Unwell for 2 years. Pressure in ears and head. Very fatigued.
Posted , 63 users are following.
Looking for an opinion on my last 2 years of being ill. I'm 46 years old, male, and in a good state of fitness. I'm not over-weight, have never smoked, and rarely drink.
I've seen numerous doctors and don't seem to be any closer to a diagnosis. I started visiting my GP with what felt like a lingering flu. Early symptoms included being over tired, pressure in ears, and generally not feeling well. I'd been dealing with a very stressful business situation in the 12-18 months before the symptoms started and was advised that I was probably run-down. Each time I went to the doctor they would take a blood test. Over at least 6 tests they would always tell me something different, but it always seemed to be that I had some unknown virus. At times my blood cell count was too many white cells, or too many red cells. The frustration was they could never tell me what was wrong. I had stress tests for my heart, CT scan and MRI. All came back normal. During this period I would sometimes have 2-3 weeks where I felt normal and was able to work and exercise. These periods of good health never lasted. Fast forward to about 6 months ago. My [now new] doctor referred me to an endocrinologist as it was thought there may be a thyroid problem. My first test did indicate that I may be hypothyroid but they didn't want to give me any medication as they thought it wasn't required. I didn't get any better over the next few months with the same symptoms continuing - pressure in my head and ears, fatigued, unable to concentrate etc. At my next visit to the endocrinologist my thyroid function had worsened slightly and I was put on 50mg of euthyroxine. My blood pressure was also fluctuating a lot with periods where it was around 150/104. I was prescribed medication to try and bring this under control. Around 4 weeks ago I was on a trip away from home and started to feel really awful. I felt my head pressure was increasing and when I shut my eyes the only thing I could hear was my heart beating with a pulsing feeling my head. I had frequent hot flushes, dizzy spells, and never ending ear pressure. I was sleeping frequently for hours during the day, but struggling to get a good nights sleep, perhaps due to building anxiety about what was wrong with me.
Now back home, I went back to the doctor and explained how bad I was feeling. The main symptoms now being extreme fatigue, constant pressure in my ears, and a very strange feeling at the top of my head. I felt on a few occasions that I was going to faint, especially in the morning. I had tried exercising [cycling] one morning, and had to abandon after only a short time. I had also started to feel aches and pains in my legs and back. I explained to the doctor that the main symptoms that were worrying me were the inability to work [tired and no concentration span], the pressure in my head and ears, and the strange pounding sensation from my heart. I was thinking at this time that these may all be connected to being hypothyroid. The doctor ordered a new thyroid function test which came back right in the middle of the normal range. That has scared me as I feel dreadful, and have been pretty much consigned to bed for the last week. When I do get up I feel dizzy. My eyesight has changed. Hard to explain but it's just not feeling normal. I also feel that driving has a different sensation and I don't feel entirely safe. I still have episodes of feeling like I will faint, but never do. My doctor had asked me to take Zoloft [as she felt I was over anxious]. I didn't want to take them but did, thinking it would do no harm. The morning after taking it I felt even worse, with the dizzy feelings increased. Even 2 days later I still feel the effects.
I'm trying to find out what could cause my symptoms and came up with various reports on labyrinthitis. As this seems to be a viral problem that can cause the feeling of ear fullness it seems to be a possibility. It's all I've come up now that it doesn't look thyroid is the source of the problem. Right now, I'm in the worst health I've been in years. I can't work, exercise and need to sleep 4-5 hours during the day. I have constant ear pressure, pressure in my head, dizziness, lack of energy, and muscle pain. Can anyone suggest what this could be. It's been 2 years now and I just seem to get worse. Writing this from bed as I don't seem to have the energy to stand up.
2 likes, 115 replies
brenda76136 marcuscent
Posted
ri86477 brenda76136
Posted
Hi Brenda,
please could I get more information about this? I am in the UK. I am at the end of my rope with doctors here. Can you tell me exactly what I need to ask for. If I tell my GP that chronic Lyme will not show up with a Lyme test they will just mark my health file (one more time) with "hypochondriac internet self diagnosing neurotic fruitcake". Is there someone you can point me to that could help?
kyra26399 marcuscent
Posted
hey marcuscent I know it's been two years but did you ever get better.. I'm going thru the very same thing right now so I understand how you feel. Like you said you can't even explain it; I can relate. At first my doctor said my iron was too low. Start taking iron medication and I still feel the same. That was four months ago. I'm so ready to feel normal again. I understand how you feel all the way to the driving part. it's insane, I don't know what to do
Winkwink marcuscent
Posted
hey how are you doing? I am going through this and don't know how much more i cam handle i can no longer work and barley tale care of my kids pleaae help me
laureen42760 marcuscent
Posted
I've had almost identical symptoms for 15 months. I've seen numerous physicians from my PCP, urgent care to Otolarangylogist. Several antibiotics, Prednisone. Like you I'm getting worse. I am diabetic and had a heart attack and quadruple bypass 10 years ago . While trying to find out what is going on I had an MRI ordered by my new endocrinologist and they found a small tumor on my pituitary gland which caused a rare thyroid condition Central Hypothyroidism. My new Otolaryngolist also said I have mild Menieres. 4 new physicians seem to be getting a handle on this but my sister in law said they each have a piece of the puzzle but they're not putting the puzzle together and I'm in a downward spiral. As one of the patients replying to you said I fear driving and showering because of the dizziness, nausea and balance problems.
One thing i keep asking my physicians is that this started with an ear infection with fluid in my ears. I'd had a mylegram and had a spinal leak a few days before so they wanted to do a patch but couldnt because of the infection and being on antibiotics. I don't remember why the hospital admitted me overnight but there was an awful unidentifiable smell in the room and I asked to be released the next afternoon. I showered and washed my hair and as I've done since I was still in school I cleaned my ears with Qtips. I was 66 and I was shocked to see both Qtips were black. Since that day I have not had one teeny tiny bit of wax. For 15 months after this ear problem, after almost 60 years of always getting wax out of my ears, I no longer get any wax out of my ears. I've told all of my doctors that this cant be a coincidence but none of them think they're connected. I just saw my Otolarngologist and brought it up again because I read articles about wax blockage causing all these symptoms. He said I don't have a blockage. He's the one said I have mild Menieres Disease He just keeps telling me to watch my salt intake which I don't even like salty food and read labels.
I forgot to mention early on my hearing was tested and I was found to have low and high tone hearing deficiencies. I had the same results again a few months ago and I'd been
having problems hearing so I got hearing aids. Days when I'm so fatigued I fall asleep sitting up and don't put my hearing aids in the pain, nausea and dizziness are incapacitating. I just moved in May and not only am I not making much progress with unpacking and organizing my new house I am behind in doing 2018 taxes, changing my drivers license and registration and any paperwork including paying bills. I love to read but I cant concentrate and the same with watching TV. I don't drive much anymore and I feel like I have no life.
Does anyone else with these symptoms suddenly also find there's no wax in their ears anymore?
Winkwink laureen42760
Posted
did you ever get your spinal leak fixed?wondering of you symptoms are due to a slow leak
Muche laureen42760
Posted
I have been dealing with symptoms very similar to yours for more than 4 years. I have made numerous doctor visits to find out that everything was ok. I even ended up taking anti-depressants, but it didn't treat the cause of my ailments. Eventually, I took things into my own hands and became my own doctor, without relying on clinics or hospitals. I have narrowed this condition down to chronic sinus disease (not exactly sure what kind). The symptoms I had was daily present (on and off) back of head pressure around ears (almost headache but not quite), trouble concentrating, memorizing (short term memory), tiredness, sudden needs for sleep, fatigue, irritation to bright light, irritation to louder sounds. What cured me (not completely, still in the process) is a vegetable that anyone can find in their house. ONION!. Here is what you do with it. Cut the onion (the stronger the scent, the better) in rings of 5 millimeter thickness. Usually 3 to 5 rings. Place these rings on a long scarf (long enough that could go around your forehead and be wrapped). The onion rings should be placed on your forehead in the area above eyes. Wrap the scarf with onion before you go to sleep, and repeat this for 3 nights. Repeat more if needed (even during daytime). This has healed my sinuses, and the symptoms I previously had, have been decreased greatly. Also avoid cold and drink and eat warm food. I hope this will help you or anybody else reading it. Good luck.
Chose marcuscent
Posted
I've had the same issues for almost 4 year's, I've seen multiple doctors, ent, neurologist. vestibular therapist. I'm so frustrated. I'm about to see another ent and neurologist, I just keep praying I will find someone who cares enough to help me figure out what the heck is wrong with me.
Winkwink Chose
Posted
any luck? my new neurologist thinks i may not be getting enough blood to my brain i am having a CT with contrast to check the blood supplydo you have instagram?
Chose Winkwink
Posted
I've had ct scans, MRI, mra, ultrasound, all came back normal, I've also seen a blood specialist, on my 3rd ENT doctor. having a vng done next week, to see if I have a vestibular disorder.
macaulay84809 Chose
Posted
did you find out what is was?
Winkwink marcuscent
Posted
HI Just wanted to see if you were any better i have the same issues and its ruined my life i can no longer do the things i used to do
karolina81421 marcuscent
Posted
Similar story here! Still haven't figured out what's the problem but most likely temporomandibular disorders (TMD) considering my bruxism and jaw stiffness. I'm trying to relax my jaw and got a special night guard for teeth grinding. Alternative diagnosis would perhaps be the Eustachian tube dysfunction or otitis media with effusion. For a good piece of information in this regard google a medical paper called 'Clinical Manifestations of Aural Fullness.'
Also, check your symptoms against Meniere's disease?
eliseo71130 marcuscent
Posted
I have the same problems! Head pressure, facial tension, ear fullness/crackling! Heart palpitations, cold burning sensation in hands and feet!
doctors think its an inner ear infection! My blood test was fine. I didnt take an MRI or CT Scan.
its been a month and a half of these symptoms. The worst feeling is when Im feeling sleepy. I feel so lightheaded and like I can pass out. Normal.
And when I wake up, I have tons of pressure on the side of my face I slept on.
Whats that about?
My symptoms all started after having flu-like symptoms back in January.
Muche eliseo71130
Posted
I have been dealing with symptoms very similar to yours for more than 4 years. I have made numerous doctor visits to find out that everything was ok. I even ended up taking anti-depressants, but it didn't treat the cause of my ailments. Eventually, I took things into my own hands and became my own doctor, without relying on clinics or hospitals. I have narrowed this condition down to chronic sinus disease (not exactly sure what kind). The symptoms I had was daily present (on and off) back of head pressure around ears (almost headache but not quite), trouble concentrating, memorizing (short term memory), tiredness, sudden needs for sleep, fatigue, irritation to bright light, irritation to louder sounds. What cured me (not completely, still in the process) is a vegetable that anyone can find in their house. ONION!. Here is what you do with it. Cut the onion (the stronger the scent, the better) in rings of 5 millimeter thickness. Usually 3 to 5 rings. Place these rings on a long scarf (long enough that could go around your forehead and be wrapped). The onion rings should be placed on your forehead in the area above eyes. Wrap the scarf with onion before you go to sleep, and repeat this for 3 nights. Repeat more if needed (even during daytime). This has healed my sinuses, and the symptoms I previously had, have been decreased greatly. Also avoid cold and drink and eat warm food. I hope this will help you or anybody else reading it. Good luck.