Do you remember the moment your doctor told you that you had vestibular migraine? If you were like me, you probably thought… “Yeah, but I don’t have a headache. I’m DIZZY!” (Only to find out later that migraine isn’t always associated with a headache.)

Flash forward to before that moment. The time in your life when you could do just about anything without feeling as if you just got off the merry-go-round. Pssh, before your vestibular disorder, you probably recovered quickly from that, too.

Balance is something we all take for granted, especially before it’s taken away from you. I’m in a much better place five years later, but there are still activities I am fearful to try for the anticipation of falling down. I’ve been on a boat and a rollercoaster since my diagnosis, but the recovery from those activities can take hours to a day.

So, what activities did you take for granted prior to your vestibular disorder? Below are my “16 Simple Activities You Take For Granted Before Losing Your Balance.”

1. Reading

Prior to VM, I never realized that reading a book, newspaper, magazine, etc. could be a difficult task. Once you are in a state of dizziness, it’s almost impossible for words and letters to not jumble together on the page. Now if I’m going to read a book, it HAS to be on a day I’m feeling okay.

2. Riding a bike

This is a no brainer. It takes balance to ride a bike and when your balance is gone, well, you get the picture.

3. Boating

With VM, you’re already on a boat. Every summer since I can remember, you’d find me on the lake. Boating is not an activity I can do that often now, but I do try to go when I’m on vacation or for a fun event. However, you will never find me on a cruise. That would be my worst nightmare.

4. Amusement Parks

I was a thrill junkie prior to VM. I loved amusement parks and roller coasters. Since my diagnosis, I have attempted to ride a few roller coasters at Disney World, but I paid for it after the fact. After riding the Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, I had to sit for about 30 minutes before I could even walk.

5. Dancing

I grew up dancing. Jazz, ballet, hip hop, you name it. Never did I imagine that in my 20s my balance would be taken from me. Once in a while I still want to twirl in my living room, and if I do, you can find me sitting on the floor for a bit until I can walk again.

6. Driving

In the beginning of my VM journey, I felt like I was driving drunk. Many people who have vestibular disorders have to find new ways of transportation.

7. Running

I’ve been an avid runner for most of my 20s, and after VM, it took a while for me to be able to run again. There are still several days in the month where I have to cancel my running plans because of the dizziness.

8. Walking in grocery store aisle

I don’t even have to explain this one to anyone with VM. Never did you think feeling good while grocery shopping was something you could take for granted.

9. Shifting quickly to look at something

Any movement that requires me to quickly shift to look at something happening behind me, etc., is asking for me to be white knuckling the countertop.

10. Teaching your kid to say yes and no

I didn’t realize this would be an issue until I was teaching my son to shake his head no. Now it’s my husband who has to teach him “yes” and “no” by way of shaking his head.

11. TV and movies

For the longest time I couldn’t even go to a movie theatre after VM. The sound, light and movement were very triggering.

12. Video Games

I love playing video games and had no idea that my “relaxing activity” would become a difficult task.

13. Flying on an airplane

Two words, “Ear Pressure.”

14. Ice skating

Still haven’t done this one post VM. Hoping to do it soon though to see if I can. I imagine it’s hard, though.

15. Skiing and snowboarding

See above.

16. Concerts/Night Clubs

I have forced myself to go to concerts, but the lights/sound and packed amounts of people is triggering. If I decide to go to a concert, I know I will be down the next day. But hey, I push myself through tasks, because I enjoy them and I need to live my life.

—

I’m sure the VM community could go on and on about tasks they take took for granted before losing their balance. So, let me know in the comments below! What did you take for granted prior to your illness? Also, if you stumbled upon my blog and are looking for great resources out there, check out The Vestibular Disorders Association