Caring for oneself with a vestibular disorder is not easy—add infants, children and teens into the mix and the spectrum of experience can span from feeling downright impossible to uniquely rewarding.  In honor of Mother’s Day this month and our community of mothers with vestibular disorders, this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast dives into the multi-layered experiences of mothering “dizzy.” We are joined by vestibular patients and mothers, Kayla McCain and Marissa Aldrete to discuss considerations in family planning, pregnancy and vestibular disorders, managing self-care, and how to include family in your vestibular experiences so you feel more supported and less overwhelmed and alone. 

This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/

About the Guests:

Marissa Aldrete is the mother to a fifteen year old son and has been a vestibular patient for over 12 of those years. She lives with vestibular migraine, chronic migraine, and PPPD.  When she first developed symptoms, she was a preschool teacher with a three year old at home. Like so many vestibular patients she saw multiple physicians who either thought she had anxiety or wanted to try hefty meds that would leave her unable to function. In 2014, she experienced a remission of symptoms and went back to a “normal” life for the next four years. But in 2018 her symptoms returned with a vengeance and she became housebound. Eventually, under the care of Dr. Shin Beh, she was able to slowly resume life again. Marissa joined VeDA as an ambassador and started an online support group with fellow vestie, Joy Holten. Joy and Marissa also have a podcast, Finding Joy in Your Vestibular Journey.  Recently Marissa became a health and wellness coach so she can share what she’s learned with others.

Kayla McCain began experiencing symptoms of vestibular neuritis and vestibular migraine in October of 2016. Like many vestibular patients, Kayla fell into despair during the early stages of her diagnosis. However, after getting established with a neurologist (Dr. Shin Beh) and treatment plan, she was able to adapt to her new normal, became an ambassador with VeDA and began sharing her experience online at Truekaylaisms.com. Kayla left the corporate world shortly after her diagnosis and opened her own business (Kayla McCain Marketing) to be able to continue to pursue her love for content marketing while controlling her work environment with daily dizziness. In 2020, Kayla became a mom - something she wasn’t sure was a possibility with a vestibular disorder. Today, she continues to work from home with her two young boys Declan (4) and Greyson (1) while managing the ups and downs of her vestibular migraine.

Hosts:

Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/

Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/

VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/

If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/

For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/

If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.