Meniere's Disease

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   Has anyone else been medically retired(disabled) with Meniere's Disease?  

I know there are some who think it can be "cured" or managed with medication, but I have been going through this for 17 years and have not been able to find a doctor or pill yet that has been able to make it better.  

If you have Meniere's Disease, I would really appreciate hearing from you regarding your symptoms, what you've found that works or doesn't work and what it took or is taking for you to medically retire through OPM.  

If you've had the steroid or Gentimicin shots, I would really like to know how that went for you as that is my only other option now besides surgery.

Thanks,

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Chelle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote Chelle Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Meniere's Disease Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 11:11am
	Has anyone else been medically retired(disabled) with Meniere's Disease? I know there are some who think it can be "cured" or managed with medication, but I have been going through this for 17 years and have not been able to find a doctor or pill yet that has been able to make it better. If you have Meniere's Disease, I would really appreciate hearing from you regarding your symptoms, what you've found that works or doesn't work and what it took or is taking for you to medically retire through OPM. If you've had the steroid or Gentimicin shots, I would really like to know how that went for you as that is my only other option now besides surgery. Thanks,

oktoots Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 17 Oct 2009 Location: n.y. Posts: 558	Post Options Post Reply Quote oktoots Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 1:47pm
	I really sympathize with you. I didn't retire with Meniere's. but I had it for a long time many years ago. The vertigo I had was treated with different drugs like Inderal and phenobarb. But the last one I used was antivert for prevention of attacks. It was only partially successful but eventually the Meniere's syndrome went away. (Thank God, it was a nightmare). Are you using a lawyer? Can you show how this condition impacts your position? A good attorney can sort this out for you. Also, you should have a good neurologist or ENT doctor that will support you claim. What is the surgery, by the way?

Chelle Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote Chelle Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 6:21pm
	Thanks for responding. You had Meniere's, but it went away? I didn't know this could happen. Maybe there is some hope left. There are three different surgeries but I've been told they all leave you completely deaf in the affected ear and there is no guarantee they will permanently stop the vertigo. Endolymphatic sac procedure - The fluid sacs in the inner ear are removed. Abyrinthectomy - The entire inner workings of the ear are removed. Vestibular nerve section - The nerves of the ear are severed to stop any kind of impulses from reaching the brain. I've thought about an attorney, but I'm a single parent and I've missed so much work that I no longer have any leave therefore every time I miss a day, I'm in a LWOP status. It's tough to make ends meet without a full paycheck as it is. I went to see my ENT this afternoon and he says there is nothing else he can do - he said the next step would be for me to go to the Mayo Clinic. I can't afford the time or expense for this now so it will have to wait. There has to be something that worked for someone else that I could try. Again, thank you.

jwglad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote jwglad Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Nov 2009 at 5:06am
	Will be submitting my paper work for disability retirement with Meniere's after Thanksgiving, I have had it for 20 years and I can not get to work or work a hole day. My Manager is backing me on the retirement. I will post when I get word from OPM

uspsdav Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 27 Sep 2009 Posts: 82	Post Options Post Reply Quote uspsdav Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 19 Nov 2009 at 9:48am
	Good luck with your package submission. There have been a ton of great posts here regarding the proper procedure and needed material for disability retirement and wish you the best on the journey. I hope it does not take you as long as it took for my approval. The more medical documentation and doctor support as to why you can not perform the duties of your position is critical.

mole Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote mole Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 12 May 2010 at 11:06pm
	Just wondered how things went with your application. I too have suffered from menieres for the last 20 plus years.

jwglad Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Detroit MI Posts: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote jwglad Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jul 2010 at 2:59am
	Yes, I was given disibility retirement for Meniere's Disease. I have at it for 18 years and had about 4 " of paper work when submitted. was approved on first try. Your supervisor has a lot to do with it, and you Dr. must also say that you need to retire.