Any advice on how to approach my ENT visit next week?

[freefallin]

For those unfamiliar with my situation, I basically have a whole array of symptoms and no idea of what's causing them. Most of them are seemingly neurological in origin like balance issues, cognitive difficulties, 24/7 headaches, ringing in my right ear, potential petit mal seizures, dizzy spells, a feeling of pressure in my head and ears, hand and tongue tremors, and loss of my sense of taste. For that reason I've already been to two different neurologists who haven't been able to figure anything out. I've been to a few other doctors and acupuncturists too including a cardiologist, 3 different chiropractors, an internist, 2 GPs, and an acupuncturist. The issue I keep running into is that no one takes my concerns seriously. They look at my labwork, say everything's fine, and send me home basically. The 2nd neurologist said there was a spot on my MRI, but it's too small for him to feel it's significant. So that's pretty much the only thing I've figured out.

A few months ago I started seeing a new GP who is sending me to an ENT because there's a spot on the back of my throat that keeps turning white and becoming really painful. She's already tested it for strep and other bacterial infections, and everything came back negative. While I'm there, I want to ask him to also see if there's anything wrong with my ear canal causing maybe some of the dizziness and balance issues. I've also read that ear canal issues can cause other neurological issues I have like the cognitive difficulties, but who knows.

Apparently what I'm doing with the other doctors isn't working because they hardly even listen to me. Any suggestions on how better to frame my consultation so that he doesn't just dismiss me as a hypochondriac before he even runs any tests?

[freefallin]

it is NOT willing to pay*

[freefallin]

Thank you. Unfortunately, my neurologist did send me to a neuropsychologist to have my cognitive functioning tested, and the *expletive* wrote in my report that since no medical professionals have been able to find anything wrong with me, he would suggest that my problem is psychological. So that makes it harder to get doctors to listen to me. That said, it never came up when I saw the ENT yesterday. He basically told me to gargle with saltwater to see if the white patch in my throat clears up and scheduled me to have balance testing done. However, unfortunately, after discussing it with my dad, I learned that I have a hefty deductible to meet for out-patient procedures, so since they can't do the testing in the office and have to send me to the hospital, I have to call and cancel the appointment. I don't have anymore money to spend on expensive tests especially thanks to a scumbag chiropractor who lied to me about the costs of his services and and billed my insurance thousands of dollars it is now willing to pay.

So now I'm just back to the whole doing my best to ignore the problem thing. Whatever; I'm too exhausted to try anything else.

[Zoeoeoe]

sigh, freefallin I know how you feel. I've been having health issues too and been to over 7 doctors and 15 different specialists in the past 12 months. I have symptoms everyday and despite having gone to 2 different psychologists who said I don't have anxiety, doctors still don't take my symptoms seriously.

It's frustrating!

For you, I'd tell him that you've been to psychologists who have ruled out that you have hypochondria. Tell him/her that you are not stressed. Then tell him about all the symptoms and ask if they may be related. That's the best way to go about it. If you don't tell him you've seen a psychologist and start listing a laundry list of symptoms, he'll think you're a hypochondriac.

Hope you find out what's wrong soon!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

White patches are common in many throat  infections. It could also occur due to trauma, chemical injury. It could also be Leukoplakia, which is a condition where patches of keratosis appear as adherent white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and throat. It is a potentially pre-cancerous disease of the mouth and throat. A biopsy may help to diagnose this condition. The cause of leukoplakia is unknown, but tobacco, whether smoked, dipped or chewed, is considered to be the main culprit in its development. Treatment is with laser or cryotherapy.

Dizziness can have different sensations.  If your dizziness feels like you are spinning or the room is spinning (and especially if associated with nausea or vomiting), this might be due to an inner ear problem.  So, don't worry and discuss these options with your doctor when you meet him.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.