Hi all, new to the forum - Ive been reading a lot of posts over the last few days and thought I’d post myself as Im worrying myself sick and could do with someone to talk to.
Symptoms started around 2-3 months ago with a hearing issue in my left ear, hearing isn’t completely gone but is noticeably not as good (maybe 50%) as it was and as an example, I struggle to hear someone when they’re on my left side. I didn’t get anywhere with NHS so decided to go private through my insurance. Doctor cleared a wax buildup around a month ago which didn’t help. At the time I also mentioned a lump on my left cheek which I can only feel when I open my mouth, doctor checked and wasn’t worried but referred me for ultrasound to be sure, had the ultrasound and was told at the time it seems nothing to worry about but referred for MRI just to be on the safe side.
In the meantime other symptoms started such as dizziness / light headedness, on and off mild nausea, and back ache in various places across my back. Also odd sensation of feeling like I can see something in the corner of my left eye / slight blur in left eye now and again. Mentioned all this to my ENT doctor and he again wasn’t worried and said he can’t think of anything to connect those symptoms.
Cut to the MRI (Thursday 10am), they tried to get the contrast liquid into me but my veins have always been terrible and it’s always been a chore to get blood out of them! Had an MRI years ago and same thing happened. They said they’ll try to get it in again halfway through. Anyway I was in the MRI a while and when I came out, was told they’re not going to try again with the contrast because they got enough scans… cue me (I have bad health anxiety) thinking the worst and worrying they’ve found something and don’t need to bother with the contrast because it’s big enough to see and it’s really bad etc. Was also told at that point that I should hear back in 10 days but if not to ring up and follow up.
Following this was a really bad weekend for me in terms of anxiety, set off by them deciding not to do the contrast and me thinking this is a bad sign. I am aware that some of the symptoms could be anxiety related especially as they seem to have worsened since the MRI itself. I rang the hospital this morning and asked whether I needed to book an appointment to get the results of my scan, was told yes, but next appt isn’t til 13 July… I can’t be feeling this anxious until then so I asked will the doctor get in touch with me before then if it’s something serious? The lady said “someone would’ve already been in touch with you by now if it was serious, we have what’s called red alert and if a scan looks worrying a doctor will be notified and be in touch” - immediate relief for me, which has been unfortunately temporary because honestly my symptoms just seem to be getting worse, back and neck ache worsening, nausea worsening, Ive got joint pain in my left elbow and now lack of appetite. I’m really worried about brain tumours, even though I’ve now been told if my scan showed anything serious I would’ve been contacted sooner than now.. I’m otherwise fit and healthy and still able to do high intensity exercise, getting out and about, etc.
I suppose I’m just looking to hear other opinions here and hopefully someone to talk things through with. Thank you x
