Gabby wrote:


> I remember only one earache as a child, and mom did blow smoke in my ear. I
> can only assume they thought it was warm and would be soothing. Don't
> remember that it helped any. I also assume that it was otitis media
> (middle ear infection) because I don't remember being in incredible pain.
> OTOH, I experienced otitis externa (swimmer's ear) about 5 years ago, and
> I'd sooner have another baby than experience that again. The pain was
> excruciating, I could barely swallow without crying so eating was out of the
> question. Even talking was painful. After about 36 hours on antibiotics
> (drops and oral) the pain subsided and things went back to normal.
>
> Gabby
>

As an adult I was hospitalized for *seven* days
with Otitis Externa (swimmers ear!) that was so
bad ...well... lets just say I've given birth
naturally and it didn't hurt near as much as that
ear did. The daily lavages did me in. Thank god
for Demerol. Lordie the memory still scares me.
Goomba