Long term possible ETD, Sinus and Head pressure issues
Posted , 54 users are following.
I've had chronic tinnitus, ear popping and blocked feeling in my ears over the past 3 years (mainly inmy left ear). Alongside the discomfort, I've had with this issue, I've had various sinus pain and extreme facial pain for 3 weeks once when I literally thought I was having a hammer smashed against my head. also seen ENT and been on nasal steroids and sprays which didn't help in the long term.
The problem originally flared up when I had a bad head cold 3 years ago and that's when my ear ringing and popping started. I was on high dosage of inflammatory s for my head pain and it instantly disappeared almost immediately and never returned upto now.
I've now had a cold which seems to have lasted for 2 weeks. And my god its been a misery. I've had buffered hearing, difficultly popping my ears, head, facial, eye pressure and pain. My sinusus feel like they are going to pop out of my skull and I feel like I've been banged over the head whilst asleep. I've also had trouble sleeping for the past few weeks which doesn't help whatsoever.
From what I'm aware I've not got any allergies, I'm going back to ENT over the next few weeks so we'll see whats said. However last time I had a camera put into my sinuses and it was all clear the only thing suggested by ENT was possible tubes in my ears?
Wondering if anybody else has similar problems and any advice for me. I'm only 21 and looking to start my career over summer when I finish university and this has almost controlled my life for years.
6 likes, 101 replies
genny25800 Jacko1992
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Jacko1992
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The bad thing about all this for me is that I'm now used to living with these issues on a daily basis. Unless they are slightly worse or causing significant pain I've considerably learnt to cope with my ear, nose and head issues.
I've got and have used an ear popper but that was absolutely no use apart from when I've got a bad cold and my ears especially my left completely block up and I feel like I'm in a vacuum lol... Browny11 I was told exactly the same thing about my ears.. build up of wax etc. this is the first thing doctors say when they believe you have ear problems, I guess its the most common issue but sadly we have much more complex problems. I was also on the same sprays and drops as you about 2 years ago when this issue was only in its early stages but again it didn't help whatsoever and I continued to have the same problems.
I feel its hard for me to provide great advice because I'm still in the same position as you but suffering for much longer. I can only help you with coping stratagies at this point, if you ever have severe pain or pressure take Diclofenac anti inflammatories they literally saved my life a number of times.
Has anybody considered TMJ? This is an extremely complex issue that people generally don't think about until they are at their wits ends. Its all to do with pressure from your Jaw pushing onto nerves, tubes, sinues, caverties etc around your head. I actually believe part or all of my issue could be down to this. I have popping jaw issues, grinding my teeth and crunching/pain sometimes when I eat. This is something to read about and most definatly consider, it can affect the ears and e tube more than you will believe.
I'm currently not on any specific medication. I take Tesco's cold and flu tablets if I have any pressure behind my eyes (because its cheap) or standard ibeprofen or
paracetamol however diclofenac is in my draw just in case I ever get extreme pain. And this only occurs if I have a cold so generally I don't worry its just the day to day discomfort and irritation of ringing ears and popping. DON'T LET THIS TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE GUYS your not the only people living with this. Don't be beaten, carry on with your life and don't be fobbed off, its process of elimiation.
Give me a shout if you need anything.
carmel83758 Jacko1992
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reading or watching tv but the rest is too much of a struggle most of the time. I get fed up with the doctors because they do not look at the whole picture and use sense. Saw the doctor yesterday and he kept asking me questions like DO YOU GET NAUSEA. I had taken three different medications that can cause nausea and he knew this but it never occurred to him to allow that it was a side effect of that. He kept missing that a few weeks ago I had felt quite good and it had suddenly got much worse when I took three powerful probiotics. This is an important piece of info yet he kept ignoring it! It was driving me bonkers.
Jacko1992 carmel83758
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You have nothing to lose? You should tell them exactly how you feel and what you want to be done about it. They are getting paid a ridiculous amount of money to do this highly responsible job so they should take ownership, if not then tell somebody who can make a difference this information.
Tell me about your symptoms and how they occurred?
carmel83758 Jacko1992
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After a while on cimetridine I felt loads better and my headaches totally went for the first time. I felt so happy! I was able to work again and go out again. I had a word with the doctor and asked that he let me continue on them and why and he said yes. I told him that my research said I have silent acid reflux and this caused the headaches and sinus etc and he agreed. The one thing that helped me to work this out was that I had had a few days with no cimetridine and had had a glass of orange juice and woosh it had gone into my ear and I got a blocked painful ear from it. He agreed with me that as orange is acidy etc silent acid reflux.
He gave me anti biotics to clear the ear - it did not help. I also used an ear popper which may have helped. Took them for three weeks.
Then decided I would try to improve diet more and work on myself.
A week ago I felt reasonably well and was working again and going out again. Then I took three 20 billon probiotic capsules on TUESDAY EVENING and wednesday morning my stomach was in agony. I realised it was becauise of the biotics so tried to just live with it thinking it would pass but it just got worse and the headaches are awful too.
Tried the cimetridine, nexium, tramadol etc and none of it helps. So right now I cannot work or go out or do much cause my stomach hurts so much and so do my headaches. It gets me down too because I live on my own with no visitors.
Don't worry I tell the doctor exactly. I do a lot of research and I am quite forceful if I am sure about something. I write down my symptoms every day in my diary. I can see in my diary that a week ago I felt very well and this all changed due to taking those three strong biotic capsules.
I bet you wish you had not asked now Jacko but thanks for letting me tell you. How are you today?
Jacko1992 carmel83758
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Your situation sounds different to mine however I had never considered allergies etc that could contribute to my symptoms. It's something I definitely need to discuss. My problem is, which I'm happy to admit is accepting my issue. If it stays the same I've now learnt to pretty much live with it. It's just when it gets bad it really bothers me. I'm going to ENT in July and need to book an appointment with my dentist. But like you said, I'm on a high, starting my new career and graduation.
I'm not bad thanks, my ears are annoying me today cos I feel a little sniffly but I'm going out with my mates in the sun making the most of the weather. How are you?! Get out in the sun and have a cold beer it will do you good.
carmel83758 Jacko1992
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Jacko1992 carmel83758
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I get severe left sided headaches, like a migraine and sinus headache in one. Like somebody is pressing a hammer onto my head from the inside, it's awful and it makes my eyes water.
My pain comes on after sneezing sometimes when I've had a cold and it occurrs within literally seconds. I also get pain and pressure behind my eyes, blocked nose and ringing stuffy popping ears every day for the past 3 years. The headache only comes on very rarely, but I live with the other syptoms on a daily basis! Find something you enjoy to do, and focus on relieving stress and seek medical help in the background, exercise is good for stress and anxiety!!
carmel83758 Jacko1992
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genny25800 Jacko1992
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carmel83758 genny25800
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vince33798 Jacko1992
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Through research on this issue I found some postings that support the use of supplementation with NAC - N Acetylcysteine. Since supplementing with this amino acid I have experienced considerable relief.
Like many other people who have experienced this problem this has been the only supplement that I have found to date that works. Period.
Anyone else have the same experience?
carmel83758 vince33798
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vince33798 Jacko1992
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylcysteine
NAC promotes respiratory health and anti-mucus. In addition it helps to protect our bodyt and improve our immune system by increasing our most powerful antioxydant, glutithione.
Cysteine is a naturally occuring amino acid that is required in many biological systems. Cysteine is a nature mucasoid If this stuff really interests you like it does me then look up 23 proteinogenic amino acids.
As for "waisting your money", I can't speek for you but at 25$ CDN / bottle of 500mg 120 caps, it is worth my investment.
carmel83758 vince33798
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carmel83758 vince33798
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SunnyUK83 vince33798
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Trans fats are in things like biscuits, cake, burgers (like from McDonalds) fries /chips - crisps. All the yummy golden things
Think aminos help with inflammation as well. I know they are vital for creating or building a part of the myelin sheath surrounding neurons. (Health of your brain). Lots of good things about amino acids.