Ear Infections and Cough

Day Ninety-four: I had to take Ariel back to the doctor yesterday. It was a two week check up after we found out she had 2 ear infections (and no noticeable symptoms except being fussy and clingy).

I guess I didn't HAVE to take her, but it was recommended and who wants to mess with ear infections. I know I don't. I don't have good memories of those from my childhood. I remember being terrified at talk of getting tubes put in. Yeah, that was slightly irrational, but give me a break - I was a little kid.

Anyhow, Ariel is all clear...even though she only took 10 days of her prescribed 11 days of antibiotic because I left it at my parents house on Easter. Yay for antibiotics that work!!

Thank you, God, for antibiotics that clear infections. Thank you for allowing Ariel's ear aches to heal. Please protect her from getting more of these.

While we were at the doctor, I mentioned that her cough hadn't cleared up. That was the reason we were at the doctor when we found out about the ear infections. Her doctor recommended claritin or zytec. I chose claritin because Jason and I both like it. I like to do things as a family. We tried it for two weeks and my baby is still coughing. She doesn't have typical allergy symptoms, just a nagging cough that keeps waking her up at night. Her chest was still clear, so she gave us some samples of singulair to try out for two weeks. I think she just has constant post-nasal drip and it is irritating. She's taken two doses so far and honestly I think she is coughing less. She slept really well last night and napped  this afternoon better than she has in over a week. I'm not getting too excited, but I am happy that she seems to be sleeping a little better.

Thank you, God, for allergy medicines that are non-intrusive and help with symptoms. Please help her cough to clear. I really hope that this medicine will just be a temporary or at least only seasonal. Please give us all wisdom as we make more decisions in this regard.

I really appreciate that the doctor gave us samples. She explained that singulair tends to be expensive and she'd noticed we hadn't met our deductible yet (apparently, our visit to CHKD hasn't hit the books yet). She figured she could give us enough samples to see if it actually works for Ariel then we can call and ask for a prescription...without coming in for another appointment, extra bonus. She was looking out for us. I didn't ask for that or tell her that we have a tight budget, she just took the initiative. This was our first time seeing her since Ariel's regular doctor (that we love) wasn't in yesterday. I wasn't disappointed.

Thank you, God, for people who choose to be doctors. Thank you for doctors who treat their patients like people and with consideration. Thank you for the positive experiences we've had with doctors these last 17 months. Please, bless Ariel's doctors and nurses and technicians.


What's this about? I decided on my birthday to make a commitment to being intentionally thankful. I challenged myself to post one thing I am thankful for everyday this year.