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Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
I mentioned the last few days I've been horribly congested, clear liquid pouring out of my nose/eyes, weak, breaking some sweats, tight breathing, raspy lungs, etc. Doc said bronchitis.

I was walking with my wife today at the store and 4/5th of the way into it my ears got very full feeling. I started to feel pretty off-balance/dizzy. Then something happened I never experienced before.

My left ears just closed on me. All I could hear was very loud swooshing in it and everything else was drowned out. It was very scary. My balance was very off. I kept trying to pop my ears, but I was freaking out. It was like hyper sensitive and I swore I was hearing things super loudly that weren't actually happening. Then some thick yellow discharge I believe came out of my ear.

It's not like that now, but I still feel bad. What on Earth happened? [Frown]
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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Bronchitis can certainly cause ears to go on high alert.

No need to answer, just a checklist of possibilities:

Have you recently changed your Rx medicines or added a new OTC or supplement? If anything new, cross check at google with the term "ototoxic" or "Bauman" (he's a researcher in ototoxicity).

Where in the store were you with the worst clobber? Scented products?

Did the store have lots of plastic items or fabrics? The off-gassing of those can clobber ears.

Did you eat something new?

You're not driving a brand new car? (Oh, don't we all wish? Well, really, no - the fumes are very toxic.)

Super loud hearing is called hyperacusis, very common with lyme. I'm pretty sure you've seen these links before but you might be able to find the answer to your questions in one of these links.

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http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/symptoms.php

VESTIBULAR SYMPTOMS

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For those who are sensitive or pained by even normal or soft sounds (sounds not even at noise level):

www.hyperacusis.net

HYPERACUSIS NETWORK

=====================

Superior Canal Dehiscence (SCD) goes beyond hyperacusis to include trouble from vibrations and even one's own voice. Likely what you have does not include this, but it's important to know about it, just in case. It's also the only video I know of that can show others what sounds are like for those with hyperacusis or SCS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6vAkdGw8T4

The Musician who heard too much - short video from ABC News

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http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=065801

Topic: TINNITUS: Ringing Between The Ears; Vestibular, Balance, Hearing with compiled links - including HYPERACUSIS

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http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/ototoxicupheaval.htm

Ototoxicity list - partial

Acetaminophen and aspirin can also be ototoxic.

=======================

This really should get better when the bronchitis clears. In the meantime, GINGER Capsules can help, just not too late at night.

Good luck.
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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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I totally miss the most important lines and only see when I later look over to see if I missed something.

You said: "Then some thick yellow discharge I believe came out of my ear. "

That's very important and signals an infection in your ear but also a possible break in your eardrum. This happens sometimes so don't be alarmed but you really need to have an ear specialist look into your ears.

It's about 10 pm in your time zone and you may be off line for the night. In general, lying with your torso raised to a 30 degree angle (head higher than feet) is the best position for your ears.

First thing Monday, then, I hope you can get to a doctor.

Right now, do not put anything into that ear. If the eardrum is broken or even a little tear is there, you have to be very careful. Avoid blowing your nose. If you have to, as lightly as possible.

Try to avoid sneezing. If you feel one coming on, put pressure on your nose, closing it off with your fingers. That helps, sometimes, to ward off a sneeze. But, if you can't help it, just let the sneeze happen naturally, don't block it as that pushes stuff right into the ears.

About "popping" ears to relieve pressure: Never try to force air by holding your nose and blowing. Swallowing, yawning or some gentle yoga stretches, or lying on your side, etc. are the only safe ways - other than have a professional do manual therapy to open eustachian tubes.

The ginger should help reduce some swelling and open up that space. Avoid dairy until this all clears.

good luck.
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Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
 
Seek, let us know how you're doing?

Hoping you've called a doc this morning!
 
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
 
Seek...ears are at the top of my "symptom" list.

Prior to my dx, I thought I had menieres and actually did have a bout of labyrinthitis.

I still have periods where 1 ear or the other will "go quiet" and then ring loudly for a min or so. I also have periods of hyperacusis.

My ears are a bit better after 28 days of treatment, but I still have some problems.

I would tell your LLMD and / or go to an ENT to be sure you don't have an infection.
 
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
 
I used to get ear infections all the time when I was a kid. Got one just a couple years ago. I tried to ignore the pain. Even bought new softer tips for my stethoscope. Ear drum burst, drained blood and pus, then my ear felt a little better.

Went to see an infectious disease specialist the next day (had prior appt) and he said that my ear would heal on it's own. No antibiotics because "most ear infections are viral".

This was shortly after I got sick with Lyme. Doctors couldn't figure out why I was so sick. My other symptoms were so severe that an ear infection was bottom of my list of concerns.

By the way, I've figured out that most of my ear infections were initially caused by allergies. The allergies cause inflammation and fluid build-up, bacteria and viruses thrive in this situation. I usually got sinus infections before, after, or with the ear infections.

When my allergies are out of control (like now, mold and grass pollen are high). My ears will get really stuffy, they feel alright but I can't hear well at all, everything is muffled. It sounds like I'm underwater trying to hear what is going on above the water. It is extremely annoying when my ears are like this because my heartbeat and respiration's are amplified while everything else is muffled!

When my ears are like this, they don't pop either. No amount of yawning or chewing gum helps. It also makes me feel unbalanced. It's not fun.

Seek, hopefully you will find some answers at your doctor visit. I would like to know that they recommend.
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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So, what did the doctor see when you had your ears examined this morning?
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Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
I saw my ENT this afternoon. Basically I was laughed out of the office and mocked when I told him about my episode of hyperacusis. He said no big deal. Said my ears, nose look fine. He said he thinks I got a bit 'too anxious' about my upper respiratory infection.

He gave me a second Z-pack Abs dose and said that'll do her. I'll be fine in a few days. Ordered a hearing test, which came back Ok.

I'm so plugged up, I can't even breathe barely. I'm sweating a lot. Phlegm everywhere in my throat. My chest feels so, so tight. I'm scared. I tried going two places very close to my home today and had to go home. I can't walk at all w/o getting lightheaded as my chest just feels stuck.

Oh he said take a decongestant and maybe a Claritin to help. I HATE HATE HATE docs now. I'm sick of being belittled. Since when the $### is hyperacusis normal? He said he;'s never heard of a high BiPAP/CPAP pressure causing chronic bronchitis either - *** - it's EVERYWHERE when you Google it.

I wish I could be a doc and get paid to say/do nothing and belittle people's issues.
 
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
 
I'm sorry to hear that the doctor treated you so poorly today. I wish they knew what it was like to be sick.

Are you taking anything for your congestion? If not, go get some MucinexD. It is a combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. It is expensive, so ask the pharmacist for generic. This will help thin the mucus and drain it out. It will also dry you out so drink plenty of fluids.

Feel better [Smile]
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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I'm so sorry to hear of the literal verbal abuse - but glad your ear drums looked okay.

I have to wonder, though, how the yellow puss got from the inside of your ears to the outside, then? Was the outer part of your ear canal sore or inflamed or blistered?

I'm sorry for urging you to get that checked out. It sure sounded like it could have been serious. And, as for hyperacusis,I sure wish he could experience that for even a week. He'd at least have some clue. He seems not to understand how devastating that can be, just on its own, even without all the other stuff.

Well, I still think the yellow puss was something shifting, at least. Be very careful with your ears. Cover from noise, even a hairdryer, vacuum, blender, etc. Get someone else to run lawn machinery as even ear muffs can't really protect the ears enough.

Antibiotics can substantially lower the threshold at which noise damage can occur. Be careful. And Ginger capsules should help . . . I know that's been mentioned before but they are always good for all things connected to the ears (just not too late in the day as it can be stimulating for some).
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Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
No problem Keebler. Sadly, I've come to expect sub-human treatment from a lot of doctors and this time I didn't even mention TBIs. The truth is many are just plain lazy. It's a sad state of affairs in our medical community. How they can sleep at night knowing they treat others like trash befuddles me?

I was thinking of asking if my infection could be immune to Zithromax given I've been on it a year total probably over the last 3 years. That scares me. My wife said don't you dare bring that up or the doc will scold you more. [Frown]

No, my outer ears did not seem inflamed or blistered. It was a one-time deal.

I'm just so exhausted the last couple of days. I can't stop sweating. Every little thing makes me sweat. [Frown]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind the doc experiencing it either. A week may not be that long or insightful enough given it's 'no big deal,' Maybe like the aches and pains of daily living?

Thanks everyone for the supplement/medical advice. Keebler, I'm taking ginger already. I'm on Mucinex and a decongestant too.

I know Zithromax is ototoxic, but 250 mg a day is pocket change compared to prior dosing I took (1,000 mg a day). I don't think that's it.

Why at times do I respect garbage haulers SO much more than some doctors? I'm not kidding. At least they work hard and help others in a way. Ironic, huh?
 
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
 
Seek,

Just started reading this post. I am sorry you are feeling so sick. Drinking high dose Ester C powder with bioflavinoids in a large glass of water used to help me tremendously with my bronchitis and asthma.


I would drink about 10,000 mg a/day. It would help boost your immune system and probably clean out your colon where all the toxins are sitting. Hope you start feeling better soon

Gael
 
Posted by laura j (Member # 14257) on :
 
Can't Zith affect the ears?
 
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
 
Yeah it can Laura j, but I've never experienced ear issues on this weak dose.

Thanks Gael for the advice. I need to get some more powdered vit C soon. I wonder if zinc would help?
 
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
 
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The episode in the store is a huge caution sign for your ears.

The dose was higher in the past and even aspirin can affect ears adversely. Even a year after stopping an ototoxic abx, the ears can still be affected.

Liver support MIGHT help, remember. It might be best if you can ask your LLMD for a different medicine. Once the ears start having problems, it could get worse. Be sure, at least to avoid aspirin and tylenol as those also hurt the ears.

==================

http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/ototoxicupheaval.htm

Ototoxicity--The Hidden Menace; Part I: Lives in Upheaval

========================

I just got this book a few weeks ago and there is a wealth of information here. I had looked all around the web to learn all I could to repair ear damage that I have and this book has stuff that just can't be found on the web and far to expansive to detail here. Had I read this book about 15 years ago, my life would have been totally different. Totally.

Hyperacusis can get so bad that evening being around one's self is just too torturous - as one still has to run water to prepare food, clean up . . . shower . . . dishes still clang together and neighbors still slam doors.

But, beyond even running water stabbing like hot knives in the ears & brain, imagine what life would be like without being able to be around anyone, ever -- being unable to even talk on the phone or take a short walk in the neighborhood - or ever go into a public place again.

That can happen. Please take steps to avoid that. I know it's important to treat lyme but there are many ways to approach that. You didn't have hyperacusis before - so something has changed. It could be the zith. You just don't want more damage as it can be nearly impossible to come back from that.
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http://tinyurl.com/yhdw78n (through Amazon)

You can look inside this book and read customer reviews here:

Ototoxic Drugs Exposed: Prescription Drugs and Other Chemicals That Can (and Do) Damage Our Ears

- by Neil G. Bauman
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[ 06-08-2010, 12:13 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
 


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