Well, I had my mvd 8/28/12 with “moderate” success. I had to be readmitted on Labor day due to a horrible rash/fever so bought an extra week there. I have to be at work at 6am and its 4:30 and my Right ear chose TODAY to wake up SCREAMING!!! I have wonderful co-workers and am tired of crying when I’m at work or taking the lighter patient load because they are truly that good to me. I feel like a loser and would rather stay off to myself. I don’t talk to my friends when they call or text some excuse. Today will be a million questions over and over since I work in surgical services and then the look of pity that comes when they see that uncomfortable pinched look that’s on my face at least when everybody starts in…the ear, the eye…etc. I just pray I can make it. Here goes nothing. Thanks for listening. 
Hi Judi…how did it go? I am cheering for u today!! I can’t believe u are going back so soon!! I am a nurse too!! I work in the pediatric intensive care unit.I’ve been there 12 years already!! Being a nurse and taking care of the needs of someone else is an amazing thing. I know I have become much more compassionate and empathetic about the pain my patients have. I always keep them super comfy!! I just went back on Saturday after 6 weeks off from an infection in my pns…yes…MRSA 
weeks of iv vanco!! I got the stimulator replaced and am working on getting the programming just right. The shifts have felt eternal and I am exhausted…my face hurts like heck!! I’m off a few days now…hoping not to spend all of them in bed!!Let us know how it went today…we are all fighting with u!! ((HUGS))
Well I have a small break in my work load and had to say thank you Lisa for the kind words! Believe me I would not be back if I had ANY sick/vacation time left. My manager just left for a new position so I am left to deal with the director who I think (rightly so) is a bit overwhelmed. I think my manager wouldn't of had an issue with me coming back at a later date but here we are. Of course I cried when i got to work the pain was soooooooo bad! letting that out helped emotionally then finally the ice pick to the ear let up. I am on my 2nd pt of the day and so far so good. I would rather be in bed thats for sure. I am so sorry about your infection that just STINKS! How do you like the stimulator? I'm still on the fence about it...let me know and thank you again for your kind words. :o)
Judi, I hope your day was bearable. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Judi, I hope your day improved. I had MVD on Sept. 5 and my Dr. took me out until 10-30. I, too have ony expreienced moderate success at the surgery, everyone here tells me that I have not given it enough time, but the Dr has said that I should not be experiencing any pain at this point. I sure do hope he is wrong. I hope and pray your days improve soon!
Who did your MVD Judi?
Take it easy as you can!
You are certainly not a loser, you know that. Pity might not be what they feel, instead they probably feel helpless and confused. I take it hour by hour, or minute by minute, every day at work. I look forward to coming home sooo strongly so I can just stop moving, talking, and interacting with anybody. I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful, caring boss and co-workers. Try real hard to avoid crying - for me it's makes the pain increase incredibly. Can't wear a lidocaine patch at work either...why can't they make them clear? Ear pain is Hideous! Here's to your success for getting out there. My friends and family are used to me not being able to do normal things. Suppose I'm used to it too. If I didn't work I would be a complete recluse.
Keep your strength and a sense of humor. You have so much to be proud of. And let them help you when you need it. It makes people feel very good to be able to help.
Oh, you all are my 2nd family!!! So nice to talk to people who totally UNDERSTAND the pain, fatigue, and countdown, of getting home away from the constant REQUIRED chatter! My co-workers amazed me again with their empathy, caring, and support❤. I started out ok but once pts were gone to their respective surgeries and we had some time to ourselves here come the water works… I’m talking the HARD cry you did as a child… I told them how I felt like I burdened my husband and mother and of course them at work. I made the mistake of trying to jump right back into my old ways of cleaning rooms, emptying linen, etc NOT a good idea my ear let me know I needed to SIT DOWN and care for the ONE pt I had (the max is 2 in the recovery room) usually I can make up for it by helping my co-workers and act as a CNA but that’s not going to happen I’m just going to let myself heal, go to work, and be happy with that.
Is there a reason we couldn’t get a lidocaine patch for the ear at work? Is it considered a narcotic or something and who would I go to for one? Does it go behind the ear? At this point I will try anything!!! @Colleen I will surely take your advice, let them help, and don’t look at the mountain of a day just be proud of every hr I get through. :). @kc I messaged you. @piglet and TL thank you for your kind words… Now off to work the flu marathon I’m not going to attempt the 12hrs I initially signed up for and just work as long as I can min by min have a great day everyone 
We are all rooting for you. What you have to deal with is immense. a loser would not attempt it, ever :-) Take care xx
@kc Dr. Stephen Griffith at St. Luke’s hospital… @ Jackie you have such a kind spirit and I am glad to have the opportunity to speak with you via this board