I AM SCARED

[alexsmom]

I am new here, and I don't even know if this is what I have.  My mother had ana about 24 years ago.  Last Monday, I started to feel like my ear was clogged and self medicated thinking it was an ear infection.  As of Friday I still could not hear so I went to the doctor.  She said there is nothing that she can see that should be causing me not to be able to hear and wants me to see a specialist.  I have a slight ringing but I don't notice it much, due to the fact there is always so much noise at my house.  My ear feels full but there is nothing in it.  The main thing is I can not hear.  I am a single mom and I can not afford to get something like this.  I am sure I am over reacting but any responses would be so welcome.  I am scared that I inherited this from my mom.  Please help.

[jamie]

Spontaneous AN's are not passed on from what I've been told, now if your mother had an AN on both sides, or multiple tumors, that would likely be NF-1 or 2 which can be passed on. I wouldn't stress about it until you know, there have been many who come here in your position who find out they don't have an AN. You could just have eustachian tube dysfunction , which can be caused by many things such as allergies, a cold, etc. Your doctor can't see ETD, it's an inner ear issue. I'm sure you'll be fine.  

[alexsmom]

But they saw nothing in my ear.  No wax, no foriegn objects, no ear infection.  I am trying to stay calm but I have been known to look for the worse but hope for the best.  I hope you are right. 

[jamie]

They wouldn't see it. It's not a foreign body or anything they can see with a scope, it's a problem that's deeper than they can see, and it's not usually caused by an ear infection. Google eustachian tube dysfunction, it may make you feel better.

[eronrabun]

The only realy way to rule out AN is to have a MRI.  Just stay calm unti you are able to rule it out.  and remember that medicine & surgery has come a LONG way since your mom had it! 

Best Wishes!
Eron

[Sanddollar]

Alexsmom,

I hope that you can remain a non-member of our little club, but there is a lot of support here if you need it.   

Since your mother had an AN you were aware that this could occur, unlike so many of us who had never even heard of it before being diagnosed.  For this reason you may be jumping the gun a little to worry, but you are wise to get it checked out.  My doctor also indicated that this is not a hereditary condition with the exception of NF2, which would have probably caused your mother to have enough other issues that you would know that that is what she had.  See the specialist and pursue the matter until you feel that you have gotten the right answer.

Best of luck and let us know how you are doing.

Regards,

Sanddollar

[GM]

Alexsmom,

I understand that you are scared, but from my research I have not found AN's to be a hereditary condition...I am the only person in my family (both sides) to have a AN.  People with NF-2 are more likely to have AN's, if you family has NF-2 in their medical history, I would suggest to see an ENT for a thorough examination and to put your fears at ease.  I know this sounds easier said than done...but try not to panic.

Gary