I had radiation for my tonsil 18 mos ago. Ever so often I get some drainage in my right eustachian tube which some pain comes about like an ear infection. It goes away as randon as it comes which is not very frequent. Discussing this with my surgeon, he indicates the radiation stiffens the tubes and makes drainage harder causing some pain. Has anyone experienced this and or hear any potental reasons like my surgeon indicated?

Yes John, I have had the same problem for about a year and a half. My doctor said it is "normal" and didn't go into it any farther. I have to "pop" my ear on the surgery side quite often. It isn't real painful just bothersome.

I didn't have any problem after radiation about drainage. only after surgery which was Sept 2 I had problems with my right ear draining. Last thursday it finally cleared up to where I could hear. My ENT said it was part from radiation and the swelling from surgery and will get better.

Hope this helps
Love
Terry

Hello John,

With my tumor growing towards my right ear my on'gist asked me if I have any pain in the right ear. So far none. She explained about the tube
being pinched off their might be some pain there
soon. Nothing yet.

Danny Boy

John,

My mom is about 7 weeks post-radiation, and she had a very difficult time with pain and pressure in her ear. She also had chemo- Cisplatin, which we now understand can cause some ear side effects. The doctors seem to think most of her fluid problems were caused by the radiation, though.

Anyway, she was having pain, pressure, and loss of hearing in her left ear. She finally got to see the ear specialist who determined that the eustacian tubes were not functioning properly and she had fluid built up in her ears. They put in tubes and suctioned the fluid right there in the office. Mom said it was somewhat uncomfortable during the procedure, but she got almost immediate relief from the symptoms!

She was so relieved as she was also having dizziness and feelings of "being in a fog" caused by all this fluid build-up.

I'm not sure if this is relevant to your situation, but she is doing sooo much better since she got this taken care of, that I felt I had to share her experience.

Good luck and God bless,
Laura

Hello John

I am over 2 yrs out from treatment and still experience ear pain intermittently. I have been reassured by the docs also. Can't ignore it while its there though.

Best wishes for your recovery, love from Helen