One Week Post-Ear Reconstruction Surgery: Seeking Pain Relief Advice
Age: 28, Height: 5'5", Weight: 150 lbs, Location: England Current Medication: Morphine 10mg/5ml Health Background: Experiencing moderate to severe bilateral hearing loss, reliant on hearing aids. Hello everyone, I wanted to share an update following my significant surgery in May. For those interested in my earlier experiences, feel free to check out my previous discussion with attached details. Since undergoing the procedure, I had the BIPP gauze taken out on June 2nd, which was quite an ordeal. The sensation was akin to having a plug pulled from my brain, accompanied by unexpected noises and considerable bleeding. On the bright side, the surgeon mentioned that the graft is healing well. Now, almost three months post-operation, I often experience ear fatigue characterized by a nerve-like burning sensation, especially when lying on my ear for too long or when using headphones that exert pressure on the area. Additionally, the right side of my tongue remains numb, and there’s some soreness around the top of my ear and at the scar site. I frequently feel a sense of “fullness” in my right ear, particularly when I’m lying on that side. It feels as if everything is draining toward that side, and I’ve been dealing with a persistent yellowish-white discharge. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to consult an ENT specialist yet, as the NHS system tends to be quite slow. I am currently awaiting an appointment for a hearing evaluation, but I’m not very hopeful about the outcomes. For those who are curious, I can share some images to illustrate my condition. Any insights as to whether I should be more proactive about seeing an ENT specialist based on this ear discharge or if this is just part of the regular healing process would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support, Reddit!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 4:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your recovery process after ear reconstruction surgery, especially with the symptoms you're experiencing. The combination of ear fatigue, numbness, soreness, and discharge could indicate a need for further evaluation, but there are also aspects of healing you can manage at home. Here's a structured way to approach your situation:
Main Points:
- Pain and unusual sensations may still be part of the healing process after surgery.
- Symptoms like discharge and a feeling of fullness warrant attention, potentially indicating an infection.
- Prioritize self-care strategies while you await your ENT appointment.
Explanation:
Post-surgical discomfort, such as burning sensations and ear fullness, can be common as your body heals. However, the yellowish-white discharge and persistent numbness in your tongue could suggest an infection or another complication that requires closer examination. Since you're waiting for an ENT appointment, it’s vital to maintain clarity in your symptoms and prioritize any signs that may indicate complications.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain levels, the nature of the discharge, or any new sensations. This can be useful for your ENT specialist.
-
Manage Pain and Discomfort:
- Continue with your current pain management regimen as prescribed (like morphine). If pain is not adequately controlled, consider discussing adjustments with your healthcare provider when you can.
-
Care for Your Ears:
- Avoid placing any pressure on your ears or lying on the surgical side for extended periods to minimize discomfort. Opt for over-the-ear headphones to reduce pressure; if possible, avoid headphones altogether until healing is more complete.
-
Monitor for Infection:
- If the discharge worsens (increased volume, color change to green or foul smell), or if you develop a fever, seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of infection.
-
Stay Hydrated & Healthy:
- Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet to support your healing process.
-
Follow Up:
- Be proactive about reaching out to your ENT office to check on the status of your appointment if symptoms persist or worsen.
Remember, your well-being is paramount. While some discomfort is expected after surgery, specific symptoms like discharge and numbness should be monitored closely. Please reach out if you have further questions or need more specific advice!
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