In pain abroad

[Greekstray]

Is there anybody who can help please?

I’m in Greece and for the first time ever I’ve got an ear infection. Went to a ear specialist yesterday morning who said I’ve got a fungal infection and cleaned it out and put some pink stuff in it. He prescribed some drops, to start this morning. The brand name is Canesten, clotrimazole solution 1%.

I put in 3 drops as advised and the pain on application was awful. Even half an hour later my ear is throbbing so badly I’m struggling to move.

I know I have a really low pain threshold but is this normal? I can’t go through this three times a day for the next week.

We’re on a flight back tonight and I’m worried about that as well.

I wonder if you have both the fungal & another type of infection going on.

Thanks YeOldeTrout.

That’s interesting. The doctor at the health centre said there were two infections and to go and see the specialist. The specialist just mentioned the fungal infection.

Fortunately the pain’s worn off a bit now but still throbbing. I am very wary about putting anymore drops in.

Ear infections are hideously painful , for several days after I get the drops it will hurt like hell, but continue with the drops otherwise it stands no chance of getting better. Just grin and bear it fly home and seek medical advice as soon as your back in case you need anti b's. Keep topped up on regular pain relief too.

Clotrimazole ear-stops can be really, really painful to use to the point some people stop using them because the pain is too much. Lignocaine is sometimes added but sounds like not in yours, sorry OP. I would personally avoid flying, it can be absolute agony with the pressure changes and coupled with a swollen and gunky ear can be a recipe for a perforated ear drum, especially if you've only just started treatment. Do you have paracetamol and nurofen?

Bacterial ear infections can sometimes be mis-diagnosed as a fungal infection, it's worth getting checked again when you're home or before you leave as you may need antibiotics especially as they've told you there's two infections.

*ear drops

Thank you all for your for your replies. I have not been able to face using the drops again and my ear now feels blocked and is aching.

May I ask what lignocaine does?

Unfortunately I have no choice but to fly tonight, hoping for the best and I do have nurofen.

Lignocaine is a local anaesthetic. Presumably you would use it in gel form. Really dose yourself up with pain relief if you do have to fly. My dd has had a lot of painful ear infections so I know how painful it can be 

Thank you. Looks like some co-codamol is in order this evening!

Oh sweet will warn you to prepare you in advance I flew once with an ear infection and the pain was awful, not saying to worry you or anything but take prep make sure you've got some sucking sweets strong pain killers etc.

Thank you, will do. Really not looking forward to this flight!