Ear/Sinus Issues...What next?

[WorriedOne84]

I've been having issues with my ears and my sinuses.  This has been bothering me since April.  In May, I went to the doctor - he said I had a ton of fluid behind my ears and he thought it was being caused by a sinus infection.  He prescribed antibiotics (Z-Pak) and Nasonex.  At the time I was having some congestion, ear pain/ache at random times and when I would chew/open my mouth.  After taking the antibiotics for a couple days I could feel a ton of fluid sloshing back in my ears when I would move my head side to side.  It was still going on, though not as bad when I finished the antibiotics.  I called the doctor back and they called me in another antibiotic prescription (Cefuroxime).  

Two months later, I was still having issues and I went back again.  This time I was only told that I had an ear infection and she suspected my ears may not be draining properly.  She prescribed antibiotics (Bactrim) and Lodrane.  Well, I ended up going back to the doctor 2 weeks later, still having issues, but I had broken out in a rash over my entire body - apparently from being in the sun and taking antibiotics.  Anyway, my doctor said that my ears looked alright but there was swelling in my sinuses.  He prescribed Nasonex, again, which I've taken for the last month.  Well, it is still bothering me as I sometimes my ear aches when I swallow.  I feel congested, have some achiness between and behind my eyes.  I get slight pains on and off back in my ears and in front of my ears (jaw area).  When I yawn, it makes my ears ache a bit, I can feel fluid in them, and I almost immediately feel more congested.  

This afternoon I went back to the doctor.  She said that I have fluid built up behind my ears but no sign of infection.  Now, she prescribed steroids (Medrol Dosepack 4 mg) to take for the next 6 days and Astelin nasal spray.  She wants to refer me to an ENT if this hasn't helped in 2 weeks.  What is going to happen from there?  Why am I having these issues?  I'm getting really frustrated by this and I'm tired of dealing with it.  This has been ongoing for over 4 months now!  Any comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Unwell247]

Reading all these posts makes me feel very concerned that this is not going to get resolved any time soon.  I'm not in terrible pain, it's just annoying enough to make me think about it most of the day.  I finish up the Medrol Dosepak tomorrow and I'm still taking the Astelin nasal spray.  None of it seems to be helping.  I still feel congested, have pain on and off in my ear and side of my face (actually both ears but mainly the right).  There are certain times when my ear/face hurt just from swallowing.  Starting to worry that this is never going away as I've been dealing with it for 4 months.

[Trix15]

Unwell247... How are you feeling? I am assuming you finally got results? I def hope so!! Having probs myself and am curious on your status.

[Painpal52]

Wow, sound so familiar.  Only I have been to an ENT many times now.  Last November I had surgery to "unclog" my sinuses and promote drainage.  I also had a deviated septum fixed.  I was great for 7 months.  Then in June I started getting that old familiar sinus headache and I have been living with pain and frustration ever since.  You can expect the ENT to "scope" you.  This does not hurt much.  He sprays your nose first to make it numb and then he or she inserts a small tube that goes up your nose so they can see whats going on.  My sinuses are constantly inflammed but no infection.  I was then sent for a facial cat scan.  This showed fluid in my sinues.  I have burning in my face, pain in my ears, difficulty swallowing and am generally miserable on a daily basis.  I have taken Amox, Levaquin, Avelox (antibiotics) Medrol Dosepak (steroids), Nasonex, Astepro (nose sprays), Mucinex-D and use NeilMed Nose Rinses which are the best thing I ever did.  I strongly recommend it.  You can buy it in any drugstore for about $12.  It really helps.  Today is a good day.  I am only slightly clogged and in pain but some days I feel I should go to the emergency room just to get a diagnosis.  It affects your whole life.  I wish you all well and don't feel alone (as I did) because you are not.  The ENT makes me feel like I am fine but meanwhile I am in so much pain I can hardly function some days.  Going for 2nd ENT opinion soon.

[redding1]

Sound like I'm not the only on with ear/sinus problems. Never had then before in my life! I also have a long standing hard lymph node under my ear...any advice.

[OHNS2010]

Hi,

[WorriedOne84]

Nope, no explanation.  I wish I could ask questions there but I totally freeze up because I get extremely nervous. Then I try to come on here and get answers.  I'm frustrated having to deal with this and I'm sure you are as well.  This will be day 2 on the steroids and the Astelin nasal spray.  No improvement yet but I'm trying to be patient.  My doctor said they were going to refer me to an ENT if this hadn't resolved in 2 weeks.  How long has this been going on for you?  Maybe you should see an ENT as well.

[MIndy313]

Did they explain how fluid builds up in your ears like that? I have been having problems with my ears too, had swimmers ear in both ears and a sinus infection and I was prescribed Cerofuxime too. I still have the ear fullness in my right ear and it goes right up into my head. Any relief yet?

[WorriedOne84]

Bumping this topic up in hopes that someone will respond.