As of tomorrow, it's been 2 weeks that I've had a plugged ear. I can't hear from it, and I'm constantly dizzy.

I had an appointment today with my doctor's substitute while she's away. She was a very young doctor, but oh so nice and understanding! She says I have a viral ear infection. Nothing she can do. If it lasts more than 4 weeks, then I can go to an ear specialist and get the fluid drained. I can't get it done before that. She was very sympathetic and understanding. It's so nice to have a doctor that seems to care about what you are going through. Some are so detached and cold about it.

So I have 2 more weeks of this before I can get more help. I've seen some *tiny* signs that it's getting better, but I'm not hopeful.

Driving dizzy is absolutely nasty! The motion of the van causes constant dizziness. I have to fight to keep my eyes focused. Shoulder checks are a nightmare! I actually lose vision for a second, and have to fight to refocus my eyes on the road. Obviously, I will be driving as little as possible until this clears up. But I have to take Leah to school and gymnastics class. There is no one else to do it. I'm going to miss out on the community garage sales this weekend, unless I allow DH to drive, and take both kids... yuck.

And, I can't ride my horse. It's hard to even work around horses when even my reflexes are thrown off by this stupid ear thing. I've got a pony foal due anytime in May, and I'm worried I'm going to lose the enjoyment of that to my dizziness! Leah has been ice skating with playschool, and I'm the only parent that doesn't go on the ice! She goes and skates on her own (which I'm very thankful for!).

Comments:

Terrible! I hope that you are soon on the mend. Have you tried some sweet oil or olive oil in the ear? It is soothing, but I don't know about healing properties.

comment by angiedw on Apr 23, 2008 1:02 PM ()

Thanks. The problem in inside my ear though, so nothing I put on the outside or in the ear canal is going to help. I don't have any pain or discomfort from the ear.

reply by imaginaryfriend on Apr 23, 2008 1:20 PM ()

Thats odd - my daughter father has the same thing right now! We have tried everything - the drops for swimmers ear and other ear drops with no solution yet. I told him to go to the doctors but he just won't! I would like to hear what they say to you so i can pass the information on! Hope you feel better!

comment by mytwoloves on Apr 23, 2008 5:02 AM ()

Do convince him to see a doctor! The doctor also checked me to make sure that it wasn't a brain issue. Luckily, the symptoms don't come from my brain! The doctor could see the fluid behind the ear drum. The only things she suggested was chewing (with or without gum), and plugging the nose and blowing to open the tubes. I've also tried various sinus medicines, like Sudefed, but the Sudefed made the dizziness worse.

reply by imaginaryfriend on Apr 23, 2008 1:19 PM ()

At least you now have a time limit. I hope it clears up on it's own soon.

I hope it goes away soon. And be careful driving. For real. People will think you're chatting on a cell phone or something.
Think positively about the enjoyment of the baby coming in May.

comment by walkwithgrace on Apr 22, 2008 9:10 PM ()

Thanks. I'm very careful driving. I had 3 people pass me on the highway today going to the doctor's appt. because I was driving so slow -- two lane undivided highway. I'll be staying home as much as possible.

reply by imaginaryfriend on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 PM ()

Hope you get better soon, that has to be bad, sorry Jennifer

comment by strider333 on Apr 22, 2008 8:31 PM ()

Thanks.

reply by imaginaryfriend on Apr 22, 2008 10:14 PM ()