...are yucky! I took Savannah to the doctor today because she has had several sleepless nights from having coughing fits. These coughing fits were due to a little head cold that has now caused her to get another ear infection. This will be her 6th ear infection since August. While we were at the doctor, Dr. Doles brought up three little letters that I didn't want to hear, ENT. This was something I wanted to ask her about anyway, but I was scared to hear her response. She proceeded to ask me if I had thought about scheduling an appointment for Savannah. I told her no and began to ask her, "when do I know weather or not I need to schedule one?" She said some parents do not like the idea of having their child constantly on antibiotics so they will go to the ENT and opt to get tubes for their child. Opposite of that, some people will continue antibiotics every time there is an ear infection. She continued on to say that, a huge drawback to having constant ear infections is hearing problems which can lead to speech problems. (scary!) Now, I will admit, I am one of those parents that don't like to keep their child on antibiotics. While a firm believer that they work wonders, I have always had a fear of Savannah's body getting used to them and then one day if she really needs them, nothing will work. (I don't even know if that is possible, but I think about that kind of stuff.
I will pick up the antibiotics this afternoon and we will go back to the doctor in two weeks to check out her ears again. I am praying that they will clear up. And even if they do clear up, I pray that if she does get sick again, with a head cold or whatever, that the ear infection does not come back.
I know that little children and ear infections are pretty common, but is still no fun having to go through something like this.
(SIGH) Well, I need to clean up around the house. Me and my mom will hopefully find Savannah an Easter dress this afternoon.
I hope everyone has a wonderful afternoon,
Emily
3 comments:
Hey Emily,
I hope everything works out at the ENT. I had to comment about the antibiotics thing--a lot of people worry about it. The main thing is to treat with antibiotics when you're sure it's most likely a bacterial infection. The other thing that can make someone resistant to antibiotics is NOT taking the medication as directed (i.e. stopping before you should, not taking the recommended amounts, etc).
Bring up your concerns to the ENT--they're specialists and the BEST way to get your question answered when a doctor doesn't really present you with what to do and you're on the fence is to ask, "If this was your daughter, grand-daughter....what would you do if you were me?" That always works!!!
It is funny that you say that Kristina because I did exactly that! Allie had 8 ear infections in like 4 1/2 months. Every two weeks we were at the doctor for 4 straight months. It was awful, and I mean awful. Finally my insurance would allow me to take her to the ENT and we went and I asked him that very question "What if it was your daughter or grand-daughter, what would you do?" and he said he would just wait it out a little more. I didn't like that answer because my poor baby had been through so much and we still went back and forth on what to do. Well when we went back to her regular doctor the ear infections were gone and she hasn't had another problem since and that was probably 4 or 5 months ago! Call it coincidence or whatever, but I am so glad that we did not go ahead with the surgery. On the other hand, my stepson James had tubes put in his ears when he was 3and it was the best thing for him since peanut butter! Those are my experiences with ear infections and tubes and I know it doesn't really help with Savannah's problem, but I would suggest asking the dr that very question. I hope she gets to feeling better very soon!
Thanks y'all. Aric and I had a good discussion about it last night and I think we will see what happens in 2 weeks when we go for her follow up visit. Krissy, I am anal about making sure Savannah not only finishes her antibiotics but that I try and give them to her the same 2 times every day. Aric brought up a good point in that, if Savannah's ears look good at her follow up visit, then I think we will wait before we go to an ENT. I think we would run into a problem if the antibiotics weren't clearing her ears up, but so far they are and that is comforting. On that same note, if she continues to get ear infections even if they clear up then we will reconsider seeing an ENT at that point.
I really love the comments and opinions from y'all. It is comforting and uplifting to hear from your friends who are fellow mommies. Thank you so much!!
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