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Original poster

My ear hurts - but it isn't ear ache

46 replies

Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:12

Yesterday I thought I had a zit - but both my mum & dad plus my DD have all had sore ears

Theirs lasted about 12-18 hrs, mine is on day 3

It isn't inside like earache - it's the shell bit plus that ittle bit at the front

When will it go away - will I have to see the Dr tomorrow - I feel a bit daft but it bloody hurts, so much so that I am taking Paracetamol & codiene (the heavy duty ones). Plus I keep falling asleep (which usually means an infection)

I can't move my head as my jaw/neck/side of my face hurts too

Ow...ow...ow

OP posts:
MaureenMLove · 29/07/2007 18:16

Its not tooth related is it? Have you had your wisdom teeth out yet?

MaureenMLove · 29/07/2007 18:16

Ooh, hello! Didn't realise I was replying to you!

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:17

It could be - inside my mouth isn't sore tho'

& that wouldn't explain the others having a sore ear (not ear ache) tho'

OP posts:
Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:18

Hi

OP posts:
newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:23

Just to add to the conundrum, my ds2 has just had antibiotics for achey ears that were 'on the cusp' of becoming an infection - his drum perforated last time hence the zealous script writing from GP...

Dd has just been packed on hols with granny with big bottle of ibuprofen as she is complaining of a sore ear and, finally, I have just come back from emergency dentist after suddenly developing crazy, raging, awful jaw ache which is "probably" an infection under a tooth. The pain is right up into my ear also but no obvious signs in my mouth.

Have you tried tapping your teeth on that side to see if any hurt? That's what the dentist did and I yelped when he got to one of them!

I'm feeling spaced out and woozy on a nurofen plusparactetamol and codeine plus antibiotics cocktail.

Might go for a sleeping pill chaser later....

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:25

Could hardly get mouth open to tap teeth - but when I did all were fine - it's starting to affect my speech & eating is a no-no (not even chocolate)

OP posts:
Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:25
OP posts:
newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:28

interesting if not helpful!

Other thoughts are tetanus

Or sleeping oddly?

Bell's Palsy, but I don't think that hurts so probaby not.

flightattendant · 29/07/2007 18:30

'you have to tap them with a metal thing like a spoon handle. or it doesn't work

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:30

If it was just my jaw - then OK

But my ear - the shell bit is SO painful to touch

OP posts:
Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:31

FA - I used a hair slide (will that count?)

OP posts:
newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:31

Thanks Here have an extra codeine on me!

Pain is exhausting I am finding. Was supposed to be visiting Legalalien today, who I haven't seen in about 2 years. Instead was up at 6am and on phone to NHS Direct. This is also first day of only having one of the three dc (other two with granny til Friday), which is good because I couldn't have coped with all of them in this pain but bad because I should be having 'quality time' with ds2. Instead he is watching Ben 10 over and over.

newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:33

Do ENT surgeons use hair slides, do you think, like if the surgical instrument washer up is off sick?

Could you possibly actually still be brewing an in-ear zit?

pinkteddy · 29/07/2007 18:34

newlife - sorry for hijack - can you look at your 'botheration' thread for me? Will bump it for you now, thanks!

newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:34

on reflection, codeine requirement for a zit is a bit unlikely isn't it? Hmmmm.... stumped for now...

newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:35

Yes! I will - actually you saying that reminds me I owe Peachy a reply. OOps!

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:38

It is STUPID isn't it

If it was inside - it would be earache

It does feel a bit zit like; almost like it's getting bigger & the pressure needs to pop - but it would be bloody odd if I had something different to DD & the parents

OP posts:
CarGirl · 29/07/2007 18:39

just add in-ear zits are excrutiating painful so it could be that but I'd still be off to the drs just in case.

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:44

It seems a bit pathetic to go to the GP for a potential "Zit in my ear" but it is unlikely that the other 3 got over the bug so quickly when mine is getting worse at day3

OP posts:
newlifenewname · 29/07/2007 18:47

Yeah, but pain is pain so you would be justified on that front. I would have gladly driven to A&E in the night last night just for relief from the pain. However, knowing that they would not give me morphine (much as I may have liked it) for jaw ache, I didn't bother! i have a cupboard full of Codeine.

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 18:55

More codiene - NOW

OP posts:
littleboo · 29/07/2007 19:38

there are 2 general types of ear infection , one is called otitis media ( inside ) the other otitis externa which is the outer bit

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 19:41

Is "otitis externa" terminal?

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Deux · 29/07/2007 19:48

I had something like this recently. Inside of outer ear was v painful and swollen, swelling in front of ear and down my neck. I did go to the doctor as it was so bad and he diagnosed as infection of the mastoid cells. Sounded awful! I was prescribed a massive dose of a/bs and it was gone in a few days.

It was horrible and I do sympathise.

Original poster
Katymac · 29/07/2007 19:54

Oh no - you mean I will get better.......it was only the hope that it would stop hurting when I died that was keeping me going (sorry)

Dr's tomorrow then - at least I'm not too much of a wimp - Thanks

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