Tinnitus, Deafness and Ear Problems Support Group
This group is for those coping with Tinnitus (ringing ears or ear noise), hearing loss, and all ear issues. Join to find support and get advice from others.
Hello everyone,
I thought I would post to let those who have been following my endeavors regarding my tinnitus, with the out come of my neurologist appt this week..
My neurologist listened to my concerns about my new symptom of sudden onset of more intense tinnitus then stated tinnitus is a very common disorder, adding she also has tinnitus...
She asked if I saw an ENT, which I did with a normal exam and hearing, she reviewed my past history, including my past MRIs, she looked over my new history, since I have not seen her in 3 years, she asked if I had any other new symptoms, which I stated no, asked how my migraines and neuropathy, have been, which the neuropathy is the same, migraines a bit better, then she did a physical neurological exam, which was completely normal.
The nurse took my BP, it was 138/78. My neurologist stated that reading is not considered a danger, however if it has read higher than 120/80 over three consecutive times, it is to be considered high, and I should trust my family doctor and take the BP mediation.
She asked how I sleep, noting I was extremely anxious, and said sleep depravation, anxiety, and depression can all constitute to tinnitus, as well as my extreme vitamin D deficiency, which was determined in blood work. I told her I have just started taking prescription D for that deficiency.
I informed her I have been under a great deal of stress caring for an elderly mother with many medical needs alone with no siblings in the area, and have had to work only part time, but the past two months have not worked due to anxiety, and the T.
She did not seem overly concerned about my new symptom of tinnitus, stating if I wished to have a repeat MRI to put my mind at ease she would order one, however she did not feel it necessary.
Also she knows that MRIs, as well as waiting for results, have been stressful for me, and I am having other tests done next week in other matters with the urologist, causing me much worry as it is at this time.
We decided that I should continue taking the vitamin D, try to lower my anxiety, and not have the MRI, unless I decide otherwise, and see her in two months for a follow up on the matter.
(She did appear very convinced that an unhealthy diet, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and severe deficiency in vitamin D, played a role in all of my symptoms.) She stated anxiety my worst culprit, and I should really consider taking medication to reduce my anxiety, and try harder to be less fearful of medications that can aide in making me feel better.
So, it appears now, that I have had the entire work up needed to possibly diagnose the cause of my sudden onset of tinnitus. Including my family doctor, his assistant, audiologist, ENT, and neurologist which all claim my tinnitus, more than less idiopathic, as far as tests and exams can show.
My audiologist, ENT, and neurologist all also stated they have tinnitus.
Well.....I dont feel all that much better mind or body.
I guess magically I thought if the fear of a severe disease was dismissed by my ENT, and my neruo, Hoping, I would feel less anxious, less worried, and more excepting of this sudden upset of tinnitus, I have now had two months...Yikes, its been two months already.
However, presently at this moment, after a extremely bad night of waking up many times with the loud hissing, high pitched, even at times making me feel in a state of Panic last night. This was due to the extreme high pitched loud noise in both my ears, unfortunately I still have underling fears of what is really causing my tinnitus. Why does it become SO BAD, when I am sleeping?????
I wonder, Oh my gosh, what if it gets worse, I still am avoiding certain foods and things that I fear might trigger, as well as trying things that might help my T.
But it seems truly nothing influences my tinnitus either way, for better or for worse, except for it truly becomes louder when I sleep.
I always have pronounced loud tinnitus upon awakening, as I have said over and over again, then it lets up after I am up and about. However my tinnitus is always with me during the day too, at some level, with different humms, hisses, rings, crackles two..I can deal with the noise, sometimes it seems almost at bay, I like those times.
The only significant change that appears to increase my tinnitus, is that it gets worse when I sleep, and I surly cant give up sleeping can I?
Thanks for reading,
Pattylyn
I thought I would post to let those who have been following my endeavors regarding my tinnitus, with the out come of my neurologist appt this week..
My neurologist listened to my concerns about my new symptom of sudden onset of more intense tinnitus then stated tinnitus is a very common disorder, adding she also has tinnitus...
She asked if I saw an ENT, which I did with a normal exam and hearing, she reviewed my past history, including my past MRIs, she looked over my new history, since I have not seen her in 3 years, she asked if I had any other new symptoms, which I stated no, asked how my migraines and neuropathy, have been, which the neuropathy is the same, migraines a bit better, then she did a physical neurological exam, which was completely normal.
The nurse took my BP, it was 138/78. My neurologist stated that reading is not considered a danger, however if it has read higher than 120/80 over three consecutive times, it is to be considered high, and I should trust my family doctor and take the BP mediation.
She asked how I sleep, noting I was extremely anxious, and said sleep depravation, anxiety, and depression can all constitute to tinnitus, as well as my extreme vitamin D deficiency, which was determined in blood work. I told her I have just started taking prescription D for that deficiency.
I informed her I have been under a great deal of stress caring for an elderly mother with many medical needs alone with no siblings in the area, and have had to work only part time, but the past two months have not worked due to anxiety, and the T.
She did not seem overly concerned about my new symptom of tinnitus, stating if I wished to have a repeat MRI to put my mind at ease she would order one, however she did not feel it necessary.
Also she knows that MRIs, as well as waiting for results, have been stressful for me, and I am having other tests done next week in other matters with the urologist, causing me much worry as it is at this time.
We decided that I should continue taking the vitamin D, try to lower my anxiety, and not have the MRI, unless I decide otherwise, and see her in two months for a follow up on the matter.
(She did appear very convinced that an unhealthy diet, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and severe deficiency in vitamin D, played a role in all of my symptoms.) She stated anxiety my worst culprit, and I should really consider taking medication to reduce my anxiety, and try harder to be less fearful of medications that can aide in making me feel better.
So, it appears now, that I have had the entire work up needed to possibly diagnose the cause of my sudden onset of tinnitus. Including my family doctor, his assistant, audiologist, ENT, and neurologist which all claim my tinnitus, more than less idiopathic, as far as tests and exams can show.
My audiologist, ENT, and neurologist all also stated they have tinnitus.
Well.....I dont feel all that much better mind or body.
I guess magically I thought if the fear of a severe disease was dismissed by my ENT, and my neruo, Hoping, I would feel less anxious, less worried, and more excepting of this sudden upset of tinnitus, I have now had two months...Yikes, its been two months already.
However, presently at this moment, after a extremely bad night of waking up many times with the loud hissing, high pitched, even at times making me feel in a state of Panic last night. This was due to the extreme high pitched loud noise in both my ears, unfortunately I still have underling fears of what is really causing my tinnitus. Why does it become SO BAD, when I am sleeping?????
I wonder, Oh my gosh, what if it gets worse, I still am avoiding certain foods and things that I fear might trigger, as well as trying things that might help my T.
But it seems truly nothing influences my tinnitus either way, for better or for worse, except for it truly becomes louder when I sleep.
I always have pronounced loud tinnitus upon awakening, as I have said over and over again, then it lets up after I am up and about. However my tinnitus is always with me during the day too, at some level, with different humms, hisses, rings, crackles two..I can deal with the noise, sometimes it seems almost at bay, I like those times.
The only significant change that appears to increase my tinnitus, is that it gets worse when I sleep, and I surly cant give up sleeping can I?
Thanks for reading,
Pattylyn
Are you taking anything for your anxiety? My anxiety came from tinnitus not the other way around.
I find it really hard to deal with everyone telling me they have tinnitus too, "have to listen for it"....well if you have to listen for it, I don't consider that they same level as what I experience as mine is a dentist drill in my head 24/7, no need to listen for it, it's there alright. I hope you don't feel your doctors pooh-poohed you, I feel mine do...all but my gp, she listens and does try to help me. Prescribing anti-anxiety was her idea and while it hasn't helped the tinnitus I don't have the panicky fight or flee reaction that I used to. I hope somebody will help you with the anxiety because of T, not T because of anxiety.
Sue
To answer your questions. I do sort of feel my doctors blew me off a bit in regard to my worries with T.
I think they place much blame on my anxiety as well. I am not saying my anxiety does not contibute to increasing many disorders, including T., but it appears doctors assume, "Its mainly my neveres!"
I was prescribed xanax for anxiety, as needed, and have taken it just twice, but that is not worth speaking of to see if it helps calm me, or help my T.
To actually reduce my anxiety, as well as now my more distinct obsessing and depression the past approx year, I am sure I need to take some form of medication such as an anitdepressant, and possibly a short term use of antianxiety medication, to get back on track.
Its hard to even get healthy "naturally" now by walking, reading, listening to calming music, and so on, due to my body is to wound up, and so off physically and mentally.
I don't know if any of you have ever been at this point or not, where medication appears to be my only hope. I am already in therapy, have been for 2 years, I try to eat healthy, work out, but it all goes to pot, due to ??????? I do have many life trials and tribulations the past 5 years, with job loss, and the ongoing caring for my elderly ill mom, in addition to some other things, which add to it. All in all, I am burnt out sort of speak. I do try to recognize my blessings, and carry on, but it is hard.
As far as the tinnitus, getting used to it, I think might be possible, however in my case as I am sure many of you, find it hard to "just get used to."
My T, appears to have its "flares" out of the blue, and the higher pitched frequencies that come often make me weary of being able to just ignore it completely. Those high nosies that come on fast and loud, are alarming, and alsmost make me feel "funny." Not acutally dizzy, but since the noise is so high, like I want to just knock my head against the wall to rid the high pitch. Like in a horror movie when a space ship lands making a terrilbe high noise and eveyone on earth has to plug their ears, then pass out from the high sound. Ykes, thats what it seems like, really.
Fans, water running, and distractions don't seem to mask the intense high pitched noises I have at times.
I found the white noise also makes that high pithced worse as well.
Xanax, as I hear, can aide in reducing anxiety, and help deal with T., however I have also read much stating it a very addictive medication, that can lead to more problems then good.
But, at this time, with so much going on for me, getting used to T., tests, and caring for my elderly ill mother, maybe if I take it, not overuse it, and see if I can at least get back on track, knowing it is addictive, and not to be misused or overused, it would be a good idea for me.
I can switch to a different medication, if I find reducing my anxiety from xanax help, with a lesser addiction rate. Or take the xanax as needed, and maybe never need to up the dose. I won't know unless I try and see.
I am still very unsettled with having this unset of T., it is very annoying, and some fears as I mentioned exsist, even with the doctors input. Have any of you even felt this way?
Thanks for putting up with me, and giving me support. I truly appreciate it.
I am truly trying to take all of your good advice and make good choices to feel better.
Pattylyn
I do not nor never have wondered if the t means there is something else wrong with me....if there were it may be a blessing in disguise.
I hate taking meds too but the last 6 years have had Rheumatoid Arthritis so I have gotten used to taking very toxic meds just so I can get out of bed...thus my fear of meds have been reduced as I have no quality of life without them. Now add T and back to very low quality.
I take amtriptyline for anxiety and sleep. It helps with the sleep.
Sue
While doctors, trained to perpetually "treat" tinnitus (or what have you), "the condition", these practitioners, trained to understand that each part of the body effects the whole and whole health, investigate tinnitus, "the symptom of underlying systemic" imbalance.
The bottom line about tinnitus that most sufferers seem doomfully destined to never really consider is that it isn't a result of not taking X or Y drug, or Z surgery. By extension, taking those drugs or surgeries can never be the right answer.
What it is the result of varies profoundly, tinnitus being perhaps the most chameleon-like of all modern-day maladies.
However, the good news for virtually any tinnitus sufferer, is that it virtually always improves with improved health and if you live in the increasingly artificial modern-world I live in today, there are more things you can do daily to improve your health and, in turn, improve your tinnitus. This is why, in my opinion, education is so much more powerful in the long-term than medication.
The key to overcoming your tinnitus is short order (how short will depend on how many days, months or years it's been festering) is to uncover the causes underlying your particular case and making the lifestyle changes and using the natural therapies that are designed to ameliorate these.
I understand you've been proactive in this way, making dietary adjustments and monitoring your results. While this is a step in the right direction, in my opinion, it's a good idea to take some time to clearly define your problem (as best as you can, at least) before you start taking remedial actions.
I found this article helpful for this purpose: http://tinnitusstop.com/tinnitus-natural-treatment/tinnitus-natural-cure/
As far as the sleeping goes, what has worked for me and anyone I know whose tried it, is taking a hot bath before bed with natural aromatic oils while listening to soft soothing music. (Baroque classical is particularly helpful for getting your mind into a calm and collected state). Follow this with an herbal tea formulation that is a natural sedative, such as hops. If you're really in need of a knockout punch, drink warm unpasteurized, organic milk instead. This was a common sleep aid when milk came daily to your doorstep in glass (BPA free) jars and sleeping pills were the stuff of science fiction.
All the best.
Just wondering about your neuropathy. I tend to think more along the lines that my Tinnitus is related to my neuropathy for a few reasons. I just wanted to recomend lyrica. It has definitley helped, not so much with the levels or even the neuropathy that I have. But it has helped with my mood and also with I want to say ignorance of the T. I have issues with laying down, but they have to do with my neuropathy. Sometimes causing me to get up several times a night. The Neurologist I saw at OHSU prescribed the lyrica. My Neuro prescribed Vicotin. I take it when I need to relax. I could probably do the Xanax but worry about the addictive/withdrawal issues.
I am suprised your neuro didnt put you on some kind of neurontin or lyrica for your neuropathy....
Pat
http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/treatments/sugar_met.aspx
http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/treatments/diet.aspx
I guess it's definitely worth a try!
Shekinah