Ok All-Knowing Hive - Give me ideas

[creekland]

Health issues, so end here if not interested in those.

 

I need suggestions for what to do or try - even decent sound snake oils could be appealing at this moment.

 

Known problems:

 

Hearing pulse - been that way since radiation (ended Mar '14) - and was told it was a side effect from that, but by Dec '14 they changed their mind and said it wasn't.  ENT in Jan '15 said nothing is wrong with the ear, etc.  NOW, that pulse is louder than normal and annoying.  I always hear it lying down, often hear it sitting, rarely hear it standing up - except for more recently.

 

Fluid behind left ear.  This builds and drains.  I feel it draining when it does - often several times per day, but sometimes just once or twice.  It even stopped for a few months giving me the false impression "whatever it was" had finally fixed itself, but no, that would be way too easy! :glare:   It's either drips or a small stream.  It builds pressure when it doesn't drain.  ENT saw the effect on the left eardrum (very stretched), but had no reason for the cause.  Use Sudafed when necessary.  That usually helps.  NOW, I'm also getting times where this is happening with the right ear.  It used to only be left.  It's not as common in the right.  I don't like it progressing into both.

 

Pressure in the back of the neck right below the skull.  Imagine a pi symbol there and the actual pain is usually at the intersections, though sometimes will match the entire symbol or just sides or just top - not the whole neck.  Movement or position doesn't change it.  Painkillers don't help - ever.

 

Due to this pressure, I can't sit back in a recliner or lay on a bed on my back (without turning my head).  This has gone on for years - starting prior to radiation - but is definitely getting progressively worse (more steady).  MRIs show nothing wrong in this area.  It's far away from where the (small, benign) brain tumor is, so isn't related to that.

 

With the recent buildup... a doctor suggested trying Flonase to ease the pressure.  For ONE DAY, it was awesome - nothing wrong (except still hearing the pulse loudly) - it had me wondering why no one had suggested it before and it gave me hope that I really could experience a semblance of normal again.

 

Then the next day happened... probable lymph nodes swelling on the right - quite painful to touch, sometimes to move... pulse louder than normal.  Pretty much any other issue I even remotely had building to a nasty level - and a really weird new one - my left calf feeling hot (to me, not to others) like it was sitting next to a heat vent.  That got worse with walking - best when lying down.

 

Stop the Flonase.  Within 36 - 48 hours all of that went away.  But now I'm back to the new - heightened - normal and it's aggravating me mentally.  I learned to live with the old normal, but having it escalate...

 

The dr suggests trying Claritin instead.  I'll get that and try it tomorrow, but I can't say I have high hopes.

 

One suggestion that won't work is trying a new doctor.  My body doesn't like doctor visits and shows it with high BP and lack of symptoms.  Those I've seen already are understandably feeling it's mainly stress (this and other issues).  I used to buy that idea too but it's not stress.  Whether things are bad or good has no relation to how stressed I am - and there's very little that stresses me out anyway (aside from Dr visits!).  High stress from Dr visits is pretty much guaranteed to make it all disappear for a bit, but high stress around here can do that too (pony injured or something).  I suspect that's adrenaline related.  Days I expect things to be worse aren't always.  Ditto that with days I expect it to feel better.

 

It's not high BP either.  At home, or at other medical tests (donating blood, etc), my BP is normal - usually in the 110s over 60s or 70s, but if I've been out and active it can come in lower (103/48 right after digging potatoes this morning).  Sitting makes it higher even at home - can go up to the 120s over 80s and sitting for doctor appts can make it go even higher - up to 150s or 160s over 80s.  But high BP - or low - doesn't change a bit about the symptoms.

 

There are no known allergies, no fever or other infection symptoms or anything else seemingly related to this.  I've tried various foods - or no food for a bit.

 

Got a good snake oil or suggestion?  I've been busy getting beets ready to boil and pondering this all, but getting completely stuck with what to do/try next, so it's finally reached the point of asking y'all to see if anyone has any ideas at all.  Listening to one's pulse while feeling that wonderful pressure behind the ears and feeling the sides of the pi symbol in the back of one's neck can do that to a brain.  It's a little better though.  I slept on my back last night and woke up with a nasty headache in the lower right back side of the head. (Did I mention I can't sleep on my back??? Gotta convince my asleep body of this!)  Fortunately ibuprofen fixed that.  It doesn't always, but it did this time.  Too bad it doesn't touch the rest!

 

I'll head back to the beets now and will check in later.

 

And if no one knows... I guess that at least will make me feel better that I haven't been an idiot by overlooking something incredibly simple.

 

 

[NorthwestMom]

I have no idea, but wishing you the best.

 

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

[momto10blessings]

Have you checked your iron? Hearing her pulse and headache was one of my friend's symptoms when she was super anemic.

 

Just a thought.

 

I hope you are able to figure it out!

[wapiti]

Outside the box thoughts:

 

The ear fluid situation and the lymph node swelling IMO point to a low level of infection of some type that you are having trouble kicking.  (I have something similar going on with a feeling of "gunk" in my ears that lingers; long story.  Certain herbal antibiotics are helping a lot.  Sudafed would help too but I can't stand to take that for more than a day.)

 

Possible type of infection that is a can of worms:  bartonella or other lyme-related infection.  Pain at base of skull apparently is common with bartonella as is an affect on the cranial nerve/hearing sensitivity, but solid information is hard to come by.  Reading requires many grains of salt, IYKWIM.  Bart can also come from cats (cat scratch fever) as well as ticks.

 

Other possibility for hearing the pulse: carotidynia.  (I don't know anything about this.)  Something to do with the artery being located close to a bundle of nerves in the neck.  Maybe the swollen glands forced the nerves and artery into closer contact.

 

Certain medications can also affect the cranial nerve to the ear.

[Hikin' Mama]

I have no answers, Creek, but my prayers and best wishes are with you.

[creekland]

I have no idea, but wishing you the best.

 

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

 

Thanks.  It is actually a nice consolation knowing it's not my lack of google skills (or various dr lack of knowledge) in figuring this out.  It's just frustrating that time spent researching, then giving in to actually see doctors, hasn't helped at all.

 

And it's getting to be a joke in our house as to how it's all about stress.  Fortunately, we like joking, but...

 

Have you checked your iron? Hearing her pulse and headache was one of my friend's symptoms when she was super anemic.

 

Just a thought.

 

I hope you are able to figure it out!

 

Iron's fine.  All basic tests are fine except cholesterol is high (total and LDL), bilirubin is high at 1.5, but google doesn't really seem to say that's a problem, and blood platelet volume is low, but google also says that isn't all that important.  Fasting sugar used to always be slightly high (Ha1c always fine), but losing 30 lbs over the past 9 months has fixed that problem - with no improvement.

 

Our community health systems provide inexpensive open to the public blood screenings fairly often, so it's easy to keep track of many numbers.  I can retest if needed, but the last numbers are from Sept, so aren't that old.

 

Outside the box thoughts:

 

The ear fluid situation and the lymph node swelling IMO point to a low level of infection of some type that you are having trouble kicking.  (I have something similar going on with a feeling of "gunk" in my ears that lingers; long story.  Certain herbal antibiotics are helping a lot.  Sudafed would help too but I can't stand to take that for more than a day.)

 

Possible type of infection that is a can of worms:  bartonella or other lyme-related infection.  Pain at base of skull apparently is common with bartonella as is an affect on the cranial nerve/hearing sensitivity, but solid information is hard to come by.  Reading requires many grains of salt, IYKWIM.  Bart can also come from cats (cat scratch fever) as well as ticks.

 

Other possibility for hearing the pulse: carotidynia.  (I don't know anything about this.)  Something to do with the artery being located close to a bundle of nerves in the neck.  Maybe the swollen glands forced the nerves and artery into closer contact.

 

Certain medications can also affect the cranial nerve to the ear.

 

The lymph node swelling happened solely that one time two days after starting the Flonase and went away within 2 days of stopping it.  It's one data point. I could try it again, but definitely want to time it for when I'm not at school as having two super bad days at school was starting to concern my co-workers.  It wasn't all that fun trying to teach then either, but movement and doing "something" is better than sitting, so perhaps the timing was ok in the long run.

 

What herbal antibiotics are worth trying?  Sudafed works some, but not great and it seems to quit working after a few days.  I'm a little concerned about long term use of it too.  I've used it for a couple of weeks at a time back when scuba diving, but only on "dive" days.

 

I'll have to google bartonella.  Lyme was tested for a year or two ago.

 

No meds at all in general.

 

The louder hearing of the pulse started with the Flonase timing, but hasn't quit since.  There have been times in the past when this has happened, so it could all be coincidence - as could have been the good day after starting that med.  Once in a while I get a really good day.  Those are just really few and far between now.  Super bad days also happen without it - generally one or two every couple of weeks, but the lymph node deal and the hot feeling calf bit were totally new issues and both went away after stopping it - making it seem really suspicious.

[Jean in Newcastle]

The fact that you did have some relief (temporary as it was) with a steroid (Flonase), I would suggest you get curcumin (active ingredient in tumeric).  It is a natural anti-inflammatory.  It does not help right away as it needs to build up to optimum levels in your body.  500 mg. in a.m. and 500 mg. in the p.m.  

 

You could ask your doctor to see if prednisone helps but that can be an ugly drug so I would try the curcumin first, personally.  

[creekland]

The fact that you did have some relief (temporary as it was) with a steroid (Flonase), I would suggest you get curcumin (active ingredient in tumeric).  It is a natural anti-inflammatory.  It does not help right away as it needs to build up to optimum levels in your body.  500 mg. in a.m. and 500 mg. in the p.m.  

 

You could ask your doctor to see if prednisone helps but that can be an ugly drug so I would try the curcumin first, personally.  

 

Hmm, I already take one of those (turmeric) once per day in the morning along with a multi-vitamin.  It wouldn't be much to add one to the evening too - esp if it might help.  Thanks!

 

Prednisone has been suggested by my doctor for other issues going on - probably related to this come to think of it - but I've resisted that one mostly due to weight gain from it.  I like losing weight and have another 20lbs I want to take off first.

 

The other issues?  My hands and feet get numbish feeling whenever they aren't in motion - very akin to how carpal tunnel feels.  That's how they found the carpal tunnel issues I had fixed, but the rest of it never went away afterward.  That will move on to pain if I stay still too long (such as overnight or longer periods sitting), but it all goes away with movement so it's a relatively easy thing to live with rather than wanting to take meds (gaining weight) in the hope that it goes away.

 

It's probably related because if I put my head back against a chair - back when this first started happening - the numbish feelings would happen noticeably more quickly.  Now it's quick enough on its own that I doubt I could tell the difference.

[creekland]

This is grasping at straws, but since it sounds like you're ready for that point, do you have cryptic tonsils? Any tonsil stones present? Those can trigger ear symptoms on the side you have them (or both if they are on both sides).

 

I like Jean's anti-inflammatory suggestion. Perhaps an anti-inflammatory diet trial while you're waiting for the curcumin to build up??

 

I doubt it on the tonsil bit.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with my throat.  I rarely even get colds.

 

I'm willing to try an anti-inflammatory diet.  Does anyone have a link to one - or I can google when I have a little more time.

 

Have you been to a Physical Therapist? A good one? This together with the neck pain makes me think you have some nerve compression going on. A good therapist could be a big help (they're not all equivalent). I don't know your area, or I would suggest one.

 

 

I did see someone I considered to be an excellent PT before having the carpal surgery.  I think we all figure it should be nerve compression, but it's not from the spine - that's not only confirmed from MRIs, it doesn't change anything whatsoever with any neck motion.

 

My guess is that the compression has to come from the fluid buildup.  To me, that seems to be the only possibility for something as variable as this is.  The numbness with my hands and feet isn't variable though (so it remains a guess).  It's all the time if not moving - no exceptions ever.  I'll be getting up and moving right after this post due to it.  Everything else is variable, but progressively (and slowly) getting worse.  That would be why I want it fixed.  But if I can't come up with the reason for the fluid buildup - and no one else can either... the frustration remains. (sigh)

[ktgrok]

Have you been to a Physical Therapist? A good one? This together with the neck pain makes me think you have some nerve compression going on. A good therapist could be a big help (they're not all equivalent). I don't know your area, or I would suggest one.

 

 

Agreeing that nerve issues or something could be going on. I'd go to a good chiropractor myself. 

[ktgrok]

Have you ruled out b12 deficiency? It wouldn't explain all symptoms, but could explain the pulse in ears and the numbness. Are you on proton pump inhibitors? You eat meat, right?

 

ooh, the neuropathy never stuff is a symptom of B12 deficiency as well, actually. Maybe research whatever that gene is that regulates B12 absorption. 

[aaplank]

It might seem a little "snake-oily" but have you cosidered cranial sacral therapy? It might help with the pain at the back of your head and the fluid in your ears issues.

[Kiara.I]

ooh, the neuropathy never stuff is a symptom of B12 deficiency as well, actually. Maybe research whatever that gene is that regulates B12 absorption. 

 

MTHFR?  That one?

[Tsuga]

Well, of course I'd see a specialist, ear, nose and throat. If you've got them stumped, here's what I'd try first:

 

Sounds like an ear infection to me. I have ear pain if I have too much forced air in my life, including tinnitus. If not an ear infection, some other infection. Antibiotics is what I'd go for. I'd start with two cloves of raw garlic per day, chewed well, plus garlic in the ear, and top it off with a teaspoon of raw honey nightly and every morning. Not in tea. Eat kimchi and sauerkraut as cabbage and fermentation both can have anti-microbial properties. I have stuffed garlic in my ear before and it cured my issues right up. Of course that's not a serious issue. I do think a specialist could help, but just in the spirit of woo and old fashioned grandma-knows-best medicine:

 

Turn off any forced air at night because it can dehydrate you. Wear a sweatshirt. Your kids are older, right? So you two can deal with this. Open a window. IIRC you're in my neck of the woods so this is totally do-able for another month or so. If you must heat, use a space heater and a humidifier. A humidifier with forced air is also okay, but less effective. I'm totally hating on forced air here but I think it's really a source of a lot of crap in our lungs. I have no proof of that. I just feel it in my soul. I don't care what anybody says: scientists still can't figure out what makes me skinny so I'm sticking with my instincts on this one.

 

A shot of vodka with a slice of lemon won't hurt you either, IMO--anti-microbial vodka + antibiotic lemon. Chew garlic cloves. Have a shot or two of vodka with a lemon chaser. It cleans the throat right up. Anyway that's what my 98 year old Oma said and she flies across the Atlantic annually and bikes to the store. I'm listening to her.

 

The sauna is always a good plan. Hydrate and wet sauna. That moves it all through. 

 

Hell if I know, but I don't get sick. I attribute it to copious amounts of fermented cabbage, vodka, wine, lemon, and garlic. Luckily my partner is German and he tolerates all this, LOL.

[creekland]

Have you ruled out b12 deficiency? It wouldn't explain all symptoms, but could explain the pulse in ears and the numbness. Are you on proton pump inhibitors? You eat meat, right?

 

I was actually hoping for "bad" results on the B12 test as that would have made life easy.  It didn't happen - tried twice.

 

I've no idea what proton pump inhibitors are (can guess what they do due to Bio knowledge), so I'm going to say no - esp since other than the turmeric and multi-vitamin and sometimes sudafed and/or ibuprofen, I don't take anything.

 

Yes, we're omnivores so I believe meat (and eggs) are an important part of our diet - as are fruits and veggies.  We've cut back on starches, but there's been no difference in issues due to that diet change.

 

ooh, the neuropathy never stuff is a symptom of B12 deficiency as well, actually. Maybe research whatever that gene is that regulates B12 absorption. 

 

Meaning good numbers might not be ok?  Interesting thought.

 

It might seem a little "snake-oily" but have you cosidered cranial sacral therapy? It might help with the pain at the back of your head and the fluid in your ears issues.

 

I've no idea what that is, so will need to google.  

 

ALL googling is likely to happen Tuesday or later.  The last day of our marking period (at school) is tomorrow.  I'm finishing up grading tests, packets, & labs this weekend keeping me pretty busy, then will spend a bit of time today at school plotting out what I'm actually teaching this week.  I know basically what I'm teaching, I just have to get more specific - the actual nuts and bolts.  Once grades are all in and I've figured out my plan, a little bit of time will free up.

 

MTHFR?  That one?

 

More google - any hints?

 

Well, of course I'd see a specialist, ear, nose and throat. If you've got them stumped, here's what I'd try first:

 

Sounds like an ear infection to me. I have ear pain if I have too much forced air in my life, including tinnitus. If not an ear infection, some other infection. Antibiotics is what I'd go for. I'd start with two cloves of raw garlic per day, chewed well, plus garlic in the ear, and top it off with a teaspoon of raw honey nightly and every morning. Not in tea. Eat kimchi and sauerkraut as cabbage and fermentation both can have anti-microbial properties. I have stuffed garlic in my ear before and it cured my issues right up. Of course that's not a serious issue. I do think a specialist could help, but just in the spirit of woo and old fashioned grandma-knows-best medicine:

 

Turn off any forced air at night because it can dehydrate you. Wear a sweatshirt. Your kids are older, right? So you two can deal with this. Open a window. IIRC you're in my neck of the woods so this is totally do-able for another month or so. If you must heat, use a space heater and a humidifier. A humidifier with forced air is also okay, but less effective. I'm totally hating on forced air here but I think it's really a source of a lot of crap in our lungs. I have no proof of that. I just feel it in my soul. I don't care what anybody says: scientists still can't figure out what makes me skinny so I'm sticking with my instincts on this one.

 

A shot of vodka with a slice of lemon won't hurt you either, IMO--anti-microbial vodka + antibiotic lemon. Chew garlic cloves. Have a shot or two of vodka with a lemon chaser. It cleans the throat right up. Anyway that's what my 98 year old Oma said and she flies across the Atlantic annually and bikes to the store. I'm listening to her.

 

The sauna is always a good plan. Hydrate and wet sauna. That moves it all through. 

 

Hell if I know, but I don't get sick. I attribute it to copious amounts of fermented cabbage, vodka, wine, lemon, and garlic. Luckily my partner is German and he tolerates all this, LOL.

 

There's rarely ear pain.  It only comes when the fluid won't release and there's quite a bit built up.  I've had ear infections a couple of times and have felt the pain from that for comparison.  If it's an infection, it's not showing itself through classic symptoms of pain/fever/fatigue, etc.  Can they do that?

 

The garlic cloves will have to wait until after I'm done at school.  I can't see doing that to my kids there.  (My grandmother used to eat raw garlic daily.)

 

Vodka is one alcoholic beverage I'm not fond of - I don't suppose rum will substitute?  Or wine?  Sauerkraut is yummy... might have to plan more of that one.

 

We're not big on artificial heat or AC, so use it sparingly.  Of course, I'm at school getting exposed to everything there, but as mentioned before, I rarely get even basic colds.  I think, in general, my immune system is excellent - esp compared to many of my co-workers or peers.

 

I think this is something more mechanical than bacterial/viral - esp with the length.  I could be wrong.  It's a guess.

 

ENT/neurologist both say nothing is wrong (though they can see the effects of the ear bit due to the ear drum).

 

My other thought was vascular... mainly due to a boardie sending me this link last summer:

 

http://neuroangio.org/patient-information/patient-information-brain-dural-fistula/

 

It sounded like it fit pretty well, but having the anatomy teacher at school listen behind the ear with a stethoscope axed that idea.

 

No one else thinks vascular due to no other vascular type symptoms.  Regardless, I did one of those traveling vascular screenings in Aug - just to see what they saw. Why not?  I'm already grasping at straws. They came up with two minor plaque build ups in my right carotid artery, but those don't mess up blood flow, so it's a mild issue to be rechecked in a couple of years, but nothing major.  Overall my vascular age is 37 (vs real age of 48), so I'm thinking those results are good.

 

They did confirm my lower lung capacity (age 60), but that's been that way at least back to my early 20s when the AF kicked me out over it, so that's nothing new.  I seriously doubt it's related in any way.  It just explains why I get out of breath easier than others on hills and stairs - and why I use less air than anyone else when scuba diving.  I kinda already knew the reason for those anyway, but confirmation that not "everything" is in my mind is valuable at this point in my life!

[creekland]

As a quick addition, we spent about an hour and a half last night on the phone with middle son (my pre-med guy).  He was excited about some shadowing he did this past week (neurosurgeon + his coworkers - in surgery - 4 surgeries).  He's definitely heading to med school, and quite honestly, has the connections and pretty much everything he needs to get in somewhere.  (The doctor he shadowed has very famous in that field friends and likes my guy - giving him an open invitation to shadow anytime.  There's even a possibility that he will hook him up with a friend or two of his this summer.  My guy would be on Cloud 9 if that happened.)

 

I reminded him on the phone that our college payments, MCAT payments (course/test), and soon-to-be med school payments are a down payment on his figuring out WTH is wrong.  My guess is he'll be successful getting into one of the top med schools he's aiming for, and if so, that would likely help.  I just have to wait this out for another 3-4 years...  I guess that puts light at the end of the tunnel.

 

There's a big advantage in the fact that he's seen this - and my "life" - up close enough to know it's not stress even if all the basic tests don't give much to go on.  Doctors who I see for 20 minutes every now and then - and who get their office BP readings - get such limited info.  I honestly don't blame them for their conclusions.  It just doesn't help.

[Tsuga]

Hah, well actually I use vodka but I'm sure rum or tequila would do the trick.

 

I've never had a painful ear infection. They always just feel poppy. But they aren't severe infections. They are like, sub-clinical, pressure infections. I don't know why they don't hurt. According to the doctor if they don't hurt it doesn't exist, because it's not in a book. So I don't know what to say. They're real to me! And garlic and lemons and lots of natural antibiotics and moisture seems to allow it to move through. It loosens it all up. No, I don't know what "it" is, but I also don't think that me, a person who hates to be sick and is almost never sick, is making this up because I need antibiotics. I don't even want to take antibiotics when I have to. (Though I always finish the series, of course.)

[ktgrok]

MTHFR?  That one?

 

yes, that one!

[ktgrok]

Chiro adjustments help?

[ktgrok]

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10776/everything-you-need-to-know-about-b12-deficiency.html

[creekland]

Hah, well actually I use vodka but I'm sure rum or tequila would do the trick.

 

I've never had a painful ear infection. They always just feel poppy. But they aren't severe infections. They are like, sub-clinical, pressure infections. I don't know why they don't hurt. According to the doctor if they don't hurt it doesn't exist, because it's not in a book. So I don't know what to say. They're real to me! And garlic and lemons and lots of natural antibiotics and moisture seems to allow it to move through. It loosens it all up. No, I don't know what "it" is, but I also don't think that me, a person who hates to be sick and is almost never sick, is making this up because I need antibiotics. I don't even want to take antibiotics when I have to. (Though I always finish the series, of course.)

 

Interesting that your ear infections don't hurt.  I don't often feel pain when "average" people do (nerve tests everyone said were painful sure weren't to me, etc).  I wonder if an infection could be the cause.  I don't mind antibiotics when needed.

 

The Claritin I picked up today says it's for sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, itchy throat or nose.  I think Flonase was similar.  I don't have any of those.  I suspect that's why it never occurred to me to try something like it... and it's making me think the one good day right after Flonase might have been a coincidence.

 

However, since I bought this stuff... might as well try it and see what happens.  I just have to decide if I want to try it now and take my chances with school this week or try it on Friday when I have a weekend to see if there are "after effects" (which also could have been coincidental).

 

Things are more or less back to "my" normal - which means tolerable with the ear draining, etc.  I don't know if I want to gamble with it.  I try to do all I can to avoid bad days.

 

After thinking about things a bit - I'm not sure the ear stuff is really connected to the rest anyway.  All the ear stuff (pulse, draining, pressure, etc) started after radiation.  I never dealt with such things at all before it - as a kid or otherwise.  The numbness stuff started well before radiation.  I've been dealing with that for more than 3 years now.  Both are getting progressively worse, so I guess they'd only be connected if the former came from the latter and happening after radiation was coincidental.  The pulse could be different too since it only got louder when I was rid of the pressure for a day, but it's stayed louder, so who knows?

 

Chiro adjustments help?

 

Would they help if the MRIs don't show anything really wrong with the cervical spine?

[creekland]

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10776/everything-you-need-to-know-about-b12-deficiency.html

 

I looked at this link, then checked the last test for this I had.  It was the methylmalonic acid test.  The site says:

 

"This measures the B12 stored in tissues, which makes it more specific to B12 deficiency than the other blood tests"

 

so I'm assuming that a test result of 69 when the normal range is 45 - 325 is decent?  A very quick google search on the test makes it seem that a lower number is better than a higher one.  I'd love for it to be the issue since it's reasonably easily fixed, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

 

I don't have most of the symptoms either:

 

No weakness/fatigue/low energy.

No unexpected/unexplained shortness of breath.

No heart palpitations.

No anemia.

No depression or mood issues.  (Frustration with bad days and depression are two totally different things IMO.)

 

There are a few that could match:

 

Loss of appetite. I haven't been hungry since radiation.  I credit it to being a side effect, but the radiation dr disagrees, so who knows?  It's been very helpful with losing weight, so certainly no complaints about it.

 

Digestively... constipation is sort of common, but not life changing, so again, no real worries to me.

 

Frequent bruising.  I have noticed I bruise easily from unexpected things (like moving a desk or something), but other than when it happens, I don't think much about it.  I've also noticed bruises take a while to heal, so perhaps it could be a concern I haven't thought about.  It's still not a daily issue or bothersome.

 

Numbness/tingling - of course - part of everyday life - super common - annoying, but I'm used to it at this point.

 

Brain fog/memory loss, etc - ok, I've chalked this up to radiation with a secondary cause of getting older... it's very annoying, but it means I can watch shows I've previously seen a couple weeks prior and have a bit in them be "new" again, so I guess there's a plus!   :glare:

 

However, if low numbers are better, I think that would rule B12 out as the cause:

 

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=methylmalonic_acid_blood

 

"This test measures the amount of a substance called methylmalonic acid (MMA) in your blood.

MMA is typically made in tiny amounts when you digest protein. Your body makes large amounts of MMA if you have a drop in the amount of vitamin B-12. MMA is excreted through your kidneys.

Your body needs B-12 to make red blood cells and to help your central nervous system work as it should. Low levels of B-12 can cause anemia. This is when your body does not make enough red blood cells.

This test is used to diagnose a mild and early shortage of vitamin B-12. A high level of MMA can mean that that you have a low level of B-12."

[FaithManor]

I have no good advice except to say that when I needed hot toddies for my throat because the docs could not cure it with any meds, it was palatable enough to choke down vodka in that form. Hot water, shot of vodka, lemon, scant tsp honey. So if you might tolerate it that way.

[ktgrok]

Would they help if the MRIs don't show anything really wrong with the cervical spine?

 

Yes, I think so. Doctors look for large issues, but I don't think the kind of subluxation chiro addresses is on their radar. Chiro deals with much more sublte issues. I think it would definitely be worth a try. 

[Barb_]

How are your D levels?

[Jean in Newcastle]

Any vertigo?  

 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/basics/definition/con-20028251

[Halftime Hope]

Creek, I'm really concerned about the progressive nature of this. I'm concerned that damage is being done to your nervous system. I'm glad you have the ability to move to get relief for the numbness/tingling in the extremities, but the baseline there is that something is wrong. You've got multiple indicators that there is something going on inside your skull or perhaps just outside it in cervical area, and you've mentioned thoracic area symptoms in the past.   

 

I worry that if you don't get whatever this is diagnosed, it will continue to cause worsening symptoms.  I know you haven't had any luck with regional docs; I'm so sorry!  Would you be willing to call Mayo and see what they have to say?   They are known for getting to the bottom of difficult constellations of symptoms.

 

Wishing you relief tonight, and wisdom to know what to do next.  Hugs!

 

[mom2samlibby]

Have you ruled out b12 deficiency? It wouldn't explain all symptoms, but could explain the pulse in ears and the numbness. Are you on proton pump inhibitors? You eat meat, right?

Yes this!!! Sounds like B12 deficiency and low iron.

 

You mentioned that iron was fine, but what was the number? From what I've read about B12, iron and folate, iron should be around 80.

 

B12 500 or above and folate around 16 - 20.

[creekland]

Yes, I think so. Doctors look for large issues, but I don't think the kind of subluxation chiro addresses is on their radar. Chiro deals with much more sublte issues. I think it would definitely be worth a try. 

 

I'll have to think about it.  My mom has had both good and bad experiences with chiro.  She's still recovering from the bad.  

 

Are you/we contemplating fixing the ear pressure issues or the numbness issues.  I've gotten used to the numbness issues, so don't find those as pressing.

 

How are your D levels?

 

I don't see that one on the list either, but with as much time as I spend outside (rarely use sunscreen), I'd suspect it's just fine.

 

The lower end of the B12 range is controversial. My numbers are within the lab's good range, but the doctor says his patients do better a bit higher and recomended supplementing. I ended up doubling the amount and feel much better. The 2 symptoms I had no longer happen.

 

Easy bruising is something that should be checked out, especially if there is o nutritional reason. You are eating your leafy greens, right?

 

With this test, low is good/high.  With the original/normal test last year, the reading was 680 (range of 213 - 816).

 

The bruising thing I'm not really sure is a problem.  It doesn't happen all the time - perhaps 3 - 4 unexplained bruises per year, BUT we live on a farm.  Things can happen and I just don't pay attention to them.  Bruises taking longer to heal than others has gone on for a bit.  It's quite possibly normal for me.  I don't bleed easily - clotting is quick.  I would suspect that wouldn't happen if it were an issue.

 

I know I can bruise easier than others - moving desks at school is now a job I'll give to students when it needs to happen, but I don't know that it's problematic.

 

In any case, I'm not about to head back to a doctor over that, esp without a current bruise.  I'm sure it'd be part of the stress...

 

Any vertigo?  

 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/basics/definition/con-20028251

 

No.  Tinnitus in the left ear is an all the time deal though.  The ENT said it was from listening to music too loudly in my youth.  That's not the cause.  I hardly ever listened to personal music in my youth and I don't now either.  I just ignore it, so not a major concern.

 

Creek, I'm really concerned about the progressive nature of this. I'm concerned that damage is being done to your nervous system. I'm glad you have the ability to move to get relief for the numbness/tingling in the extremities, but the baseline there is that something is wrong. You've got multiple indicators that there is something going on inside your skull or perhaps just outside it in cervical area, and you've mentioned thoracic area symptoms in the past.   

 

I worry that if you don't get whatever this is diagnosed, it will continue to cause worsening symptoms.  I know you haven't had any luck with regional docs; I'm so sorry!  Would you be willing to call Mayo and see what they have to say?   They are known for getting to the bottom of difficult constellations of symptoms.

 

Wishing you relief tonight, and wisdom to know what to do next.  Hugs!

 

This would be exactly why I've ventured into the realm of doctors.  And without luck there, why I'm sharing more openly on the Hive than I ever thought  I would.  I keep figuring I'll stop caring and just deal with it - part of getting older, or maybe stress is all it is - then with the part that's cyclical, bad days will come and those can get annoying.

 

Fortunately, today is a better day.  Better days usually follow bad days and they give me hope that the body is actually fixing itself for some things.  It's never been true yet, but... perhaps this time.

 

Qualifying this, the numbness/tingling when still, hearing pulse, & tinnitus never go away, but I'm used to those, so they only bug me when I'm in a cranky mood.  I forget about them most of the time.  It's the variable stuff that indeed causes stress when it's bad.

 

On bad days I suspect I'd agree to almost anything that might fix it.  Mayo, however, is quite some distance from us and our emergency funds all went to the rental house that needed fixing up.  Right now our travel is limited to visiting family - and that's stretching the budget too.

 

At the moment my schedule is also quite tight with this full time school deal lasting until Thanksgiving.  I'm playing hooky for two days to go to FL to watch youngest in his college play in Nov, but I'm trying to be at school all the rest of the time.

 

I'll admit I've wondered how the ear is going to handle the airplane.  It would be nice if it were better by then - and Sudafed will definitely be on the list of things not to forget.

 

Yes this!!! Sounds like B12 deficiency and low iron.

 

You mentioned that iron was fine, but what was the number? From what I've read about B12, iron and folate, iron should be around 80.

 

B12 500 or above and folate around 16 - 20.

 

B12 by the normal test (done last year) was 680.  Fe is 129 (last month).  I don't think folate has ever been tested.  I don't see it on the list.

[nevergiveup]

My son and husband are going to a chiro who does not use a lot of force--doesn't "crack" your back.

Hubby is having good results for his neck which has had reduced mobility for years.

As others suggested, I vote for a good chiro--this guy used equipment to test and map nerve function all along the spine and neck.  Nerves do more than transmit pain.

 

Silly as it sounds, bouncing on a mini trampoline can help drain your lymph system--might help with the fluid behind your ear.

A friend of mine gets tinnitus if she eats too much gluten.

[chiguirre]

For the fluid in your ear you might try rubbing Vicks behind, in front and inside the outer ear. This works like a charm for me, but the intensity of my problem is much lower. I hope it helps you.

[creekland]

My son and husband are going to a chiro who does not use a lot of force--doesn't "crack" your back.

Hubby is having good results for his neck which has had reduced mobility for years.

As others suggested, I vote for a good chiro--this guy used equipment to test and map nerve function all along the spine and neck.  Nerves do more than transmit pain.

 

Silly as it sounds, bouncing on a mini trampoline can help drain your lymph system--might help with the fluid behind your ear.

A friend of mine gets tinnitus if she eats too much gluten.

 

Which brings up the question, how does one find a chiro who uses equipment like this rather than force?  My mom's used force.  Once it helped.  One it didn't.

 

Eating and talking help ease the fluid issue too - as does general motion.  Most of my school days are good ones since I'm always on my feet and talking with kids and/or co-workers.  It's just not a perfect system unfortunately and when fluid builds up a bit, it's difficult to hear kids.

 

Nothing changes the tinnitus, other than like the pulse, there are times it gets louder than others, but I haven't found any common denominator as to when or why.

 

I was musing more about the airplane ride coming up.  This last bit of "nasty" ear buildup came right after visiting middle son in NY.  We went by car, but crossed a few mountains (low mountains as we're in the east), but they're enough to normally have one's ears popping.  Mine rarely do anymore.  I wonder if that set something off.  Just musing.  There was another really bad time right after we returned from our last air trip - and one right after going out.  I will definitely have to remember to try a pre-emptive with Sudafed this upcoming time and see if that makes a difference.

 

Must transition to school now.  Anyone out there interested in learning about monocots and eudicots?   :lol:   Or ATP?

[grantmeawish]

This is only based on the symptom of hearing your pulse in your head. It was symptom my friend had and after lots of searching led to a diagnosis and surgery. I can't find her original email detailing everything but this is the foundation she now supports with info. Hopefully this is not what's going on with you but maybe something to bring up with your dr if you continue to have problems with no answers.

http://www.taafonline.org

[grantmeawish]

Found her original email and if it's something you want to pursue looking into let me know I'll send you her details of diagnosis

[IfIOnly]

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  All I got is hugs and I'm sorry you're going through this. Experiencing disturbing thing physically is just really hard.  Not finding answers is so much harder and just exhausting.  :grouphug:

[nevergiveup]

Regarding the chiro we use:  he did an exam beforehand which measured nerve function along the spinal column.  There were lots of components to this test.

We also had to fill out a detailed questionnaire regarding diet, sleeping habits, eating habits, allergies, supplements, and medications.  This guy is sort of a "holistic" chiropractor.

He might be able to give you a name of someone similar in your neck of the woods. pm me if you want. 

[ktgrok]

I'd definitely think a chiro could help with the ear thing, if talking and chewing make it better. soemthing is off in that area and blocking your eustachian tube. Cranial Sacral is similar in a way, and much more gentle. Could look for that as well. 

[creekland]

Regarding the Vit D assumption....the data shows it is invalid.

People can be significantly deficient despite many hours of good sunshine exposure. Quite possible to live in tropics, be outdoors a lot and be deficient.

 

You have something going on with the bruising as its a change and it is causing you to change your habits. You also have something going on neurologically if you now need to pay closer attention to avoid injury/bruising.

 

You mentioned you arent eating as much...you may be lacking some essential vit and min as a consequence.

 

Fluid behind eardrum has always been allergy for my son. Claritin works for him, but it doesnt work for all. Removing the trigger is the best.

 

You are aware that I don't particularly want new things to be concerned about, right?  (Take that with the humor it's written with.)

 

Tomorrow I'll google Vit D issues and see if any look familiar.  I'm not quite sure what to do about the bruising thing.  I don't really want to put that to the test and see how much effort it takes - and getting some control data from others could be an issue too.

 

I don't know that there are other blood tests I can pull.  There are quite a few with the open to the community stuff, so things like basic minerals, etc, are all fine.

 

I'll probably try the Claritin tonight to see if it does anything.  This morning the ear was draining fine.  Today in school it decided to stop - even with teaching and eating lunch.  Perhaps it had to "disprove" my theory that motion helps?  Usually motion seems to help.  Then there are the other days.  No mountains between home and work either... or airplane rides.

 

Found her original email and if it's something you want to pursue looking into let me know I'll send you her details of diagnosis

 

If you could send this in a pm, I would be curious about it.  In general though, if it's something that can be found via an MRI, there have been plenty of those on my head (with contrast) due to the brain tumor - then a couple (without contrast) on the neck looking for pinched nerves.

 

Regarding the chiro we use:  he did an exam beforehand which measured nerve function along the spinal column.  There were lots of components to this test.

We also had to fill out a detailed questionnaire regarding diet, sleeping habits, eating habits, allergies, supplements, and medications.  This guy is sort of a "holistic" chiropractor.

He might be able to give you a name of someone similar in your neck of the woods. pm me if you want. 

 

I'm adding "holistic chiropractor" to my list of things to google once grades are totally in.  I might be able to see if there's one around here from that.  It's worth a try.

 

I'd definitely think a chiro could help with the ear thing, if talking and chewing make it better. soemthing is off in that area and blocking your eustachian tube. Cranial Sacral is similar in a way, and much more gentle. Could look for that as well. 

 

Will google and see.  I fully agree that something is off.  The question is what and how do I fix it... not that you needed to know.  It's just me typing as I think.

 

Perhaps there's some sort of adult onset allergy that the Claritin will take care of (for the ear issue).  I've no idea what it would be, but if there's a fix, that's what counts.

 

It's very tempting to sit and google right now as I'm on my prep, but I do have to get these kids' grades and comments in - along with copying a packet for 2 of my classes to continue on with tomorrow's class (photosynthesis), so in depth ponderings will have to be delayed just a tad.

 

I appreciate all the thoughts and suggestions y'all have given me - esp as the blasted thing is not draining properly at the moment.  This would be why I put more effort into it when it's bugging me...  :glare:

 

The other option is to learn to ignore it like I do with the numbness junk - also affecting my feet/lower legs as I'm sitting here typing, but only noticeable because I stopped to think about it.  But that's fixable in the short term.  I'm off to the copier!  ;)

[creekland]

Have you tried chewing gum for the drainage issues?

 

This is actually what I did back when it first happened.  A new + broken/repaired crown changed my mind about its value.  It worked reasonably well otherwise, but isn't worth the side effects it produced.

 

There were still times it didn't work too.

 

Or maybe thinking it worked at all was a figment of my imagination and it was purely part of the cycle, but... nothing wrong with the placebo effect really!  

 

Whatever works... if it's all merely stress, there could be value to snake oil.  I'm not too picky at this point.

 

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

Chewing gum might not be snake oil depending on the underlying problem.  It moves the muscles in the face, including the eustashian tube, allowing it to drain.  

 

It all comes down to what is the underlying problem?  (Which of course you are trying to figure out.)

 

 If it is fluid build up then things to help drainage whether it is medicine or things like nasal rinses or chewing gum can help.  If the fluid build up is due to allergies then managing the allergies will help.  (Allergies can develop in any time of your life, btw).  Fluid build up is swelling and can be reversed in the face and ears by nasal saline rinses because of the process of osmosis in the tissues where the saline pulls water out of the tissues.  

 

If it is inflammation then things to help lower the inflammation will help.  This will be stuff like the anti-inflammatory diet, the curcumin, steroids etc.  (Flonase comes under both this category and the above allergy category.)

 

If it is neurological then you need a work up by a neurologist of some kind.  The numbness could be so many things.  I am on neurological medication that helps with numbness and neuropathy (numbness or pain radiating down the nerves).  There are no OTC  solutions for this that I know of  - only medications that must be prescribed by a doctor.

 

If it is nerve compression then it could be due to either a misalignment of some kind (a chiropractor or osteopathic doctor can help with that) or you can be back to edema (swelling) or inflammation.  

 

If it is a vitamin or mineral deficiency then obviously it will be helped by supplementing that vitamin/mineral in some way and becoming not deficient.

 

I'm sure there are other options but I don't have the experience or medical expertise to suggest anything else.  (All of the above are things I have direct experience with in my own stupid body.)  

[creekland]

Chewing gum might not be snake oil depending on the underlying problem.  It moves the muscles in the face, including the eustashian tube, allowing it to drain.  

 

It all comes down to what is the underlying problem?  (Which of course you are trying to figure out.)

 

 If it is fluid build up then things to help drainage whether it is medicine or things like nasal rinses or chewing gum can help.  If the fluid build up is due to allergies then managing the allergies will help.  (Allergies can develop in any time of your life, btw).  Fluid build up is swelling and can be reversed in the face and ears by nasal saline rinses because of the process of osmosis in the tissues where the saline pulls water out of the tissues.  

 

If it is inflammation then things to help lower the inflammation will help.  This will be stuff like the anti-inflammatory diet, the curcumin, steroids etc.  (Flonase comes under both this category and the above allergy category.)

 

If it is neurological then you need a work up by a neurologist of some kind.  The numbness could be so many things.  I am on neurological medication that helps with numbness and neuropathy (numbness or pain radiating down the nerves).  There are no OTC  solutions for this that I know of  - only medications that must be prescribed by a doctor.

 

If it is nerve compression then it could be due to either a misalignment of some kind (a chiropractor or osteopathic doctor can help with that) or you can be back to edema (swelling) or inflammation.  

 

If it is a vitamin or mineral deficiency then obviously it will be helped by supplementing that vitamin/mineral in some way and becoming not deficient.

 

I'm sure there are other options but I don't have the experience or medical expertise to suggest anything else.  (All of the above are things I have direct experience with in my own stupid body.)  

 

I've run through many of these.  I'll be trying the Claritin next to see if it at least works on the symptoms.  The left ear has drained some - I still feel it dripping occasionally - but it's building up more than it's draining.

 

And most recently, I'm wondering why my pulse has slowed down - pretty easy to tell when you hear it.  It's normally in the low 70s - 80s.  The last couple of days it's been in the 50s and low 60s.  Cooler weather causing hibernation?  :lol:  Or lack of activity from doing too much grading and not enough moving...  Or is this something that happens when one loses weight?  It definitely correlates with feeling colder. 

 

In general - just musing and trying to consider outside the box ideas on a break.  Hubby has dinner ready now though.  Did I ever mention he's a great guy?  Then I've got 6 more test (corrections) to finish grading and I'll be 99% done with the end of this marking period - comments on report cards and all.  That last 1% is a youngun who's been absent Friday and today.

 

Tomorrow (evening) I should be able to hit google more deeply and try to plot a plan - or maybe the Claritin will give me a really good day like Flonase did.

[Barb_]

Going back to the D levels thing. My daughter came down with mono back when she was 15 or 16. They tested her for vitamin deficiencies when they did the mono test because the doctor insisted she probably didn't have mono, but anemia (she is naturally very lean and tiny, like a gymnast). We lived in Arizona, and my kids are half Hispanic and never wear sunscreen, so I was shocked when her D levels came back in the basement. And she also had mono, lol

 

After that, I started giving everyone in the family 5000iu of vitamin D, the grown people every day and the younger kids 2-4 times a week. After six years, I had my d levels checked at a routine physical and they are solidly in the middle of the healthy range. The main thing I've noticed since we started supplementing is a large reduction in the number of respiratory illnesses we develop.

[creekland]

Going back to the D levels thing. My daughter came down with mono back when she was 15 or 16. They tested her for vitamin deficiencies when they did the mono test because the doctor insisted she probably didn't have mono, but anemia (she is naturally very lean and tiny, like a gymnast). We lived in Arizona, and my kids are half Hispanic and never wear sunscreen, so I was shocked when her D levels came back in the basement. And she also had mono, lol

 

After that, I started giving everyone in the family 5000iu of vitamin D, the grown people every day and the younger kids 2-4 times a week. After six years, I had my d levels checked at a routine physical and they are solidly in the middle of the healthy range. The main thing I've noticed since we started supplementing is a large reduction in the number of respiratory illnesses we develop.

 

I ought to be able to start using google to check out more of these possibilities tonight.  All I can say at this point is that I very rarely get respiratory issues of any sort as it is - even with working in a local petri dish.

 

This morning all seems pretty positive with the ear/head. Even BP and pulse are back in my normal ranges (117/73, 79). Mornings are usually good, so time will tell.  I'll be quite content if the Claritin works without annoying or causing other issues.

[texasmama]

I looked at this link, then checked the last test for this I had.  It was the methylmalonic acid test.  The site says:

 

"This measures the B12 stored in tissues, which makes it more specific to B12 deficiency than the other blood tests"

 

so I'm assuming that a test result of 69 when the normal range is 45 - 325 is decent?  A very quick google search on the test makes it seem that a lower number is better than a higher one.  I'd love for it to be the issue since it's reasonably easily fixed, but it doesn't seem to be the case.

 

I don't have most of the symptoms either:

 

No weakness/fatigue/low energy.

No unexpected/unexplained shortness of breath.

No heart palpitations.

No anemia.

No depression or mood issues.  (Frustration with bad days and depression are two totally different things IMO.)

 

There are a few that could match:

 

Loss of appetite. I haven't been hungry since radiation.  I credit it to being a side effect, but the radiation dr disagrees, so who knows?  It's been very helpful with losing weight, so certainly no complaints about it.

 

Digestively... constipation is sort of common, but not life changing, so again, no real worries to me.

 

Frequent bruising.  I have noticed I bruise easily from unexpected things (like moving a desk or something), but other than when it happens, I don't think much about it.  I've also noticed bruises take a while to heal, so perhaps it could be a concern I haven't thought about.  It's still not a daily issue or bothersome.

 

Numbness/tingling - of course - part of everyday life - super common - annoying, but I'm used to it at this point.

 

Brain fog/memory loss, etc - ok, I've chalked this up to radiation with a secondary cause of getting older... it's very annoying, but it means I can watch shows I've previously seen a couple weeks prior and have a bit in them be "new" again, so I guess there's a plus!   :glare:

 

However, if low numbers are better, I think that would rule B12 out as the cause:

 

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=methylmalonic_acid_blood

 

"This test measures the amount of a substance called methylmalonic acid (MMA) in your blood.

MMA is typically made in tiny amounts when you digest protein. Your body makes large amounts of MMA if you have a drop in the amount of vitamin B-12. MMA is excreted through your kidneys.

Your body needs B-12 to make red blood cells and to help your central nervous system work as it should. Low levels of B-12 can cause anemia. This is when your body does not make enough red blood cells.

This test is used to diagnose a mild and early shortage of vitamin B-12. A high level of MMA can mean that that you have a low level of B-12."

These B12 numbers don't make sense to me.  The normal range is something like 200-1,000.  I was very, very ill with B12 numbers in the low 300's.  I've been on injectible B12 for years now and those symptoms went away.  ETA:  Should not read when I cannot sleep in the middle of the night.  lol  What are you actual blood B12 numbers?  Those are the ones that are familiar to me and what I would want.

 

What I would be willing to try first in your shoes:  Chiropractic adjustments and prednisone.  Or at least give the Flonase a good trial of a week or so.  Also, I would not rule out side effects as a result of radiation.  I know that some of the symptoms occurred before the radiation (right?) but it makes sense to me.

 

I have constant, unexplained tingling in my feet which is worse when I am on my feet a lot.  It happened after I started supplementing with B12 so it is not a lack of B12.  I've given up finding the cause and accepted I will live with it the rest of my life. 

 

Random thoughts free of charge.  (((hugs)))

[xixstar]

One thing to keep in mind with reference ranges for nutrients - you may have a value within the reported ranges and feel it is sufficient (and be told it is) but it can be that your personal physiology needs the leve to be much higher. A range is great for a population but a little less useful on an individual level. I keep meaning to look up the functional reference ranges for you but this baby and other obligations keep getting in the way.

 

I would also recommend seeing a chiropractor as well -- we see one for a variety of reasons, none of which related to any spinal issues, and have seen dramatic improvement on things many people would feel is unrelated to chiropractic care like depression and anxiety and allergy symptoms.

[creekland]

What are you actual blood B12 numbers?  Those are the ones that are familiar to me and what I would want.

 

What I would be willing to try first in your shoes:  Chiropractic adjustments and prednisone.  Or at least give the Flonase a good trial of a week or so.  Also, I would not rule out side effects as a result of radiation.  I know that some of the symptoms occurred before the radiation (right?) but it makes sense to me.

 

I have constant, unexplained tingling in my feet which is worse when I am on my feet a lot.  It happened after I started supplementing with B12 so it is not a lack of B12.  I've given up finding the cause and accepted I will live with it the rest of my life. 

 

Random thoughts free of charge.  (((hugs)))

 

680 was the B12 level via the normal test.  

 

Prednisone is out as long as it tends to make one gain weight. I like losing weight and have another 20 lbs to go (lost 30 in the past 9 months, so don't care to lose momentum now).  I can tolerate the tingling/numbness/pulse stuff.  It only bugs me when I'm in a cranky mood.

 

I certainly haven't ruled out something getting triggered from radiation.  I had absolutely no ear problems ever before in my life except for a head injury from a sledding accident when I was 9 - and I doubt this is coming from that 4 decades later.  I use Sudafed for diving, but that's never caused an issue before either.

 

I credit my lack of hunger from radiation since it started then.  Since someone asked on a fairly recent diet thread I also notice I don't often get thirsty either.  There really isn't any other source for these things - or the ear/pulse bit - barring something else coming up at the same time.

 

The numbness/tingling part started well before radiation (a year and a half before).  There's no way it's related.

 

Random thoughts are always welcome.

 

Today has remained good with the ear stuff (just minor issues I'm used to), so perhaps the Clariton is doing its job - or maybe it was going to remain a good day anyway.  Time will tell.  The pulse I hear isn't as loud either, but that started yesterday, so pre-Claritin.  It hasn't changed the tinnitus, but I didn't expect it to.

 

A late onset allergy is possible assuming some allergies don't cause typical symptoms that Clariton is supposed to fix, but I still can't come up with a common factor to cause it - not location, not food, etc.

 

Being a science person, I plan to try Flonase again at some point.  I'm really curious to know if the BAD days I had after trying it are associated with it or were merely coincidence.  I'm just not going to try it during this full time bit at school.  I detest bad days.  I really detest bad days at school.  They happen enough without purposely trying to cause them.

 

One thing to keep in mind with reference ranges for nutrients - you may have a value within the reported ranges and feel it is sufficient (and be told it is) but it can be that your personal physiology needs the leve to be much higher. A range is great for a population but a little less useful on an individual level. I keep meaning to look up the functional reference ranges for you but this baby and other obligations keep getting in the way.

 

I would also recommend seeing a chiropractor as well -- we see one for a variety of reasons, none of which related to any spinal issues, and have seen dramatic improvement on things many people would feel is unrelated to chiropractic care like depression and anxiety and allergy symptoms.

 

I know I need far more salt than the average person just to get it into the normal range on tests...  Different ranges would be interesting.

 

Depression, anxiety ('cept with dr visits), and (known) allergy issues are pretty much non-existent in my life.  I don't know if the anxiety from dr visits would carry over to chiro visits or not.  I'm guessing they would, but  physical therapy wasn't an issue so maybe not.

[Barb_]

I hope you figure it out!

[texasmama]

680 for a B12 blood level is plenty adequate.

 

I have had good success with a chiropractor, but I remain oddly suspicious of new and different chiropractors.  It took years for me to switch to a new one who came highly recommended by my old one.  (The old one was just too far to drive so I wasn't getting there.)  I really just want to go back to the old one, frankly.  Who wants to have to break a new one in???  He fixed my AC joint (horrible shoulder pain) in two visits when I thought I had a rotator cuff injury. among other things. 

[creekland]

I hope you figure it out!

 

Me too.  I trust my body won't let me give up.  It's definitely been a more difficult challenge than I expected and I've learned a bit about the human body (still learning) in the process.  Learning new things isn't a bad trade off to consider a positive from it all.

 

I'll freely admit though... each time there are good days I like to pretend the body has actually healed itself and I won't need to worry about it anymore - you know, like it's supposed to do!

 

I think that makes it more frustrating when the bad days come back though.  The brain instinctively says something to the effect of "Seriously??? WTH?"

 

Figuring out the brain tumor was a piece of cake comparatively.  Once I got over my belief that the body would fix itself with that one (18 months - vision issues) I trudged off to an eye doctor who pretty much pegged the issue within a couple of hours (max).  That led to an appt with a specialist - then one more with the radiation docs.  Three appts to have a path figured out.  I never realized how fortunate that was...

 

This one cycles back around to "figure it out yourself" or "stress."  That pretty much helps to solidify my genetic lack of love for dr appts.  It's pretty tough to convince myself to keep going to any of them.

 

However, I try to remind myself that they did find and fix the carpal tunnel issue I never really knew I had.  Comparatively?  That fixed a small part of my life (holding a phone, driving, dropping things).  While I appreciate that, what I still deal with if I try to be still/sit back in a chair, etc, or with this other stuff esp on bad days, is almost not even on the same scale.

 

Oh well.  The rest of life is good.  I shouldn't really complain.  I was just hopeful the Hive might have a wider bank of knowledge to glean from - and I did get some thoughts to check into, so something could work out.

[hellen]

I just ran across this article about someone who could hear his heartbeat. It took four doctors but he was finally diagnosed with a left carotid artery dissection. The MRA hadn't caught it for some reason.

 

Some of the other symptoms of carotid artery dissection include neck pain and decreased taste.

 

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070602919.html