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Swimmer's ear with severely swollen face!
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An_247147 posted:
HELP! I was told I have swimmer's ear. I'm in severe pain and and the left side of my face was slightly swollen. I tried to get an appointmant with my doctor on Friday but he was on vacation. I followed his over the phone recommendations and patiently waited until Monday. When I called on Monday they were too over booked to fit me in, told me I had to wait until Friday!!! I couldn't wait that long. They gave me an ENT doctor's number to call...same thing...not until Friday!!! So I went to the ER because I was in terrible pain. The ER doctor gave me antibotic drops and oral meds and put a wick in my ear (which was extremely painful). Now Tueday morning, with no sleep last night, my left side of my face and neck is severly swollen. I can't open my mouth to eat, blow my nose or God forbid sneeze! My pain is extremly worse now. It hurts to walk across the room...each step causes tremendous pain in my ear. What do I do now? Go back to the ER. Take the wick out? I have an ENT appointment tomorrow, but I don't think I can wait that long!! Should I go back to the ER? Thanks for any help you can provide!
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Swimmer's ear with severely swollen face!HELP! I was told I have swimmer's ear. I'm in severe pain and and the left side of my face was slightly swollen. I tried to get an appointmant with my doctor on Friday but he was on vacation. I followed his over the phone recommendations and patiently waited until Monday. When I called on Monday they were too over booked to fit me in, told me I had to wait until Friday!!! I couldn't wait that long. They gave me an ENT doctor's number to call...same thing...not until Friday!!! So I went to the ER because I was in terrible pain. The ER doctor gave me antibotic drops and oral meds and put a wick in my ear (which was extremely painful). Now Tueday morning, with no sleep last night, my left side of my face and neck is severly swollen. I can't open my mouth to eat, blow my nose or God forbid sneeze! My pain is extremly worse now. It hurts to walk across the room...each step causes tremendous pain in my ear. What do I do now? Go back to the ER. Take the wick out? I have an ENT appointment tomorrow, but I don't think I can wait that long!! Should I go back to the ER? Thanks for any help you can provide!
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
As you know, I can't examine you. I really can't blindly tell you to go to the ER, but that is always your option if you cannot be seen by the ENT earlier than tomorrow. Did you try calling their office and pleading your case? Maybe they have a cancellation and can work you in today...or maybe they have a sympathetic demeanor and will see you today without an appointment.

Based on what you have shared in your posting, I believe you may have more than just a garden-variety swimmer's ear. Do not remove that wick, but if you have no other options, then going back to the ER would seem appropriate. The ENT would be better, of course, but if they can't see you, you have to do the next best.
Report This| Share this:Swimmer's ear with severely swollen face!As you know, I can't examine you. I really can't blindly tell you to go to the ER, but that is always your option if you cannot be seen by the ENT earlier than tomorrow. Did you try calling their office and pleading your case? Maybe they have a cancellation and can work you in today...or maybe they have a sympathetic demeanor and will see you today without an appointment.<br /> <br />Based on what you have shared in your posting, I believe you may have more than just a garden-variety swimmer's ear. Do not remove that wick, but if you have no other options, then going back to the ER would seem appropriate. The ENT would be better, of course, but if they can't see you, you have to do the next best.
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