Ellie's ears are not in good shape. She spiked another fever Wednesday afternoon and it's still hanging around today. By the time we got her in to see the nurse practitioner Thursday afternoon it was up to 102. The culprit: Those dang ear infections.
Ellie has another/or the same ear infection in her left ear. And another one in her right. I am just amazed that she can develop more infections while still on the antibiotics! Just this morning we gave her the last dose of medicine from the previous round of ear infections.
So here is the new plan:
-The nurse practitioner sweet-talked the ENT into fitting Ellie in today... instead of waiting for the appointment we had scheduled in June. We hopefully will know more after the 1:30 appointment.
-She was going to get an antibiotics injection at the dr's office yesterday, because the oral ones obviously aren't working... but they decided to have us wait and see what the ENT thinks today.
-The likely treatment plan is going to be putting in ear tubes.
And here's what I'm thinking, and by "thinking," I mean *freaking out* about.
Our baby might need surgery!! I'm not sure what I thought went into ear tubes, but I've heard so many people talk nonchalantly about the procedure. I hadn't thought about the baby having to be put under general anesthesia, but I doubt the doctor would want to attempt putting microscopic tubes through the ear drum of a wiggly, awake baby.
Still, when I started doing online research on the procedure yesterday -- BIG mistake -- I got more and more nervous. Yes, it's the most common surgery done on children under 4... but there are still risks (as there are with any surgery). And this is our baby!!
I'm really hoping to get some good information from the doctor this afternoon. And maybe all my worrying is premature. We'll be asking about alternate options, as neither Brian or I want to rush into a surgical solution. BUT, knowing all that isn't making me any less nervous/sad/scared for Ellie.
The only silver lining of her illness this week is that mom and dad are getting more time with her. Brian took off work yesterday to stay home with her -- since she's not allowed at day care with a fever. I'm home with her this morning and we're having a fun, cuddly good time.
Anyone think I can hug these ear infections out of her? Seems like a medically sound course of treatment.
Oh Dorothy! I would be freaking out, too! But at least you know that it is so common and routine for a lot of doctors... Keep in mind that chronic ear infections are much worse than this procedure, so it is really for the best. This will be much harder on you than it is for her, I'm sure. I was prone to ear infections as a baby, too, and had a procedure done. Don't remember it at all. I had my adnoids out when I was four and all I remember is the cherry Popsicle. :)
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