Any suggestions on how to alleviate post-op ear pain?

Question

I just had surgery on both ears (incision though both eardrums and into the middle ear). One ear is fine, bit the other is incredibly painful.

I've had it checked several times since the surgery (which was 10 days ago). The doc says that all is well with that ear, and that it's it's just post-op pain, which he says may take some time to go away. I'm taking the max amount of vicodin I can take, and it just takes the edge off. At this point, I'm pretty desperate, and I'm actually thinking of something alternative (or traditional, too) that would help diminish the pain and inflammation. Pretty much all the docs will do is toss pain meds at me, and I can take only so much of those. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I know it will not be comfortable, but if possible, stop taking the pain medications for 12 hours.

If you have been taking them every few hours since the surgery, its possible you have rebound pain. Rebound pain happens when pain relievers are taken for some time.

I would also get a second opinion, especially as one ear is hurting more than the other. It could be an infection coming on. An Urgent Care would be able to assist you.

Answer 2

You don't say why you needed the surgery,but I get the feeling that somethings not right. I would get a second opinion from another ear specialist. I certainly would not do anything alternative or traditional,as it may make things worse. I had to have incisions in both my ears to have fluid removed from behind the drums and tubes inserted last month. I had severe pain in one ear,but probably not as severe as your pain. I took 800 mil grams of IBP and it really helped me. The pain lasted for about a week and is now completely gone. I don't know how well you trust the doc who performed your surgery,but he may have told you that all is well just to cover his butt. If it was me I would get a second opinion,docs have been known to make mistakes during a surgery.  I get very uncomfortable around docs and hospitals. Good luck,I hope your pain ends soon.