Eardrum ruptured AFTER tympanoplasty

[kittywitty]

I had an extensive tympanoplasty 14 years ago. I went underwater just barely today (maybe 1' under) which is not uncommon-I always swim underwater in the summer. And my eardrum (the same one fixed before) immediately ruptured in a horrible painful burst and my balance went out and my ds had to take me to the side of the pool (we were in the middle of the pool). It still hurts and I can't hear out of it very well. I have no insurance and no doctor for at least a few weeks (insurance issue). Is this a big deal? Should I just re-contact my ear surgeon from before and tell him or would he even care? I know it sounds like I'm overreacting but it was really bad last time and I don't want a repeat. Especially at 6 months pregnant.

[workjw]

If it continues to cause you pain, I would go and see a doctor. If it's only a week or 2 before your insurance issue clears up, you might be ok to wait, but I would definitely get it checked out. Fwiw I had tympanoplasty about 10 yrs ago and then ruptured my eardrum again about 2 yrs after. I had no insurance and didn't go to the doctor for months. Now I periodically have pain/infections in that ear and I have lost at least 50% (or more) of my hearing in that ear. I really need surgery again but that's not really an option right now, so I've been putting it off for years. I don't know if my hearing loss is temporary or permanent.

Hope you're feeling better soon! Good luck!