I told the RD that the ringing seems to have improved with the use of Naproxen because it's making my neck/jaw feel better. It's still not gone completely but it's definitely better and the fact that others here have had ringing and not gone deaf as a result comforted me a lot. He says keep using the naproxen until I see him for my next appointment. When I told him the ENT doc seemed to push me back off on to him because he also believes the ear ringing is an autoimmune problem, he said that happens a lot. When doctors hear "autoimmune" it makes some of them nervous and they don't want to deal with it. Great. Chicken doctors we've got out there. Anyway, I'm going to get a recommendation from the RD for an ENT he knows is comfortable working with AI cases. I wanted to choose myself this last time, thinking he would just recommend a buddy, but it didn't work out too well.
The RD also agrees it's time to get a neurologist on board. Unfortunately, I couldn't even get an appointment until the RD calls/fax my records and then it will be 3 months before I can get that first appointment. I don't understand that. Why does it always take so long to get that first appointment with a specialist when all the additonal appointments become available so much sooner? Is it because the first visit takes longer? It doesn't take THAT much longer.
Sorry to here about the wait. My neurologist take referals from me. LOL If you were in southern illinios i could get you in sooner. With the holidays and all i do not know what to tell you. It is best they get your history and all and have time to look over it. But it sounds like you have a good RD who is concerned about you. Yes my ENT i always felt was a chicken doctor. Afraid of my allergic reactions. Maybe i am wrong. He wanted to send me off to springfield to a balance clinic and i have traveled to other specialist in springfield before and had no luck. I guess i shouldn't have this attitude but i do. I am going to see what my RD recommends. I have so many things to treat and I want the RD in charge. So I is waiting. Well, I don't know Jesse but would think you are right about the longer appointment for the first visit. It always is as they need to do a thorough examination on you.Yes, Milly, many doctors will take a patient referral too, if the insurance allows it. Mine does but this doctor wants doctor referrals. Oh well. As for your attitude, I think you've probably earned it honestly, like most of us have. It gets frustrating sometimes, dealing with red tape along with the disease process. Bummer.
Cordy, your post comes just in time to make me feel better since the ringing is back today. You have pain, but it seems you also still have your hearing, as do others and I will keep reminding myself of that when I start to panic.
Also, I just visited a friend with terminal lung cancer and there's nothing like seeing someone with a horrible lethal illness to put your own medical problems in perspective. It made me grateful for what good things I have healthwise and also made me think of those of you here and others I know who have stopped smoking. I'm so glad you've done that. My dear friend just couldn't get that monkey off her back and at a relatively young age, she's going to die. It breaks my heart. It didn't have to be like this.