Ear Still Infected
Poor Natalie. We went back to the doctor’s office this morning after another sleepless night and discovered her ear is still infected. The last doctor we saw didn’t think it was necessary to check her ears after the last infection, so it’s possible that it’s a new infection, but we’re guessing this is a continuation of the last one. She seemed to be getting better…she was in a good mood, no more ear tugging, sleeping okay, although her nose was still yucky/runny. Then we were trying to get her schedule adjusted to getting up earlier before starting daycare, and her sleep patterns got completely out of whack. Or at least I thought that was the problem. Now that I look back, her sleep became a problem as soon as she finished the course of antibiotics, which was also the same time that she began rebelling against diapering, bathing, and dressing. My guess is the medicine was enough to make her feel almost better, but she must have still been in pain when lying down. Poor Natalie. I feel so guilty.
To make matters worse for a sick, cranky, tired girl and a tired, frustrated Mama, the doctors visit today was horrific, thanks to Dr. McConlogue. We saw her once for Natalie’s 6 month check-up and I didn’t care for her, but I didn’t think we needed to actively avoid her either. This is the 6th time we’ve gone in to have her ears checked and it has never once been a problem—Natalie’s never fussed or cried. That’s because none of the previous doctor’s have ever required that Natalie be physically restrained during the exam. Dr. McConlogue wanted me to hold Natalie in a bear hug while she looked in her ears, which caused Natalie to fight a whole lot harder than she would have if we had just let her be. Natalie was already quite hysterical when the doctor announced that she couldn’t see past vast amounts of earwax, and she would need to clean her ears. I had to hold Natalie down and pin her arms above her head while the doctor shoved a sharp plastic instrument in her already infected ear. Natalie was in such a state I feared she might throw up and I was near tears myself. Needless to say, we will never see Dr. McConlogue ever again. I am kicking myself hard for not being more assertive.
After we left the doctor’s office, Natalie recovered pretty quickly and fell asleep in the car on the way home. She was so zonked that she didn’t stir at all when I transfered her from the car to her bed. I was even able to take her sneakers off without disturbing her.
Speaking of footwear, how adorable does Natalie look wearing Daddy’s big shoes? (Nothing like a cute picture of Natalie to lighten a post and put a smile on my face!)
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this new antibiotic will clear the infection. And I will bring Natalie back to the doctor at the first sign that it isn’t working. I’m adopting Lindsay’s mantra: “I will never attribute anything to teething, only to ear pain.” If only I had listened sooner!!
Amy,
How frustrating. The same thing happened to Ellie back in January and it was very aggravating to have an ear infection for several weeks. Even worse was the treatment you received from the doctor. Let’s hope the worst is behind you. Good luck next week as you return full-time.
Lindsay