I have had a similar problem related to equalizing. Not blood and such, but middle ear baratroma (sp) after a dive. Feels like water in the ear, but nothing comes out. I called up DAN`s medical line (an EXCELLENT resource for dive related injuries) and was told that sudaphed and advil is a good combo to help clear the ears.
That being said, prevention before injury is always good. I have found the following is helpful if done before diving:
(1) About 24 hrs before, clear your nose by gently blowing.
(2) Right after, GENTLY clear your ears.
(3) Over the next 24 hrs, gently clear your ears several more times.
Since the process of equalizing/clearing is not done on a regular basis, "preparing" the ears helps to loosen them up and ready them for the upcoming dive.
I also have a set of Doc`s ProPlugs that I keep with my gear so that I have an alternative if clearing is more problematic. I have not, to date, had to use them.