It was an ENT that advised me, but although the wax is a problem due to discomfort and hearing, it's generally the failed attempt at irrigation that causes infection.

I hadn't had a GP I was happy with in a very long time. And now I love my current GP. She will research things, follows up, listens to me, etc. I had to cancel an appointment last year and I didn't reschedule. She called me at home to encourage me to follow through. Low and behold that visit was the first sign I had cancer. So long as she has an open practice I can't imagine not going to her.

If you're not happy with your GP, keep looking.

Kidney stones
 

I had kidney stones too that were too small and expected to pass. The pain was immense. The ER told me I needed to see a specialist but I couldn't get an appt. for at least 6 weeks. The ER put me on Viagra (I am a woman) but told me not ony is Viagra used for ED but it increases the diameter of the ureters helping the stones to pass. Eventually they did.

Fast forward several months, I went to see a new neurologist to rule out MS. As I gave him my history, he told me that my kidney stones were most likely caused by the Topamax I was taking for my crps. Kidney stones are a possible side effect of Topamax.

Discontinued the Topamax and haven't had any stone since.

By chance are you on Topamax for your crps?

That's interesting. The Dr did mention giving me some meds they typically use for men with prostate issues for the same reason...to make it easier to pass them. He didn't do it...but talked about it.

I'm not taking Topamax...I actually only use Lidocaine patches and my DRG stimulator for pain control. Interesting that kidney stones are a side effect. I can't pinpoint any real change except for one thing that happens right before I get kidney stones the last 3 times...I cut all soda out of my diet and go to water only. That has been the only thing that has changed in my diet each time...no one thinks that is related and I don't know why it would be...but it's the only change each time and it happens every time I go to water only. So much for trying to be healthy.

I did a lot of research into kidney stones a long time ago, but have forgotten a lot.
There are two kinds, and one can be dietary affected and the other not. And I do remember neither is affected by calcium, even though people think that cause they eat calcium.
Can you not see a urologist? They could insert a stent to make it easier for the stones to pass, if nothing else.

We are, oddly, having a kidney stone issue here in the house, but it is because my husband's MS meant he didn't feel them, so they grew MASSIVE and now affect the kidney function. Like they are 1 inch and there are more than one in each kidney. Last week they put stents to each kidney just to help the kidneys drain better, and the uro pulled 20 mL of pus from above one stone. He's on 2 abx from the infection he had.

Anyway, no way I'd let them leave me with stones for 6 weeks. Kick up a fuss!

I'm sorry to hear what your husband is going through...that sounds absolutely terrible.

I think next week I will be calling a specialist. I should probably do it tomorrow (later today I guess...lose track of the days when I'm not sleeping) but I mentally needed a break from "kicking up a fuss"...doing it last week with the ear issue pretty much drained all the energy I had for it. Who knows...maybe the stones will pass before I ever get to the urologist but at least if I see one and get checked out then I will be an existing patient and have someone to see next time it happens. And if they haven't passed by then, they can hopefully do something to help. Almost 2 months of this nonsense has really just drained all my energy between the stones, the ear issue, the constant flare ups I've been having, no sleep...I'm just so done. :(

catra121, that is appalling how care functions in the US. Honestly. Yes, we pay about 50% in taxes, but at least we have generalized health care and you most always are about to see someone within at least a week to a few weeks.

And why on earth your GP wasn't able to remove the blockage is mind boggling. I had the same types of things at age 3 when my pediatrician just removed it from my ear with what seemed like a special type of pick in those days (for hard wax).

My ear is much better after seeing the ENT. My kidney stones are same...no better no worse. What exactly is your situation? Happy to try and help if I can.

Spent last night in the ER with chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, headache, etc. Nothing serious it looks like, doctor said probably a panic attack. Sigh...Im just so done with all this...

Panic attacks are brutal, it is surprising we don’t have them every day.I am sorry you had one, because it is a frightening experience.

It's better to be safe than sorry!