About Us
Welcome to Beyond the Dizziness
Meniere’s disease doesn’t just affect the person who has it — it reshapes the lives of everyone who loves them. At Beyond the Dizziness, we share our story from both sides of that experience: Mike as the one living with chronic illness, and Kristen as the partner and caregiver keeping life moving forward.
We created this space to offer what we wish we’d had — honest insights, practical strategies, and the reassurance that you are not alone. Whether you’re managing symptoms yourself or supporting someone who is, our hope is that something here helps you feel a little more equipped, a little less isolated, and a little more hopeful about what life beyond the dizziness can look like.
This blog has been a long time coming, and we’re glad you’re here.
Meet Mike
Mike here — in 2012, my life took an unexpected turn. What started as a day like any other quickly became the beginning of a challenging journey with Meniere’s disease. I woke up to a world spinning uncontrollably, marking the onset of relentless vertigo that has never left me. This was more than just a dizzy spell; it was a diagnosis that would redefine my existence.
Meniere’s disease brought with it a host of companions I never asked for: persistent ear pain, the constant ringing of tinnitus, unpredictable balance issues, recurring headaches, hearing fluctuations, and sudden, unprovoked drop attacks. In pursuit of relief, I embarked on a medical odyssey, consulting numerous doctors and trying various treatments, only to find myself often worse off or unchanged.
Faced with the inadequacy of conventional treatments, I took matters into my own hands. I dove deep into understanding Meniere’s disease, seeking knowledge wherever I could find it. This quest led me to explore a range of alternative and lifestyle-based approaches — and through trial, error, and persistence, I found combinations that brought meaningful relief when traditional medicine couldn’t.
Despite the daily battle with Meniere’s, I knew I had responsibilities that couldn’t be ignored. My family needed me — not just as a provider but as a present, engaged part of our life together. In 2015, amidst this storm, I founded a business, building something that could flex around the unpredictability of chronic illness rather than demand more than I could give.
Every day with Meniere’s disease is unique. Some days are good, filled with hope and productivity. Others are challenging, demanding rest and patience. But every day, no matter its nature, is a step forward on this journey.
Through Beyond the Dizziness, I aim to share the realities of living with a chronic illness — not just the struggles but also the triumphs. My hope is to provide insight, support, and encouragement to others navigating their paths with chronic conditions. By sharing my story, I want to show that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life, build something meaningful, and cherish the people around you, all while managing Meniere’s disease.
Meet Kristen
Hi, I’m Kristen! I share my life with my wonderful husband, Mike, and together we’ve built a life that is anything but ordinary.
My role in our family is multifaceted — I am a partner, caregiver, business operator, and the one who keeps everything moving forward in our beautifully chaotic life. Amidst the challenges, I’ve found my passion: creating systems and plans to streamline the unpredictable, bringing a little more calm to what can feel like constant motion.
My journey alongside Mike has taught me the power of adaptability, the strength found in unity, and the importance of cherishing every moment. As his condition has evolved over the years, so have I — cultivating resilience and learning to balance the demands of caregiving with personal and professional fulfillment.
My hope is to be a resource for the people who often go unnoticed in the chronic illness story: the partners, the caregivers, the ones holding everything together behind the scenes. If you love someone with a chronic illness, this corner of the blog is for you.
You Belong Here
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, years into your journey, or the person who loves someone with a vestibular condition — you belong here.
This is a space for real stories, practical insight, and the kind of understanding that only comes from people who have lived it. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to sharing what we’ve learned, what’s helped, and what’s made this life not just manageable, but meaningful.
We’re glad you found us. Now let’s go beyond the dizziness — together.