Dry ear,horrific pain,tender node in neck

[pulana]

For the past 6 weeks I have had what initially i thought was inner ear pain.After the 1st week and taking ibuprophen I went to the local doctor.He examined my ear which was dry.No evidence of fluid or pus. Thought it me be a viral infection and put me on Famvir 500mlgs.2 times a day. No luck with the pain. Then i was put on prednisone for the next round.Again did not remotely touch the pain. i have realized that the pain is seemingly behind my ear and my neck/node in area feels tender. When I am not dosing  myself with ibuprophen( I was taking percocet at night  but hated the side effects ) I am  acutely aware now of pain in the neck in a localized area; below my ear. The doctor ordered an M.R.I. which I a awaiting and thought it could be a disc irritating a nerve but I am very unsure of that because the pain in my neck feels deeper than that. I am tired and looking forward to any thoughts suggestions coments. I live on an island and cannot wait until the M.R.I. results. I feel as though I need to get my blood drawn and have a complete checkup..Help!!  Most grateful..Pulana ( I am a 47 yr.old,athletic mother of 2)


This discussion is related to Pain and swelling behind left ear.

[pulana]

My MRI showed no fluid aamd progressive stenosis of c4-5.Als after the prednisone I was pou on amoxicillan.Still in alot of pain.Doctor shot prednisone behind ear and into neck area that feels tender.. Still feel the pain  4 hours later..Told to call tomorrow.I feel like ther is something in my neck..Suggestions?

Thanks,

Pulana

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The pain in your ear with accompanying lymph node tenderness may point out to an infection even if there is no evident puss.  The Famvir is for viral infection, however, the most common infection in the ear is due to bacteria and I suggest you discuss this with your doctor if antibiotics for bacteria is warranted. The MRI can give as a good picture of the neck area but I still think a specialist ear consult should be sought.  Chronic muscle and nerve fatigue can also contribute to the pain specially for very active individuals.  For you may continue with the pain medications as directed by your doctor but the real cause should be found soon.

Hope you and your doctors get to the bottom of this soon.  Regards...