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ETD- treatment success?

Posted , 20 users are following.

Pokumon
Pokumon

As frustrating as ETD is, i'm relieved to hear i'm not alone.

I've had it for 18 months, which started after I lost my balance on a water ride, which resulted with a large amount of water pressure hitting my right ear.

Since then, i have constrantly tried to un\"pop\" my right ear. I hear a cracking/ popping sound when i open and close my mouth, get headaches, or feel a heavy weight on the right side of my face. I struggle to get the balance right in my ear on the underground or on planes, which results in me having to hold my nose and blow, to get some ease.

I was referred to an ENT specialist, who recommended a series of nasal sprays. I saw an improvement with Flixonase nasal spray but a cold brought all symptoms back, and no nasal spray has helped since.

My ENT doc has given me three options:

1. Insert a grommit

2. Remove adenoids

3. Leave as is.

Neither options 1 and 2 are guaranteed to solve my problem!

Is anyone willing to share their treatment experience? Has anyone had a grommet inserted or removed their adenoids and what was the outcome?

Thanks

0 likes, 55 replies

55 Replies

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  • jbbell
    jbbell

    Posted

    Hi I have same thing. Mine started with flu after having flu and pneumonia jab! it lingered more than 5 weeks. The nurse kep telling me it was wax1 tried olive oil and thrush sprays but no joy. Saw ENT chap on tuesday and he said I had glue ear!! I am 62yrs old!! Given drops too for a month then I have to go back and see him. I might end up having a gromet put in.!!
  • lozhuni
    lozhuni

    Posted

    Hi iv been suffering for over two yrs now had lots of diff treatments including a grommit which has made ni difference. Running out of ideas now, it takes over my life tho just want rid of it.
  • jbbell
    jbbell

    Posted

    hi . Thats torn it! I thought ALL my troubles wud be over when I get gromet in! I am afraid to go on a plane anywere. What do i do now? Anybody any ideas????

  • lozhuni
    lozhuni

    Posted

    Ditto so worried about plane trips incase makes worse its awful. Ent said grommit shud make it ok for me to go on plane but tbh dont think they kno or understand!!
  • Caz769
    Caz769

    Posted

    I have just been diagnosed with EDT and I'm flying (10 hours duration) in 4 weeks time. Does anyone have any tips for clearing this quickly?
    • oren1961
      oren1961 Kinsley1645

      Posted

      Very sorry to hear that. I'm 54, I've had it for 15 years, and the last time I cleared my ears was 13 years ago (so ... before you were even born!!).

      I have tried everything except balloon dilation, even though I was in contact with Peter Catalano and reading Dennis Poe's papers when they came out. It's still not approved for general application in the US, but it is elsewhere (in Europe, e.g.), and I heard the waitlist for Poe doing it is 1.5 years. I'm trying to find someone near me, because I think I am a natural candidate for success with it (I can move the material to the exit, but not out, except in tiny amounts using every technique I have learned over these years). I advise you and everyone to skip all the nasal steroids, grommets, etc., and head for the nearest clinic offering balloon dilation.

      Best of luck. Makes me very sad to think of a young kid dealing with this.

    • mik67080
      mik67080 Caz769

      Posted

      Hi Caz

      How did you go? I have been diagnosed with EDT today

      I have six weeks to get rid of it until I have two flights overseas (about 10 hours in the sky all up) and then the same ones to get home.

      I need to clear this tube before I go or I know I will be in pain. Let me know how it went! 

    • mik67080
      mik67080 Caz769

      Posted

      Hi Caz Just wondering how you went with that flight? I was diagnosed with EDT today and fly out in 10 days time for two flights 7 hours and 3 hours 

      realy worried about it after flying with a cold (short flight) in april was so excruciating and blocked me pretty bad 

  • lozhuni
    lozhuni

    Posted

    Had it for ova 2yrs no quick fix , tried lots believe me! How long u had it? Id b interested in how u get on flying as im a bit aprehesive to book any hols abroad. Soz not much help!
  • jbbell
    jbbell

    Posted

    I think just nasal sprays will help. also ear-plugs? carry sweets with you. Can't think of anything else. I am just scared to book my hols abroad now. And i don't want the grommet either if it's not going to make a difference!! So we just staying in UK this year.!! cry
  • Caz769
    Caz769

    Posted

    Lozhuni, It's only been 6 months, but 6 months of hell, thinking I'm going mad. Holiday was booked July last year so no way am I missing it.

    Thank you jbbell I will take sweets and purchase ear plugs. I will also try the breathing through good/bad

    nostrils as well.

    I'll let you know when I get back. I also have flights September and January so hope something works.

  • lozhuni
    lozhuni

    Posted

    Well iv got a grommit and been told i wud b fine on plane but still unsure. Hope the flight goes ok please let me kno, its reassuring knowin im not the only one suffering, i feel totally alone with it. Its constantly on my mind.
  • Suzanne79
    Suzanne79

    Posted

    I've had ear trouble all my life, and my GP has only just decided it's probably ETD... I flew with a heavy ear infection on a 13 hour flight in December. I took antihistamines, pain-killers, and a decongestant nasal spray an hour before flying. It seemed to work as there was no pain. If wearing ear plugs make sure you have them in at all times during the flight, as the presseure needs to stay the same, and removing them midway can effect that. Good luck!

  • Caz769
    Caz769

    Posted

    I got some 'ear planes' from the internet and the flights were ok. I didn't try it with out them so hard to tell if

    wearing them made a difference or not, wasn't willing to risk it.

    Ears are both still blocked, earliest I can get an appointment at ENT is September, hope I haven't gone mad by then tinnitus is getting worse.

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