Doctors and tinnitus

[Happyrosie]

Sometimes doctors get a bit of a bad press on this forum, saying there’s no cure and their patients, suffering as we do, find this dismissive and unhelpful.

I’d like to share with you my experience with my doctor.

Seven years ago exactly I had a blocked ear, had an appointment with doctor so that, in turn, he could tell me to make an appointment with the nurse for syringing (so you wait three weeks for a docs appointment then another two for the nurse) and I mentioned tinnitus. He said there’s nothing he could do for me in general practice, there’s no cure, but he could refer me on to audiologist etc etc, masking, etc. All of which I knew from BTA website.

And which I was quite happy with as I knew Ito to be true and I didn’t find this dismissive- others might have done.

A day later I had a pain in my breast and could see it was inflamed, managed to get an urgent appointment with the same doctor, who prescribed antibiotics as I’d hoped. I’d already got the door opened and had said goodby when he said “I’m going to refer you to the breast clinic. Long story short, I had a very aggressive cancer. After chemo and radiotherapy I take a pill for the next ten years, whose side effects include severe joint pain. My doctor tried many painkillers over a period of about a year, none of which worked, until we’ve settled on a combination of slow-acting morphine and ibuprofen (so I have to take another pill to stop the ibuprofen causing stomach ulcer) , and I can cope with the pain now. I have every faith in that doctor as he has an additional degree in pain management.

Sorry this is a long story but the point I want to make is that just because a doctor is truthful with you - there’s no cure for T - it doesn’t mean he or she is incompetent or dismissive or unkind. It wasn’t available then, but now he would go to the NICE recommendations.

So if you find your doctor unhelpful, give him or her a break and refer them to the NICE guidelines. They are probably unaware of them and are uncomfortable with the fac they can’t help you within general practice.

[Allgie]

I must say my GPS have been very supportive and understanding of the impact this latest bout of T has had on me, it’s true he can’t help me in general practice but has referred me and discussed managing my anxiety and stress levels.

I really can’t complain about the way I’ve been treated - sadly I know there is not a quick and easy fix - but at least I’ve been treated with some sympathy and compassion. I’m incredibly greatfull to the NHS and it’s hard working staff.

[doglover1973]

Agree Rosie. My GP has been ever so kind to me over my tinnitus - while acknowledging there's no cure. Especially last year when I was in a bad way. She let me go and see her multiple times. I can't comment on ENT or audiology as I'm still waiting ..

[rabbits65]

Very good post Rosie , and sorry to learn how much your going through , and yes I agree doctors certainly know how to put on their very best hat !!!

[beaverwood]

But every newcomer don't need to hear negativity as soon asthey arrive on this site looking for answer's and some kind of reassurance .