For the last few days Isabel has been a bit fussy and she started rubbing and grabbing her ear. I am not the sort of parent who wants to antibiotic up my child at the first sign of illness. I avoid them whenever possible. With Milla, there were many times we just waited out ear infections and they went away on their own. I’ve since read that many doctors believe most ear infections will disappear on their own if left alone.
After a couple of days of ear pulling, though, I started to get concerned that if Isabel did indeed have an ear infection, it might cause problems with hearing or speech later because she is so young. This morning I decided to call the advice nurse at her doctor and see if we should go in. I called the advice nurse and she said we could come in today. Surprised the office was open on a Sunday, I booked the appointment.
We ended up having to wait a while to see the doctor. When she finally came in she apologized for the delay. Apparently the clinic we go to is open seven days a week now, and one of the doctors who was supposed to be there did not come in, backing them up. I was glad they let us come in despite the staff shortage. The clinic is in a part of town that has terrible traffic. Going on a Sunday made that part easier for us.
The doctor felt Isabel’s glands and checked her over, looking into her ears, eyes, nose, and throat. She also weighed her: 13 pounds, 13 ounces! Big girl. She said her ears were clear, but that there could still be some fluid in there causing pressure, which would explain the ear pulling. She said to watch her and if she got noticeably sicker, with heavy sneezing or coughing, to bring her back. So far she seems fine. I’m glad she doesn’t have to take antibiotics.
Dan said,
January 14, 2010 @ 12:54 pm
13 pounds 13 oz., which is 13.81 pounds…