Re: ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

January 12, 2008

Cheryl and the group,

I've had tinnitus since 1991, this was one of the first symptoms that came on

with the onset of the Fibromyalgia I still have. At the time, I was living in

the Ca. desert, to go outside at night, with no sounds at all, was very

disturbing. I go from a loud roar to a high pitched squeal. I had the ringing in

my right ear originally but a few years later, the left ear started. I've seen

audiologists and doctors of course. My hearing checks out a little low but

nothing to suggest the cause of the tinnitus.

I have found certain meds increase the severity, mostly the narcotic pain meds I

take for chronic pain. The MS is not as bad as the Oxycodone (both the ER type).

As many know, a fibro flare causes many symptoms to worsen for a few days or

weeks as the flare continues. The ringing gets especially bad at these times.

The ringing does continue even when not in a flare however. The best thing I've

found at night to lessen the effects is some kind of ambient sound to match the

volume of the ringing. I enjoy the nature sounds but then sometimes a good talk

show or my favorite, C. playing blues

As many know, Lyrica has been approved for use as a treatment for Fibro. At one

time they doctors had me on 225 mg X 2 a day. The ringing subsided but did not

completely disappear. Unfortunately, I have to deal with the " Donut Hole " in

Medicare Rx coverage and have to choose my meds carefully. Lyrica is VERY

expensive when purchased outright. Though I have found some good deals on meds

at different pharmacies, Lyrica is one that stays up at ~ $9.00 per 75 mg dose.

I'm going to start another topic concerning the following but wanted to ask

right now...what do you do when law enforcement learns you're on a narcotic pain

med and then hassles you with DUI's? I am afraid to drive now.

Wishing everyone a pain free as possible day,

Randy

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