Living with Vestibular Disorder: Aniesa and Mel King Speak to Elmien

Join Aniesa and Sensory Intergration Physiotherapist Mel King as they chat to Elmien about her vestibular disorder. Elmien talks about the journey to her diagnosis and her experience of living with debilitating migraines, vertigo, and balance issues for years. She provides a revealing look into the daily struggles of living with chronic vertigo and migraines, but also discusses the importance of pushing forward one step at a time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Elmien has had chronic migraines and vertigo since age 10, exacerbated after recent jaw surgery. Her symptoms are disabling, affecting vision, hearing, balance, motion sickness.
• She has trouble with activities like driving, reading, using stairs, loud noises, bright lights, crowds, and head movements. This has impacted her independence.
• Despite her challenges, she has adjusted her occupational therapy practice to continue working with patients who need her specialised understanding.
• She feels greater empathy now for children with sensory processing disorders and their overwhelmed feelings.
• Elmien emphasises taking things one step at a time and being kind to oneself and others facing difficulties.
• Her experience shows the all-encompassing effects vestibular disorders can have on daily living.

BEST MOMENTS

"It feels as if the walls are falling onto you. It’s literally you walk into a place and everything topples over on the front."

"I have much more empathy for my children, like my children on the spectrum, ADHD children, children who are sensitive."

"Independence has gone out the door. Yeah. Yeah. Wow."

"Talking is my thing. And I can still do talking while I sit down, so that's okay."

"If there's awareness, we can help each other."

CONTACT METHOD

www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/           
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/    
www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on pediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of pediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation.

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents.

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