can but it isn't helping.  I'm going to the Mayo Clinic in about 2 weeks, and then scheduled to see a specialist in Chicago mid-Feb.  I hope they don't just tell me this is a very slow recovery.  I only hope I DO get better.

Lynn, thanks as always for your supportive words.  Sorry you're still getting sick--but glad you are getting better.  I hope you're right--that I WILL get better.  Just discouraged.

Appreciate all your feedback.
Nan

[Larry]

Nan,

You are a fighter and thats what you have to do. Recovery is slow, there is no denying that. nerves grow back very slowly but they do recover. You just have to read the posts on this board. It's important for you to be strong and positive, ensure you do exercises to overcome the dizziness and push yourself to achieve small goals on a regular basis.
Your doctor's sentiment about depression inhibiting recovery might have some element of truth in it. Keeping a positive attitude does mean that you will push yourself to exercise and to try and overcome the issues. Try and coach yourself, yell at yourself and push to do bits of a recovery session every day.

You will overcome this, you need patience and also to tell yourself that it will take time but you will get there.

Larry

[matti]

Hi Nan - Sorry to hear that the dizziness is still no better. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope this nightmare will soon end. I am happy to see that you are seeking help elsewhere, as I just know that there is someone out there that will be able to help you.

I have had to seek opinions from other doctors post op when I was not getting the answers or help I was so desperately looking for. I was tired of my doctor saying "it is not related to the surgery", but it has to be because I did not have some of this stuff before my surgery. I do believe that stress and depression play a part in my dizzines. When I am stressed I seem to get a whole chain reaction of symptoms that affect my AN side more than the non-AN.

Please let us know how it goes with the new doctors. My heart goes out to you and I am here if you need anything.

matti  (cheryl)

[nannettesea]

Thanks so much.  Appreciate everyone including me in their prayers.  I totally agree--I'm so many times WORSE than before surgery, what else could this be?  I have so many regrets about doing the surgery, but don't know what my other options were. 

When I'm tired or anxious my dizziness is worse, hard to imagine since I always have it....

I'll keep you posted after seeing docs.  Means so much to have you and people on this forum.
Nan

[Dabs4811]

Thanks for the comments on dizziness.  I had surgery April 27, 2006.  I'm a 64-year-old, work as a secretary and trying to hold off on retirement until December 2007.  This morning I really have/had doubts I could last that long but reading all your comments gives me the conviction that I'm tough and if others have persisted, so can I.  Thanks for sharing. 

Dee in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[tony]

I saw your note and understand your feelings on this -
Post-OP depression is a very real thing.
It happens even for minor surgery -
Your body is still very much in repair mode -
other bits shut down or simply coast for a while
(while the hard work is going on)
Can depression actually slow up a recovery ?
- Yes it could, if you stopped going out much
or exercising as much as you need to.
You need to treat yourself, and spoil yourself a bit
Involve your partner, or family, or close friends.
Paint the town red for sure - but go easy
on the moonshine - or you will find a whole
new meaning to the term "dizzy".
What trips could you do ?
Where would you want to go ?
Generally with the balance "Post-Op"
it will get better of its own accord
- but you can help speed things up a bit.
Set aside, once a day, exercises that will
stretch the balance a little, in controlled conditions
Ballet, Golf, maybe Dance.
Anything that involves co-ordination and movement
A little at a time - then build in it.
Let us know how you get on
Best regards
Tony

[nannettesea]

Dee, you have all our support.  Hang in there, take it day by day....

Tony, thanks also for your comments.  The docs are mystified by dizziness issues, except one expert thinks I have Mal de Debarquement in addition to vestibular loss.  Not a pretty picture.

Taking meds for depression, helping a lot, and Klonopin to take edge off dizziness.  It has probably saved my life.

All good suggestions. i'm up to walking about 30 min every day, brisk pace, I love to swim but thought of water still makes me ill, so...

Your story was truly inspirational.  Thanks for sharing that on your other posts.
Nan

[Battyp]

Nan I know when I'm tired my dizziness, vertigo drunk feeling (what ever one wants to call it) is worse.  I also think since I started taking effexor for my depression it's gotten more tolerable.  Still there if I turn my head while walking but not as bad.  I know it has to be surgery related and it's so frustrating when the doctors don't listen!  Just went through that.  You do need to challenge yourself as much as possible and know that we are here rooting you on and keeping you in our prayers! 

Big HUGS!!!!

[nannettesea]

HUGS back to you, Batty.  As Brendalu wrote me earlier, these docs know all about surgery, but have no idea what to do with us when it's over and we go through so many recovery issues.
love,
Nan

[Pembo]

Nan, Try and find yourself a PT that specializes in Vestibular Disorders. I have a very good friend who does just that. (Too bad you don't live near Cleveland).   She did say that it is a very specific specialty. I hope you get some answers very soon for your dizziness.

As for the depression, I've definitely had my battle with it. Don't be afraid to talk to your reg doc about it and try some meds.  Take care of yourself........