The Definitive Cauliflower Ear Thread (please sticky)

[pittfrog]

I'll offer the alternative view, from the "seek medical attention" side. First off, unless you live in a major city, and can get to an emergency room with an on-call Otolaryntologist (ear nose and throat) specialist, don't waste your time with an emergency room. Most regular ER docs will not want to do anything to your ears. If your ears are badly swollen and you want them fixed, seek out a plastic surgeon, or an otolaryntologist.

I've had bolstering done both in the ER (1 hospital in my city has an on call ear nose and throat specialist, and yes I've made a point to find out which) and in an operating room. There was one follow up visit required in each case, to remove the stitches. That visit was quick and painless. There is no visible scar.

I will say this, I have very good medical insurance. If you live in the US, depending on your coverage, I could understand that you would prefer to drain your ears yourself, despite the significant infection risk. I'd argue, however, that if this is the situation with your medical coverage, that you'd be better off wearing $30 headgear than worrying about your medical deductible.

[Trasher]

u do NOT want any type of velcro headgear unless ur washing it like a motherfucker everyday, all that dirt and sweat gets trapped in there and well rub on ur head/forehead constatly, we lost 3 kids on my wrestling team this year from impetigo

[Trasher]

u do NOT want any type of velcro headgear unless ur washing it like a motherfucker everyday, all that dirt and sweat gets trapped in there and well rub on ur head/forehead constatly, we lost 3 kids on my wrestling team this year from impetigo

[supertac]

pittfrog,

Although I hoped it wouldn't, I certainly expected our conversation turn into a flame-fest. But, you, unlike most people on sherdog, conducted yourself in a very professional manner, and I respect that. All of the people that I have seen who have had their ears bolstered ended up with scars. I will take your word for you not having a scar and in the spirit of providing accurate and proper information, amend my original post.

Thanks,

ST

[kaboom187]

great post

[pittfrog]

Originally Posted by Trasher

u do NOT want any type of velcro headgear unless ur washing it like a motherfucker everyday, all that dirt and sweat gets trapped in there and well rub on ur head/forehead constatly, we lost 3 kids on my wrestling team this year from impetigo

Impetigo is an infection with either strep or staph bacteria. Cleanliness makes *any* infection from grappling sports less likely.Grapplers need to keep their gear, including headgear, religiously clean. Wash your gi/singlet/shorts, spray your headgear with bleach or iodophor solution, clean your body, and keep the lather of the soap on your body for at least 20-25 seconds to maximize the mechanical action that washes bacteria away.

Headgear is good, cleanliness is good, grappling is good.

[supertac]

Originally Posted by pittfrog

Headgear is good, cleanliness is good, grappling is good.

Amen

[Frodo]

I had the same experience as pittfrog, even though I think we had different otolaryngologists (ENT doctors). I had 3 different bolsterings - one in the ER (after they called in the ENT) and 2 in operating room with an ENT. There is no visible scar, and after a week of rest and hell, it was pain-free (though you need to wear headgear for a few months afterward). I had it bad, and even though they are still deformed (I had fractured cartilage, multiple drainings, etc), there is no pain. Don't risk an infection: see your doctor and use your health insurance!!!

[ShanghaiBJJ]

Originally Posted by Trasher

we lost 3 kids on my wrestling team this year from impetigo

They died???

[superc0ntra]

Can we sticky this thread? It should be important to many of us.