Oh My! How do I start.....

[philbytx]

I went in to my GP then an ENT specialist with ear problems 4 years ago and they gave me an MRI, thought it COULD be MS but I ended up being diagnosed with Meniere's disease. Nothing spotted on the MRI then. I only had one bad vertigo episode before this diagnosis and it was on a plane and my wife was with me. It scared the Beejezus out of me it did! I have since discovered that my sister has Menieres but in her left ear...mine is in my right. I have lived with Tinnitus (sometimes quite bad) for years now and had the "fullness" behind the ear and also have sinus issues to boot!
 
About a year ago, in my "bad" right ear, I noticed a very faint whooshing sound that came and went. Now it is loud and with me full time, along with a lot of other assorted whining and screeching sounds. I assume the whooshing is the blood flow from an artery being pressed into my ear canal as it beats with my heart.  I really notice it at night, when all is quiet, and has woken me up at times.
When this latest episode (worsened sounds) started after a plane ride back from a trip to the UK, I went to the ENT specialist  (a couple of weeks ago) and he tested my hearing and said it was worse than it should be given my tests 4 years ago. He looked at my old MRI's and said let's go for another one. I said before we go that route, was there something else it could be and he said given the airplane scenario, it could well be a blocked Eustachian tube. He gave me some nasal spray and set me up with an appt for Jan 21st and if it hadn't improved, he wanted me to go in for an MRI. Well, this is starting to get me down and it is not getting any better, in fact it is getting worse. I find myself being tired and in the last couple of days, the RH side of my face has become a little numb, my neck aches, I've had a couple of headaches, noticed I am drooling a little and I have numbness at the back of my right ear and my right side scalp. I do have hearing in the ear, it just sounds wooly and I cannot hear high pitched sounds.
 
I believe these are pretty much textbook symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma but they COULD be a combination of a mastoid/inner ear infection coupled with a looped artery. The only way to tell is for me to have a brain MRI with contrast, compare it with my earlier MRI and, if there is an AN, I understand they can usually spot it. I am seeing the specialist on Tuesday......

I am a 62yo Colon cancer survivor with a positive outlook! My darling wife is just recovering from breast cancer...she had a bilateral mastectomy, chemo and is on oral drugs for another 3.5 years. This we didn't need but I am prepared for an AN, REALLY would like an alternate diagnosis but, whatever it is, I want to beat it.  We've been through worse......with the only good news being that if it is an AN, it usually isn't cancerous!

This site has been a blessing......thank you all 

[Vivian B.]

Hello,

You are right, your symptoms do sound like an AN, but you also have menieres and therefore, the symptoms could be just that. It is good that you considered another MRI as it is better to know. I know it is disconcerning but sounds like you have been through worse. Although it's hard not to worry, believe  me I know, at least you know that if it is an AN, it is treatable and benign. Please let us know the results and wish your wife the best on her recovery.


Vivian

[leapyrtwins]

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

The only way to get a definitive diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma is to have an MRI - usually with gadolinium contrast.  Sounds like you're already on that path and will know shortly whether you have one or not. 

As you say most ANs are benign (99.9% in fact) so there are worse things in life, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that you don't have one.  If it turns out that you do, you've definitely come to the right place.  The Forum is full of great people who will offer you lots of support.

Congratulations on being a colon cancer survivor and best wishes to your wife in her recovery.

Please let us know what your MRI results show.

Best,

Jan

[CHD63]

Adding my welcome to this forum of caring, supportive people.  I, as well, hope it is not an AN, but if it is you have come to the right place for loads of support.

Be sure to let us know how you are doing.

Thoughts and prayers for both you and your wife.

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Hello and welcome, Phil ~

Thanks for joining us, although my hope is that the upcoming MRI scan doesn't indicate that you have an acoustic neuroma.  However, even if it does, it is likely small and quite treatable.  As you know (and others have stated) these tumors are almost never malignant and after what you've been through, (colon cancer) may not be all that daunting - but still, who needs this?  However, a positive attitude is invaluable when dealing with any problem, especially medical issues that can impact your quality of life.  I'm glad the ANA website and discussion forums have been helpful to you and I look forward to seeing your next post and the results of the MRI scan. 

Jim

[Kaybo]

Just a little welcome from another Texan!  Let me know if I can help you in any way...

K   

[suboo73]

Hi Phil!

Welcome to the Forum!  Aren't the folks here FANTASTIC?!

I am here with my sister and because (of) my sister.  Her diagnosis led me to my own MRI w/contrast and i am grateful to HER ENT for recognizing the symptoms.
--------------
I agree with Jan - you have already been thru alot but sure know how to handle things, especially with a positive attitude!
Please keep us posted on your progress.

And best wishes for a happy new year for you and your wife!
Sincerely,
Sue

[philbytx]

Firstly, God Bless you all.......!
Just got off the phone with my ENT's office...the MRI is looking good, but the ENT wants to see me tomorrow to review my issues, symptoms and options! I wept.......

After the CT at my ENT"S office yesterday, which showed no major bone/vascular issues, I went to Sendero Labs in San Antonio for the MRI. My ENT viewed the CD last night and the reading came back from the Radiologist this morning. Evidently showing no major issues. I'll have a fuller understanding of my situation tomorrow morning but my ENT wanted to give me my breathing back ASAP !!

My symptoms are unchanged (Loss of hearing acuity, constantly pulsating tinnitus, numbness around ear, face and scalp and they are not any better (nor any worse!), so there is definitely something amiss! But, it appears, it is not an AN more likely my Meniere's worsening coupled with something else...whatever the something else is!
 
However, as much as I like and trust my ENT (Dr. Michael Gnuechtel, I will prolly send everything off for a second look/opinion, just to settle my mind!

[lawmama]

I am so happy that you do not have an AN!!!!  That's great news.  I don't blame you for asking for a second opinion, but it sounds like you have escaped this dreaded diagnosis.  I hope that whatever IS causing the symptoms is something easily treatable.  It sounds as if you have been through enough.  My prayers are with you!

Lyn

[lori67]

Hi Phil and a belated welcome to the forum!  I'm happy to hear you can't fully be a part of the AN family - but an honorary member and friend!   

I'm glad your MRI came back clear.  I know it must be frustrating not knowing what's causing your symptoms, but I hope you'll get to the bottom of it soon.  Sounds like your family has been through enough already.

Good luck to you!
Lori

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Phyl ~

Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to update the folks on this forum, especially considering the angst you're dealing with.  I'm certainly glad to learn the MRI scan didn't indicate an acoustic neuroma or other brain related problem but seeking a 'second opinion' is always prudent.  I can only hope and pray that the doctors will soon locate the actual cause of your symptoms so that they can be addressed.  Meanwhile, please don't feel as if you can't post messages here.  You're a friend of our 'family' and we want to support you as you struggle with and seek a solution to your medical problems.  We know what it's like and we want to help in any way we can. 

Jim

[pjb]

I am so glad that it appears you do not have an AN you and your wife have been through so much already. I am sure you already know about your salt intact with having Meniere's disease but have you maybe had a little too much salt ? I know my coworker has to be very careful and it does make a big difference in how she feels when she cheats with the salt.  Also there was a medication her doctor put on for the vertigo I forgot the name that helped her tremendously during the difficult bouts she had until it was under control. Hoping they can find the cause and it is just something minor and can be treated.

Best Wishes,

Pat