I am extremely grateful to the team at UHN’s Hertz Vestibular Neurotology Clinic who have been so instrumental in my care. 

My problems started in October 2014, with the onset of a constant rocking motion. My family doctor had no idea what was happening and I kept pushing forward, seeing many different physicians over the next three years. They all said the same thing: "I don't know what's wrong with you” or “I can't help you”.

The only time I felt a bit better was when I was in constant motion, which led to physical and mental exhaustion.  Yet I had to continually be on the move to mitigate this swinging sensation.  It was the worst 3 years of my life, thinking that no one could help me, believing that this was the way I would live out the rest of my life. I was on the verge of a physical and mental breakdown.

I suffered all day, every day.  I called it the ‘Invisible Disease’. I looked normal on the outside but inside I was screaming for help.  The rocking sensation never stopped. From the moment I woke up, it felt like I was sitting in a rocking chair going back and forth all day long. I couldn’t fall asleep until I was on the verge of exhaustion, and when I woke the cycle continued. 

Dinners with my family at the kitchen table were non-existent. I couldn’t sit long enough to listen to my kids talk about their day at school or help them with homework. My goal was to eat quickly so I could get up and go. it was impossible to focus on any conversations for any duration. I was solely occupied with my condition and the physical sensations. I would spend my days at home alone and just cry. I never improved, only getting continually worse, and I needed assistance caring for my children.

In 2018,  I was finally referred to see neurologist Dr. Paul Ranelli. This is also where I met Dr. John Rutka, Dr. Philip Gerretsen, and Wanda Dillon, who changed my life.

I was diagnosed with a Complex Vestibular Disorder, with differing damage in both ears, triggering continual rocking and spinning sensations. It was at this clinic that they finally isolated my condition and said the words I thought I would never hear.  That I could be cured.  Over a number of months, they methodically worked through my varying and contradictory symptoms.

Dr. Philip Gerretsen, my Vestibular Psychiatrist / Clinical Scientist at UHN, reassures me that we will get there. He has helped me greatly, getting me to recognize the cause and triggers for my symptoms. He definitely has a way with his patients and his smile makes you feel better.

Wanda Dillon (Clinical Vestibular Nurse & Research Coordinator) is my lifeline. I am able to connect with her any time of the day, by phone or even a quick email.  I feel safe and reassured by her support, getting me through my numerous bad days. There are still bad days, but the good ones now outnumber the bad.

All money raised will go directly to these specialists so they can continue providing this care. Unfortunately, the clinic has to rely on private donors. Every year they ask us (the patients) if we can help advocate for them. Please help by giving a donation and sharing my page with your friends. 

Thank you

 Natasha 
( I can be reached at 416-389-7549) 

To learn more about the Hertz Clinic: https://uhnfoundation.ca/stories/patients-with-chronic-dizziness-achieving-better-outcomes/