anniecoleman.com

After I wrote that long post about Meniere’s the other day, I got this email:

Annie, you have written a GREAT post. We are featuring it at our website. You are an example of what we believe a GREAT patient should be, for the reasons that we describe at our website. We sure do wish you well.

Regards,

Mark
MenieresInfo.com

What a surprise and an honor! Here’s a direct link to why the folks at MenieresInfo.com think I’m a great patient if you’re interested. When I was writing that post, I felt like I was indulging in self-pity and bitter anger - something I really try to avoid but I think is healthy from time to time. So it was quite a surprise that what others saw in my post are the positive aspects of how I have coped and continue to cope and it gave me a bit of a confidence and mood boost that I think I needed.

And then the comments started coming in. I’ve had a hard time in the past connecting with the community of Meniere’s patients that is out there. I’ve tried it, but too many times it made me feel more depressed and hopeless and I decided that it would be better for me not to participate. But hearing from individual people that my little rant meant something to them brought me back to the realization that I’m not alone in this.

Dobee and Eunah - thanks for your kind comments and support.

Dorothy and Brenda - do find out if there are more treatments options but go with your gut feeling if you don’t feel comfortable with a treatment. Try a new doctor if you’re not happy with the one you have, a neurotologist is best. Best of luck to you.

Tina - I understand where you are, I’ve been there. It’s easy to feel depressed and hopeless but you’ve got to get informed, get a good doctor, and make a plan. You don’t necessarily have to give up your dream but you probably will have to make compromises in many areas in your life. Don’t give up, if anything, it sounds like you need to get angry and start fighting this thing. Best of luck to you as well.

A while ago, a couple of people posted comments on Meniere’s-related posts drawing my attention to the Network for Good charity badges and the fact that you can choose the organization you want to support, make a custom badge, and put it on your website. The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery is the one to support for research on Meniere’s Disease. I created a badge and put it on my sidebar. If you want to donate, just click the button and you can type in “Meniere’s Disease” where it asks how you want your money designated since Otolaryngology covers a lot more than just Meniere’s Disease. I know that my measley $25 won’t make a big difference but at least it feels like I’m doing something to raise awareness a bit and if a few other folks donate a little bit, it’ll start to add up. By the way, it is tax deductible and after you make the donation you’re directed to a receipt you can print and save.

So, that’s it for now on Meniere’s. I don’t like to dwell on it or ramble on about it but I wanted to respond to the people who commented and let folks know why there is suddenly a charity badge on my website.

Now, I really have got to finish up my Dad’s Father’s Day gift! I know, Father’s Day was yesterday, but I’ve been having gauge issues again. Pictures will be posted tomorrow once Dad has his gift.