I have been having a growth spurt for the last month or so. I have a ringing in my ears that is disturbing my sleep. I've been to my doctor a couple of times and have gotten some relief, but the problem is still there. My doctor sent me to an ENT, which I saw yesterday. The ENT was so negative. It seemed like right away he was saying there's nothing I can do for you. He is sending for a brain MRI to check for tumor or vascular problems although he says he dosen't think it's anything serious. This doctor was so cold and so unhelpful. He really scared me.

I go for the MRI on Tuesday and will get the results on Friday. I am trying to use my skills today, and my husband is very supportive, but he doesn't have anxiety and can't relate like you all can.

I am trying not to dwell on scary thoughts. I feel so sad inside. I wish I could just not care about it. I am going to use the program today to help me keep positive.

I am asking you all to pray for me and to give me a message of support. I need to hear positive words today and suggestions for how to stay in the present moment.

If you read this, please respond. It would comfort me to know that you understand and care. Thanks.

Hi Julie,

I think it's great you are recognizing this as a growth spurt. Just keep working your skills. Are you on any meds? They can cause ear ringing. My ears started ringing 7 years ago, when I was on Celexa. And they are still ringing. I pretty much ignore it. My husband has had ringing ears for 20years.
You will be just fine.

Liz V.

Julie,
I haven't had the problems with ringing in my ears, but I have had the anticipatory anxiety related to diagnostic tests, have had to deal with uncaring health professionals and definitely have felt the feelings of helplessness because the health professional either can't figure out what is wrong or can't help. Be kind to yourself. Be proud that you can recognize "Hey, of course I'm a bit scared right now, but I'm going to use my skills to get through it." I personally like to find things that will distract me from thinking about the diagnostic testing. I also use the relaxation tape more often.
Hang in there and know we're here and understand!

Some doctors have the bedside manner of a turnip. I've met plenty of them too. The upside...you never have to see that doctor again.

As far as the further testing, I had some tests done a few years ago because of ringing in my ears and a bit of hearing loss from a bad ear infection. The testings not bad. They hooked me up to some wires and there were these tones they kept playing in my ear. They gave me a hearing test as well. It does take I think about 30 minutes.

Some people on the forum say the ringing is from clenching your jaw muscles. I could buy that. The other thing I wonder about is pressure in the inner ear. Sometimes at night I actually hear this sound in my mouth. I think its air escaping from my eustacian tubes. It reminds me of a croaking frog. Kind of strange isn't it? I usually get relief from the ringing after that. I wonder if muscle tension from anxiety could clamp those tubes down and increase pressure?

Hey there's an idea. If the doctor acts like a toad, imagine him as a talking toad. A toad in a white jacket with a red tie around his neck. Sitting on a stool with his spindly little froggy legs crossed. Ribbet, ribbet. Excuse my goofy humor. The power of association.

Good luck with your doctors visit, you'll do just fine .

Deb

Liz, Rica, and Deb:
Thanks so much for your posts today. They really helped me. Your suggestions were great, and I'll be using them. Thanks, again.

Julie, Don't worry about the ringing in the ears, I think everyone gets it from time to time. You are doing great and Deb is right, doctors can have the bedside manner of a turnip. I think you might want to consider tracking your negative thoughts and see if you have slipped back into that old habit, b/c lord knows it sure is easy. I have recently done that myself. I am sure that you are going to be ok, look how far you have come. Remember not to come from a victim place, but from a courageous place. No more of that why me, poor me, why do I have to go throught this, that will only make you feel worse. Try to think I i am special and I can get through this I just need to practice my skills. I am sure you will do great just hang in there!!

landerson,

Thanks for your response. You have me pegged; I do go in to the victim style of thinking. I am listening to the tapes again and working on turning my negative thoughts into positive ones.

I get the results from my MRI on Friday, and I am hopeful that they will give me some insight into how to treat the ringing that's keeping me from sleeping soundly.

Thanks again for being there.