DH says I’m a baby for wanting to see GP for ear infection

[Ohtheaudacity]

I’ve had a cold all week, standard stuff, but in the last 48 hours it’s gone all to my sinuses and ears. I woke up Wednesday night with horrible ear ache in one ear. It’s only got worse and I’m now totally deaf in said ear, can’t lie on that side for the pain, etc. I’ve not slept at all due to the pain and discomfort. DH says I’m mad to bother the GP with it as it’s “just” an ear infection and I need to tough it out. I understand protecting the nhs and I barely go to the doctors ever other than for pill checks and smears. I’m just really struggling and exhausted. What do I do?

I should add - I’m breastfeeding so can’t decongestants which may have stopped it getting this bad.

You could try getting ear calm from the chemist in the first instance. It may not be an infection, it is likely to be a Eustachian tube dysfunction following a cold.

Go to the bloody drs! He is being a twat. You are in pain and have lost hearing (which if untreated could become permanent). I had a burst ear drum and I am now permanently partially deaf, so don't just ignore it.

Why are you with someone who doesn't mind you being in pain?

Ignore your DH and go to the doctors.

Go to the doctors, you might need antibiotics!

Go to the GO. I've had several ear infections like yours and the pain is terrible and relentless.
If untreated you may get a perforated ear drum which can lead to long term hearing issues.
Your husband is horrible.

See your GP. Ear infections are bloody painful and can cause permanent damage.

He’s being a total idiot, ear infections can be really bad. Go see your gp!

I would give the GP practice a call. I deal with ear care at my surgery and we would probably book you in so I can have a look just to make sure. If infection then antibiotics would be needed. If no sign of infection then possibly Eustachian tube remedy (usually with some breathing exercises/technique) and OTC relief options.

If it's an infection, what does he think ignoring it will achieve?

Proper infections need antibiotics.

I think you should call your GP - your symptoms sound pretty severe. If it is an ear infection you might need antibiotics.

Go to the Doctor. (If you barely see them and are considering it then you know you need to see him).

After I gave birth my midwife sent me for a tiny bit of an infection in my finger nail....I wouldn't have bothered....she explained when you have given birth you body is trying to recover from that and you may need help to fight other infections.

Go see if anti iotics would help. Doc won't prescribe them if they won't. But ear pain is the worst.

Go to the Dr. Ear ache is absolutely crippling; he's lucky if he's never had it, which I suspect he hasn't if he's reacted like this. Go to the Dr.

Go to the GP! I had an ear infection a few years ago and the pain was worse than labour...I needed 2 courses of antibiotics to clear it and was also prescribed strong painkillers by the GP, who took it very seriously. I also went completely deaf in the affected ear - it took quite a while for my hearing to come back and I also ended up with Bell's Palsy on that side and was drained for weeks afterwards. 'Just' an ear infection is bullshit.

Go to the GP. If it’s badly infected, the pressure might end up bursting your eardrum. It wouldn’t be the end of the world as they often do heal fine (and the relief from the pain is instant!) but it can lead to deafness.

I ignored an ear infection once. Ended up with a perforated ear drum. Took close to a year to get my hearing back! Go to the doctor!

I would speak to the local pharmacist before a GP as some decongestants are suitable for breastfeeding and they'll know.

What on earth does he think a GP is for?

Ignore him
Go to the doc , why do you need his permission?
Bet he would go in the same circumstances

Just phone the doctor. Mine does telephone appointments so it you describe your symptoms, they might prescribe an antibiotic or stronger painkillers to collect from the chemist. Alternatively, they might want you to come in to take a look. It is not your DH’s responsibility to gatekeep for the NHS.

Ok thanks everyone, I’ve been told! I’ve just stood up and the room is spinning. God it’s awful. DH really is an arse with all things health. He thinks unless your arm is falling off it’s business as usual. Will phone the GP when they open.

Would I be unreasonable to attempt to pop my ears, like you would on an aeroplane? Would that help or hinder all this?!

I'm not in UK so have private healthcare.

The first ear infection I got as an adult was one of the most painful experiences I have had. I can remember leaving work, crying in a pharmacie because of the pain and getting a taxi home. It didn't get any better and I actually got a doctor out to the apartment. I had ruptured an eardrum and was on antibiotics for weeks.

It really hurts, it can damage your long time hearing. Go to the doctors. I found a hot water bottle on the ear and eating ice follies helped slightly with the pain.

good luck - you're not a baby for caring about your health.

Definitely. No need to be in pain. Also ear infections can migrate to the mastoid bone behind the ear which can become really really nasty. Get it seen to.

Yes call the GP.
Then a solicitor 🤣