Rhett's Ears

Since we have moved back to Mesa Rhett has had 5 ear infections. That is pretty much one infection per month. Ridiculous! Poor kid is fighting one off all the time. I remember the first time he got one. He had been sleeping all day, was warm and not interested in eating at all. I was primarily concerned about his diaper output and that day I could have never changed his diaper and he would have been fine. I was really surprised when the doctor said it was because he had an ear infection. Max and Kate have never had one and I didn't know what to look for then. Now, I know Rhett's signs so well that I know as soon as he is a bit feverish that he has one. Our pediatrician's front desk knows that when we call it is about another infection. 

He finished an antibiotic about 10 days ago and we we went to the ENT to talk about ear tubes. Rhett did well at the office in the beginning. They were so busy and running behind there that at the end he was wiped out. He had his hearing tested and it was determined that he does have some hearing loss but that it is due to the fluid in his ears and will resolve. We opted to try an alternative route to surgery for one month to dry up the fluid in his ears via a daily dose of antihistamine. If that doesn't work and he gets another infection that we are putting in tubes. Fingers crossed this works!

Tired boy waiting for the doctor. Hooray for my phone to offer some entertainment! I love the range of emotions he shows in just a few frames. Sweet babe.

At church this week Rhett woke from a nap and was not himself. He was feverish and very fussy, just a regular grumpy pants which is not who he is. I walked the halls, offered food and water, nothing was working. I got the keys from Phil and figured we would head home. Once outside we just sat in the truck and read some books. It was 3rd hour and I was hopeful we could make it through. We went back inside and again held up the hall walls and Rhett dozed fretfully in my arms. Again, not normal behavior. I felt certain that he had an ear infection, he was just so sad. We got home and went to urgent care. After a long wait we was deemed healthy. Thank goodness! Hopefully the antihistamine is doing it's job and Rhett can stay healthy. We've had enough doctor visits.