This is really getting me down. I had my surgery in August last year. Four months before my surgery I was dancing in a conga line in the Caribbean. I work a demanding job and have always had high energy,and a positive attitude. Now, by the time I get ready for work, I'm exhausted. I do not have the option of part-time work or quiet time. My job, like most others, is perform or else. I am not thrilled about the vicodin and would love to find another option. I have tried various types of exercise, walking, yoga, etc., but none have helped except to knock me off my feet. I was at the gym three days a week, working a job that I love and playing when I could. Now, sometimes I'm too tired to drive to the store. I have read about the problems with vestibular damage and the problems it can cause. I just don't know how to over come it. (Have you ever heard so much whinning in your life?) I really want my high energy life back. I did speak to a doctor about the vicodin and he was also amazed that it "helped" the fatigue, however, if you read the article below (one of my many research projects) it helps me understand why the vicodin fixes my problem. I wonder, would a muscle relaxer do the same thing based on the "muscle tightening" mentioned in the article? Or is there some other answer. I have tried Tylenol, etc. No help. I really need a do-able answer because I refuse to live the rest of my life like an 80 year old woman. So...thank you for all your responses. I see Dr. House on Monday morning and will let you know what he says. Here is a protion of the article I found on Vestibular Damage....
The vestibular, ocular, and proprioceptive systems are very important for achieving normality in every-day life, but living without one of the three (though challenging) is doable. On the other hand, if only one of the three systems is functioning, maintaining balance is impossible. Once the vestibular system is dead, it no longer transmits signals to the brain; in contrast, if it is merely damaged, it still sends signals- just the wrong ones. Consequently, the side effects of vestibular damage are worse in the initial weeks. Slowly the brain begins to depend on ocular and proprioceptive input more, while vestibular input is almost disregarded. If only one side is injured, nystagmus develops. Nystagmus is an unpleasant condition where frequent eye jerking produces vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and visual problems (Bauman, 2003).
Astonishingly, vestibular damage can also cause memory problems. Though this may sound far-fetched, here is the reason: a once-automatic reflex, balance, now requires great concentration. The area of the brain once reserved for memory and thought processing must now focus on balance control. Fatigue will often emerge in an individual from the constant requirement to concentrate on keeping one’s balance. Imagine what would happen if we had to remember to breathe! Even if it were possible, the exhaustion we would experience would be too much to handle. Muscular aches and pains may also arise. One must constantly stiffen his or her muscles to maintain his or her balance. Trying to keep the head absolutely still can bring about headaches, as well as a sore neck. As it is plain to see, living without a properly functioning vestibular system can be more than worrisome- it can be downright painful (Bauman, 2003).
