Hi All,
Please skip if you want, and pardon the interuption.
Well, as some of you know, I've been fighting migraines and Chronic Mastoiditis for months now. Well, a few years, but it came to ahead right arround the end of August. The last I told anyone in GN world was that I was to see a specialist December 3rd. Well, I did, and he did his best to wash his hands of me. Turns out he either didn't know what he was doing, or didn't want to be bothered. After all, these are profit centers and my condition is extremely rare.
So, I started round 2 of anti-biotics from my regular doctor later that day, as well as going on alternating days of paind meds. 2 days Vicodin, 2 days percocet. That's been doing the trick to make me comfortable. I had stopped taking them a few days before the specialist it got really bad. Started taking again and it got better after a few days.
So, for most of December, I've been laying down about 18+ hours a day. Suddenly, this past Monday, I noticed that my left ear was hurting again. This does not happen with a tube in it already. Fortunately, my trip up to Duke University was Thursday. She saw with her own eyes why the ear was hurting. She has the CT scans that she will go over thoroughly when she gets back from New Years. I'm supposed to know on Friday this coming week. Can't wait. I will learn then if I go under the knife, or if the onslaught of antibiotics will be continued for months. I'll know soon. Can't wait to get back to real life. I also have an appoinment with a different university later this month in case things don't work out here.
In the meantime, my head itself is getting better. I've lessened the amount of pills I take the last couple of days. It's a slow process though. Antibiotics and mirongoyomies are the front line defense. Alreadry had them procedures, so now it's up to the Duke University people to decide what they feel is right to do.
In the mean time, if I write incojerant stuff on these boards, please forgive me. :oops: :oops:
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
whoa!, back up a bit.
she "saw" why it was hurting now suddenly again?
did you talk to her at all since this?
hope the anti bi's are killing this crap and you get off those pain meds soon.
keep us informed bro
#4491....
whoa!, back up a bit.
she "saw" why it was hurting now suddenly again?
did you talk to her at all since this?
hope the anti bi's are killing this crap and you get off those pain meds soon.
keep us informed bro
Yeah, they put a tube in there mid-september and that got rid of the ear pain portion of this and regained my hearing in that ear. Since then it's just been pain in the area starting about an inch behind the ear and causing migraines galore. Typical pain symptoms according to what I read. That area of the head to around the back of the neck. Now something is putting pressure on the ear drum, causing the new ear pain.
The migraines have decreased in frequency, but I've also become quite good at avoiding them too. I know when I have to stop whatever strenous activity I'm doing (like sitting upright) and put my head on a pillow in a quiet, dark area.
Oh well. My doctor promised me a good, long recovery period a few months ago. I guess this is what she meant. Anti-biotics are doing something, I just wish it was faster.
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
Then, it seems that the anti-biotics are doing something! Great!
Sometimes these episodes are slow but they finish. Roy, keep patience. I'm sure the new year brings good news to you! :D
I hope the people at Duke can solve the problem and get you back to your normal self, migraine and pain free. I'll keep praying for you Roy!
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-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´ -:¦:- Elecktrablue -:¦:-
"Don't wanna ride no shootin' star. Just wanna play on the rhythm guitar." Emmylou Harris, "Rhythm Guitar" from "The Ballad of Sally Rose"
Oh, man! That really sounds rough! I hope it all gets worked out soon!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
Have nothing usefull to say but hope things will get better as soon as possible. All the best!
All the best to you Roy.
I know it's been a long stretch already and it sound like it's going to be longer still.
Get Well Soon
John
I certainly hope you get things straightened out soon! So, you used to live down in Cooperstown. Been there often. It is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. 8) Beautiful country.
"Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard,
grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em."
-- The Webb Wilder Credo --
Hope you get it all worked out soon :D
Hi Everyone. First, let me say thanks for all of the verbal support I've received. This whole ordeal has been pretty serious. Probably more than I let on. There were times when things were scary and I thought that this was it. Thankfully, I'm still here and getting better.
The results from Duke University where about what I expected, but with a monkey wrench. Long story, short. We continue treating medically for about 6 months. Get another series of tests and CT scans and compare. They want to operate, but want to do so once, not two or three times. There are three issues around the ear, but they don't know what the main culprit is. It's like "Yes, your Mastoid is blocked, but so is your middle ear and we think the eustation tube is faulty." So, a Mastoidectomy would quick-fix me now, but who knows what else in 6 months.
Pain has receded. Bump on the head behind the ear has receded. Pain meds cut in half. Small bursts of energy and when I'm having the worst episodes, they are much calmer than before.
We're hoping that I can return to work in a week or two. I wanted one, but I think two is more realistic. Heck, I still have not made it a day without narcotics.
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
Glad to hear things are slightly looking up for the moment, Roy. Hang in there, in time you'll say, remember when........
Mike
:D
Glad to hear that you're getting better, Roy. 8)
Jim
Thanks everyone. It keeps getting better and better. I'm aiming for a return to work date of Jan, 28th. Another 6 months of anti-biotics, but that's much better than surgery and another 6 months of anti-biotics.
Oh, and the Patriots are 17-0 since I came down with this episode. I can hold on for a few more weeks I think. :)
Roy
"I wonder if a composer ever intentionally composed a piece that was physically impossible to play and stuck it away to be found years later after his death, knowing it would forever drive perfectionist musicians crazy." - George Carlin
