Ear infections

Cat0409_

Well-Known Member
Messages
147
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi all
Wondering if anyone has had severe ear infections due to their diabetes?
I had a new on friday afternoon and woke up with a sore ear after it. I hardly ate anything for tea and went to bed as per normal.
Woke up Saturday Morning with 2 ear aches, severe buzzing in one and limited hearing in both.
Was taken to ER Saturday evening who did nothing excess prescribe general antibiotic and ear drops I would need to get the next day. They were unable to prescribe any pain meds as I am on serious meds for chronic pain. So I ended up taking my break through meds for the pain.
Sunday obtained the ear drops which felt like they were burning each time they were applied. Continued with pain and break through meds all day and night.

Monday Morning went to normal Gp. Still deaf, still in agonizing pain. He called ENT at big hospital and organized appointment later in week to see them as concerns were related to diabetes issues. Don't know term as still deaf.
Pain increased so GP call ambulance. Taken to ER and then to ENT out patients. They syringed ears and placed wicks in them. Changed ear drops and antibiotics. Said it could take at least 4 weeks to heal!!! Made another appointment for Wednesday for more syringeing and new wicks.

I have recently Changed insulin from novomix to lantus.

Has anyone else had similar problems?
Can anyone shed any light?

Totally fed up with being in excrutiating pain and deaf as well.

PS blood sugars have dropped significantly in last 6weeks from 15+ to 6-10 as am low carbing with approval of both GP and Diabetes Specialist
 

Dark Horse

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,840
Ear infections can happen in anyone but the risk of getting one (or of it taking longer to clear up) is increased in diabetes, probably due to raised glucose levels. They can take a few weeks to clear up, even with treatment and they can be very painful to start with. It sounds like you are getting good care and it's important that you go to all your appointments, including any follow-up appointments to check there are no complications.

Meanwhile, a warm flannel held against the side of the face can give some relief. Also, if you sleep on your side, it is possible to fashion a kind of "ring" from an old T shirt twisted round on itself so that when you lay your head on it your head is supported but there is no pressure on your ear which sits within the middle of the ring - it may help reduce the pain.

There is some useful information here:- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Otitis-externa/Pages/Introduction.aspx
 

Cat0409_

Well-Known Member
Messages
147
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Thank you very much @Dark Horse.

Just a bit gob smacked given my control has been so much better over the last 6 weeks and then to get a doubt whammy of ear infections along with deafness.

Pain is probably my biggest issue atm but I am doing as told and will continue with ENT appointments
 

PatsyB

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,956
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Diabetes
Did not realise ear infections would take longer to heal in Diabetics...we certainly are put throgh the mill when we are ill.....Hope your ear infection heals fast I know ihow painfull it can be.
 

Cat0409_

Well-Known Member
Messages
147
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Neither did I @PatsyB we all learn new things about diabetes as we go.

Ears have been done again yesterday and back tomorrow for another go.

At least they are not as painful however am still suffering from deafness and terrible buzzing in both ears.