Hi,

I have had an ear ache for 4 or so days. It then escalated into 3 different ear infections. I'm not really sure what they are called. I'm 15 years old btw.

I went to my doctor on the 2nd day and he gave me a standard ear infection medicine. I went back on the 3rd day because I'm in serious pain and he told me I have 3 different infections. It's causing my ears to swell up along with the side of my face to swell up. My ears are sensitive to the touch and it's really painful.

My doctor said if my condition doesn't improve, he is going to send me to an ENT ( Ear/nose/throat ) doctor. What will he do to me? I don't want him putting any needles in my ear, they hurt enough as is. I have also missed 2 days of school and I'm about to miss a 3rd day because of this. It's very bad.

Any ideas what he will do to me?

Thanks

Wow, sounds like you have a lot going on. You definatley need to go see whatever doctors they want you to. Just think about how much better you will feel when they take care of you. I think the anxiety about seeing the doctor is always worse than the actual visit, just like the dentist. It always seems worse than it will be. Plus, you can't be any worse off then you are now. It must really hurt and be uncomfortable, so they are only going to make you feel better.
Hang in there and good luck.

I spoke to a bunch of ENTs who said the infection probably spread to the bones. I'm going to the ER to most probably go on an IV. I'm REALLY scared of needles so and IV for 12-24 hours scares me to death.

Worried Teenager,

I had an ear infection back in January that spread to the Mastoid bone. The IV antibiotic is the best way to fight the infection. Don't be afraid of the IV. You won't even really feel it. It is just a little pinch at first and then once the IV is in you won't feel it at all. In most cases, the antibiotic will kick in in 24 - 48 hours and you'll be feeling good again.

Take care and good luck. Let us know how your feeling.

Gloria

P.S. - Hi ya Joy. Hope you are doing well. I'm still battling on. Kind of tired of dealing with this though. I'm not really dizzy but have all the other crappy ear and vision symptoms still. Damn headaches and ear aches. I wish they'd stop. Did I mention I hate the tinnitus and vision crap too. Oh' who am I kiding, I hate it all. Anyway, hope your dizziness isn't bothering you too much and you are doing well in school. I hate to bring it up in case it is still a sore spot, but how are you doing after the split with your boyfriend? I hope you have moved on by now and school is keeping you too busy to think about it. Hugs - Gloria

Hi Gloria,
I really wish this stuff would clear up for you. I feel so bad, and really wish you would finally feel better. I know things will get better, but I also know that all this time really wears on your patience and mental sanity. I understand how fustrated you feel. I can give you my support and tell you I'm thinking about you, but what I really want to do is take it all away. Unfortunatley I can't do that last part. Hang in there, you are doing great dealing with this.

My ears are on and off. The last couple days have been okay. last night I had a couple of hours of feeling weird and off again, but when I woke up, I was okay. I have my moments throughout the day where I may feel weird, or days when I may feel wierd, or be okay for days or weeks. it's all over the place. I guess it's my brain fine tuning what it needs to do. I just wish it would get it right and not lose it. Although I know I shouldn't complain. Those moments/days of feeling normal are priceless.

School is going okay. I like being really busy, but I'm stressed out. Lots of tests and so much information. I really hope I make it. I think I just have to get used to it all. But I do like it, and hopefully I'll make it through the next two weeks before my tests with my sanity intact :p

Things with my ex boyfriend are okay. We still talk and have dinner from time to time. "Nothing" happens except for talking and hanging out, I just miss his company and he says the same. it's really hard because he really is such an caring, wonderful man. There is just something missing there for me, and I can't explain it. For now I made the right decision. If we are meant to be together then we will be in the future. I just wish I knew the answer now. He scared me and pushed me to think about things I wasn't ready for. I know I love him, but when he asked me to marry him, I looked at how I felt, and it wasn't that intense love I need to say I want to spend the rest of my life with someone. And I had a feeling it would never happen. But a part of me wonders what would have happened had he not proposed and let our relationship grow. I'm not sure. Now, I need to be single and focus on school. The rest will fall into place. At least I hope it will.

Sorry for the rambling. I hope you are doing okay and that tommorrow brings you more relief from your ears.
Hugs,
Joy

Hi Joy,

Well, thank heaven, it sounds like your ears and brain are fine tuning themself. Hope it is really soon.

I'm glad your doing well on the exboyfriend subject and it is great you two managed to still be friends. Shows majority in both of you and that you both really do care about one another. You have a good head on your shoulders and I believe things will work out for you in that area.

Take care and I'll talk to you soon.
Gloria

I'm back! Was in there Saturday-Thursday. It wasn't all that bad, the IV wasn't terrible. Once it's in it doesn't really hurt at all, it's just a bit weird. They gave me IV antibiotics, ear drops, and nose sprays.

I had a bunch of ear infections that spread but thank god they didn't spread to the bone. I might need to go back for surgery because my right sinus seemed to be full says the cat scan.

Good for you worriedteenage. I told you the IV wouldn't be bad at all. Glad you seem to be feeling better. Hope you have a full recovery soon.

Take care,
Gloria