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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to think my husband is being an asshole regarding my ear infection?

38 replies

HealthConcerns · Today 20:35

Just that really. Currently on day 6 of an ear infection. Started as an outer ear infection, I was given antibacterial ear drops 2 days after the pain started (as I’ve had that feeling before which goes away so wanted to wait before seeing GP).

I was using them as instructed for 2 days along with alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen. No relief whatsoever, and yesterday my ear popped and some muck came out of it so I went back to my GP. My eardrum has ruptured and I’ve got a middle ear infection so am on some oral antibiotics and prescription strength pain killers.

Here is where, in my opinion the assholery behaviour starts.

Ive worked all through this, done all the school pick ups and drop offs, done my share of the housework etc without complaining but this morning (day 6 of infection, day 2 of stronger meds) my temperature spiked to 39 degrees Celsius, I’m shivering and can’t get warm, the pain is something else, I can barely lift my head off the pillow without wanting to be sick.

I didn’t really sleep last night either due to the pain so I called in sick to work today and I have another appt with the GP tomorrow (on their advice) as I really should be starting to feel better now, even if just a little bit when in reality I’m feeling worse. The whole side of my face hurts that side and I can’t open my mouth properly to chew food without my ear hurting even more.

He has had to do the school runs, dinner and dishes today, and is highly likely to need to do them tomorrow unless a miracle happens overnight. He’s been stomping around the house, moaning that he’s having to work as well as do “all your stuff” how im lazy and it’s “just an ear infection” and that im wasting resources with all these appointments and medications.

AIBU to think he’s being an asshole about me being ill or should I get a grip as it’s “just an ear infection”?

OP posts:
JLou08 · Today 21:05

He's a huge arsehole. I hope he gets an ear infection as bad as yours. It sounds awful, wishing you a speedy recovery.

MyM8Marmite · Today 21:08

So sorry OP, this sounds really miserable for you. As others have said, please be aware of mastoiditis or sepsis. Is the bone behind your ear swollen or tender at all?

DilettanteRedRagger · Today 21:11

HealthConcerns · Today 20:35

Just that really. Currently on day 6 of an ear infection. Started as an outer ear infection, I was given antibacterial ear drops 2 days after the pain started (as I’ve had that feeling before which goes away so wanted to wait before seeing GP).

I was using them as instructed for 2 days along with alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen. No relief whatsoever, and yesterday my ear popped and some muck came out of it so I went back to my GP. My eardrum has ruptured and I’ve got a middle ear infection so am on some oral antibiotics and prescription strength pain killers.

Here is where, in my opinion the assholery behaviour starts.

Ive worked all through this, done all the school pick ups and drop offs, done my share of the housework etc without complaining but this morning (day 6 of infection, day 2 of stronger meds) my temperature spiked to 39 degrees Celsius, I’m shivering and can’t get warm, the pain is something else, I can barely lift my head off the pillow without wanting to be sick.

I didn’t really sleep last night either due to the pain so I called in sick to work today and I have another appt with the GP tomorrow (on their advice) as I really should be starting to feel better now, even if just a little bit when in reality I’m feeling worse. The whole side of my face hurts that side and I can’t open my mouth properly to chew food without my ear hurting even more.

He has had to do the school runs, dinner and dishes today, and is highly likely to need to do them tomorrow unless a miracle happens overnight. He’s been stomping around the house, moaning that he’s having to work as well as do “all your stuff” how im lazy and it’s “just an ear infection” and that im wasting resources with all these appointments and medications.

AIBU to think he’s being an asshole about me being ill or should I get a grip as it’s “just an ear infection”?

So he doesn’t know what a ruptured eardrum is or he doesn’t care. DH had one and was absolutely miserable and sick with the pain. He had one day of fevers so bad that I almost called 999 because he was a bit delirious. If you’re feeling shivery and unwell and you have facial swelling, please call 111. You may need an antibiotic drip. Attached is a photo of the list from the NHS of when to seek “immediate medical attention” and it sounds like you have most of the list.

And your husband is being a complete bastard. I imagine it must be quite tempting to kick him in the clackers and tell him, “Yeah, it feels a bit like that. Do you understand now?” What a selfish arsehole he is.

AIBU to think my husband is being an asshole regarding my ear infection?
Nurseposter123 · Today 21:12
  1. Call 111 especially if you have an uncontrolled fever and have been on oral antibiotics with no improvement. Sepsis happens. Does he not realise how serious and awful this is? Has he never been ill?

  2. Tell your husband he's being an awful human. They are his children too and you are supposed to be a team. Awful behaviour.

  3. Tell him you are not doing any childcare for days you will be recovering and resting and getting further medical help.

What a twat.

Newnamesarehard · Today 21:18

I went to a&e for a perforated eardrum when I woke one morning in agony with my ear bleeding, came out of no where.

Was one of the worst pains I've ever had (not THE worst) but fucking up there.

YANBU.

Actually earache and toothache are just the worst because there is literally almost nothing you can do to stop the pain, help the pain, or get past the pain. Can't sleep it off or nothing.

Hope you feel better soon, fake some hearing loss so you don't have to listen to him whinge.

C152 · Today 21:23

Yes, you're right; your husband is being an arsehole.

You're sick. A burst ear drum and the infection you describe is not "just an ear infection". And why is it YOUR job to do all the school runs and wash the dishes? Are they not his children too? Does he not eat and also use the dishes? I'd tell him he needs to cut out the bitching and step up. This is what a partnership is. And next time he is ill I would probably be petty enough to remind him of what an arsehole he was when you were sick.

jinglejanglescarecat · Today 21:26

Oh I’m so sorry. Ear infections are one of the worst pains I’ve ever had (other than childbirth). At least with childbirth it’s over with quicker and the Adrenalin keeps you going.

he’s being a horrible arse.

once you’re better I think you need a chat!!!

Galaxylights · Today 21:55

Wow what a horrible man.

Thingcanonlygetbetter · Today 21:58

He is a first class wanker. It enrages me reading stuff like this. When you are better you need to have a long hard chat about this. It is so unacceptable

Gerdundula · Today 22:02

Octavia64 · Today 20:41

Ear infections are fucking painful.

i can’t do stuff when I have them and just lay crying in a dark room. Hate the bastards.

yes your husband is unreasonable.

Total agree that they are bastards! I had a nasty ear infection a couple of winters back, the pain made me cry and I ended up on antibiotic drops and pills. I was unwell for a good week.

What an unpleasant man he is.

Sorry, OP, hope you are better soon x

nutbrownhare15 · Today 22:06

When I'm feeling ill I go to bed and my husband just cracks on with it. He would never dream of minimising my pain or stropping because he has to look after his own house or kids. I hope you feel better very very soon.

Francestein · Today 22:09

Utter prick of a man. The “All your stuff” comment would have me considering divorce. Do you work full time? Are the kids his too? What kind of partner does he think he is???

Pacificsunshine · Today 22:33

Look after yourself OP. You deserve better. Do you have parents nearby who could help you?

Your DH is a shabby partner. You can address this once you are feeling better.

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