Eustasion Tube Will NOT unblock; What to do?

Posted by phxbarb @phxbarb, Nov 13 10:27am

This has been going on for weeks now, due to an infection, congestion, and autoimmune system. I cannot unblock the tube on the right side. Am taking another antibiotic, otc meds, sudafed, etc, nothing helps. I cannot hear on that side. Would an MD ENT be able to do something for me? Or just say Wait and See? Is there some med I could take to get this unblocked? It's so annoying and now I am off my RA med too, trying to get it healed. The pain is back because I am skipping Enbrel.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 28 3:38pm

In reply to @phxbarb "@colleenyoung So now I cannot find my post at all. Thanks. Yes I have been on..." + (show)

@phxbarb. you can see all your posts (Discussions and Comments) in your profile. Click on your username to go to your profile.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Nov 29 6:55am

In reply to @phxbarb "Saw the ENT. Made a long trip down to Phx for a specialist who saw me..." + (show)

@phxbarb
I also have fluids behind my eardrum. I have a partial blockage in the Eustachian tube that is preventing fluid from draining. It is not due to infection. Had a hearing test and ENT appointment last year, no hearing loss. This year went back for a recheck, and the hearing in one ear dropped drastically. At both appointments, the provider did a nasal endoscopy. In addition, a temporal bone CT was done to check images of the structures surrounding and within the ear.

At the appointment, we discussed ear tubes. I have a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to review results and have a tube placed. I am 70, and age was never discussed.

Have you thought about getting a 2nd opinion?

phxbarb | @phxbarb | Nov 29 10:10am

In reply to @roch "@phxbarb I also have fluids behind my eardrum. I have a partial blockage in the Eustachian..." + (show)

@roch Yes, especially since I didn't like the ENT who gave me 5 minutes of his time. First he said he couldn't do tubes because the hole would not heal; then he said to come back in 2 months to discuss tubes. All within 5 minutes of the visit. I will need to find a different MD to discuss this with me. My whole life is doctor appointments.

kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Nov 29 10:47am

I have found that most ENT visits are completely a waste of time. If you're near the Los Angeles area there is the House Clinic which is suppose to be the Mecca of ENT. Wouldn't waste me time with ENT unless you are able to go to a large medical/teaching institution, ie Mayo, John Hopkins etc. Just my opinion

phxbarb | @phxbarb | Nov 29 11:28am

In reply to @kndaustin71 "I have found that most ENT visits are completely a waste of time. If you're near..." + (show)

@kndaustin71 I agree. I went to Phoenix thinking they would have enough large ENT centers there. The one I chose was no better than any PCP. He was rushed, uncertain about diagnosis, did not offer help, just said to come back in 2 months. So disappointed.