PE Tubes and Ear Infections!?

On Tuesday I had tubes placed in my ears...now it is Friday and I am having a terrible ear ache and clear fluid is draining from my ear...I used a cotton swab to help relieve the moisture and white, gooey stuff came out on the tip of the swab! Is this normal for the healing process after tubes or do I now have an ear infection because of the tubes? I had them place in both ears and only the right one is acting this way...my ENT doesn't open till Monday and I need some advice on what to do to stop the pain, any suggestions?? And what is going on?

First, unless you've been told to do this by your doctor, stop putting cotton swabs into your ear canal. The risk of damaging your ear drum and/or complicating your newly implanted tubes is too great. Swabs are only intended to be used on the outer ear not placed in the ear canal.

As for a clear discharge from your ear, it's most likely a simple effusion (fluid collection) from a middle ear infection. PE tubes are generally placed when someone is having difficulty with their anatomical pressure relief system, the Eustachian. These implanted tubes have a flared end on both sides so as to stay in placed after surgery and allow fluid to drain externally from the middle ear as well as assist in the equalizing of air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. If you have fluid draining from your ear, good. That is what's supposed to happen when there's a problem like yours.

As far as what to do over the weekend, take an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Naproxen Sodium (found in Aleve), Ibuprofen (found in Advil or Motrin) or Acetaminophen (found in Tylenol). Not only will this help with the pain but will also reduce the inflammation to further promote drainage. I don't suggest taking Aspirin (also an NSAID) so soon after surgery because in can promote bleeding (it's an antiplatelet drug) even though the incisions are very small. Also, it can be harsh on certain individuals, indigestion-wise. As a final 'home remedy', take a wet, hot wash cloth and hold it over the affected ear. That will also help out a bit.

Whatever you decide, good luck and let us know how this turns out for you.

It certainly sounds like an ear infection. If it's really bothering you I would advise going to the ER to get it check out and probably some antibiotic for the infection. Then see the doctor who put the in on Monday.

that is gross and it is an inffection or get it checked out

Your ENT should have a service that can reach him or her in case of emergency. You should contact them and let them know what is going on.

Good luck,
Dana