Figured out my "ear" pain | Arthritis Information
I have never had an ear infection as an adult. In fact, every time I go to the doctor with strep, cold, whatever, my ears always look fine. But after a bout of strep that wouldn't go away last summer accompanied by never-explained dizziness/weakness, I have been paranoid that I have some low level inner ear issue/infection.
My ear would sometimes hurt, and even on the outside, to where I wouldn't want to sleep on that side. Always the right side though (didn't realize until now) and I can't sleep on my right side because of shoulder/wrist pain. But I was always worried--is it an inner ear issue, an infected piercing. But it was never so severe that I'd remember to follow up.
Well now that my right TMJ is apparently in the middle of an awful RA flare, I've figured it out...it's swelling from my TMJ creating the pain. So it has probably been affected for a while. Last night I was wide awake from 3-4 in pain. My Mobic kicked in around noon today so I'm much better off (although still in pain) but swallowing isn't as painful. Haven't been able to eat solids though. Was able to at lunch yesterday, but not at dinner. I am home alone with my boys today and my mom was nice enough to bring by a chocolate shake! But I am going to have to get some smoothie recipes if this continues too long--I pray it doesn'!! MTX isn't really working for me yet but I have an injection tonight so maybe it will do something. This morning was miserable because even drinking water was painful, just to swallow.
Stupid, stupid disease.
KatieG2008-09-06 12:31:57Hey Katie,
Interesting post about the ear pain. I have been experiencing the same thing and wonder if the tmj/swelling might be the cause of mine too. It is an awful disease. Hang in there. I have had lots of ear pain. I never know if it's from ra or not. A couple of times I had a ear infection and a couple of times my ear was fine. I know how you feel. IT HURTS!! I remember when my kids as babies would cry and cry when they had a ear infection. I wish I had that ear checker thingie to use to tell the difference.
NOPE< not fun. Sorry for you pain and suffering and I can relate.
take care
Th anks. This is NOT a good day. I was only up for about 30 minutes in the middle of the night (awake and unable to sleep from pain) but I kow what that can do to my level of stress and therefore level of inflammation.
I got up at 5:45 b/c I couldn't take it anymore. It hurts to type b/c stiffness in wrist & elbow not worked out (elbow is flaring again) but I need to vent. My left jaw is very painful and last night I had pain in my left ear too (although L jaw not obviously painful). Argh! At the moment I cannot get my bottom teeth behind my top teeth (normally my bite is fine). I have the boys alone until 2, I am just going to hang in there but I'm close to calling the doctor. I guess I can wait until tomorrow.
Just wonderful that I did my MTX shot last night, now this. Sigh. I tried to eat last night and shouldn't have. I need to find a smoothie king that is open on Sunday before noon, although the closest one is 30 min away and I'd have to strap in both boys. My wrist/shoulder were fine for car seats yesterday but I overdid it and today they hurt. McDonals is only 5 minutes away but I need s/t more than chocolate shake
Icing on the cake: came downstairs to find dog had eaten and thrown up boys' plastic butterflies, so I had to mop first thing which hurt so bad. Now crazy cats who sat around staring at me moping are running around and woke up the one year old. Off to get him up...it's one of those days that won't be too bad b/c it can't get much worse and it's just putting one foot in front of the other and making it through...
KatieG2008-09-07 03:36:13I am so sorry to hear that you are in so much pain especially with 2 young boys (mine are 4 and 2) so I can totally relate. Where is you husband? Could you call your mom to come over and sit with you and the boys? I know that some times it's just easier to have someone there with you and the kids to take some of the stress off you (especially when it's mom). Hang in there and keep us posted on how you are doing.Thanks reegie. My mom & dad are at church and husband will be home around 2-thank god! He was in Chicago visiting his brother. My 1 year old went down for a "nap" at 8:30! I'm feeling a bit better b/c it doesn't hurt to swallow but I'm afraid that's on account of my newly acquired underbite! I learned my lesson...I might only have a little pain if I try to snack on soft foods today, but that will translate to lots of pain in the middle of the night when my mobic has worn off. So I'm just going to go with all liquids for the next few days and hope for the best...
[QUOTE=KatieG]
Oh honey Iam so sorry for your pain. I have ear pain and a sense of fullness in my ear at times. I use an ear wash and it quickly goes away. Atleast untill next time. Please feel better soon. Hugs to you!