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Labyrinthitis for 3 Months

Posted , 2 users are following.

ak2019
ak2019

Hi All,

New member here. I come here in desperation to share my experience and hopefully seek some comfort.

February:

  • Got a terrible viral infection in late February (worst I've ever had!) and subsequently I developed Labyrinthitis .
  • Main symptoms: very bad balance, fullness in ears, ear pain, strained eyes & "brain fog". Strangely no dizziness, headaches or vertigo.

April:

  • Saw an ENT specialist. He gave me the Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises, which I tried to do each day.
  • Main symptoms: very bad balance, fullness in ears & a little eye strain.
  • Severity went down from 10/10 to around 7/10.

May:

  • Saw ENT again. He said as there's been little improvement in 3 months, with no vertigo, headaches or dizziness - he described my Labyrinthitis as being "atypical".
  • ENT referred me for an MRI next month (although he says its unlikely to show anything).
  • Started suffering severe anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
  • Some days my balance is ok, and some days its extremely bad. Seems to change on a daily basis.

I have set down my situation in a lot of detail - would be great to know if anyone has experienced something similar. I kinda feel like my life is ruined at this point, with no light at the end of the tunnel...

Thanks

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • shez02356
    shez02356 ak2019

    Posted

    Hi!

    I had very similar symptoms to you; brain fog, dizziness, feeling off balanced, ear pain, fullness in ear, tinnitus, hearing feeling muffled and popping, crackling and clicking. It started in my right ear. I went to the doctors at least 4 times where they gave me different nasal sprays and antihistamines, the symptoms carried on. After 8 months, it started in my left ear. I then got a referral to an ENT specialist who did an MRI scan which was normal. They diagnosed me with ETD Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. They said the only thing that would have a slight chance was if I had the grommet operation. I had this operation in both ears. My hearing no longer felt muffled and there was no fullness in my ears which took away the pressure. 2 weeks after, the pain came back. I had the op February this year and I had a follow up beginning of July and a specialist said it cant be ETD! I went back to my GP and after about 3 visits they are finally getting me a 2nd opinion.

    Be persistent with the doctors don't let them fob you off with 'take these painkillers and come back in a few weeks/months' you know your body better than anyone! If you get a referral make sure you see the same doctor every time. I had the first doctor tell me the operation was my only option and the second one told me not to have it and to just take painkillers!

    Even the surgeon before the operation said 'you do know this wont work do you'!!!!

    I hope this helps you and I really do feel your pain. Stay strong and don't let it drag you down.

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