A couple of weeks ago I had some aches and chills and thought that, since my daughter had just been ill, I was coming down with a cold. The next day, however, I awoke with a severe headache and no cold. Over the next few days, the constant headache subsided but I noticed a loud, whooshing pulse in my right ear. Now, for the last week and a half, I have continued to hear the pulse in my right ear and have had intermittent, deep stabbing pains on the same side of my head. I have also had some pulling and tingling sensations on the right side of my face and scalp, and bouts of "flushing" in my right ear. The head pains can be triggered by my bending over, and I get severe pain in my right ear if I sleep on it. Also, I feel lethargic and have had some "pins and needles" in my left leg and foot. I checked my blood pressure and it was my usual low (108/70), I haven't had any alcohol and I don't smoke. I am an active 45 year old woman and have asthma and a history of pernicious anemia. I take synthetic thyroid (my thyroid was removed due to benign nodules) and several asthma meds, but discontinued my Zyrtec D (a new med for me) to see if it would help. No relief. I would have run to the doctor by now but I am on an extended business trip. I would go home but am afraid to fly with this mystery condition. Any suggestions for finding relief? How much longer do you think I should wait before seeking medical care in a strange town? To be honest, I'm a little freaked out by this and could sure use the advice. Thanks.
Hello,
Your symptoms sound really serious. I recommend that you head to the nearest doctor or clinic - do they have walk in clinics where you are? - especially if you're afraid to fly home. We're not equipped to diagnose your condition and it could be something serious that needs immediate medical attention. On the other hand it may be something as simple as an ear infection or migraine which a doctor can give you some medication to clear it up right away. I believe it's never a good idea to let a sudden change in symptoms that persist go unchecked.
Good luck!
Nicky
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The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Buddha