Argh!! Ear infection and we leave in 4 days!!

[Disnee]

I'm hoping someone has been in this situation before and can lend some advice. We're due to leave for DL on Saturday morning, and this evening our 5YO was complaining his ear was sore. He's getting over a cold, so DH and I thought we'd better get him to a medical clinic as it was likely an infection. Yup.

He's been started on a strong antibiotic (due to other medical issues, the antibiotics are important whenever he gets an infection), but we're not clear on whether we should still go on our trip or not. The doctor at the clinic (not our regular) said we should consider canceling - then in the next breath said people usually DON'T cancel and have no problems so it was really up to us. Then, the pharmacist said it would likely be no trouble at all, since he would have had 4 days worth of the antibiotics before then - to give him a dose of decongestant about 1/2 hour before take-off, and things should be fine (all assuming he's not in any pain as of Friday). Everything I've read online tonight seems to indicate that once the pain is under control and the antibiotics started, flying should be OK. Does anyone have any first hand experience they can offer??

We don't want to do anything that isn't in his best interests, but if the odds are everything would be OK, we'd hate to cancel our plans - our AP's expire on Dec 7th, and this would be our last trip for some time (we likely won't reschedule if we have to purchase new tickets).

We're calling our regular doctor tomorrow, but in the meantime if you have any advice or thoughts one way or the other I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

 

[Marciern22]

You've got plenty of days till you leave and your little one will be so disappointed if you cancel.
Tylenol is going to be your friend. I'm sure everything will turn out just fine. You've got Pixie Dust and Disney Magic on your side.

 

[Nanseev]

You should be FINE! My daughter was prone to ear infections before she got tubes....and she always seemed to get infections right before we travelled. You have 5 days on antibiotics...you will be fine. Definitely don't cancel. Make sure you don't forget doses before you go.

 

[gatorfreud]

I would think that after 4-5 days on antibiotics you'd be fine to go! Check with your DR to be sure, but I would guess you're in the clear! Have fun!

Kim

 

[Queenbillabong]

I think it depends on how severe the ear infection is. We had the same thing happen in August and my son had both ears infected just before our scheduled trip. We did end up canceling because he was in so much pain - even with Biaxin, Auralgan, and Tylenol! I am very glad we did because we were at home on the days we would have been in DL and DS was not able to sleep because of the pain - and I shudder to think how his poor ears would have felt on takeoff and landing

He was on treatment before we left too and I had asked the same question and got basically the same responses. It totally depends on the situation though because some kids get over ear infections quickly and/or they are not all that painful once treatment begins.

 

[evilprncess96]

If you do decide to go, purchase some "instant hot" packs (the packs that when you break or shake them they get instantly warm. Place the packs over the ear and along the side of his neck just below the ear. The heat will relieve some of the pressure along with the tylenol etc. The hardest part by far will be the flight so this should help.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

You should think about picking up a couple pairs of kids Earplanes. You should be able to pick them up at any drug store, or have them order them if you have the time. I've heard alot of good things about them, although I've never tried them myself. Basically what they are is an earplug that is inserted into the ear before take offs and landings. They help the ears adjust to the rapidly changing airpressure in the cabin, and lessens the discomfort of it. It might be worth a shot trying out, and they are not that expensive. Hope that is a helpful suggestion. Hope that you have a great time on your trip!

 

[teacherlisa1978]

I had a horrible ear infection in my right ear two days before we were due to leave for WDW in August 07. I knew exactly what it was by Wednesday afternoon (we were scheduled to leave on the red eye Friday night). I begged my doctor to see me, she took one look and referred me to ear, nose, throat who worked me in the same afternoon. I was in so much pain I didn't care if I ever saw Mickey-now that's extreme! They gave me Vicodin which makes me nauseous and vomit so I was a wreck.

We ended up cancelling our red eye Friday night and I was able to sleep for the first time in 3 days that night-we left Saturday morning instead and I was totally fine on the flight. I was so worried about the take off but it was no problem. I'm sharing all these gory details to show that even though it was the most severe infection and pain of my life (and I have very high pain tolerance) in only 2 1/2 days of antibiotics/pain killers I was okay so I'm thinking your son will be, too. I would re-evaluate the day before the trip and make a final decision.

The hot pack/tylenol/earplanes/decongestant suggestions were all really helpful to me and there's no hurt in trying them. Good luck!

 

[Disnee]

Thanks everyone! Well, after a sleepless night we finally got to speak with the doctor this morning and have been assured that all is well - the infection should be pretty much gone by Saturday, so we're clear to fly!!! We'll have to travel with the meds, of course, and will likely give DS a dose of decongestant before take off - I'm headed to the pharmacy to grab some hot packs, too. Thank you for all your suggestions and reassurance that it will be alright - NOW I can finally get excited about leaving!!

Ummm....any thoughts about what we might be in for, crowd wise, this weekend? We're expecting Saturday to be a zoo, hoping it will let up a bit for Sunday, and then Mon-Wed to be pretty light....are we on the right track?

Thanks again!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Don't take him on a helicopter and he should be fine (personal exp as a 4 yo..you don't forget that pain LOL)

I'd take him because of the other days. Just take insurance cards!

I feel ya tho, I'm getting over a sinus infection and i'm afraid the kids might be getting a cold. I hope not!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

guess i should read ahead huh

We're leaving Sat too..not going til Sunday tho. I think most people leave Sunday, so i'm hoping it stays pretty calm

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I'm glad things will work out, I was just going to reassure you

My 5 y.o turned up with an ear infection last night. We got her in right away and started her on Amoxacillan last night, but she was in A LOT of pain. She has had a total of 3 doses and some Advil along the way and she seems to be back to her old self now.