Neurological difficulty, prob with Dr.

[jaybird2001wi]

With my annual physical coming up within the next month or so, I have been trying to get some answer from my doctor for the past couple years as to why I have been having some brain troubles. I have a rare hearing condition that either lacks fluid in the ear portion of the head, which is the reason I only have a 20 percent hearing capacity and poor coordination due to a problematic equillibrium state in my head.
I know it isn't a brain condition because, courtesy of my work, I got two free cat scans as part of a workmans compensation deal in the emergency room following two workplace incidents (a resident physically attacked me as I work at a group home...etc.) and the doctors in the ER said my cat scans have looked good.
All my doctor gave me is Rhincort nasal spray to use thinking that was the problem. But that doesn't work and now I find myself having to drink two Energy Drinks in the morning just to feel functional throughout the day because without it, I feel like my brain just "shortens out."
My boss thought I may have had "treacher-collins" but I have done research on it and I know I don't have it. Aside from all of this, I have tinitus (which I mentioned before) where I get constant ringing in the head once or twice a week.
I have thought about asking my Doctor for a referral to a neurologist to figure out exactly what is wrong. Anyone know what the deal is with me? And I am starting to become impatient with my Doctor because he doesn't really answer my questions and it seems like I am just a product on the conveyer belt whenever I go in for an appointment where he just comes in for five-ten minutes, says hello and that is it. This is what my insurance company pays for?

[hawing]

I'm afraid I can't begin to guess what your symptoms might indicate.

 

However, if your medical coverage gives you a choice of physicians, consider switching to one who makes you feel less like 'a product on the conveyor belt.' I've used the same clinic for about 15 years. I didn't actively switch doctors, but when my first one transferred to the west side, I decided not to follow.

My current doctor is wonderfully responsive - it's like a night and day difference from before. Perhaps a change could help in your case.

[DSFastball55]

I would switch doctors immediately. If he hasn't been helping the situation, why would you stay with him? You have been paying for him to not help you. Just get a referral, and your insurance should cover it. I've had a similar experience with my son, and have learned that you have to think of your doctor as a service you pay for like a carpenter or hair stylist (if you don't like your haircut you go somewhere else next time), even though a lot of the time we don't think that way because we don't directly pay for it usually if we have insurance. And some doctors just simply aren't as good as others, or just have different specialties than what you need them for.

[JimH5]

If you are dissatisfied with the service you get from your doctor, then you should find another doctor. I agree with slobberknocker. You have no obligation to keep seeing someone who doesn't give you the service you deserve.

If you have an exam scheduled a month or so from now, I'd recommend devoting that month to making sure that you're doing all the "healthy" things you should be doing, so as to eliminate some of the stuff that a doctor would probably recommend anyway.

As far as your energy is concerned, make sure that you sleep enough. Especially since you've got that dreadful weekend work schedule. You absolutely need to recharge, and it wouldn't be realistic to think that those regular double shifts don't take their toll on your body and brain.

Also make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day. It's stuff that we've all heard hundreds of times (and I hate the boring taste of water, too), but water is critical to body chemistry.

Don't overdo it with alcohol.

Eat healthy foods. Apples, not potato chips. Vegetables, not doughnuts.

And exercise. . .

At the very least, you'll know that you're doing all that you can for your own health.

[Brian the Automator]

In all honesty, I'd see a psychiatrist. The mind/body connection is huge, and there could be a psychological component as well as a physical component. Psychiatrists are probably going to be a lot more patient with you as well, as it's less of an assembly line profession. And if they don't diagnose you with anything, then it's at least something else to rule out. Good luck, man. I'm no stranger at all with dealing with doctors, so I know how tough it can be.

[jazzytrav]

Aside from all of this, I have tinitus (which I mentioned before) where I get constant ringing in the head once or twice a week.

Most of my girlfriend's family has this as well. There is medication out there for it...it just takes awhile to work. But it's out there.