Round #4 of Antibiotics!!

You would think that as a pediatric nurse I would be prepared for my baby to be sick. WRONG! I deal with really sick kids every day. Sick kids living with a chronic condition that will most likely cause an early death. So, a simple ear infection, I should be able to handle! Well, as I sat in the pediatrician's office for the 5th time since December 16th, while checking voicemail from my patients' parents - the really sick kids - I thought to myself, this is what they go though - visit after visit, antibiotic after antibiotic with no real great answers!

So, Payton was treated for ear infection number 1 right before Christmas. Ear infection lingered and round 2 of antibiotics was started on January 8th. Round three was started 9 days ago and round 4 is being started to today (with 2 visits to Dr. L in between!). We're hitting it with the big guns now! Round #4 is also accompanied by a referral to the ENT - Dr. David White (ironically my uncle's name) who I previously spent time working with at MUSC and whose mother is a senior RN with me in pediatrics. They can't see us for two weeks. I thought of pulling the "I'm a pediatric RN at MUSC" card - but for now, I'll wait. We are out of town most of next week so hopefully we can make it for 14 days with no more problems!

Unfortunately, ear infections scare me a little more than the average person. My grandmother was deaf and her brother was also deaf. During my 1st pregnancy, I met with a genetic counselor who informed that it was most likely genetic since it was 2 out of 7 kids but it could have been caused by an untreated infection....which is what I keep replaying over and over now!

Fortunately, we know that Payton is a GREAT talker with near perfect annunciation of letters and sounds so I have very little doubt that he hears very clearly. At the same time, it concerns me that if this goes on for too much longer he could end up with some damage. Why am I a pediatric nurse - oh, so I can worry more than the average mother about my own child instead of being extremely GRATEFUL that I have a very healthy child!

Payton is doing much better today. We have had a rough time since Saturday - including sleepless nights, 3 hour long screaming fits, and vomiting and diarrhea! Fun! Fun!

For now, he is napping and I must take advantage and work on my other job - the pediatric nurse job where I am taking care of other sick kids! Parents/Grandparents, please know that we will update you all soon but I have a very important Monday deadline that I have to get to work on! I know you'll be checking the blog anyway! Call for additional questions or concerns...otherwise we'll be calling on Friday :)

Please pray for Payton and that round #4 of antibiotics will get rid of this silly infection so that I can hear ENT say his ears look great, follow up as needed!