I hope that people who read my story know that each case is individual and to consult with their doctor. I suffered with this many times but I finally found someone who listened and something that worked for me and got my life back. ~Laura
Q: How did you feel when you found a community of others like you?
A: so relieved that I wasn’t crazy & wasn’t alone
Q: What has been the hardest part of having MdDS?
A: No one believes you. They think you’re crazy and making it up and it’s just “motion sickness.” Also, my husband loves going on cruises and that had completely stopped. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it was a big part of something we love to do together.
Q: How have things gotten better?
A: I found an amazing doctor. I have completely cured getting MdDS and am able to go on cruises again.
Q: What personal message do you want to share?
A: I suffered with this debilitating syndrome many times after going on cruises, from two weeks the first time all the way up to over six months. I kept thinking every time, I would go on a cruise I wouldn’t get it. I was very wrong!! I know not being able to go on cruises isn’t the end of the world but it’s something my husband and I really love doing together. As we got older and are able to travel more it is just something we accepted, which of course was fine in the scheme of life! There are worse problems to have.
I was speaking to my doctor one day (my amazing Internist), and he suggested trying something different. He did a lot of research and helped me manage my symptoms by going on Klonopin for a short period of time, then tapering off. Klonopin doesn’t work for everyone but it worked for me! I finally stopped rocking; I could walk down the stairs and take a shower without holding onto the walls.
Five years later, I told him I wanted to go on a cruise. He said I was crazy but asked if I wanted to try something. I went on Klonopin two weeks before my trip on a low-dose, stayed on Klonopin while I was on the cruise (four days), and then tapered off for two weeks after return. I had absolutely zero symptoms. I couldn’t believe it! I have since gone on five cruises completely symptom-free.
My doctor listened, did the research, and I was willing to try something different. My message is don’t give up. Find somebody who will listen to you and advocate, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Laura, motion-triggered
Age at onset: 30s
Laura’s story illustrates how important our work in seeking treatments that end the suffering from MdDS is — but we need your help. A 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation, we seek treatments that benefit the entire MdDS patient population. A donation today helps us continue this critical work.
Hi,
I would love to chat with you and share my self researched and tested method of preventing onset when I go on a cruise. It works!
Kind Regards,
Marie
Marie, our blog is open for public commenting but not an ideal platform for chatting. Are you a member of the support group MdDS Friends? We’re sure many of the over 7,500 members would love to learn about the prevention techniques you use.