"Drawn back from the edge of insanity!"

I am a fit older old person who, for the past two years has suffered from a rare condition called 'pulsatile tinnitus'. I could hear my heart pounding in my right ear 24/7 - non-stop. Sometimes it would whistle or clang with each beat. Night and day it drove me mad with lack of sleep and concentration issues in my business. I honestly had suicidal thoughts, especially after yet another ENT specialist just shook their head and said they couldn't hear it.. I'll just have to learn to live with it. Maybe I should try sound therapy.

Then my dear old friend and GP sent me to see John - leading Neurologist - a decision that changed my life. John and his team did some much more detailed tests which showed up some arterial abnormality. He then homed in on the area with his stethoscope. We all awaited in silence until those wonderful words came...     "I can hear it!"

Within a week I was booked into the Alfred Hospital to see an amazing man, Anoop -  Consultant Radiologist for more tests including angiogram of the brain. Anoop was extremely clear and articulate in going over the issue with me. A Fistula inside the blood system of my brain was causing strong backpressure into the sinus cavity resulting in the horrible noise. He recommended operating asap.

Before I had time to blink I was on the operation table (a week or so later). Entering through the groins, Anoop and his colleague from the RMH pushed the catheters up into the brain and inserted platinum coils to block off the offending areas. Finding even more issues they decided to cross the brain and stent a fistula on the other side. 

Seven hours later I woke; alone in the room and not even a hint of a noise in my head!!  I was bruised, exhausted and suffering a headache, but nothing could quell my delight at this amazing outcome.  A week has now elapsed and I am sleeping like a baby. No noises! I am reborn! Bruises are fading and headaches diminishing. I will never forget Anoop, The Alfred Hospital and all there who gave me the best of care.