Appt with neuro-otologist. He seemed a bit disappointed to see me again, and to see me in a worsened state than the first time. But, he also was not too surprised. He extended my leave from 10/14/05 – 2/28/05! He was glad to hear that I had restarted the Neurontin and after his examination, ordered a VNG test to determine the probability of vestibular damage, and PT. He said that there was evidence, more so than before, that the RHS had affected my vestibular system. And, he indicated, as evident on the length of the leave extension, that recovery from RHS could be a long, slow road. He tried to brace me for the possibility of the PHN continuing for a while and educated me on the brain’s ability to compensate for vestibular loss and to be retrained. At least that sounded rather encouraging.

And, at least the stress of work could be tabled for a while. Time to concentrate on me! I decided I’d try to view it as a long vacation…without going anywhere.