I have been under treatment with a LLMD since September 2012. I have Lyme, Babesia and Bartonella. Right now I'm taking Co-Artem and Artemisinin in a cycle to treat the Babs. I am also on Doxy and A-bart since the Bart decided to get worse during Babs treatment. Off and on I have had this sharp ear pain in my right ear. Of course my PCP looked and said nothing is wrong, other than I had a little fluid in my ear, but I have allergies, so that's not uncommon. The ear pain has gotten so much worse that I can't stand it any more. Has anyone else had this? Do you think it's Bartonella? I've read that Bart can cause ear pain. What can I do to ease the pain? I don't know if it's a Herx or a symptom of the disease.
I greatly appreciate any help you can give!!
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
I have weird jaw/neck/ear pain. ENTs have been of no help.
The only thing that helps a little is oil pulling. It's a great therapy with many good benefits. If you are not familiar with it, go to oilpulling.com.
Posted by Boxermom2 (Member # 38974) on :
Thanks, I'll look it up. The pain is getting worse and worse!
Posted by Boxermom2 (Member # 38974) on :
Very simple process. I will try in the morning!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Is your diet really good?? Yeast was the cause of a lot of my ear pain last year... that lasted for months and the dr always said, "Well, you have fluid on your ears." Since getting a better handle on my candida, the ear pain is not a problem most of the time. Much better.
Posted by Boxermom2 (Member # 38974) on :
Interesting thought about the yeast. I always have trouble with yeast overgrowth. I believe I am dealing with it now too. I ran out of the supplement I was taking and I can't find the darn thing at any local stores. I'm heading out of town today. I hope we pass a vitamin store so I can get more!!
Posted by terv (Member # 29410) on :
I was recently in to see my LLMD complaining of ear pain after being on tindamx. In his exam he looked in my ear and then promptly (but lightly) pressed on my neck where the artery splits and reproduced that pain plus more. He had me put my finger where one takes the pulse to show me where it was.
He explained that there is a nerve or a bunch of nerves there and that nerve runs up to or near the ear. In my case he thought that there were probably a lot of cysts sitting on them and timdamx treatment was affecting it.
Wish I knew of the more technical terms for you.
Posted by terv (Member # 29410) on :
I received the clinical notes from my last visit and LLMD referred to it as carotidynia. I looked it up.
The 7th cranial nerve can get inflammed and it is close to the ear, but not the ear itself. I know this one and have had problems with that kind of pain. It is described in the literature as "stabbing" pain, but who has been stabbed in the ear before and knows that kind of pain? Anyway, it is intermittent and sharp. I had this right before I developed Bell's palsy. Since you are treating, maybe the cysts thing is a good guess. Can you get a referral to a good ear doc to see if something else is going on? You can't tell anything from lloking into the ear what is going on. Truly.
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
yeah I think its bart. Aren't you on bart tx?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- All kinds of ear issues are very common with lyme, other tick-borne infections, other chronic stealth infections and certain mineral or vitamin deficiencies.
Topic: TINNITUS: Ringing Between The Ears; Vestibular, Balance, Hearing with compiled links - including HYPERACUSIS -
Posted by Boxermom2 (Member # 38974) on :
This is all excellent information, for which I thank you all. I have a feeling this could be coming from the Co-Artem, as the pain started when I began treatment with Co-Artem. At first it was short-lived and intermittent, but now my ear pain is very persistent and lasts all day long. At night I have severe pain and I've been able to calm it by putting a solution of white vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol in the ear. I have felt liquid in the ear at times - actually most of the time. I have an appt. with a highly recommended ENT on Wednesday.
I take magnesium suppliments now, and yes, CD57, I am on A-Bart to keep Bart controlled during Babesia treatment. I'm doing 10 drops twice a day right now. My last lab for CD57 was 59. I was disappointed with that number but my LLMD said that they've come to realize that the CD57 number is unreliable. It can vary as much as 20-40 points within a few hours of testing.
Many thanks for the support!
Posted by Nula (Member # 38409) on :
Hi Boxermom,
I just came across this post, so I'm not sure my input is relevant at this point, but thought I'd post this anyway.
Dr. Sch. describes ear pains at the bottom of page 27 - in relation to artesunate, which is an artemisinin derivative. You were taking both artemisinin and Coartem (which is artemisinin-based) when your ear problems started.
He suggests stopping artesunate if the patient starts to feel new ear pain ...