AIBU to expect this pain to be getting better now?

[charflits]

This is a genuine pain relief query...apologies to anyone who thought it might be more interesting. Posting on AIBU for traffic and medical wisdom of mumsnetters. I have an ear infection. It’s been ongoing since probably Monday, been on antibiotics since Thursday but it’s not getting any better. I’m taking max pain relief in terms of nurofen and paracetamol...probably taking more than I should...8 of each during a 24 hour period, sometimes more...only way to manage the pain. But the pain isn’t getting better and I’m getting worried. Obviously I’m not sleeping properly and I had a bit of a panic attack in the night about the pain, number of pills I’m taking, what is happening to me etc etc. Do I just need to give it more time or am I right to worry?

Awh OP sorry your having such a rough time with it.

Sounds like you need to go back to the GP. Did they actually look at your ear or was it over the phone?

I suppose you have also only been taking the antibiotics for 2 days which might not be long enough for them to do much yet.

Pain relief wise it sounds like you need something stronger than ibruprophen and paracetamol. A pharmacy can give you a low dose co-codamol which might be worth a try until you can get in touch with the GP.

I’d be tempted to get an out of ours appointment though. Nobody should have to suffer in terrible pain x

Pain from ear infections can be awful, I truly sympathise

I suffer frequently and the thing that tends to help me the most is hot water bottles. I tend to lie down with the effected ear lying on the hot water bottle (a towel in between my skin and the hot water bottle of course). It usually helps to encourage any fluid to drain which unclogs the tubes, relieving the pressure.

If you really can't manage, phone OOH. There would probably be a massive wait, but they may have more recommendations for you or be able to prescribe something stronger for the pain

Please don’t take more than the recommended dose of paracetamol.

You can buy cocodamol 8/500 over the counter. 2 tablets x4 a day INSTEAD of the paracetamol.

Hot water bottle might help ease pain.
Usually 3 days and antibiotics should have effect.

If the pain is still severe try for an OOH appt

Try to get in to see a GP again , you could need more or different antibiotics.

You poor thing. If you’ve had a full 48 hours of antibiotics then I’d try and get seen again. It’s sounds horrible.
I second the PP who suggested heat. It really does help

Thank you guys. Am going to try the hot water bottle, cut down on the painkillers if I can and really hope I’m feeling a bit better in the morning. If not I’ll go back to the gp. 🤞and much appreciated