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Worried I may have AN

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ChronicWorrier:
Hello everyone,

By my name you can tell I'm a worrier but this time my worry has spiked.

So back in November of 2014 I went on a cruise. After the cruise I noticed I could hear my pulse in my right ear. Eventually it got worse. Once I looked it up I realized I had pulsatile tinnitus. Seeing that it was harmless I put my worries aside.

Last year at my annual checkup I told my doctor about it, she looked in my ears and didn't see anything. Now throughout the years it has gotten barely, it's gotten to the point where it can do days without happening. If it happens it means I'm usually annoyed.

Now recently (about a month ago) I had an ear ache in my left ear. I went to the doctor and she didn't see anything however she prescribed me some antibiotics since I do suffer from allergies. After that my ear didn't hurt anymore but it's been a downward spiral from there. I'm convinced something terrible is wrong and I can't take my mind off of it. Because of that my tinnitus has came back and I have headaches now plus mild vertigo (where the room doesn't spin but to bump) . At times I don't feel "right." I've been worrying  and this worry has caused me to have panic attacks. I talked to a nurse yesterday who said a lot of this maybe due to anxiety but I'm not sure.

I just want some advice, all of this is making me very sad.

Greece Lover:
There is only one thing to do here: go to a very good E N T Doctor.

CHD63:
Hi ChronicWorrier .....

First of all, take a deep breath.  The Internet/Google is a wonderful thing, but it can scare the socks off of us if we try to self-diagnose ourselves.

Some of your symptoms can be associated with an acoustic neuroma.  However, they can also be associated with several other conditions.  You do not mention any hearing loss, but some ANs do not present with hearing loss as a first symptom (mine did not).

For your own peace of mind, what you need is an MRI with contrast to rule out or confirm an acoustic neuroma.  It is important that it be done with contrast to be sure even a tiny AN can be seen.

Thoughts and prayers.

Clarice

mac84:
As the father of a daughter who has struggled with health anxiety for quite some time I'm going to err on the side of anxiety. It can cause so many physical problems!

But, as others have said, getting to an ENT and getting an MRI if warranted is the way to go.

In the event you do have an AN, you can handle it! It's not a death sentence and so many of us deal with it every day.  ;)

ChronicWorrier:
Thank you all for your wonderful answers!

My next primary care doctor's visit is next month. I'll ask if she can refer me to an ENT.

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