[Sara from Minnesota]

Hello fellow PCSers.... another day spent at the Mayo Clinic in frustration. They are more focused on my depression than my symptoms of nausea/dizziness/off balance. Also wondering if anyone else has the feeling that their head is moving when they are stationary. For an example, I will often sit down at the table and it feels like my head is heavy or falling backwards even though I am sitting perfectly still. Today I said to Dr. Staab, the neuro-psych man that if I gave him my symptoms for just one day maybe he would understand what I am going through.... he then raised his voice and said "I have been doing this for 15 yrs and know exactly what this is about"... CAN YOU EVEN STAND IT?! They want me to take depression medication and say spending time on a site like this is the worst thing I could do because I am trying to "doctor myself" instead of letting Dr. Staab be my doctor.

I am already taking 20 mg of Amitrip. every night and they want me to add a SRI to the mix. The good doc thinks that you can not separate my depression from the dizziness etc. I would NOT be depressed if I did not always feel like I stepped off a carnival ride...... but they think my depression is partly causing my dizziness.

I am not even sure what to do anymore. It is so hard to function when your world is constantly spinning and your head feels like it is moving around when you are stationary. Any thoughts? I have started seeing a vestibular PT person and am getting some acupuncture and take vitamins etc. The PT does not think the crystals in my ear are to blame.

Could my Nausea/dizziness be a migraine that never becomes the head pounding type? Any words of advice are appreciated.

[ginnie]

I am sorry that Mayo is not giving you the right advice, nor is willing to look a bit deeper into what is happening to you. Go over that doctors head, and seek a patient advocasy person. Depression in many cases is CAUSED by the physical problem. It sounds to me like the particular doc you saw is over worked and has forgotten compassion. Mayo when I went in l980 was good. It is sad to hear they are not really doing what needs to be done for you. Psych evaluations are always good, but the sourse of the pain and injury needs to be addressed just as much. Look for the patient advocasy group there. Don't give up. NT. is a good place. The doctor is wrong. None of us diagnose anyone, we only give our opinions, and believe me without those opinions, I would not have done as well as I did with my own problems. Friendships help you to cope. Maybe the doc. could use a friend....keep in touch and don't get discouraged. ginnie