Tinnitus and long appointment waiting times

[chookey]

I have recently undergone blood tests, chest x-rays and a head MRI scan as my GP believes I may be suffering from FM. She has now referred me to Rheumatology and to the ENT department concerning my tinnitus.

I believe that my tinnitus is part and parcel of the FM and not a separate issue. The level of my tinnitus changes in relation to my level of fatigue.

I am unable as yet to get a Rheumatology appointment. I have received an ENT appointment for July 2023!!!I fully understand that we live in unprecedented times and that Covid certainly takes priority over FM, but I am also recovering from major cancer surgery and due to cancellations haven't seen my Consultant for over 5 months.

I didn't intend this post to be a rant but I have never felt so helpless. The cancer was bad enough but this "FM" affects every part of our lives. I don't even know why a diagnosis is so important to me.

I joined a nearby Maths class a few weeks ago to give myself a purpose. I get the simplest of questions wrong as I struggle to concentrate and it frustrates the hell out of me. Does anyone know of something legal I can take to boost my concentration/alertness? I'm not a quitter but am on the brink of it, I would really miss it.

[R-OD]

Hi I have Tinnitus to and agree that it seems worse when my FM flares. My GP referred me to Audiology on the 4th November 21 and within 2 weeks they confirmed I cannot hear high pitches thought to contribute to the tinnitus, they have referred me to ENT and Tinnitus clinic which I am going to today for hearing aids which apparently help, so fingers crossed 🤞 I will get some relief. I am expecting to wait awhile for ENT though perhaps ask your GP for referral to audiology whilst you wait Good Look

[Christine_new]

Hi I can't advise really..the waiting lists are bad..I am like you waiting on various important tests..I have began to advise my family to start paying private medical insurance..the nhs has always struggled..its no surprise what is happening now really..