Blocked Ear

[milly143]

I have had a blocked ear since Monday night which is causing pain and leading to headaches. I rang to make an appointment with the nurse but the receptionist refused to give me an appointment until next Friday saying I needed to use ear drops or oil until then. I have been doing so but it has not improved at all and I can't hear anything properly. Any suggestions for what else I can do? It is driving me insane and turning me into a grumpy cow. Should I just ring for an appointment to see the Doctor as they don't ask what it is for if you want a Doc's appointment.

[milly143]

Hi Lofty,

In our surgery if you ask to see a nurse the receptionist will always ask what it's for. I suppose it's so she can put you with the most appropriate nurse but I have always thought you must be well within your rights not to tell. After I had put down the phone I wished I hadn't.

[anneasquith]

hi milly, it is not the receptionist job to ask what your medical problem is, just refuse to answer in the future, nicely.

[LoftyLottie]

What annoys me is that Milly's GP receptionist even told her what to do for her problem!! That is a definite no no!!

[Chickadee]

Must admit our GPs receptionist ask what you are seeing nurse for but I think it is because there are different appointment slots for different things.

My Doc and nurse always advise using olive oil, lay on your side, put in drops (two or three) and then lay there for at least 15 mins. If you put cotton wool in the ear straight after using the drop then it absorbs the drops or oil.