Almost Time To Go To Symposium, Now Having Ear Problem
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October 29, 2010 at 11:40 am
Hi,
It’s almost time to leave for the symposium and I’m having ear problems, not an infection but both ears are clogged with ear wax. I have this problem occasionally and it happened again because I got my hair done two days ago.
The doctor said to put ear drops in twice a day for four days and I go to see him the day before I leave for symposium. In the past they’ve just needed to be irrigated and they pop clear, very simple but both doctor and I get wet.
I’m thinking of going to the symposium even if the ears are still clogged and as long as I can hear well enough to manage. Maybe the flight will pop the ears.
I’ll just have to “play this by ear”!
Anyone have any suggestions? -
October 29, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Liz – I understand that flying with plugged up ears is not advisable. I have used the ear drops that come with a rubber bulb type syringe to irrigate the ears after the drops soften the wax. It is messy but you can wrap a towel around yourself for the mess. You may have to repeat it, also. Good luck. I would hate for you to miss going – since you are representing all of us;) .
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October 29, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Hi Liz,
I wish I had suggestions. I certainly hope you’ve found relief by now.
Good luck!!!
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October 30, 2010 at 12:08 am
Liz,
I have the same problem, always have, with the build-up of ear wax. I used to always get my ears irrigated when I was younger, now it seems like they don’t want to do it anymore at the clinic. Instead they recommend this irrigating kit. I know the condition of your hands & also the fact you live alone. When you go in to see your doctor on Monday, insist that his nurse or someone get those ears cleaned out. And yes, it is miserable flying with plugged ears, can be very painful. -
October 30, 2010 at 7:17 pm
There are some things that you can get at the pharmacy that will help soften up the wax. Explain you problem to the pharmacist and see what he/she says. If it it gets soft enough you might get it out with the shower water.
Please explain ever thing to the pharmacist including the fact that you intend to use the water from the shower head to flush out the ear. Make sure the pharmacist thinks it is a good idea. I have a hard time with that little blue bulb so I can only imagine how hard it must be for you to try and use it.
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October 30, 2010 at 11:20 pm
put some Hydrogen Peroxide, a few drops each ear. you will hear a bubbling sound, then clean with Qtips or if its too much use a little rubber pear they sale at the pharmacy .It will suck out all the peroxide with the wax from your ear.
My mom has the same problem and the doctor told her to do this a few years ago at home . It works really good.Rossana
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October 31, 2010 at 12:49 am
Jim, I was able to visit Liz down in Kissimme last March & she is not able to use her shower, as she is in a wheelchair. Her hands are badly damaged, so I don’t think she can do the bulb thing alone either. If the doctor or his nurse won’t do it for her, maybe a neighbor can help? She does have a lot of wonderful neighbors that we met.
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October 31, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I do have an appointment with my PCP on Thur the 4th and I got the name of an ENT who I’ll call on Mon the 1st and appeal for an emergency appointment. I just hope he’s not too much of a specialist he won’t do a simple irrigation. I went over to my home health office thinking I might be able to arrange for a nurse to come to my apartment and irrigate my ears, all they would do was call my PCP’S office to arrange appointment. My neighbors know I am having ear problems but not one offered to help me put drops in them and irrigate them. I am using DEBROX ear drops as the doctor recommended and I have the kind of syringe the doctors have and I’m doing the best my damaged hands can do to take care of the ears myself. I think I’m getting some drops in the ears.
Why do things ALWAYS happen to me on a weekend to make me wait until Mon so I can call ENT’s office. The last time that I can remember this happening with ears was nine years ago. And those ears did not pick a good time to clog again.
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October 31, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Remember, Liz, to gently pull up and back from the top of the ear before instilling any drops. This straightens the ear canal so they flow right in, they meet a curve in the eustachian tube if it is not pulled straight first.
Good luck with this,…you definitely don’t want to fly like that and we all want you to make it to the symposium!!!!
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October 31, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I remember being told years ago by one of my PCP’S who would irrigate the ears that I had small ear canals which had a curve to them so I probably do need to have the ears pulled up and back to open them, BUT, there is NO WAY my damaged hands can do that and put the drops in.
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October 31, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Maybe the Dr is having you do the drops to soften what is in there and hopefully clear it some.
Perhaps he can irrigate them fully when you are in the day before you leave? Maybe a call to his office and let them know that is what you are in need of before your appt would help? -
November 2, 2010 at 5:34 pm
WAAA WHOO, YIPEE and all other cheers. I went to an ENT today and the ears are all cleaned out and I’m hearing better then I was before the ears got clogged on Friday so that wax must have been building up. I was even given a hearing test and have great hearing. I did ask what would have happened if I got on a plane with clogged ears and the doctor said there was no fluid in the ears and flying wouldn’t have done any damage. It would have just felt like I had ear plugs in.
I’m going to try to wear a name tag that identifies me as codystanley.
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November 2, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I am doing a “HAPPY DANCE” for you!:D
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November 7, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I just checked back on this now Liz. So glad everything worked out.
Can’t wait to “hear” your report back!!
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