I have been suffering with such bizarre oral mucosa burning and bone loss r/t unknown etiology for the better of 4 years, have seen upwards of 8 different specialists in different disciplines, all of whom want to help me, but refer me to others in hope they will be able to find the root cause. Along with this came joint pain and swelling, primarily in my hands, feeling of malaise, and most recently, bilateral eye edema and fluid pockets above and below the eye that occurs roughly every 2 weeks, fatigue (if fatigue means extreme brain fog, with a touch of intermittent confusion half way through a work day, falling asleep at the drop of a hat when sitting down for any reason at home, and feeling worn out most of the time. Most recently, Friday, I suddenly experienced hearing loss in my left ear with loud ringing. Saw my ENT yesterday and there was no sign of infection, fluid or swelling. Went back for a hearing test this morning and I have lost hearing in both ears, but more so in the left. I can't help but think all these things are related as the rheumatologist confirmed that my body is having a hyper immune response, and the trick is finding out why. I am at wits end and though I stay positive with knowing "it could be much worse", I had all but given up hope. That being said, Dr. Elenbaas brought my hope back, with the notion that she will see this through and help me get my dental/oral health back. The bedside manner of Dr. E and her entire staff left me feeling safe, hopeful and relieved. I don't think there is anything worse than a constant burning, destructive excrement in the mouth, on the tongue, and in the throat. It is constant with varying degrees, but its debilitating at times. Not much could be worse, not even this loud, white noise and ringing in the ear (though it is extremely distracting and makes me mad at times. I am personally convinced that if Dr. E can help me find the root cause for the mouth issue, then everything else would be easier to live with. I am very confident that something good, even great will come from the care of Dr. E and her staff. I feel like I have found a team who will stick with me through finding a diagnosis and a treatment plan. THIS is what good healthcare should be, and I am grateful and humbled to be a patient of Dr. E. PS, "Half the battle in healthcare is making a connection with a person, not a patient. I feel like a very blessed person" Tsh Hancock
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PATRICIA H. | Sep 21, 2023