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Original poster

Still no end to this outer ear infection!!

8 replies

Lewis22 · 27/01/2025 17:37

Hi folks,
Here again and no further forward with this otitis externa clearing up.
I had a swab done and it is a bacterial infection, not getting better so GP has arranged a ENT visit. ENT told the GP to prescribe the drops I had already tried initially & they didn't work the first time.It seems a bit better & the discharge has settled, but still quite itchy.

What is the deal with these outer ear infections, can they be stubborn to clear up? become long lasting/chronic? asking because I never experienced anything like this before. Also a little worried going to see ENT as I have health anxiety also.

OP posts:
Lurkingandlearning · 28/01/2025 04:52

I have the same thing. For nearly two years. I won’t share my saga as you have health anxiety and your local health service might be much better than mine so my tale would be irrelevant.

I’m bumping and watching as 2 GPs and ENT have all contradicted each other.

You have my sympathy. It’s maddening, isn’t it?

Original poster
Lewis22 · 28/01/2025 09:04

Lurkingandlearning · 28/01/2025 04:52

I have the same thing. For nearly two years. I won’t share my saga as you have health anxiety and your local health service might be much better than mine so my tale would be irrelevant.

I’m bumping and watching as 2 GPs and ENT have all contradicted each other.

You have my sympathy. It’s maddening, isn’t it?

Edited

Hi,
I actually think at this point I would be grateful for you sharing your saga (don't have a fear of hearing stuff from others at all) so I know I am not alone.

Did they keep giving you medication that has not worked? never had this before, so just wanted to hear from others who have struggled with it.

OP posts:
Lurkingandlearning · 28/01/2025 09:13

I'll PM you if that is ok

Original poster
Lewis22 · 28/01/2025 09:21

Lurkingandlearning · 28/01/2025 09:13

I'll PM you if that is ok

Hi,
Yes totally fine

OP posts:
olderbutwiser · 28/01/2025 09:36

I had an ear infection that took two bottles of the antibiotic spray and three courses of oral antibiotics (one course of something that didn’t work, two of something that did) to finally clear up. My gp was helpful and we just kept going. I have some truly repulsive pictures of the inside of my ear when it was infected. We got there in the end.

Original poster
Lewis22 · 28/01/2025 09:47

olderbutwiser · 28/01/2025 09:36

I had an ear infection that took two bottles of the antibiotic spray and three courses of oral antibiotics (one course of something that didn’t work, two of something that did) to finally clear up. My gp was helpful and we just kept going. I have some truly repulsive pictures of the inside of my ear when it was infected. We got there in the end.

Hi,
Thank you for your message, whatever is going on here it is hesitant to clear up. Really puzzling how I have been given the same ear drops that didn't work initially. Was yours an outer ear infection?? otitis externa?

OP posts:
Fullofthejoysofspring · 28/01/2025 20:54

I have had loads of these over the years and I find the best way to clear it is with an antibacterial steroid cream in addition to the drops.

Original poster
Lewis22 · 28/01/2025 21:07

Fullofthejoysofspring · 28/01/2025 20:54

I have had loads of these over the years and I find the best way to clear it is with an antibacterial steroid cream in addition to the drops.

Thank you for your message. I am hoping ENT sort it out this week, getting beyond a joke now, been like this since the middle of November.

OP posts:
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