Infant with Ear Infections WWYD

[ilovefh]

Ok I need some thoughts from others...

DS (8months) has had a double ear infection since September. He was on Amoxicilian, followed by Augmentin, then Cefdinir, then Azithromycin, then a shot of antibiotics and then Augementin again and nothing has cleared it up. Our ped. is sending us to the ENT to talk tubes. The first appointment they had available was tomorrow. The problem is I am a teacher and that is our first day back from break. I can't take him after work because I get out at 4 and I can't make it to the office in time for an afternoon appointment (it's about a 40 minute drive).

Typically I let DH handle appointments because he works evenings/nights but I feel like since we are talking surgery I should be there. I also feel like I shouldn't miss any time the day after break. So I am torn. I feel that DH does a good job with handling these things, but he isn't me and doesn't always ask the questions I would ask.

So what would you do? Would you take the time to go to the appointment or just let DH handle it and report back.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I think you would be fine to let DH handle it, as hard as it may be for you.

My oldest child went through the same thing when she was a baby too and tubes worked out great for her. Would you believe that she didn't have an ear infection for years after that?

Good luck you and your little one.

 

[mrsv98]

Ok I need some thoughts from others...

DS (8months) has had a double ear infection since September. He was on Amoxicilian, followed by Augmentin, then Cefdinir, then Azithromycin, then a shot of antibiotics and then Augementin again and nothing has cleared it up. Our ped. is sending us to the ENT to talk tubes. The first appointment they had available was tomorrow. The problem is I am a teacher and that is our first day back from break. I can't take him after work because I get out at 4 and I can't make it to the office in time for an afternoon appointment (it's about a 40 minute drive).

Typically I let DH handle appointments because he works evenings/nights but I feel like since we are talking surgery I should be there. I also feel like I shouldn't miss any time the day after break. So I am torn. I feel that DH does a good job with handling these things, but he isn't me and doesn't always ask the questions I would ask.

So what would you do? Would you take the time to go to the appointment or just let DH handle it and report back.

Can DH call you when he is in the appt? If so you could at least conference in. Otherwise, I would send DH with a list of questions so you feel everything is covered.

Is one of those drugs a sulpha based prescription? I used to take care of a child who had chronic ear infections and the only thing that helped was switching back and forth between amoxy and the sulpha drugs. He did eventually grow out of it at about 3 years old.

 

[LoserMomma]

I was also going to suggest that you conference in via phone. My son had ear tubes. It's nerve wracking, but was a simple procedure.

 

[Sunnyt154]

My son has been through 2 sets of tubes. It is a simple surgery, but still enough to make mama's very nervous.
I would just send a list of questions with DH and stress to him the importance of getting the answers you need. If you have any further questions you can always call the nurse the next day.
Good Luck, tubes were a lifesaver for us.

 

[nmmom95]

If it were me, I would go. My DH has a tendency to leave out details, so I would be more comfortable being there myself. I actually once left dialysis for a ped visit. LOL

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

aaww sweetie, I feel for ya and your baby too !

I have 2 kids that suffered terribly from ear infections as infants. So bad they are both now allergic to Augmentin from taking it sooooooo much.

With both of my two, we went the same route as you are going now, they both got tubes put in and they are heaven.

We use Rx CiproDex drops, they are terribly expensive, they are worth their weight in gold . At even the slightess sign of leakage or draining, we start the drops right away.

 

[alizesmom]

Let your husband take him. Write down a list of questions you have for the ENT. You don't have to make a decision tomorrow. You can discuss with your husband and PCP then let the ENT know.

 

[mommyrosa2]

I know how you feel. We went through the same thing when my now 17 yr old was an infant. Chronic ear infections since the day she was born led to tubes twice. If you truly can't go then your DH should be able to handle it. As others have suggested either send him with questions you may have or perhaps he could conference you in. Best of luck to you and your little one.

 

[Scornelius]

I would absolutely send DH. Your baby is suffering, continued rounds of antibiotics aren't a good thing and the sooner your son can have the tubes put in, the better. It's such a minor procedure, I'd even send DH alone for the surgery if it meant my son could find relief sooner. I completely understand that that's your baby having surgery and you're going to be a complete wreck no matter what, but ear infections hurt SO MUCH.

 

[Chelley00]

Let your husband take him. Write down a list of questions you have for the ENT. You don't have to make a decision tomorrow. You can discuss with your husband and PCP then let the ENT know.

If you can't conference call, make your list of questions and concerns. If DH has a phone that will video, you could ask the ENT if it's okay if he videos the appt so you can't be there. (I had DH do this at our DS's last appt)

DH had his tubes when he was a year old. The poor thing was miserable for so long and allergic to tons of antibiotics. He had tubes in and his adenoids out and only had one ear infection after that. It's such a minor procedure, and I barely had time to eat a donut and drink a cup of coffee before he was out and in recovery, and was up crawling around like nothing ever happened as soon as we got home.

 

[sookie]

make a list and send it with the husband. don't put it off! and conference call if you are able.

 

[Pooh2]

All my kids had tubes. It was very much a relief after dealing with constant ear infections and antibiotic side affects (mainly severe diarrhea and dehydration). The tubes also greatly improved hearing for all 3 kids immediately (they had constant fluid problems).

If you cannot reschedule the appt, write out your questions. The ENT likely has a nurse that you can call with any additional questions if dad forgets something.

We did have to purchase custom ear plugs for swimming.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I agree with some of the other posters:

- Send your DH to the appt.
- Have him take a notebook that lists your questions.
- Have him write down the answers in the notebook.
- The last question you write down should be, "Who can my wife call later if she has additional questions?"

If my husband was the one going, I would even tape a pen to the front of the notebook. He'd be apt to come home and say he didn't have a pen and didn't want to ask for one!

 

[clh2]

It was my experience that the ENT consult appts take months and months to get. I would let DH go, with a list of questions, just like other posters have mentioned.

And - I particularly LOVE the question - who should my wife call if she has additional questions?

We actually saw 2 ENTs when DD needed her tonsils out - because the first one was such a mean man. (Can't say what I want here.) He treated my DH and me like we were stupid, very condescending. There was NO way he was touching my DD. The second one had such a better way to deal with the parents.

In the list of questions - I would certainly ask about the anesthesiologist. That is always the "tricky" part of the procedure. Is the anesthesiologist a med-student, intern or a "real one". I know this sounds bad - but I was really particular about this.

And - with an infant/toddler - you want to be just about scheduled first in the morning. Often - the surgical patient can't eat or drink after midnight the night before - so to NOT be first will really be a hassle. Again - this is MY humble opinion.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Let your husband take him. Write down a list of questions you have for the ENT. You don't have to make a decision tomorrow. You can discuss with your husband and PCP then let the ENT know.

That is how I would play it as well. Can your dh put you on speaker phone?

 

[ENSOCK]

My oldest DS had one set of tubes. the best thing we could have ever done. DS12 has had 5 sets. I am so glad he has finally grown enough that he does not need anymore. Both boys have hearing loss because of the ear infections.
I would let your DH take the baby. If you have any questions, call and ask the nurse. My ENT sent home papers for us to read about what he was going to do and the recovery time. Very helpful.

 

[tarheel618]

I know going back tomorrow is important to you but this is why you have sick days. My daughter has had several operations including tubes and no matter how much I prepared questions in advance, sometimes listening to the doctor would trigger another question or concern of mine.

It sounds like you are very dedicated to your job and probably miss work on when necessary--- personally I would go to the appointment. Can you work a 1/2 day and leave for the appointment?

 

[sparklynails23]

He'll be operating in a hospital, right? I think everything is pretty standard. It takes less than half an hour. You'll be off work that day, of course. The doctor will give your DH written instructions for the day of the operation. I don't think you need to be there tomorrow.

 

[fhtpdw20]

Ds started at 5 weeks and ended up with tubes at 8mo. We did find one when it came out and it was the size of a pin head. He still had a couple of ear aches after the surgery, but they were not as bad. In the mean time, thing that help him a bit was to fold a baby blanket and put it under his mattress. The slight elevation of his head helped relieve some of the pressure.