Ear Infections

**Tracy** · 10-19-2006, 10:01 AM

Okay I have had ear infections in both ears on and off (more on then off) since DD was born. The first one lasted almost two months before I could tolerate it. The second one and Third ones lasted 1 1/2 months. I have been on every antibiotic for ears that you could be on. Made many many trips to the clinic and ER because I lost hearing and the pain was terrible. So again this time 1 and 1/2 months. So I went to my Dr. and said to her that this is ridiculous I am 26 and have had more ear infections in the last 3 years then when I was a child. So she finally sent me to the ENT Dr. And guess what? The ear infection is very very deep and all the drops they have been giving me have just been coating the infections. So I had my ears vacuumed out and that is painful, he gave me more drops and I have to go back in a week and then every few weeks after to make sure that they are clearing up. Finally somebody who knows what they are doing!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me rant!!!

**nuisance26** · 10-19-2006, 11:31 AM

~Ouch!I've had alot of ear infections myself, including when I was pregnant. I'm allergic to penicillan so the only safe thing was vinegar-based ear drops. Worked great! I can't imagine an infection being so deep that it lasts that long and had to be suctioned. You poor thing! I hope it goes away very soon!~

**Emerald_Mommy** · 10-19-2006, 01:18 PM

Sorry you've been going through this.

I can relate though. I still get frequent ear infections. My eardrums have burst so many times I've lost count. Two years ago I lost my hearing in my left ear due to a really bad infection that WOULD NOT go away. I can't take penicillin either but the doctor eventually got it to clear up. It was a scary time and I'm still nervous I'll lose hearing in that ear. Let us know how it goes for you!

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 10-19-2006, 02:18 PM

i totally understand how you feel. my son (who is 6 now), had tubes put in his ears when he turned 1. the 1st year of his poor little life, he had 19 ear infections & i was getticing ticked!!! finally my dr referred him to the ent, and they cured the problem!!!! thank god for ent doctors!!! glad you are feeling better!!!

**Tracy** · 10-20-2006, 12:40 PM

Thank you all! My next appointment is Thursday so here is hoping that it is all cleared up. The new drops that they gave me make my ears real itchy though.That must mean that it is working right?

**mikkismama** · 10-20-2006, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by Tracy

Thank you all! My next appointment is Thursday so here is hoping that it is all cleared up. The new drops that they gave me make my ears real itchy though.That must mean that it is working right?

Sounds like it. I hope they get better. If it doesn't, you might want to try garlic oil or GSE, those have been known to nip infections right in the bud.

**kabin63** · 10-20-2006, 01:37 PM

Oh! You poor thing. My DD was in 4th grade before they put tubes in her ears. Up to that point, she would get an infection and the infections would come and go all winter. When I had her tested by an audiologist in 4th grade they discovered she had been having fluctuating hearing impairment. We have no way of knowing how much she may have missed in school due to the fluid just sitting in her ears. The ENT is very good, but even he was fooled by my DD's ears. He could never see the fluid just sitting in her ears. When he opened them up to put the tubes in he said he couldn't believe all the fleash colored fluid she had in her ears and he said there was no way she could have been hearing everything in class, unless the teacher was facing directly at my DD. It stinks! Anyway, my DD's body rejected the tubes and she no longer has them. she would bleed out and the ear drum would grow back together underneath the tubes. Needless to say, we had them removed and she has been ok for the most part since then.
I really hope this all gets straightened out for you and that you are feeling much better soon.

**birthgeek** · 10-20-2006, 11:25 PM

Ooh, I can sympathize! I had a similar problem; I'd never had them growing up but got them chronically since my second pregnancy! I, too, tired of drops and abx pills not working (plus I dread taking abx at all!), so I went to a naturopath. She gave me many helpful tips and by following them all I've been able to kick the infections. I've had one in the last 14 months, whereas before I was lucky to have 2 pain-free days out of 14.

Some of the key tips she gave me were immune-boosting things like dry-skin brushing, fast and deep forward bends (to force the fluid out of inner ears), quitting all dairy, taking garlic and acidophilus, and chiropractic care.

I hope your ears clear up for good!

**Tracy** · 11-02-2006, 03:45 PM

Well I have been to the ENT twice now and I go back next Thursday again. My ears are still infected. I have had them vacuumed out twice now and will have it done again next week. It hurts and I get dizzy lying down while they are doing it. He has given me some more drops but since I started using them my right ear is very painful, I am back to taking Tylenol every four hours. At least I am finally seeing someone but I mean come on I just want it to clear up.

**Tracy** · 11-09-2006, 12:36 PM

Well I went to the ENT again today and low and behold my ears are still infected. I have him stumped!!!! So he vacuumed them out again, added more drops. Gave me a prescription for new drops and told me to come back in two weeks. I don't think they are ever going to clear up.

**dmvezina** · 11-09-2006, 01:19 PM

OW!! Sounds very painful!

I hope it clears up SOON for you!

**daylily** · 09-26-2011, 06:01 AM

Tracy, an allergy to dairy products is a very common cause of ear infections. You could try going off dairy for 2-3 weeks and see if it makes a difference.