Finding Balance

Over 10 million adults in the United States have chronic problems with dizziness and imbalance ? vestibular problems. This compares to 400,000 with multiple sclerosis or 1.5 million with autism for example, both chronic illnesses with much greater name recognition. Vestibular problems are difficult to diagnose and treat. While vestibular problems come with various medical names (Meniere’s, Perilymph Fistula, Endolymphatic Hydrops, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Mal de Debarquement Balance (MdDS) and others) they present a common challenge for the affected person on how to deal with the dizziness and eventually find balance.

Finding Balance addresses over a decade of illness, from the initial two years searching for a diagnosis, through the long years of treatment and finally to the period of rebuilding a life within the confines of what dizziness and vertigo will allow. Finding Balance provides a detailed description of symptoms, what can trigger them, the emotional reactions to symptoms, how to recognize their subtle differences, and how to track them in order to contribute to your diagnosis. It also emphasizes the patient's responsibility for healing and eventually how to find the inner balance in life that will be necessary to equitably live with these symptoms over time.

Sue Hickey is a retired executive who was diagnosed 12 years ago with vestibular disorders, commonly known as balance disorders. She has focused her full time attention for the past 12 years on healing from the series of balance disorders she lives with. In the process she has become a patient-expert on the subject of balance disorders.
Prior to her diagnosis she worked for 25 years in the energy and environmental field; her last position was as Chief Operating Officer of Bonneville Power (BPA). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Vestibular Disorders Association.