OpenHeart-now permanent headcold? HELP! - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

jermeezgirl · 01-17-2006, 12:54 PM

In November of 2005, my father had emergency open-heart surgery.
He had 90% blockage in 5 arteries. He came through the surgery wonderfully! When he came home he never once took the pain medication his doctor had prescribed for him. He only took OTC pain meds such as tylenol or motrin. My father was a moderate smoker but has since completely quit. I must say I am so very proud of him. He exercises daily, watches his diet, and drinks plenty of water. He has just gone back to light duty at his job. However, he is most uncomfortable with the headcold like symptoms he is experiencing. He says it feels like he needs to pop his ears. But he isn't sick!! He says it's like a congestion in his head and ear area. He has been to several doctors including his surgeon and ear nose and throat physicians and no one knows what is causing this problem for him. My daddy has always been there for me, now I need to be there for him. Please if anyone has experienced this after open-heart surgery or any surgery and you can help my father, please let me know what we need to do to help him. Sincerely, Daddy's Girl (Angela)

dizzyblond · 01-20-2006, 10:32 AM

Hi Angela,
I noticed that you hadn't received any response as of yet so thought I'd drop you a line. Such good news that your dad is doing so well, though when things go haywire in the inner ear, it is hard to deal with. Have any of his doctors suggested decongestants or medication along those lines? Has he tried OTC drugs?

Though I'm not sure if what your dad has is a vestibular issue or not, one thing that many of us here have learned is that when one doctor does not or cannot address our issue or concern, it's time to knock on another door, get a second or third opinion. I wonder if your dad's doctors are just thankful he's alive after dealing with such major surgery so recently, and so aren't as concerned about a benign condition such as head fullness. Just a few thoughts....

It would be wonderful if by now these symptoms have subsided - I certainly hope they have!

Best of luck and may your dad's health continue to improve!
~ Robin

jermeezgirl · 01-21-2006, 07:10 AM

Thank you so much Robin!
You are very kind to respond back, I was so down that no one had gotten back to me. I am a newbie and I don't know my way around healthboards well yet. The drs. had only prescribed him some rhinocort which hasn't helped him in the least. But I am surely going to recommend it to him.

I was doing some more research and found that he could have a blocked salivary gland. It had several of the symptoms that he has mentioned. Including not being abled to taste much.

Thank you again, Robin.
Have a great weekend!!

Angela

jermeezgirl · 01-21-2006, 07:12 AM

I was going to recommened he try decongestants with his doctors permission of course.

dizzyblond · 01-21-2006, 08:50 AM

Hi Angela - Wouldn't it be something if that's what your dad has? Good for you in continuing to search for some answers! Hopefully it won't be too long before he looking back on all of this with a clear head and an ability to taste food with gusto!!! (Yes, given his medical history, it would always be wise to check with the dr. before trying something like sudafed, etc.!)
Hope things continue to get better!!!
Take care ~ Robin