Severe Ear Discomfort Following Myringoplasty
I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth but identify as a transgender male, using He/Him pronouns. Apologies if my writing isn't perfect. I am currently around 7 to 8 weeks post-operative, and I've had a double myringoplasty. Additionally, I underwent surgery on the other ear three months prior, which was successful and has mostly healed. The reason for these procedures was my ongoing battle with chronic ear infections since the age of three. The grommets that had been in my ears for a decade left behind some holes that needed repair. During my six-week follow-up appointment, we discovered a clot of dried blood on my eardrum. Recently, I've begun to experience significant discomfort in the ear that was just operated on, especially when yawning or opening my mouth widely. I’m hearing my blood flow against my ear and have been dealing with tinnitus, a symptom I hadn’t noticed since my recovery. The pain is becoming so intense that I find myself yawning with my mouth shut or covered to minimize the stretch and alleviate the discomfort. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Saturday, but I'm uncertain if I can endure the pain until then. Should I be worried about these symptoms?
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 3:02:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to be concerned about the pain and discomfort you're experiencing in your ear, especially after recent surgeries. Here’s a summary of your situation and what you can do while you wait for your doctor’s appointment:
Main Points:
- Post-operative discomfort and tinnitus at this stage may be related to healing; however, it's important to manage your symptoms and keep monitoring them.
- The pain you feel while yawning or opening your mouth could indicate irritation or pressure changes in the middle ear, but it’s good that you have a follow-up scheduled soon.
Explanation: After a myringoplasty, it’s normal to experience some discomfort as your ear heals. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can happen post-surgery, often due to changes in pressure or inflammation. Feeling pain with yawning may suggest there’s still some inflammation or increased sensitivity in the ear. The dried blood you mentioned at your last follow-up could also contribute to this discomfort if it hasn't fully resolved.
However, because you're experiencing significant pain, it’s crucial to pay attention to your symptoms. The fact that you are hearing blood flow could indicate increased vascular activity or pressure changes in the area, so it’s good you're seeing a doctor soon.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (if allergies or contraindications allow you to do so) to help manage pain. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the package.
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Avoid Irritation: Try to limit actions that cause pain, like yawning widely or chewing gum. If you need to yawn, do it gently to minimize discomfort.
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Watch for New Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any worsening of symptoms such as fever, increased swelling, or drainage from your ear, as these could indicate an infection.
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Keep Your Appointment: Since you have an appointment on Saturday, prepare to discuss all your symptoms in detail, especially the pain levels and any other changes you notice.
If the pain intensifies or you develop any new troubling symptoms before your appointment, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care. Your comfort is important, and it’s okay to take steps to manage your symptoms now.
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