Before I begin, I kindly ask that responses avoid comments like "you should have" or "they should have." I am already dealing with my own internal struggles over this.
In September and October, I experienced random bouts of tinnitus in my left ear, accompanied by pressure and pain. By early December, it became more persistent, so I saw a doctor who prescribed antibiotics. However, the pressure and pain persisted despite the treatment.
As I started researching tinnitus, I came across information about acoustic neuroma. Unfortunately, I had nearly all the symptoms associated with it, except for hearing loss. Despite this, I panicked and convinced my doctor to refer me for an MRI.
When I went for the MRI, the technicians had trouble properly fitting the earplugs in my right ear. Although I kept expressing concern, they assured me that the ear protection was correctly placed. The MRI was extremely loud, and when I came out, I noticed tinnitus in my right ear, which had not been present before.
Now, I have finished the antibiotics, and the tinnitus and discomfort in my left ear have mostly subsided. My wife reassured me that I did not have a tumor, and my doctor had advised me to wait until finishing the antibiotics before making further decisions. However, I was in such a state of panic that I went ahead with the MRI anyway. Now, I am left with profound regret, sadness, anger, and a deep sense of trauma over what happened, knowing I may have to live with this for the rest of my life.
It has been five days since the MRI, and the noise in my right ear has been constant. There is also some pain and a strange sensation in that ear. I spoke with a doctor virtually on the same day as the MRI, an ER doctor the following morning, and my family doctor after that. All three told me the same thing: nothing can be done. I asked about Prednisone, but each one declined to prescribe it. Whether it would have helped or not, I will never know.
Now, I am consumed with regret. My sleep is disrupted, the noise is constant regardless of the environment, and I keep replaying the MRI experience in my mind. I told them the ear protection was not properly fitted, but they assured me it was. It was not.
I spoke with a psychologist on Saturday, who told me that I made the decision based on what I thought was right at the time and that I need to forgive myself. However, it is incredibly challenging to do so, knowing I caused this and may have to live with it forever. I want to cry, and I have been trying hard not to break down in front of my kids.
That is my story and my deep regret: I wish I had waited a little longer. While the MRI showed no tumor, I now have this awful reminder of my decisions and mistakes.
In September and October, I experienced random bouts of tinnitus in my left ear, accompanied by pressure and pain. By early December, it became more persistent, so I saw a doctor who prescribed antibiotics. However, the pressure and pain persisted despite the treatment.
As I started researching tinnitus, I came across information about acoustic neuroma. Unfortunately, I had nearly all the symptoms associated with it, except for hearing loss. Despite this, I panicked and convinced my doctor to refer me for an MRI.
When I went for the MRI, the technicians had trouble properly fitting the earplugs in my right ear. Although I kept expressing concern, they assured me that the ear protection was correctly placed. The MRI was extremely loud, and when I came out, I noticed tinnitus in my right ear, which had not been present before.
Now, I have finished the antibiotics, and the tinnitus and discomfort in my left ear have mostly subsided. My wife reassured me that I did not have a tumor, and my doctor had advised me to wait until finishing the antibiotics before making further decisions. However, I was in such a state of panic that I went ahead with the MRI anyway. Now, I am left with profound regret, sadness, anger, and a deep sense of trauma over what happened, knowing I may have to live with this for the rest of my life.
It has been five days since the MRI, and the noise in my right ear has been constant. There is also some pain and a strange sensation in that ear. I spoke with a doctor virtually on the same day as the MRI, an ER doctor the following morning, and my family doctor after that. All three told me the same thing: nothing can be done. I asked about Prednisone, but each one declined to prescribe it. Whether it would have helped or not, I will never know.
Now, I am consumed with regret. My sleep is disrupted, the noise is constant regardless of the environment, and I keep replaying the MRI experience in my mind. I told them the ear protection was not properly fitted, but they assured me it was. It was not.
I spoke with a psychologist on Saturday, who told me that I made the decision based on what I thought was right at the time and that I need to forgive myself. However, it is incredibly challenging to do so, knowing I caused this and may have to live with it forever. I want to cry, and I have been trying hard not to break down in front of my kids.
That is my story and my deep regret: I wish I had waited a little longer. While the MRI showed no tumor, I now have this awful reminder of my decisions and mistakes.
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