new medical challenges

Approximately 6 months ago I began to experience some minor lightheadedness.  I tolerated it because that's what I do, waiting for it to go away.  It has lingered until now.  Finally, last month I decided to make an appointment with my ENT doctor and seek the cause of the problem.  Long story short, after testing I have been diagnosed with Meniere's disease.  This disease is not curable and has several symptoms including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), loss of hearing, dizzyness, lightheadedness, and several others.  Obviously, my symptoms presently only have to do with some inner ear discomfort and lightheadedness.  Early on my symptoms could more aptly be called dizziness insomuch as there was more spinning effects in my experience.  Now, I am mainly just lightheaded.  

There are limited treatments for this disease.  My doctor has presently prescribed Maxzide, a diuretic reducing the fluid and sodium retained by the body used primarily to treat high blood pressure.  The doctor also put me on a low salt regimen limiting my intake to 2000mg daily.  Fluid reduction is important because fluid pressure on the inner ear causes Menieres.

This has presented challenges.  First, the GERD medication I take is Zegerid OTC, which my gastroenterologist prescribes.  This med works for me.  Many RX insurance plans now exclude so many heartburn meds.  Zegerid was found after several years of trying different meds and dealing with insurance coverage.  Here's the PROBLEM!  Zegerid is unique in that it utilizes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as an absorption agent for the active ingredient, omeprazole.  In fact it contains 1200mg of this form of sodium.  And, I take one in the morning and one at night.  So, from the Zegerid alone I'm getting 2400mg of sodium!  Am thinking this has maybe greatly contributed to getting Menieres.  

Now, after taking Maxzide for Menieres for one week, my GERD is going crazy.  The first few days were awful!  However, thankfully, it has settled down.  However, after one week on this drug I quit taking it today.  The side effects were too hard for me.  Side effects include nausea, flu-like symptoms, and tiredness.  I basically have felt miserable for a week, no energy, flu-like, and unable to function.

I now have to work with my gastroenterologist to find a non-sodium substitute for Zegerid.  The ENT also has to find another med for my Menieres.  I hate these circumstances!  I hate medical problems.  As a runner for 30 years, someone who has maintained their ideal weight for 25 years, and someone who has eaten correctly for 25 years I am having problems not associated with obesity and poor fitness, but problems in other areas.  Ever tried running 5 miles when you are dizzy.  Don't try it!!