MikeG65
New
Hi
I have a suspected inner ear fistula - long story but happened after diving in the US, initial thoughts inner ear decompression sickness but ruled out after hyperbaric chamber sessions resulted in only minor improvement. 10 days later symptoms (bad vertigo, sensineural hearing loss, tinnitus in right ear) remain. Had been taking prednisone and meclizine. Meclizine improves symptoms of vertigo only a bit. I had an MRI, thankfully stroke ruled out. Audiogram test showed significant high frequency loss in right ear. But my nystagmus is to the (we assume) affected (right) ear side which they said was odd, usually the other way round. ENT surgeon in US thought fistula, ER doc not entirely sure. Both very experienced in a hospital with diving experienced medics. ENT surgeon offered op that day to look and if appropriate to repair fistula. I flew home as was not sure how long recovery would take and needed to be back home, was given fit to fly letter (as pressures in chamber more than flight and I had no equalising problems). I am seeing a UK ENT surgeon Monday.
My question is, has anyone had fistula repair in UK and is it something ENT surgeons do here? It may heal on its own but my worry is that I will never know as I understand that over a couple of weeks the brain compensates for balance - so that if it happens to the other ear I'd have permanent vertigo. Thanks for any experience, thoughts and advice!
I have a suspected inner ear fistula - long story but happened after diving in the US, initial thoughts inner ear decompression sickness but ruled out after hyperbaric chamber sessions resulted in only minor improvement. 10 days later symptoms (bad vertigo, sensineural hearing loss, tinnitus in right ear) remain. Had been taking prednisone and meclizine. Meclizine improves symptoms of vertigo only a bit. I had an MRI, thankfully stroke ruled out. Audiogram test showed significant high frequency loss in right ear. But my nystagmus is to the (we assume) affected (right) ear side which they said was odd, usually the other way round. ENT surgeon in US thought fistula, ER doc not entirely sure. Both very experienced in a hospital with diving experienced medics. ENT surgeon offered op that day to look and if appropriate to repair fistula. I flew home as was not sure how long recovery would take and needed to be back home, was given fit to fly letter (as pressures in chamber more than flight and I had no equalising problems). I am seeing a UK ENT surgeon Monday.
My question is, has anyone had fistula repair in UK and is it something ENT surgeons do here? It may heal on its own but my worry is that I will never know as I understand that over a couple of weeks the brain compensates for balance - so that if it happens to the other ear I'd have permanent vertigo. Thanks for any experience, thoughts and advice!
