New Here and Seeking Support

[Adrienne]

Hi all .
I have had T for years . But only recently the fullness became quite bothersome . I always have kind of just learned to live with T. But the fullness seemed to make it worse . On top of all this I am a super anxious person. I went to the primary doctor and he said I had fluid behind or near my ear drum and that I needed antibiotics . 6 days in my balance seems to be recovering ( I was kind of dizzy) but the fullness is still there . I am convinced there's something awfully wrong. And my anxiety over all of this has been really effecting my outside life . Quite depressing. Haven't been able to exercise and energy has been super low . Any one else experience similar things ? Just happy to have found this support forum . Please help . I feel like I'm alone out in the world while everyone is just carrying on so easily. Feels almost like I'm somewhere else .

 

[glynis]

Hi Adrienne,
It can take a while for fluid to go but medication and antibiotic drops can help and in some cases grommets fitted.
Try stay calm and relaxed as tinnitus might get louder.
I would see your doctor if the pressure is still their in a few days....lots of love glynis

 

[Adrienne]

Thank you . It's a very scary feeling. I'm having a hard time being out in public as I feel cloudy and anxious. I am definitely going to see a specialist after I finish my antibiotics . Hoping to get better soon what is grommets ?

 

[Mad maggot]

GP can't say you have fluid behind your ear drum. They can't see it. I had been seeing ear specialist for my strange symptoms and was due for testing with frenzle goggles and other stuff. The day before my test I went to GP for unrelated problems and she asked about my ear/eye/brain symptoms. I explained what I was experiencing, she looked in my ear and said: "you simply have fluid behind your eardrum. What a lot of fuss! Dry that up and your symptoms will disappear." Next day at ear specialist I told them what she said. They took another look in my ear and did a couple tests and laughed!! They said there certainly is no fluid behind your eardrum, that would have been picked up in your first ENT visit. A GP cannot see fluid behind your eardrum - they don't have the necessary equipment."
If I were you I would go to a proper ear doc. GP's know smattering of generalised things but if you have an ear problem an ear (ENT) knows best.

 

[Adrienne]

Hello, thanks for your reply. Well , he said he saw what looked to be like white puss . Or an infection rather . Compared to my good ear he said that the right had an infection I have seen an ent once in the last for t .. And never really followed up. He said it was probably my sinuses etc . And for years I have been fine . This doctor gave me the Antib and also a steroid . To take down any inflammation or swelling if drainage was blocked. I felt better for a couple days but the pressure is still there and today doesn't seem to be going away at all . Usually by mid day it starts to fade and comes back the next morning. Sigh. I am so frustrated . I feel like I can't even live normally. Have you heard much about anxiety related to inner ear issues on these forums ? I'm wondering if I'm making it worse myself by worrying so much . But I just don't feel present at all. So caught up in the feeling and worries of what may be wrong

 

[glynis]

Grommets are tiny little tubes placed in your ear drum to allow fluid drain out of your ear.
Easily fitted with no pain as can use numbing spray .
My hubby might need one also....lots of love gynis

 

[Adrienne]

Hi Glynis,
Ah yes I have recently read of procedures like that. T is def louder since this issue . My white noise app doesn't even seem to help anymore . Even right up close to my head at night . Crazy how much these little issues can effect so much . I'll keep u posted on what the doctor says

 

[Teri]

I agree with Mad Maggot that an ENT is better trained to deal with ear issues.

 

[Forever hopeful]

Hi@Adrienne,

I have eaustacian tube dysfunction related to bad allergies and a little TMJ , as I have Invisalign and grind when they are in. Horrible habit and can't wait until I am done with treatment as I do not grind my teeth. Anyway, both cause horrific fullnres in the ears. It is super uncomfortable and at times down right painful. It causes me anxiety too but mostly b/c it reminds me of my Tinnitus. Have you considered some short term medication for your anxiety. Maybe until your infection clears. I am new to T only about 5 weeks now but have heard from many on this forum that stress and anxiety can lead to increased Tinnitus.

 

[Adrienne]

Hello Forever ,
I have actually taken anxiety medicine in the past and had an unpleasant experience . It was with anti depressants . I'm a bit of a naturalist and taking these steroids and antibiotics was a huge stretch for me . I was desperate. I am curious about your tube disfunction? Sinus issues run in my family and I feel like this is more than just an ear infection . As I feel pressure in my jaw and under eye etc. I wonder if my tube is not draining properly. My tinnitus is crazy loud . I've always learned to deal with it but ever since this pressure situation it really seems worse . Thanks for your reply . Tell me more about how you discovered your tube issues?