New to the board! Here for support and suggestions!

[court1977]

I am new to this board. I have been researching my symptoms for months....God knows you have to take charge of your own healthcare...and in the process of researching I found this board. I am a 31 year old mother of two, and my husband is in Iraq. In January I began having inner ear pain/fullness that has also caused nausea and dizziness(almost fainted a few times). I also have lost fifteen pounds since January. I am miserable every day of my life. I do not work; however, I would not physically be able to do so if I had to. I have really bad days...with major earpain and just a "sick" feeling....and I have days where I feel ok but the pain is still present. My doctor has sent me for a CAT scan which was clear and has ruled out any kind of ear infection.

I have been to the doctor so many times for my ear that I can't even count them. After the CAT scan my doctor seemed to act like it was nothing. When clearly I know there is something that is making me very sick every single day of my life. I eventually saw a different doctor who actually seemed to believe me. He is sending me for an MRI on Thursday and to an ENT. He feels like it is Meniere's Disease. I dont have a clue. I just want them to figure out what is wrong with me and "fix" it.

I feel so helpless. Is there anything that these doctor's could be missing? Is there anyone out there with the same symptoms? I feel all alone with this and desperately want a diagnosis. I have been caring for my two children alone since my husband left in March and I need to be well for them. I am miserable and need some relief. Thank you anyone who reads this and gives me some words of wisdom.

[willholl]

Hello,

I don't share your exact symptoms but I have been on the dizziness roller coaster for awhile so I might be able to offer some support.

First of all, you are not alone in feeling you way you do, and thankfully you finally found a doctor to listen to you. It's unfortunate that there are doctors who will tell you very real symptoms are 'all in your head'.

From what I've researched about Meniere's Disease, to make the diagnosis you have to have the following three symptoms: ear pain/fullness, vertigo (like the room is spinning) and hearing loss. It is also usually accompanied by tinnitus and is episodic. If you have Meniere's, the most likely first thing that the doctor will try to help you is a low sodium diet.

The type of doctor that you need to see is a neuro-otologist who is an expert in diagnosing and treating dizziness. Hopefully your ENT will refer you to one, and you will be able to get some relief.

Other conditions that can cause your symptoms are vestibular neuritis, an infection of the inner ear nerve, and migraine associated vertigo. A neuro-oto can run some tests, such as an ENG, that will help diagnose and treat your condition.

Good luck and hang in there; it will get better.

willholl

[court1977]

Thank you very much for your suggestions and support. I knew nothing of a neuro-otologist.....I will ask my doctor about it. I dread waking up in the morning knowing that I have to deal with this ear pain and nausea etc. It helps to know that I am not alone out there. Again thank you!

Originally Posted by willholl

Hello,

I don't share your exact symptoms but I have been on the dizziness roller coaster for awhile so I might be able to offer some support.

First of all, you are not alone in feeling you way you do, and thankfully you finally found a doctor to listen to you. It's unfortunate that there are doctors who will tell you very real symptoms are 'all in your head'.

From what I've researched about Meniere's Disease, to make the diagnosis you have to have the following three symptoms: ear pain/fullness, vertigo (like the room is spinning) and hearing loss. It is also usually accompanied by tinnitus and is episodic. If you have Meniere's, the most likely first thing that the doctor will try to help you is a low sodium diet.

The type of doctor that you need to see is a neuro-otologist who is an expert in diagnosing and treating dizziness. Hopefully your ENT will refer you to one, and you will be able to get some relief.

Other conditions that can cause your symptoms are vestibular neuritis, an infection of the inner ear nerve, and migraine associated vertigo. A neuro-oto can run some tests, such as an ENG, that will help diagnose and treat your condition.

Good luck and hang in there; it will get better.

willholl