Ear infection

[Annpan]

Last night I woke up at 2.30 in immense pain from what I suspect is an ear infection.

I took cocodomol (having already had ibuprofen at 11) and eventually managed to get back to sleep.

I have had the flu since Monday however OH labeled it 'a bit of a cold' and therefore I clearly didn't meet the necessary criteria to get help around the house. (sorry, but it has really aggravated me)

Basically, I can't just rest... I have daily chores to do and a LO to look after (all part of living the selfsufficientish life) plus having builders here daily.

So I have been taking lots of meds to get me through... and I am not getting through....

Can anyone suggest some alternative meds, heat packs, cool packs, I don't know? that might help alleviate the pain so I can at least get some rest over the weekend.

[Green Aura]

Sorry honey, but if it's so painful you need a trip to the quacks! In the meantime I suggest you keep it warm but with applying any heat i.e. wear a scarf or something to keep the cold out.
And drink lots of echinacea tea. Vit C and zinc. And you could try one drop of lavender on the skin around the outside of you ear - don't put any in it - it will help to soothe it a little.

[Milims]

Not nice. Grab one of LOs socks and put some whole cloves, nutmeg and cinamon in it and fasten the top. Pop them into the microwave with a small amount of water in a cup (don't put the sock in the cup - just put it next to it so that the atmosphere isn't completely dry IYKWIM) and warm them for about 30 secs. Then hold the sock against your sore ear. It's really comforting and surprisingly pain relieveing. Hope you are lots better soon

[red]

really - i would go the Dr and get some antibiotics.. or at least be sure there isn't an ear infection behind the ear drum. my son used to have ear infections all the time. and its much worse when the drum itself bursts and your hearing can be impaired as a result....

if you really want to give antibots a miss, thenthey do say say that zylotol? spelt right.. that is an artificial sweetener helps.. but.. thats more chemicals. cranberry juice is sposed to help for all the same reason its good for other areas of a woman's body.

[Annpan]

The pain has subsided this morning.... I am still taking ibuprofen. My ear is sore when I cough, sneeze or burp... but otherwise it is just tender.

My hearing is all goofy, as is my voice.

I must say that a trip to the docs is very difficult for me (They tend to only do appointments in several days and it is 3 miles away, no public transport, thus needing OH to take time off work to take me.... I won't be cycling...) plus I don't trust them an ounce.

hoping that rest and liquids will be the remedy..... if I can get some rest of course....

Thanks for the tips

[Annpan]

Doing some research online it would appear that 'most ear infections clear up without treatment in 3 days' also that antibiotics seem to be the treatment in all cases... but the worst that might happen (or possibly already has) is a burst eardrum which heals with time.

Trying positive thinking....

I guess if the pain returns I'll phone NHS24 (to have them mis-diagnose me once more no doubt)

[Annpan]

Well, I phoned the doctor and I was given the 'rest and take paracetamol' line

[spider8]

If all else fails then hit the brandy and sleep and to hell with everyone/everything else. OH will have to cope and perhaps realise just how much you do for him! I know, not really an answer, just an 'if only I could' fantasy Hope you get better real quick.

[thesunflowergal]

Poor you Ann

I am in my nearly fourth week of an ear infection. I left it two weeks before going to the drs, as did not want to take antibiotics as I am breastfeeding. Then I gave in and went and got some, but after finishing the course they still have not worked.

Hope you are feeling better very soon.

[Annpan]

Oh no Sunflowergal, you must think I am a real moaner....

I'll just need to rest as much as possible I guess - I fear a big discussion is on the cards for tonight... and if I hear the phrase 'yeah, but you don't work' I may throw something....

[Green Aura]

Or down tools - then he'll realise just who does what!

[Julysea]

Try infusing some crushed garlic in some olive oil, strain it, and then put a few drops of it warmed gently into the ear. The warmth is soothing and the garlic is a natural antibiotic and can help with infection. And eating a load of garlic should also help to fight the infection too.

[Annpan]

Sadly, I am allergic to garlic, so that could cause a WHOLE new bunch of problems...

I have woken up with conjunctivitis.... but my ear (though still goofy) is not really sore, I don't know if that means something is still swollen or it has popped or I need it syringed

I am staying in bed today. OH can just figure the rest out himself.

[old tree man]

Oh anne, so sorry to hear of your illness i'm sending lots of positive thoughts your way get well soon, all the best
russ

[red]

poor you - hopefully the illness is running its course and you will be better soon

you would know if your ear drum popped.. a tide of goo would pour out after than, and the pain would be mostly over.


you might find decongestion treatments might help - you know towel over basin of hot water.. lemsip type things

and drinking lots is good too.