New Here and Seeking Support

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 .

 

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

 

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 ?

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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?