I think I have an ear infection.

[LeftyMom]

I have never had one before, but I can't imagine any other explanation for terrible throbbing pain in my left ear. I haven't suffered any injury or anything.

It hurts. A lot. x(

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. earaches suck...

:hug:

maybe some sudafed? :shrug: Feel better soon.

[grasswire]

2. some pediatricians recommend...

...warm olive oil for a hurting ear. It can be dripped in from a clean eyedropper or squeeze bottle. Or maybe a warm hot water bottle held against the ear would ease it.

[Radical Activist]

3. Those are serious.

You can have permanent hearing loss if it's bad enough. I hope seeing a doctor is a realistic option for you.

[LeftyMom]

4. I can go in tomorrow if I need to.

[Radical Activist]

8. Personally

a possible ear infection is one my tipping points where I finally break down and go to the doctor. The last time I had one I didn't have insurance and I really should have just seen someone anyway. It lingered a lot longer than I expected. When I finally saw a doctor after getting insurance six months later he asked if I had had an ear infection.

[margotb822]

5. does it hurt when you swallow?

I had one about six months ago, and the ear pain was bearable, but when I swallowed it felt like knives.

You need to see a doc immediately. If you have an ear infection, the bacteria can migrate to your spine and become meningitis (this is what the doc told me last time)

hope you feel better

[LeftyMom]

6. I promise I'll get myself in promptly tomorrow.

My kid is in bed and I can't really drag him off to the ER in the middle of the night.

[margotb822]

7. I understand

The last time I went to the ER i was there for 5 hours. I'm a bit of a hypochondriac, but you definitely know when you are sick. The fix is simple when you catch it early and I don't think it's contagious (don't quote me though)

[Jamastiene]

9. I hate ear infections almost as much as eye infections.

I get both. I think I'm allergic to air. There HAS to be a reason I have so much trouble with my eyes and ears.

I usually use a heating pad on the ear that hurts and lay with my head sideways for a while. Sometimes, that helps with the pain.

Hope you start feeling better soon. :hug:

[redqueen]

10. Aw, I'm sorry... those really hurt.

You probably need an antibiotic, but until you can get to the doc, take a hot shower (for the steam), drink lots of water, and take some guafesinen or whatever the stuff is that's in Mucinex. Mucinex D is good too. Your doc might give you a nose spray too... I'm not too good about using those though.

Hope you feel better soon... :hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

11. Try this while you wait for the doc.

Turn your hair dryer on and aim it at your ear canal. The heat should expand the canal enough to stop the pain. It's very temporary and don't burn yourself.

I'm sorry you're sick. earaches suck.

[yellowdogintexas]

12. take a sudafed. I often think I have ear infection when it is my sinuses out of

balance. I have been certain I was full of it, have the doc look and lo and behold, nothing.

So when I get ear pain, I take a decongestant and if it doesn't help then I see the doctor.

I hope it is not a true infection, and that the sudafed works

edited to add: the warmth suggested by other posters is wonderful regardless of the cause of the pain.

[Lyric]

13. I get chronic ear infections. That sucks so bad.

Get thee to a doctor and get yourself some antibiotics, some antibiotic/cortisone ear drops, and some pain meds. I hope you feel better soon.

:hug:

[LeftyMom]

14. Update: the doctor's office can't get me in until mid-January.

Needless to say, that won't work. I've been instructed to go to the ER. My sister is on her way over to go with me and LK's Dad is coming over to pick him up, I'll go get looked at as soon as they show up.

I'm really glad we don't have one of those evil commie health care systems with long waits. :sarcasm: It's also bullshit that my insurer will only let me go to one shitty regular doc but is happy to let me go to the ER (which will be $$$$, and take me forever too) instead of paying for me to go to some out-of-network doc who can see me today. It's really fucked up that I feel like an ass for complaining about this wasteful bullshit because I realize I'm lucky to be seen at all.

[Horse with no Name]

15. Try some Afrin (in your nose)

It will open the Eustachian tubes up and let some of the pressure off.
Be careful putting any type of drop directly into the ear in case of a rupture.
Motrin and Sudafed are also pretty good--as is Robitussin or Mucinex.
Good luck and they do hurt quite a bit.