Scared of Tinnitus :(

[Mrs_MustardSeed]

Since earlier in the year, I've been struggling with an on and off whooshing sound in my right ear. It sort of came out of nowhere, and initially I thought nothing of it. It went away for a couple months but has since returned. I don't hear it all the time, mainly when I'm home, and especially when I'm alone. Changing my posture or pressing on the right side of my neck usually stops the noise. It sounds like blood rushing in my ear and its on par with my heartbeat. I never hear it while I'm at work, or out and about enjoying my day which I find super strange. I googled it, and of course, I was met with two many causes to decipher what could be mine. Everything, ranging from an ear infection, being overweight (which I am, and working on), to aneurysms, vascular and ear tumors came up in a google search. I'm scared to go the doctor but I'm more scared of ignoring this issue. I'm fed up because I'm always worried about one health problem or another, and I never seem to catch a break. I combat symptom after symptom, and put out mental fire after mental fire...and something else undoubtedly pops up and makes me miserable. I have an appointment with the ENT on the 21st and I'm terrified. I know shes going to make me do a series of tests. I hate scans and body imaging of any sorts because I'm always scared of what will be found. Guess I just need some encouragement and positive words. Any and ALL will be appreciated. Thank you

 

[_Lukas]

I'm not sure what those symptoms are from, but hopefully your visit to the ENT will be able to give you some answers. I completely understand being freaked out by looking up symptoms online- Dr. Google is evil.

As someone who lives with a serious medical condition, I try to get in contact with my doctor or even my therapist before I resort to Googling symptoms, as hard as that is. It's definitely easier said than done, but it's no fun to scare the crap out of yourself either. My therapist is not a doctor, but she's been able to help me rationalize my way through health anxiety situations.

I don't know what other advice to offer, as I don't know what is causing your symptoms and I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I'm here to offer support and some positive energy. I hope your appointment goes well and that the wait beforehand isn't too painful. On this forum, we're always here to give support and kindness, even if we don't have any good advice, so you can always talk to us

 

[Rinka]

Gosh yea keep your distance from Dr Google.
An ear infection can come with tinnitus symptoms also anxiety can lead to it.
Usually chronic tinnitus comes from constant loud noise, such as too loud music regularly. Also injuries to the ear can lead to it.
But my bet is stress and maybe a cold or flu

 

[janemariesayed]

Since earlier in the year, I've been struggling with an on and off whooshing sound in my right ear. It sort of came out of nowhere, and initially I thought nothing of it. It went away for a couple months but has since returned. I don't hear it all the time, mainly when I'm home, and especially when I'm alone. Changing my posture or pressing on the right side of my neck usually stops the noise. It sounds like blood rushing in my ear and its on par with my heartbeat. I never hear it while I'm at work, or out and about enjoying my day which I find super strange. I googled it, and of course, I was met with two many causes to decipher what could be mine. Everything, ranging from an ear infection, being overweight (which I am, and working on), to aneurysms, vascular and ear tumors came up in a google search. I'm scared to go the doctor but I'm more scared of ignoring this issue. I'm fed up because I'm always worried about one health problem or another, and I never seem to catch a break. I combat symptom after symptom, and put out mental fire after mental fire...and something else undoubtedly pops up and makes me miserable. I have an appointment with the ENT on the 21st and I'm terrified. I know shes going to make me do a series of tests. I hate scans and body imaging of any sorts because I'm always scared of what will be found. Guess I just need some encouragement and positive words. Any and ALL will be appreciated. Thank you

I think you will be just fine, but to be sure you can always go and ask your doctor. He won't laugh at you as it is his job. Go and see him and tell him what you are experiencing and he will know if and when to run any tests. Try not to worry and good luck.

 

[Mrs_MustardSeed]

I think you will be just fine, but to be sure you can always go and ask your doctor. He won't laugh at you as it is his job. Go and see him and tell him what you are experiencing and he will know if and when to run any tests. Try not to worry and good luck.

Right! I really appreciate it. What's crazy about me is that I need to go to the doctor for reassurance, but I'm scared to go because I don't them to tell me something I don't want to hear. So I feel like...when does the fear stop? It's scary dealing with it, but it's much more scary ignoring it...nothing makes me feel relief until I go through all the testing and trials, and they finally tell me I'm fine; but through all of that I'm suffering. It's a vicious cycle.

 

[Mrs_MustardSeed]

Gosh yea keep your distance from Dr Google.
An ear infection can come with tinnitus symptoms also anxiety can lead to it.
Usually chronic tinnitus comes from constant loud noise, such as too loud music regularly. Also injuries to the ear can lead to it.
But my bet is stress and maybe a cold or flu

Hey! Thanks for the advice and positive words, they were much needed . I have a technical question. I didn't realize I wasn't able to create a user name, and I ended up putting my real name. I see there's no way to change it...so is it possible to deactivate this account and start or again? Or do I have to create another account? Thanks!

 

[Rinka]

Hey! Thanks for the advice and positive words, they were much needed . I have a technical question. I didn't realize I wasn't able to create a user name, and I ended up putting my real name. I see there's no way to change it...so is it possible to deactivate this account and start or again? Or do I have to create another account? Thanks!

You are very welcome.

In regards to the name change I just PMed you

 

[janemariesayed]

Right! I really appreciate it. What's crazy about me is that I need to go to the doctor for reassurance, but I'm scared to go because I don't them to tell me something I don't want to hear. So I feel like...when does the fear stop? It's scary dealing with it, but it's much more scary ignoring it...nothing makes me feel relief until I go through all the testing and trials, and they finally tell me I'm fine; but through all of that I'm suffering. It's a vicious cycle.

I always try not to worry too much about health. Hopefully, I'm in good enough health and won't go to a doc' unless I'm really believing something isn't right. Thankfully I don't get hypochondria with my anxieties. It sounds like a horrible thing to have to be anxious about. We are always here for you to come and have a chat any time you need to.