Newly diagnosed with BPPV (today) and am so confused
I finally was able to see an ENT today. I’ve been trying to for months due to constant ear pressure and pain in my left ear. I can hardly ever release the pressure from my left ear, it almost always feels how your ears get when changing elevation.
It was mild and not as persistent almost two years ago. A year and a half ago I went scuba diving and almost had to ascend to the surface because I couldn’t equalize. I finally did. That was my first big notice. Previously it was just something I didn’t pay much attention to. I live in high elevation and travel down a lot so I’m used to pressure change.
Fast forward to this past summer I kept feeling like there’s something in my ear and had some pain. Went to Dr and they said no ear infection all clear. I was prescribed Flonase, and some other allergy meds instead of the over the counter Claritin-D that I was taking.
Pressure/pain continued to get worse. Dr sent referral for an ent. Anyway long story short after issues with referrals/insurance etc I finally saw an ENT today BUT in the meantime I’ve developed dizziness.
I woke up April 16 and lost balance and fell. Talk about being scared. That day off and on I was holding on to walls or furniture for support. That was the worst episode but it’s been constant since. Worse when I drove down the mountain and back up. I’ve pulled over a few times from onset of dizziness.
Now, if I go down the mountain, the pain is a lot worse upon getting back home and the dizziness gets increased for two days then it mellows out, but doesn’t go away.
I’ve tried eply and some other procedures I found on YouTube, it kinda of helped but not really. I feel stuck on the mountain now, knowing I’ll suffer for a few days. I work down the mountain and also drive a lot throughout the mountain in various altitudes for work too. I’m now stuck at home for the most part. It’s miserable.
Doctor said it’s BPPV today. She’s putting in a referral for VT, and audiology. She said diet change will help. I already avoid gluten and dairy due to intolerances and high fat foods.
I’m really at a loss. Also had a CT done in October all clear other than a small retention mucus cyst in my posterior ethmoid air cells. In April I went to the ER and they did another CT but not a sinus one, a head one and er dr said all good and to see an ent for further help. (Er on the mountain isn’t the best and doesn’t have an ent on staff)
Is this BPPV considering all my symptoms or something else? Do you guys experience constant ear pressure and pain in the affected ear?
Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.