Cholesteatoma or Hypochondria

[Guest guest]

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who, as a sufferer or a parent

of a sufferer, had problems getting the medical practitioners to

take you seriously.

At 7 (1978) I became ill, but ear infections played a small part in

this. Throat and chest infections were the main complaint, along

with stomach upsets, lack of appetite and extreme lethargic-ness,

headaches. I was however deaf on the right size. I was considered

to have behaviour problems or be a hypochondriac , and my Mum had to

fight to get anyone to see that I was ill.

Eventually cholesteatoma was diagnosed and surgery performed. When

the cholesteatoma returned 6 month after the first removal the ENT

specialist told my Mum this was not possible and again she had a

fight on her hands.

There is a lot more to this story…. But I wont go on.

My Mum still, (20 years on) blames herself and thinks she should

have done more. I would like to hear of anyone with similar

stories, so I can share these with my Mum, in the hope it will help

here levitate some of the unnecessary gilt she feels.

Dawn