Dr. Babu Welch

I hope the changes help…

I am keeping neck tucked more when moving to protect any nerve irritation that seems to occur during transitioning from standing to sitting and lying down. Vestibular migraines are much improved without coffee, although still necessitate a sustained release caffeine pill every few days to empty my bowels more completely despite the lactulose dosing everyday. I think overtime my body may start to learn not to depend on the caffeine to stimulate bowels. I do still have the BPPV and some balance trouble, but my brain seems to be compensating by relying more on visuals than crystals in my ears to determine upright position. My theory is that the barometric changes in the airplane are really messing with my inner ear. I am going to have to be more intentional about taking medicine to try and open up nasal passages and inner ear to try to avoid loss of hearing, popping, and crackling when on land for weeks at a time.

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@jobby99 -

Are you flying on a regular basis? This makes good sense.

I’m glad you’ve found a head/neck position that seems to be helping during your transitions from standing to sitting to lying down. Also good to know your vestibular migraines are responding well to a lower caffeine level. I’ve found that CALM (magnesium citrate) works well to keep bowel function consistent. It has the added benefit that mag citrate calms muscles & nerves while stimulating digestion. It’s a powder & comes in flavors & can be titrated to the most effective level for each person though there are directions for how much to use when starting out (too much will produce an effect like bowel prep for a colonoscopy :joy:)

It’s really good news that your BPPVs & balance troubles seem to be reducing. That’s at least in part for the help you’re giving your body by being careful with your head position in particular instances.

I hope you continue to notice a progression of positive changes. :blush:

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I’ve not tried it myself, but have been told the aloe vera juice is good for bowels… I’m glad that that your brain is adjusting for balance- did you look into vestibular rehab for that?
My vascular symptoms have pretty much gone with styloidectomy, but the couple of times I flew since surgery really affected my head pressure- a short flight was okay, but not long haul…

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Yes, I should try Aloe Vera again. I think I tried it a long time ago. Mag Citrate has been kind of overused by me, so I need to use that one wisely. I wish I didn’t have to fly, but usually need to fly for other peripheral nerve surgeries very far from home (Ohio → California) at least once a year. I definitely do not feel comfortable flying over 5 hour flights anymore. The neurosurgeon in CA used to combine two surgeries, but doesn’t seem to want to do that anymore. Trust me, I have tried. I am somewhat of an expert on where to find peripheral nerve surgeons in the USA at this point. Unfortunately, there are still some smart doctors that hide themselves or the other side dominate the google search engine listings so it makes it worse for the patients. I am learning to distrust the doctors that are a little bit too easy to find, because generally they seem to get less desirable outcomes or do surgeries that simply don’t get good outcomes by any surgeon. Also, I have been to “colleagues” of my surgeon in CA who have similar training, but they generally refuse treatment so I am stuck on airplanes again. I don’t bother asking why they refuse treatment anymore, because they never give me a straight logical answer. It probably is based on their schedule or something else that has nothing to do with me.

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I’m sorry that you’ve had to work so hard and fight so much for all your treatment :hugs:

I’m glad you’ve found doctors you trust even if it was a bit of a “treasure hunt”, @jobby99. So frustrating that you’ve needed recurrent surgeries & have had to travel so much. I know from experience that health issues begin to feel never-ending after a while. Getting older is tough. If only we could find that long sought after fountain of youth!! :fountain:

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