5 days after cruise still havign problems

[mdb1654]

I'm getting a little worried becasue I am 5 days after getting off of a 7 day cruise (rough on the way home) & still cannot get over my imbalance. I saw my ENT yesterday & he prescribe some meds & said it should go away shortly. I'm worried about Mal de debarqument. I'm a 34 year old male in good health. I seem to be o.k while riding in a car, but when I step out I start to feel it. Any suggestions?

[Fern]

Hi mdb1654,

Welcome to Cruisemates!

DO NOT PANIC ! This is a "normal" reaction from being on a ship. I'm guessing that your ENT gave you meds that are usually used for seasickness. While Mal de Debarqument is possible, it's really not very likely.

The good news is that most of us who have this reaction when we get home never get seasick on a cruise! (Were you okay on the ship?)

I generally feel the "movement" in the kitchen and bathroom at home (no carpet). It takes about a week before it goes away completely.

Just pretend you're still on the ship !

[mdb1654]

Yes, felt fine on the ship (no seasickness). I took bonine the very first day & that was it. I've fished offshore a good bit & have never been seasick in my life. This is one of the craziest things I have ever encoutered. I guess staring at a computer all day is not helping. The ENT said it is probably a result of an over-stimulated inner ear. He gave me a low dose of valium & a steroid. Going on day 6 & still feeling dizzy. It does not seem to be getting much better either. I can't wait for this to be over!

[Mike M]

Your problem is very common. It is actually more common on a cruise ship than on a fishing boat. The reason is that you are subjective to small motions for a long period of time.

Your ENT is correct that the inner ear's probably over stimulated and your brain is still over correcting for this, even though you are on solid ground. The Valium will help suppress the signals that are being sent and the steroid will relieve any inflammation or fluid that may have resulted.

Actually five days isn't too long of a time for this too happen, it actually can happen for over a week. Give it some time and you will suddenly notice that it's gone. If after a month you may have an issue but you'll be amazed at how your brain compensates.

In the meantime, trust your eyes and the rest of your body to tell you which way is up.

Take care,
Mike

[mdb1654]

Alright, enough is enough . 12 days into this & I'm still having problems with motion & concentration. Also getting the G-force feeling that your head is being pushed either forward or backwards when sitting at my desk. Getting really concerned that this may be Mal De Debarquement! Another indicator is that is totally disappears when I'm in the car. Any suggestions, comments, etc? The ENT wants to see me back tomorrow if it is not totally gone. I don't think he has ever heard of MDD though.

[Cassandra]

We had this also after our cruise. Our cruise was smooth as glass, but you could still feel the movement of the ship.

When we got back to work 2 days after our cruise, we would still be walking funny. My sister actually bounced into the wall here at work, .

Give it a few days, it'll wear off. It just takes time with different people.

[alefbeyt]

My last cruise, June 05, I had it for 6 WEEKS! It did finally go away, but it was quite disconcerting for a while. It DOES go away, but it is a royal pain!

[capgirl]

I don't think I ever saw a post that said where you cruised or what line
you were on. I am wondering where your cabin was located?
So glad to see that all is ok now.