Ears are main post Covid complaint

Posted by dloos @dloos, Sep 12, 2023

Anybody else with ears being your main post Covid complaint?

I’m sixteen plus months of feeling underwater with ear pressure. My symptoms started after I thought I was fully recovered from a moderate case of Covid. Six weeks after Covid infection we went to Hawaii. The plane flight seemed to trigger these ear issues.

It started just as the ear pressure thing, but over these last many months it has cascaded into, tinnitus, hyperacusis, dizziness, blurry vision, and just as a bonus I get intermittent swollen nasal passages. It’s as if my whole head is closing up on me. Not surprisingly I’m now pretty anxious because I’m not stable, and the ear pressure and other symptoms continue to worsen.

I see reference to ear issues now and then, but with most people it seems to be their lesser issue. Believe me I count my blessings that I have had very little pain, but my symptoms have me going nuts.
I’d love to hear from any others out there who might be similar to me.
I’ve been to a couple dozen different doctors, and really no one has a clue. I have seen multiple ENTs, Neurologist, Endocrinologist, Audiologist, Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, Naturopath, Acupuncturist, Chiropractors, Vascular Specialist, and of course my PCP. Trust me, I am not an hypochondriac, though it does look like I might be. Until this, many times a few years would go by without my seeing a doctor.
I now know I sure took my good health for granted.
So, if you’re out there, I ‘d like to hear how you’re coping, and if you have found any answers.
Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

dloos | @dloos | Sep 20, 2023

In reply to @koliver "All the info is on here: https://linktr.ee/thenicotinetest" + (show)

Thanks so much for not giving up on me. I will read through this material and hopefully be inspired to try again.
I’ll keep you posted. It will be one week tomorrow since I made myself sick. I’m starting o feel bold again. Lol

dloos | @dloos | Sep 21, 2023

In reply to @koliver "Sorry to hear that. Using the low dose patch has produced the most positive results for..." + (show)

Hi koliver
I took a week off and started back with half patch today. While reading some of the Facebook material you provided(thanks) , I see that some patches should not be cut. I’m using NicoDerm and wonder if this is what you used?
As before, I’m dizzy and my tinnitus is worse. I’m just about two hours in for today and I really hate to remove, but don’t want to start vomiting.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks.

koliver | @koliver | Sep 21, 2023

Although some say no, I cut the 7 mg patch in half. I know another person who did the same and it worked for her ; ended her tinnitus! She used the patch for about 8 weeks. I'm at a loss as to what to recommend to you since I never felt worse from wearing the patch. My dilemma is that my issues return a little when I remove the patch, so I've pretty much worn one during the day consistently. I do see where MANY others feel much worse before they feel better. It is such a strange thing - sort of like a crapshoot. I definitely see your point of dreading the adverse reactions from the patch. From what I've read from others, I would say try your best to stick it out on a low dose and see if you have any positive results. I definitely would not increase. I use the SEFUDUN brand that I ordered on Amazon. It was less expensive, and I understand that brand is less potent. Wish I had the answers for you and hope you feel better soon.

dloos | @dloos | Sep 21, 2023

In reply to @koliver "Although some say no, I cut the 7 mg patch in half. I know another person..." + (show)

Thanks. I’m on my own today so I did remove the patch. I don’t want to get really sick by myself.
I think I will try another brand. It does say right on the NicoDerm box not to cut, but I figured it’s sort of a crapshoot anyway, and I would try.
I see online that Habitrol, and Nicotinell are Matrix patches that can be cut. I think NicoDerm is the most available patch at local pharmacies. I’ll look for Sefudun too. I am pretty sensitive to all drugs and have never been a smoker. I’m so eager to give this a good try and will endure some bad days if necessary, but I think vomiting indicates poisoning.
I sure wish it had gone smoothly, but nothing about this terrible disease is easy. We all know that.
I’ll let you know when I start on a different brand. Thanks for staying in touch.
🤞

tobie123 | @tobie123 | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @koliver "I can definitely relate to your comment! Mine was triggered Sept. 2022 after a 2 week..." + (show)

@koliver

I can definitely relate to your comment! Mine was triggered Sept. 2022 after a 2 week trip into high altitude. I could have sworn I brought back some dreaded disease since my head hasn't been the same since. It's been one issue after the other. It's been like chasing rabbits, being referred from one doctor to the next, having various medical tests/scans, etc. I even ended up in ER with chest pains at which time they did a complete cardiac evaluation. So far, all of my tests have shown no major problems. Pulmonary test showed "minimal" pulmonary disease. At times, I've thought I was loosing my mind, never having had health issues before. THANKFULLY, I found relief using a low dose nicotine patch (3.5 which is half of a 7 mg patch), as well as supplementing with 50 mg of sublingual glutathione and increasing my Vitamin C intake. I was desperate, so I took the chance using this protocol. Strange as it sounds, within 30 minutes of applying the first patch, my head/ears actually opened up clearer than they had been in months! I have continued this for over a month, and have seen 75-80% improvement in my LC symptoms (off balance, head/ear pressure (like helium being pumped into my head), anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, joint paint) I have sought out the natural remedies, also adding daily Ashwaganda. I also use CBD oil daily. I've had good luck with Xlear Rescue nasal spray with essential oils for sinus congestion. Mullein leaf tincture also helps the lungs and congestion. I joined 2 social media groups on FB 1) Renegade Research #TheNicotineTest. 2) Long Haul Reset: Long Covid & Spike Injury Treatment. There is an overload of information in these groups that is overwhelming at times, but much of the information has been helpful to me. While being evaluated at a local Rehab facility, I was encouraged to seek out a doctor treating long C. Although I am much better, I plan to follow through with a scheduled appointment the end of this month. I know there are many smart doctors trying to get this nasty stuff figured out, and if by treating me can help others, that's a win!

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What's really upsetting to me is where is the research on this. It seems pretty basic to apply a nicotine patch! What is going on with our scientists!

dloos | @dloos | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @tobie123 "What's really upsetting to me is where is the research on this. It seems pretty basic..." + (show)

The studies take so long and definitely a slow start.
Leaves all of us in a terrible gap grasping at straws for help.

simoneak | @simoneak | Oct 2, 2023

I too have this issue with ears, aftertaste a 6 hr flight home I got covid 2 days later then these started: the ear fullness feels like full of water, pulsing, pain, ring in the ears ( Tinnitus). Sore neck muscles just want to sleep so I can’t hear ringing. Sleep issues happening now.
It’s been 6 weeks since covid and no better. Had antibotics for possible ear infection, Took myself to emergency dept at hospital due to pain unbearable saw ENT they said ear looks fine ear drum swollen just take anti inflammatories hmm.. saw gp after that was put on steroids (prednisone)for 7 days . No change. Been to see audiologist had full testing - mild hearing loss to right ear and tinnitus to both ears and advised to see ENT as soon as possible as ear drum not working at all . So now trying to Find an ENT that doesn’t have a long wait list here in Australia. At moment 6 mths before I can see an ENT. A task on its own.
No one does understand the pain & ringing in the ears how debilitating it is. And Drs just keep dismissing you and the symptoms.
All the best in your quest for treatments and answers.

dloos | @dloos | Oct 2, 2023

In reply to @simoneak "I too have this issue with ears, aftertaste a 6 hr flight home I got covid..." + (show)

I’m so sorry you are going through this too. It really is horrible. I am now about 17 months into this. My condition is still worsening. I now have both tinnitus and hyperacusis and my eyes seem to be involved too. Very blurry vision in my left eye especially. Left ear is worse too. Strange, strange symptoms. Of course with all this going on I am very dizzy, and impossible to carry on a normal life.
Care in the US is no better than you are experiencing. Very long waits, and when you finally get in, no answers anyway.
ENTs have not helped me. I have waited months for an appointment with a practice that has long Covid protocol. I’m hoping that I’ll be taken more seriously, and perhaps get some real help. We’ll see. The appointment is for Oct. 20.
Good luck to you.

simoneak | @simoneak | Oct 2, 2023

Let us know how you go with the ENT. Ive been doing research looking into Tinnitus have found some interesting research on this. Read that magnesium & Vitamin B supplements can help as it was was found most people with tinnitus have low levels of magnesium & Vit B. So I’m trying these supplements. Fluid in the middle ear is my main concern as the pressure on the ear drum is causing the hearing loss.
There’s a U.S. audiologist on YOUTUBE Ben Thompson whom specialises in Tinnitus and there’s some interesting & helpful information on his videos & podcasts. Worth a listen too.