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Some of you may have noticed that I didn't have a blog post last week. Rest assured I had an idea that I really wanted to share. However, a trip to the hospital ended up taking priority.
Thursday morning I woke up with extreme dizziness and nausea. After almost hitting the wall trying to get to the bathroom and then not being able to move from the floor, I eventually was able to scoot myself to the phone and call 911. Police, fire and ambulance arrived and carted me off to the hospital. After a cat scan, MRI and a blur of other tests, they ruled out the really scary stuff. The eventual diagnosis was benign positional vertigo and I was released Saturday evening. Follow-up visits with my primary physician and a physical therapist who specializes in balance/vertigo adjusted the diagnosis to vestibular neuritis which is an infection of the inner ear. The average recovery period for this is 6-8 weeks and for the moment I am struggling with vertigo, some double vision, most computer stuff (but using my iphone seems to work pretty well) and have been told not to drive. I am so thankful for the support of family (my sister-in-law came from Bismarck for the first few days I was out of the hospital and my sister and brother-in-law are coming tomorrow from Kansas City). The support, offers of assistance, and prayers of friends and co-workers have also been incredibly comforting. (It was amazing the efforts that were made to track me down when I was unable to do anything other than lie on my back in the ER.) I truly realize how blessed I am with the wonderful people God has put in my life. I suspect I will struggle with the limitations (hopefully short-term) of this diagnosis. I am praying for peace about this. I hope I will be back soon with additional quilting tips and ideas for you. In the interim, happy quilting. Kari
Cynthia Marrs
7/22/2014 02:02:29 pm
Get well soon, Kari. I suffered from this condition for several years. Even had surgery on my right ear. I did get better. But, it's no fun. I hope you do much better than that.
Diana Wilson
7/22/2014 09:40:02 pm
Thank goodness for family and friends! 7/23/2014 12:54:50 am
I know exactly what you are going through. I had vestibular neuronitis onset in 1993. The dizziness was insane having so many spells in a day that I couldn't so anything for a couple of weeks. The spells gradually subsided over an 8 month period. For four months I couldn't drive for safety reasons, for not only myself but other drivers. Meclizine was helpful for me, so you might ask your health care provider if it might be right for you. Keep the faith, it will get better on its own without any special treatment! Try not to make sudden movements, move slowly and deliberately especially when turning your head, getting up from a sitting or lying position, or changing directions when walking. I wish you a quick recovery, but it will be a few weeks at best so just hang in there.
Julie S
7/30/2014 11:02:45 am
My prayers are with you for a quick recovery, Kari. It sounds awful but I hope you fool the doctors and bounce back quickly! :)
Kathleen Winters
7/30/2014 11:41:01 am
I spent last year with two episodes of vertigo. I was treated twice with physical therapy and the Epply maneuver. I have a wonderful PT at Park Nicollet, Matt Erb, who is a guru on vertigo. It is no fun. I felt I was walking like a drunk even though I don't drink. Glad I was not stopped for a suspected DUI. This condition is very common. You will find that many of us have suffered with this. I have not taken any medication, but do have some over the counter herbal remedies. So far so good. No dizziness since February of this year. Hang in there. I was able to do everything except walk straight and move fast. Still able to quilt, do computer and drive. At times it was a little iffy. It is also common to have a recurrence of this. Hang in there, you may experience some effects of this condition, but it is treatable. My prayers are with you. See you at the retreat. Anything I can do to help?
Diane
8/1/2014 08:33:52 pm
Kari, are you feeling any better?
Kari
8/4/2014 12:50:23 pm
Thanks so much for the well wishes, prayers and advice (both posted and sent personally). I am getting better -- it just is taking time. The PT keeps reminding me the average is 6-8 weeks. So I am learning to be patient with the process. Comments are closed.
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Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. 
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