I visited an ENT doctor today who specializes in ear disorders. He is keeping my initial diagnosis of Labrynthitis. He performed multiple exams and I then took a hearing test. After the hearing test, a monitoring device was put on my head like a headband. They put in a type of ear bud into each ear and it emitted a strange, deep-toned noise that made my ears hurt. They said it measured the amount of fluid and pressure in each ear. The test came back normal. I had slightly reduced hearing in my right ear, but the ENT said it was nothing to worry about and it ruled out something more serious like Meniere's Disease.
My ENT doctor also observed me walking up and down a hallway and noted that I drifted off to the right every time. Based on my symptoms and test results, my ENT believes I have Labrynthitis in my right ear. They also performed the Epley maneuver, which was inconclusive in my case.
I had a feeling my right ear was the culprit because the horizon tends to tilt right when I have an episode of vertigo, and I tend to drift to the right when walking. I have also fallen or lost my balance off to the right.
The ENT doctor diagnosed me with Labrynthitis of the right ear based on the following:
- sudden onset of symptoms. I was fine and the next minute I was not. This is a classic symptom of Labrynthitis.
- severe, spinning vertigo symptoms that lasted 10 days and have lessened *slightly* over time.
- sensation of rocking side to side.
- the upper respiratory infection I experienced about 3 weeks ago.
- I presented with some sinus issues. He asked me if I experienced sinus infections. I have not experienced them to my knowledge but he said my sinuses were slightly inflamed.
- my tendency to drift to the right side.
- my description of the horizon tilting to the right, and feeling off-balance primarily on my right side.
The estimated recovery time for Labrynthitis is an average of 4 months. He said since I was already one month into it, I have approximately 3 months left. I should start to feel slightly better every few weeks. He mentioned it could take a little longer to feel completely back to normal, and said fatigue and feeling very slow and off-balance is very normal and expected. The doctor recommended I modify my activities. Specifically, I am most likely not going to be able to continue my job working with horses. I am looking at another 3 months of not being able to do my job at least, so I let my employers know that this is going to be an extended time off, and they will probably find someone to replace me. This is disheartening but not unexpected. I am also not to drive if I am experiencing vertigo or intense dizziness.
I am looking at having to most likely find a new career. I really don't feel like I've improved enough over the last month to be looking at a total recovery in just another 12 weeks, especially to work in the equine field where I am tossing around haybales, riding, going up and down ladders and narrow staircases in barns, etc. The ENT also noted that my recovery has been slower than normal. I am very glad I decided to take college classes online. That means I can continue working towards my degree at home. That is another post.
I did nearly fall in the doctor's office when a nurse almost bumped me in a hallway. She was coming out of a patient room and I was looking down at the floor while I carefully walked as I was having a bit of vertigo. It surprised me and I stumbled. She and the doctor helped steady me, along with my cane. I have decided to keep using my cane as it has become pretty valuable in helping me prevent falls.
I have been referred to vestibular rehabilitation. The rehab place is supposed to call me in the next
day or so to set up my appointments. I was told that they will do further balance testing and teach me exercises to improve my posture and exercises to help my brain compensate for a faulty right ear.
I credit the first doctor I saw (an urgent care doctor at a walk-in clinic who said it was likely an "inner ear something") as well as my primary care doctor (who suspected Labrynthitis and immediately referred me to an ENT specializing in ear disorders) with a quick diagnosis. Most patient stories I have read online have taken months to get a diagnosis or even a referral to an ENT. I am very glad I was able to skip months or years and get a diagnosis in slightly less than 4 weeks. Granted, my diagnosis could change if things to not get better by the mid-December mark. But still, my doctors saved me years of wondering. Even if I get a different, modified diagnosis, I know it is a vestibular disorder and that is somewhat comforting to know what is.
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