This post may be more of a venting session than anything else, but so be it. In early October Wes got his first little cold: runny nose, low grade fever etc. No major issues, but I did take him to the doctor because he was rubbing his ears. At this point the doctor said no issues...he had a little fluid in his right ear, but nothing that was concerning. At the beginning of December (about a month later) we took Wes in for his 9 month check-up. He was perfectly healthy but the doctor noticed a little fluid in both ears. He said he needed to make note of this because even though it was not infected, he was concerned about the persistent fluid due to the effect it could have on Wes' hearing. He also told me to be aware that Wes could easily develop an ear infection due to the presence of the fluid in his ears. Well, of course, two days later Wes spiked a fever. Took him to the doctor immediately and he had a pretty bad infection in his right ear. Did a round of antibiotics and went back for a re-check 10 days later. At this point the doctor was not convinced that the infection was completely cleared up, so she put us on one more round of antibiotics (still for the same infection). We went back for our final re-check at the end of December and he still had fluid in his right ear (not the left). So we were referred to an ear, nose and throat doctor. Although Brandon and I were not happy at all about the idea of tubes, especially based on the fact that he has only had ONE infection, we complied with the doctor's wishes and went to the ENT. The doctor essentially told us that Wes had a little bit of fluid in his right ear, but that his left was perfectly clear. As you can see, this was a re-occurring story. He still wants us to come back in a month to discuss tubes if the fluid is not cleared up. Although the doctor is recommending tubes, he also told us that since Wes is able to hear perfectly out of his left ear his speech and language development will not be altered at all due to the presence of fluid in his right ear. So WHY the heck would we get tubes? I definitely feel like the presence of fluid in one ear is FAR less of a risk than putting Wes under general anesthesia. Am I crazy? I don't know if the Lord is just testing me, but we have had so many stupid issues with pediatrician recommendations for Wes. It is SO frustrating!
What sparked this post, however, is the result of a super rough night last night. Wes was up for a couple hours tossing and turning and....rubbing his right ear. My motherly instinct is sure it's another infection and we have an appointment for 11:30 today. I'm just dreading this appointment, but I don't want Wes to be in pain. I HATE putting him on anti-biotics but I don't know what to do. The infections don't seem to bother him too much, he seriously is such a trooper of a baby.....but I'm at a loss.
So. stinking. frustrated.
