The best book on cruising......

[Gill W]

Thanks Gill & Dennis.

A few weeks ago I had some ear problems, I felt blocked and muffled, and started getting tinnitus in my right ear.

I thought it was wax at first, so I started putting olive oil in, but it didn't do much so I went to the docs, and he suggested three weeks worth of steam inhalation. So I did this, and although I didn't feel blocked anymore, I was still getting the tinnitus and I had realised I was quite deaf in my right ear.

So I got a referral to an ENT consultant. I've gone privately, so I saw the chap on Saturday.

He thinks there's a possibility it could be an acoustic neuroma, a benign growth on the acoustic nerve in the brain. So that's why I'm having the MRI scan, and I see the consultant again on 7th June, to get the results.

An acoustic neuroma isn't life threatening, and they are slow growing, but if they get too big they need removing.

So I am concerned, and I'm keen to get the results and see where I stand.

Even if it's not the AN, I still have to deal with being rather deaf in one ear, and cope with tinnitus.

For the last couple of weeks the tinnitus has quietened down, although I am aware of it. As Dennis said, it's best to keep busy - when I get involved with something I don't notice it.

So, that's what's going on - just taking each day as it comes, and doing things I enjoy doing.

[GillD46]

Oh poor you. I do hope it turns out to be something less serious. Sending all best wishes for a positive outcome.

[Dancing Queen]

Yes ... best wishes for a good result Gill.

[Dennis The Menace]

That is a worry Gill, you poor thing. But keep yourself occupied as you say, and hopefully you'll look back on this as something you needn't have worried so much about, and even go away with help towards the tinnitus/hearing loss.

Take care and Please let us know how you get on.

[Gill W]

I went to the consultant today to get the results from my MRI scan .... and completely clear, no acoustic neuroma, or anything else wrong

I'm so relieved, I can't say how much!

I also had a hearing test - my hearing loss is in the mild to moderate category.

During the week I had a bout of vertigo, not fun at all.

So, I'll be going to a balance clinic for the vertigo, and also have some tablets to take if I get another turn, which will help to relieve the symptoms.

Also I'm to be referred for a hearing aid.

Both referals are on the NHS, so will take a little time.

The problem seems to lie with the nerve in the inner ear - in the majority of cases like this, it is never known why it happens. I'm going to have blood tests done, but often these come back as normal in this sort of situation.

So, I'm delighted with the result of the scan, and feel I can deal with my new situation, although I hope vertigo is not a frequent feature. The tinnitus is at low levels now, often I forget about it.

Just wanted to say thank you for the kind thoughts - and if you see a thread called 'Hearing Aid Advice' - that'll be me!

PS - also nothing to stop me flying, so three weeks today I'm off to Germany for my Danube river cruise!

[Meg 50]

glad your scan was ok.

the balance problem can be a bummer , but I discovered that certain things make it worse - like stretching my neck too far!

The Danube is on our bucket list.

please post a review

[Quizzical Bob]

The Danube is on our bucket list.

You'll need an awful lot of buckets. I've seen it and it's enormous

[Romig1]

The Danube is on our bucket list.

You'll need an awful lot of buckets. I've seen it and it's enormous

[Dennis The Menace]

I went to the consultant today to get the results from my MRI scan .... and completely clear, no acoustic neuroma, or anything else wrong

I'm so relieved, I can't say how much!

I also had a hearing test - my hearing loss is in the mild to moderate category.

During the week I had a bout of vertigo, not fun at all.

So, I'll be going to a balance clinic for the vertigo, and also have some tablets to take if I get another turn, which will help to relieve the symptoms.

Also I'm to be referred for a hearing aid.

Both referals are on the NHS, so will take a little time.

The problem seems to lie with the nerve in the inner ear - in the majority of cases like this, it is never known why it happens. I'm going to have blood tests done, but often these come back as normal in this sort of situation.

So, I'm delighted with the result of the scan, and feel I can deal with my new situation, although I hope vertigo is not a frequent feature. The tinnitus is at low levels now, often I forget about it.

Just wanted to say thank you for the kind thoughts - and if you see a thread called 'Hearing Aid Advice' - that'll be me!

PS - also nothing to stop me flying, so three weeks today I'm off to Germany for my Danube river cruise!

Great news Gill. And enjoy the Danube

[Gill W]

glad your scan was ok.

the balance problem can be a bummer , but I discovered that certain things make it worse - like stretching my neck too far!

The Danube is on our bucket list.

please post a review

I'm feeling a bit paranoid about the vertigo at the moment, any slight dizziness, and I think it's going to happen again But I'm trying to work out what movements make me feel more dizzy, and trying to relax too, so it's a work in progress at the moment.

There will be a review - I'm looking forward to this cruise as it'll be something different.

[Dancing Queen]

glad your scan was ok.

the balance problem can be a bummer , but I discovered that certain things make it worse - like stretching my neck too far!

The Danube is on our bucket list.

please post a review

I'm feeling a bit paranoid about the vertigo at the moment, any slight dizziness, and I think it's going to happen again But I'm trying to work out what movements make me feel more dizzy, and trying to relax too, so it's a work in progress at the moment.

There will be a review - I'm looking forward to this cruise as it'll be something different.

Gill my husband went through a phase of dizziness/vertigo which was very worrying at the time he was referred to ENT where everything checked out ok but the dizziness continued, eventually our GP sent him for physio and that together with certain exercises he had to do cleared it up in about 6 weeks, he still does the exercises occasionally and touch wood he has had no further problems.

I can understand you feeling paranoid, I was and it wasn't happening to me, I can't remember all the exercises but a couple of them were to sit upright and he had to slowly move his head from side to side half a dozen times then up and down the same obviously the physio was a lot more involved but it might be worth you trying it several times a day - as it is just normal movement I would think it would be ok and it might just help a little.

[Andrea S]

Gill, What a relief for you getting some answers and nothing sinister.

I have Macular Degeneration in my left eye which causes double vision and consequently dizziness if I cannot focus properly. There were times when I passed out but nowadays for most of the time I seem to control it.
The exercises DQ suggested helped me too. Focusing on something in the distance and gentle movement of the head can help. Getting up slowly from sitting down was also advised.
In my case I do try to avoid things that can trigger it off. Trying to cross a road and looking in both directions isn't good nor is sunshine through trees or railings,. Watching TV can also trigger dizziness.

Try and make a note of your incidents to see if there is a pattern.

Enjoy the Danube.

[sagaris]

I downloaded the book on Friday and have just finished reading it. It was abrilliant read, I laughed out loud at Lola (odd looks from people - we were at a car show) shed a tear at Maureen and her elderly father, but most of all I was amazed how Dennis and Mandy faced, and dealt with the trials and tribulations of the last 10 years

Best of luck to you both

Molly

[Dennis The Menace]

Thanks Molly, that's great to hear, thank you

P.s. Lola, sends her love

[Gill W]

Thanks for the vertigo tips. Touch wood, nothing has happened since last week , but I will remember the exercises. At some point I will get an appointment at the 'balance clinic', so I imagine they'll go through these sorts of exercises with me there

[rogerrovers]

Hi Gill,
Glad your scan was clear . I too have nerve damage with complete hearing loss in one ear but in time you learn to adapt to the situation. Have a great cruise.

Jenny.

[Gill W]

Hi Gill,
Glad your scan was clear . I too have nerve damage with complete hearing loss in one ear but in time you learn to adapt to the situation. Have a great cruise.

Jenny.

Hi Jenny, thank you for your encouragement. I've got my audiology appointment at the end of July and my balance clinic appointment for the start of September, so things are moving along nicely.

And I did have a fab cruise.


I noticed 'Sicknote' is a Kindle Daily Deal today. That's brilliant, well done Dennis, you could get into the best seller charts!

[Dennis The Menace]

Glad to see things are moving along nicely Gill, please keep us posted.

I'm off to check out Amazon, thanks for the heads up

[Dennis The Menace]

I noticed 'Sicknote' is a Kindle Daily Deal today. That's brilliant, well done Dennis, you could get into the best seller charts!

You're right Gill !!!

I've just had an email saying Kindle are doing my book as their Kindle Daily Deal - that's 99p for the kindle book today (awaits comments suggesting it's still overpriced to the tune of 98 pence ) which is amazing.

Haven't a clue how they decide on which books they do this for but I'm pretty sure it's got a huge amount to do with all the great reviews you folks have given me on Amazon, so thanks very much

I notice the excellent George Williams cruise books are also being featured, and at a similarly attractive price

[Romig1]

I noticed 'Sicknote' is a Kindle Daily Deal today. That's brilliant, well done Dennis, you could get into the best seller charts!

You're right Gill !!!

I've just had an email saying Kindle are doing my book as their Kindle Daily Deal - that's 99p for the kindle book today (awaits comments suggesting it's still overpriced to the tune of 98 pence ) which is amazing.

Haven't a clue how they decide on which books they do this for but I'm pretty sure it's got a huge amount to do with all the great reviews you folks have given me on Amazon, so thanks very much

I notice the excellent George Williams cruise books are also being featured, and at a similarly attractive price

I'm assuming you're not alluding to the one which labelled it "boring and repetitive"?

[Ray Scully]

Not got a Kindle, does the same deal apply yo i Pads?

Ray

[david63]

Not got a Kindle, does the same deal apply yo i Pads?

Ray

You can get a Kindle app (free) for the iPad so that it effectively makes the iPad into a Kindle reader

[Ray Scully]

Not got a Kindle, does the same deal apply yo i Pads?

Ray

You can get a Kindle app (free) for the iPad so that it effectively makes the iPad into a Kindle reader

Ta very much sir for such a prompt response.

Ray

[Mervyn and Trish]

Not got a Kindle, does the same deal apply yo i Pads?

Ray

You can get a Kindle app (free) for the iPad so that it effectively makes the iPad into a Kindle reader

Ta very much sir for such a prompt response.

Ray

The paperback is still more use for reserving sunbeds.

[Dennis The Menace]

Excellent point, well made Mervyn

Ray - my only kindle is on iPad and it works very well. Hope it works ok.

Thanks David