Guest guest Posted August 18, 2007 Report Share Posted August 18, 2007 How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup visits. Next visit is not until Nov. update on Dizziness Hi all,About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like I"m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date but the 27th is the best they can do.In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be "old" and just stop working:-(If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in advance.Elke Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2007 Report Share Posted August 18, 2007 You are very fortunate, , s Hopkins is rated #1 on the US News & World Report Best Hospitals 2007 list in the Ear Nose & Throat Category! Here's the link: http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/search.php?spec=ihqotol & The sidebar on this US News page has a Search By State option also that is helpful. I'm new to this group and to c-tomas, I was just diagnosed last week with one in my left ear. I'm very thankful for this group and all the excellent advice! Elke, I don't know your situation because I just joined and picked up your message thread today. Have you had a CT scan of your ear and audiology test yet? That will save time if you have that done before your appointment with the ear surgeon. It might also help the doctor see if there's anything going on with a carotid artery while they're evaluating your middle ear. I'm not a doctor but I believe the carotid artery runs through the middle ear cavity and provides blood flow to the middle ear, brain and heart. I'd be checking that out with the cardiologist who implanted your pacemaker and also with the ear surgeon. Does your regular ENT have you on antibiotics for the ear discharge or are they normally prescribed for c-tomas or is that not a good idea with a pacemaker... I've much to learn. You're absolutely right, your heart should not be considered " old " at 52! With the dizziness and facial numbness you described, I'd be calling other hospitals & describing the symptoms. Ask your cardiologist to fast-track a referral for you if possible. Also, I'm told that otologists/neurotologists are the most knowledgeable about cholesteatomas, usually more than ENT docs or otolaryngologists, since otologists focus only on treatment of diseases of the ear. Best of luck to you! Blessed weekend to everyone! Marie > > How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup visits. Next visit is not until Nov. > > > update on Dizziness > > Hi all, > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I " m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do. > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be " old " and just stop working:-( > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance. > Elke > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ > Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase. > http://farechase./ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2007 Report Share Posted August 18, 2007 *Hi Elke, This doctor at WVU has pretty impressive credentials: J Wetmore MD Hopefully he'll be involved with your care - either directly or assisting a younger doctor (he is the department chair). He did additional study at the same place where Dr. Hirsch in Pittsburgh (my otologist/neurotologist) did. I hope that the coming week passes quickly for you. Perhaps you should touch base with your family doctor and ask them to give the folks at WVU a patient history. Matt * Wann wrote: > How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma > removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup > visits. Next visit is not until Nov. > > update on Dizziness > > Hi all, > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I " m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do. > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be " old " and just stop > working:-( > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance. > Elke > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user > panel > <http://us.rd./evt=48516/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_panel_\ invite.asp?a=7%20> > and lay it on us. > -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2007 Report Share Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Elke I hope you end up feeling much better. I had some of the same things as far as the bleeding from the ear and not quite the facial numbness, but the whole right side of my face hurt very very bad 2 years ago on Chrstmas Eve. I went to the emergency room got on meds and they set up an appointment to see a specialist I was told that I had c-toma and the surgeon said if I don't have the surgery there is a possibility of the eardrum bursting. I was very dizzy for me it was only a month but that is still a very long time to have the dizziness. I am from the west coast though in Portland, Oregon. The surgeon that did the surgery on my ear is Mrs. Cleland Zumudio I believe that is the correct spellilng. I am not sure what her number is just yet but if anyone reading this would lke her number for surgery then send me an email at BCTIGUY3@... I hope you feel better very soon Elke and definately take it easy and get the surgery it will help out a lot. adsatlanta <mariehicks@...> wrote: You are very fortunate, , s Hopkins is rated #1 on the US News & World Report Best Hospitals 2007 list in the Ear Nose & Throat Category! Here's the link:http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/search.php?spec=ihqotol & The sidebar on this US News page has a Search By State option also that is helpful. I'm new to this group and to c-tomas, I was just diagnosed last week with one in my left ear. I'm very thankful for this group and all the excellent advice!Elke, I don't know your situation because I just joined and picked up your message thread today. Have you had a CT scan of your ear and audiology test yet? That will save time if you have that done before your appointment with the ear surgeon. It might also help the doctor see if there's anything going on with a carotid artery while they're evaluating your middle ear. I'm not a doctor but I believe the carotid artery runs through the middle ear cavity and provides blood flow to the middle ear, brain and heart. I'd be checking that out with the cardiologist who implanted your pacemaker and also with the ear surgeon. Does your regular ENT have you on antibiotics for the ear discharge or are they normally prescribed for c-tomas or is that not a good idea with a pacemaker... I've much to learn.You're absolutely right, your heart should not be considered "old" at 52! With the dizziness and facial numbness you described, I'd be calling other hospitals & describing the symptoms. Ask your cardiologist to fast-track a referral for you if possible.Also, I'm told that otologists/neurotologists are the most knowledgeable about cholesteatomas, usually more than ENT docs or otolaryngologists, since otologists focus only on treatment of diseases of the ear. Best of luck to you!Blessed weekend to everyone!Marie>> How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup visits. Next visit is not until Nov.> > > update on Dizziness> > Hi all,> About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I"m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do.> In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be "old" and just stop working:-(> If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance.> Elke> > > > > > > __________________________________________________________> Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with FareChase.> http://farechase./> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2007 Report Share Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Matt, Yes-my appointment is with Dr. Wetmore himself !! I have not even had the energy to look up his credentials, so thank you ! I will call tomorrow morning to see if anyone cancelled an appointment , perhaps I'm able to move it up further. Last Friday I ended up in the emergency room again. Neither my ENT nor my family doctor could figure out if my symptoms were caused by the ear or the heart-I asked the emergency physician to call dr. Wetmore's office to see if I could be seen earlier, but they just want . :-( But I was given a prescription of "Antivert" which seems to help a little bit. Is it ok to take for a week or so? -land is too far from us. It would be at least a 10 hour ride. We have pets and livestock to take care of and I have not been able to find someone to do the chores for us if we leave for long periods of time. I'm not willing to give the animals up at this point. We already sold most of them over the last few months-what's left is considered "family" :-) Elke Matt Marsteller wrote: *Hi Elke, This doctor at WVU has pretty impressive credentials: J Wetmore MD Hopefully he'll be involved with your care - either directly or assisting a younger doctor (he is the department chair). He did additional study at the same place where Dr. Hirsch in Pittsburgh (my otologist/neurotologist) did. I hope that the coming week passes quickly for you. Perhaps you should touch base with your family doctor and ask them to give the folks at WVU a patient history. Matt * Wann wrote: > How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma > removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup > visits. Next visit is not until Nov. > > update on Dizziness > > Hi all, > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I"m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do. > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be "old" and just stop > working:-( > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance. > Elke > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user > panel > <http://us.rd./evt=48516/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_panel_invite.asp?a=7%20> > and lay it on us. > -- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2007 Report Share Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Elke, It sounds like they've put you in good hands. I guess the Antivert is to help with your nausea - it's often given for motion sickness. It might make you a little sleepy, a little thirsty, and your vision might be a little blurrier than normal because of taking it. I think you're just going to have to trust the doctors to do the prescribing. I'm just a cholesteatoma patient like yourself - even though I'm head of a couple of science libraries, I'd never heard of cholesteatoma until wham - I was diagnosed. Then I started reading all I could about it until I drove everyone nuts .... they started hiding the medical encyclopedias ... my wife wouldn't let me go on any medical web sites, etc. My advice is to consider a nice stretch of Classic Movies or something like that while you wait. It will help take your mind off of things. There's nothing like dusk to dawn Steve McQueen movies to pass the time. Matt Elke wrote: > > Hi Matt, > Yes-my appointment is with Dr. Wetmore himself !! I have not even had > the energy to look up his credentials, so thank you ! I will call > tomorrow morning to see if anyone cancelled an appointment , perhaps > I'm able to move it up further. > Last Friday I ended up in the emergency room again. Neither my ENT nor > my family doctor could figure out if my symptoms were caused by the > ear or the heart-I asked the emergency physician to call dr. Wetmore's > office to see if I could be seen earlier, but they just want . :-( But > I was given a prescription of " Antivert " which seems to help a little > bit. Is it ok to take for a week or so? > -land is too far from us. It would be at least a 10 hour > ride. We have pets and livestock to take care of and I have not been > able to find someone to do the chores for us if we leave for long > periods of time. I'm not willing to give the animals up at this point. > We already sold most of them over the last few months-what's left is > considered " family " :-) > Elke > > Matt Marsteller wrote: > >> *Hi Elke, >> >> This doctor at WVU has pretty impressive credentials: >> >> J Wetmore MD >> >> Hopefully he'll be involved with your care - either directly or >> assisting a younger doctor (he is the department chair). He did >> additional study at the same place where Dr. Hirsch in Pittsburgh (my >> otologist/neurotologist) did. >> >> I hope that the coming week passes quickly for you. Perhaps you should >> touch base with your family doctor and ask them to give the folks at >> WVU a patient history. >> >> Matt >> * >> >> Wann wrote: >> > How far are you from 's Hopkins in Baltimore, MD? I had my c-toma >> > removed by them in April, and thus far have no reoccurence in followup >> > visits. Next visit is not until Nov. >> > >> > update on Dizziness >> > >> > Hi all, >> > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. >> > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being >> > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of >> > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs >> > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on >> > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.- I'm feeling >> > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like >> > I " m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is >> > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What >> > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional >> > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date >> > but the 27th is the best they can do. >> > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It >> > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though >> > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy >> > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some >> > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The >> > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if >> > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart >> > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be " old " and just stop >> > working:-( >> > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. >> Thanks in >> > advance. >> > Elke >> > >> > >> > >> > ---------------------------------------------------------- >> > Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user >> > panel >> > >> <http://us.rd./evt=48516/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_panel_\ invite.asp?a=7%20 >> <http://us.rd./evt=48516/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_panel_\ invite.asp?a=7%20>> >> >> > and lay it on us. >> > >> >> -- >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2007 Report Share Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Elke, I, too, had a lot of pressure in my head - in fact that was why I finally went to the doctor - non-stop headache pain. He was able to use a suction tool to remove as much liquid and c'toma as he could reach through my ear canal - It immediately relieved the pressure in my head and cured my headache. Don't know if this would help you but thought I'd mention it... Ginger > > Hi all, > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.-I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I " m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do. > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be " old " and just stop working:-( > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance. > Elke > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 19, 2007 Report Share Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Ginger. thanks for your post. I did have my ear cleaned out with the suction 4 times the last month, as recently as last Tuesday, that is less than a week ago. I will try to perhaps have my ENT do it again before my appointment in town. I do feel better after the cleaning, but only for a day or so. Ginger wrote: Hi Elke, I, too, had a lot of pressure in my head - in fact that was why I finally went to the doctor - non-stop headache pain. He was able to use a suction tool to remove as much liquid and c'toma as he could reach through my ear canal - It immediately relieved the pressure in my head and cured my headache. Don't know if this would help you but thought I'd mention it... Ginger > > Hi all, > About a months ago I wrote the group that I was experiencing dizzeness. > Well, after all this time, I'm doing not much better. I 'm being > referred to a ENT surgeon about 3 hours from here at the University of > WV at town.The regular ENT told me that the mastoid cavity needs > to be cleaned out surgically and tissue grafted. My appointment is on > the 27th of this month for the first visit in town.-I'm feeling > terrible. My head is under a lot of pressure and I constantly feel like > I"m going out. I have a bloody , wet discharge form my ear. There is > numbness in my face, especially across the nose and the jaw area.- What > can I do until the 27th to eleviate the symptoms? I'm barely functional > . I have tried everything to move the appointment up to an earlier date > but the 27th is the best they can do. > In the meantime I had a pacemaker put in the regulate my heartbeat. It > was beating too slow. ..I have no history of heart problem, even though > my heart rate has always been on the slow rate, but not in an unhealthy > way. All my bloodtests come out perfect ( cholesterol, etc..) for some > reason the electrical part of my heart is not functioning properly. The > doctors say they don't know what caused it. But I'm wondering if > pressure on my head ( or nerves) from the ear could have caused myheart > problems??? I'm 52 and my heart should not be "old" and just stop working:-( > If anybody can help, or comment I would really appreaciate it. Thanks in > advance. > Elke > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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