Clogged ear for 5 month - lots of exams that show nothing
Posted , 73 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I must say that I thought about writing down a post here, but I didn't do it till now.
It's been almost 5 month since my misery had started, meaning, the ear pressure, to be specific, it's only on the right ear.
It all started one day, with lymph node that got swollen next to my tragus, at that day, I visited the ER since I was afraid it was something that might be dangerous.
The ENT gave me some antibiotics and some nasal drops, he also mentioned that it will take some time until the swollen lymph node will decrease and vanish.
Few days after this issue, my ear got clogged. only the right one..
To make a long story short, I visited almost 10 ENTs, Neurologist, Orthopedist, TMJ (Mouth and dental doctor), few Dentists and other alternative therapists - such as accupatre and chiropractor.
Took tons of medicines - including few types of antibiotics, nasal drops (steroids and other), pain killers, anti-inflammation medicines etc.
Did a lot of exams - Head CT, Head MRI, tympanometry, audio test, ultrasound exam, X-Ray to my neck and spine, FOL (optical fiber) test and other tests that I can't remember.
All of the exams didn't have any conclusion to what was the issue, all the exams came out fine! - meaning, I'm stuck with it.
I must say,
I'm 30 years old, vegetarian, eat healthy, working out, working in non-physical job and pretty much having no other issues.
I'm reaching out for your assistance,
Anyone had experienced it also? Can you assist me with finding what is the root cause of it?
I feel like my life turned 180 degrees, from being a friendly guy and leaving happy life, I turned out to be grumpy, unhappy and most of all, exhausted of this situation.
Hopefully I'll find an answer here,
Thanks,
FM.
4 likes, 259 replies
tori98361 ForMartha
Posted
I am just finding this thread and I have these exact issues. It's been 6-7 weeks now and I am going crazy!! I have seen many Drs, my dentist, etc. I have a fullness/pressure in my right ear. It is making me crazy. I keep thinking it's something bad that's going to kill me. The anxiety is taking over. How are you feeling now?
Sharonam tori98361
Posted
I feel for you as I am experiencing the same thing and it is exhausting me and making me depressed! I have done everything....antibiotic, prednisone, nasal sprays, Neti Pot, Chiropractor, Laser treatments, essential oils. This happened to me 14 years ago and the only solution was an ear tube at age 31. It worked until now! I have to fly in exactly one month and I am panicking! I see my ENT next week and I am going to ask for another tube as I can't take this any longer!
tori98361 Sharonam
Posted
So frustrating! I have 3 young kids and it's making me an anxious, depressed mess!! My mind always goes to worst case scenario which is NOT helping. I see my chiro tomorrow and am praying that she can give me relief!!
chelsea15874 tori98361
Posted
Hi Tori, I hate to comment with not great news but I was recently diagnosed with superior semi circular dehiscence (sscd) it is a rare condition that can create ear fullness or pressure sensation. The good news is that if it gets bad enough, it can be treated with surgery. Another good thing is, it's extremely rare I think so I doubt this would be your cause. It sounds like if a tube worked for you before, it might just be recurring every so often- so may need another tube? I completely understand your anxiety about this. Up until I was diagnosed l, I was a mess! Like depression, anxiety, I was angry. Now that I have my diagnosis, I feel like I'm coping with it better- still not great but hopefully each day will get better. I will hope and pray you figure out what's going on with your ear and get some relief very soon! I know how each day is a struggle with not knowing what it is and thinking worst case scenario. I know it's easier said than done but try and stay as positive as you can until the doctors can figure it out 🙂
Sharonam tori98361
Posted
Did you ever get any relief? I was in the same boat as you and had done antibiotics, steroids, nasal spray, chiropractor, laser treatment and finally told my ENT how frustrated I was and he said, "Well it's time to put a tube in". They did it in their office and it was immediate relief! I've felt great ever since!
Sharonam ForMartha
Posted
anne05078 Sharonam
Posted
Try and find everyones comments on the Forum. If you're all desperate for some relief from this wretched condition and have been experiencing it for months on end. Request from your doctor a 20 days reducing method of Prednisolone Steroid Tablets....must be reducing to get the best benefit. I finish my course next week ending with taking 2 tablets for 5 days, having started the first 5 days taking 8 mg tablets. I've suffered Eustachian Tube Dysfunction since the 1980's and still suffering to this day. Eat tubes obviously work (I haven't had the) but usually from what I've read the problem always returns. Balloon Dilation is another procedure to open up ariways...won't stop Post Naal Drip though and I'm convinced this is my cause, plus sinus issues and allergies too. If you doctor does prescribe the Prednisolone for you, at least you'll have a few months of relief.....even my smell and taste has returned after 20 years. However, I'm under no illusions, one the prednisolone is out of my system, the problem WILL RETURN !! but to get some relief, a course of these tablets, maybe every other year when it gets really bad, I'll take. Then I use Flixonase Aqueous steriod Nasal Spray, to keep it in check and to shrink the polyps.
Anne
michael11955 ForMartha
Posted
Dear Martha,If you look back over the last couple of months correspondence on the subject you'll find .as I did,that the doctors just dodge giving direct answers to the questions we ask.If only they would be honest it would perhaps help us understand the condition & apply ourselves accordingly.
The very first specialist I consulted gave me the most honest reply.
"THERE IS NO TREATMENT & NO CURE"
dianataylor michael11955
Posted
Michael, I am so sorry you are feeling so hopeless. But you posting their is no cure, because you had a dr tell you that, is not true or fair to everyone suffering with ETD. There is hope, and a lot of us have been cured. I understand your frustration. Been there. And to be honest, maybe not all can be cured..now. But there is hope and dr's are learning more every day.. I truly hope you find your answer...I am still being positive for you too..ETD is really a life altering stupid ass condition.But I'm still cheering for you!
anne05078 dianataylor
Posted
Hi Diana, what cured your ETD ? I'm so interested to know for when I next see my ENT Consultant in England
Anne
michael11955 dianataylor
Posted
Dear Diana,It was a really kind thing to do in writing in the manner you have done.I reallt appreciate it.As you know ETD presents itself in various ways & we react to it diffently.What I find is the lack of consistency of medical opinion & the fudging of answering quite fundamental questions about the condition.I only want an honest answer & if they don't know,then be upfront & say so.
Thank youonce more for your interest
michael11955 anne05078
Posted
Michael
dianataylor anne05078
Posted
Hi Anne, i had the balloon dilation about 5 yrs ago. I just googled it, under videos and there are a lot of drs in the US doing it and having success. I am not sure about England, but if they are doing things here to cure it, eventually, there will be a cure everywhere, so don't lose hope.
dianataylor michael11955
Posted
Michael, thank you for the kind response. I understand all the emotions that come with this condition...and know what its like being told "You will never get better". It hurts my heart seeing everyone suffering on these ETD sites. I wish i could fix all of you.
anne05078 michael11955
Posted
I will Michael, I'm sure I've mentioned this procedure to him before as there was an article in the newspaper about it and I cut it out. He seems reluctant to use on me, maybe because I sustained Optic Nerve damage caused by the meningitis. Mind you, the sight has gone in my left eye and my problem is my left ear, so no more damage could be done on that side. I would be really concerned if it were on my right side. the procedure goes very close to the eyes. I definitely know it's preformed in England as my original consultant uses it in London, and his name is beside it on the internet when I looked it up.
anne05078 dianataylor
Posted
Anne
michael11955 anne05078
Posted
I really feel for you Anne & sincerely hope you can find some relief.I'm now going to a Mindfulness class & I think perhaps some self hypnosis & training my mind to think in a very positive manner might just help.
BT121960 dianataylor
Posted
My ears have been stuffed up for over 2 1/2 years. Thousands of dollars have been spent on ENT's, TMJ Specialists, MRI's, Cat scans and every imaginable test on my hearing. Finally A big time ENT at Westchester Medical Center (New York) said the magic words "It's a medical mystery, lets hope it goes away on it's own." I replied--A mystery--- thank you for your honesty.... Now if I could just ge all that money back :-)
dianataylor BT121960
Posted
I'm so sorry. My heart aches for everyone who is still suffering from ETD. I know i am very fortunate that i found my answer...