Ears and congestion

[hamsterswheel]

I am so fed up and the more this goes on the more frantic I am getting, ha is in major overdrive.

I am 32 years old, 37 weeks pregnant.

Since a child I have always suffered from ear infections and tonsillitis. In recent years not had much bother. But have suffered post nasal drip and general congestion, sinus issues particularly bad after a cold or virus. These tend to linger even after the cold/virus has gone and finally disappear.

Since pregnancy the blocked nose has been more or less constant. I have had two recent viral infections - nov and jan. after jan I notched my ear felt full and achy on and off. It came and went. But has not ever gone away. Same after jan viral. Now it's almost constant between, ear fullness, post nasal drip and blocked nose. I can also feel a tiny lymph node under my jaw although have been able to feel this for years and had it checked over and over and told normal. I can feel on other side too.

I knw congestion is common in preg

My worries are that at times inthe day I notice an ache right below my ear. There is no lymph gland raised etc.  as I type this it seems straight forward but I am worried sick it's related to something sinister. Ca is my fear. Also sorties the area fees swollen and when I look in the mirror I'm sure that side look swollen. But I don't know what to trust with this as a short time later I will repeatedly check face and sometimes looks swollen and other time both sides similar. My family and gp say they notice no difference.. My gp has also examined me and said nothing of concern and that it's pregnancy related and due to a build up of mucus clogging everything. She said it should go away after baby and if not we can treat the sinuses with decongestants. I have been able to release mucus in the mornings which is generally thick.

My anxiety tells me: ear pain +, swollen face/under jaw +palpable lymph node = sinister

I know this is a long pst, but has anyone had these problems? I'm frightened.

[oregoncoastlady]

I've had a similar history as you have. Lots of ear infections and tonsilitis as a child. I am older than you and not pregnant, but have sinus issues daily. Ear fullness, face pain, post nasal drip, pain behind my ear lobes just above my jaw. I've had it for years. Nothing sinister going on, just annoying. You need to trust your doctor on this. Once you have your baby, see how you feel. I'm guessing it will clear up...or you will be so busy caring for your baby that you won't have time to notice it! Try to calm down. You're fine.

[hamsterswheel]

Thanks.

It's just really freaking me out. With ha it's so hard not view everything as so sinister.

I keep poking at lymoh nodes under jaw area. Got one each side. They do feel really small and my Gp has checked them. I started looking for them and found them over two years ago. But just te fact I can feel them freaks me out and I join all the sinister dots! Then for te next few ads the area is achy from irritating them!!!

Why can't I learn.

I just don't feel in a good place. I've been to Gp twice in sat wo weeks and really don't want to go again. Ut keep thinking something scary.