Help, I have a cold...and now I can't hear anything!!

[Melissa778]

I am 7 weeks post op from my translab.....doing wonderful, back to work full time and feeling great; that is until my 3 year old daughter brought me home a lovely cold.....it has now become a raging ear infection in my good ear no less......I am taking an antibiotic for the ear infection....but in the mean time....anyone have any suggestions as to anything else I can take or do to help "unclog" my good ear???  I can't hear hardly at all.....very frustrating....sounds like everything is very muffled...which is diificult with only one functioning ear   I'm wondering how the winter months are going to be.....agh   Any suggestions are appreciated...   Hoping it will all pass soon......I feel like such a whiner....

Melissa

[lori67]

Melissa - that was so kind of your daughter to bring you home a cold!  How generous of her!   

Fortunately, the only colds I've had since surgery haven't really affected my ear - more of the runny nose variety of cold.

Hopefully the antibiotic will help - they usually help pretty quickly.  Did you ask your doctor about taking a decongestant also?  Maybe that will help too.

In the mean time, just enjoy the quiet - it will be loud again before you know it!

Feel better!
Lori

[Tamara]

I'll second the decongestant suggestion - that should give you some relief.  Children are so sharing, aren't they?  Hope you feel better soon.

On the cold issue, though, are you able to blow your nose?  Sorry, gross question.  But since my translab, and my eustacian (or however you spell it) tube is now filled with fat, I can't blow my nose without a ton of pressure and pain in my AN ear.  The neurologist today said that this will pass as things heal, but I'm dreading getting a cold...

Take Care,
Tammy

[LADavid]

Melissa
I remember the "cold" gifts from my daughter well.  I think they cultivate colds in pre-school.  Since most of the hearing I have in my good ear is muffled, I can identify with your frustration.  As was suggested, use decongestants and you may want to try ear drops.  And as I always say, protect that ear whatever you do.  If you develop any pain -- see your doctor asap.  It could be an infection.
Glad to hear that all else is well.
David

[Melissa778]

I've been doing the decongestant thing....it actually seems to be making my balance worse?  is that common with some OTC meds?  Anyhoo, I know in a few days it will pass, in the mean time my family is tired of hearing me say "what?" but I keep telling them "at least you CAN hear" 

Tamara,  I'm about 8 weeks post op and yes, I do blow my nose now....just not as hard as I would like   Glad to hear you're doing well.

Melissa

[leapyrtwins]

Melissa -

sorry to hear about your cold.  I never really got sick until I had kids.  I affectionately call mine "germ mongers" 

Not sure about the effects of decongestant on balance - maybe Steve can google that for us    Perhaps you're just wiped out from the cold and it's having an effect on your balance.  I notice that fatigue plays a big part in balance.

It's good that you can blow your nose already; I was told not to for 3 months.  I can't imagine having a cold without being able to blow your nose 

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Jan