Last weekend was spectacular. On Saturday, we attended our town's annual celebration. On Sunday, we went to a nearby historic home that hosts an annual family fun day. Both days were beautiful. The kids got out some excess energy; They breathed in lots of fresh air.
On Monday, we had a bit of a break. The EI (early intervention) coordinator was away on vacation, so Josiah had a Monday off. On Tuesday, his speech therapist came. Josiah spent the hour fussing and trying to avoid her. There's more of a story but I'll spare you the agony. Suffice to say, we're not impressed. On Wednesday, the PT (physical therapist) worked with Josiah. He sometimes complains when he has to work, but this day he cried incessantly.
Thursday, we made an appointment with the the pediatrician. The 3 year old had been coughing (mildly) for two days. I suspected Josiah might have an ear infection. In the end, the 3 year old was diagnosed with a mild case of croup. Josiah's ears were pink but not infected. Home we journeyed.
If you haven't experienced croup, it's interesting. When our little one first got croup (about a year ago), he emerged from his bedroom with the 'infamous' cough. C sat straight up and said, "What the hell is that?" It is that striking. The sound of a croup cough is often compared to that of a barking seal. It is caused by swelling of the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). It is caused, generally, by a virus. It is most common in children three and under.
Our week proceeded. On Friday, the 6 year old had a friend over. We went to a playground. It was a good day. Josiah went to bed around 8pm. Around 9pm, we were startled by Josiah's cries. Running into his room, I found him - eyes wide open - gasping for air. It is a scary thing. Within minutes, we had everyone packed into the van and were headed to the nearest e.r.
At the hospital, Josiah received his first steroid shot (which helped immensely). He was diagnosed with a severe case of croup, complete with stridor cough. For those of you that don't know, stridor is a noisy, harsh breathing that occurs when a child inhales. It is frightening sound. By 1am, we were heading home with all our babies. We were grateful.
Saturday morning, our six year old hurried out of his bedroom. He had to pee. Normally, I wouldn't have been startled. Perhaps it was the cough that accompanied his expeditious walk. It was the same cough that once made C sit up and ask, "What the hell is that?" Yes, I was sure. He, too, had the croup.
We were able to snag an 11:15 appointment with the pediatrician. In the end, the 6 year old had croup and conjunctivitis. The 3 year old's croup was the same but he was developing an ear infection. Josiah was 'croupy' but also had a full blown ear infection. After a couple of stops, we arrived home with one more humidifier, steroids for two children, antibiotics for two children, nebulizer meds for one child, and eye drops for another.
That was Saturday. Sunday, Monday, and today have been relatively peaceful. The steroids are done. We just have antibiotics and eye drops to administer. The kids are quickly getting back to normal. What's that sound? Now, it's the sound of (basically) healthy kids.
Be well, my friends :)
Showing posts with label ear infection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ear infection. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Another Busy Week
It's always hard to believe that it's Monday again. It seems a struggle to get to Friday then, without warning, it's Monday. Just like last week, we have another busy week planned.
This morning, I was up early making orange playdough. It's a funny thing to be doing at 6:15 am, but I pooped out last night before making the 6th batch of playdough for my son's (the 3 yr old) school.
Once I'm ready for the day, we will wake up sleeping sunshine (otherwise known as Josiah). We have early intervention (EI) playgroup later this morning. After the one hour group, we're off to do a couple of quick errands. Then, Josiah has his favorite EI worker, K, coming to see him.
Tomorrow, Josiah has speech early in the a.m. After he's nice and tired from speech, we'll load him into the van and take him to the MD's office for 18 month well visit. Of course, they'll check the status of his ears at the same time. Today is day 8 of the medicine, so hopefully his ears are better.
Wednesday morning, we'll be at the Audiology clinic for a hearing screening. The last few at the Children's Hospital have been inconclusive, so we will return to the 'other' place - where we brought him at 1 month. They had great luck with him :) Sadly, we had to cancel PT this week, but she'll see him next week.
Thursday, our playgroup has been moved to the afternoon - works out well for us this week as C has an a.m. appt.
As of 5pm on Thursday, I'm not sure of our schedule....lots of possibilities....having made a final decision yet. I do know that Friday is appointment-free, at least for Josiah. Hmm.....what to do
Have a great week everyone :)
This morning, I was up early making orange playdough. It's a funny thing to be doing at 6:15 am, but I pooped out last night before making the 6th batch of playdough for my son's (the 3 yr old) school.
Once I'm ready for the day, we will wake up sleeping sunshine (otherwise known as Josiah). We have early intervention (EI) playgroup later this morning. After the one hour group, we're off to do a couple of quick errands. Then, Josiah has his favorite EI worker, K, coming to see him.
Tomorrow, Josiah has speech early in the a.m. After he's nice and tired from speech, we'll load him into the van and take him to the MD's office for 18 month well visit. Of course, they'll check the status of his ears at the same time. Today is day 8 of the medicine, so hopefully his ears are better.
Wednesday morning, we'll be at the Audiology clinic for a hearing screening. The last few at the Children's Hospital have been inconclusive, so we will return to the 'other' place - where we brought him at 1 month. They had great luck with him :) Sadly, we had to cancel PT this week, but she'll see him next week.
Thursday, our playgroup has been moved to the afternoon - works out well for us this week as C has an a.m. appt.
As of 5pm on Thursday, I'm not sure of our schedule....lots of possibilities....having made a final decision yet. I do know that Friday is appointment-free, at least for Josiah. Hmm.....what to do
Have a great week everyone :)
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Just Another Ear Infection
A few times last weekend, I questioned the possibility that Josiah's ears were bothering him. His mood remained so happy that it was hard to fathom, but certainly possible (we've seen it before). I've read the some children with Down syndrome don't experience pain in the same way as other children. I'm wondering if that is true....
Monday morning, we decided to forgo early intervention's playgroup, favoring a trip to the pediatrician. Unfortunately, they could not see Josiah for his (now overdue) 18 month check up; They could, however, schedule him for a sick visit. We graciously accepted.
We arrived about 20 minutes early for our appointment and ushered, fairly quickly, into a room. After a brief wait, Dr. W arrived. Josiah was his usual happy self, greeting Dr. W with a smile. Josiah's congestion from this recent cold was obvious but not concerning. I explained that I questioned an ear infection. Within moments it was confirmed - Josiah has a double ear infection. He never fussed....
While we were there, I asked them to weigh Josiah (because this Mama's curiosity had gotten the better of her). They did. With only a diaper on, he weighed in at 23 pounds, 3 ounces. Holy moly, my little Italian boy.
We went to the MD for just another ear infection. We headed home with two ear infections and two medications. However, we have one very healthy, normal, 23.3 lb, happy little boy....I'll take it!
My Dad and I talked, a few times, about creating a chart. In essence, to compare the weight/age of the 3 boys. Dad - I finally did just that!!! On the X axis, weight is listed. On the y axis, age is listed.
As of 15 months, Josiah surpasses one of his brothers :) Yes, this Mama is doing a happy dance!
Monday morning, we decided to forgo early intervention's playgroup, favoring a trip to the pediatrician. Unfortunately, they could not see Josiah for his (now overdue) 18 month check up; They could, however, schedule him for a sick visit. We graciously accepted.
We arrived about 20 minutes early for our appointment and ushered, fairly quickly, into a room. After a brief wait, Dr. W arrived. Josiah was his usual happy self, greeting Dr. W with a smile. Josiah's congestion from this recent cold was obvious but not concerning. I explained that I questioned an ear infection. Within moments it was confirmed - Josiah has a double ear infection. He never fussed....
While we were there, I asked them to weigh Josiah (because this Mama's curiosity had gotten the better of her). They did. With only a diaper on, he weighed in at 23 pounds, 3 ounces. Holy moly, my little Italian boy.
We went to the MD for just another ear infection. We headed home with two ear infections and two medications. However, we have one very healthy, normal, 23.3 lb, happy little boy....I'll take it!
My Dad and I talked, a few times, about creating a chart. In essence, to compare the weight/age of the 3 boys. Dad - I finally did just that!!! On the X axis, weight is listed. On the y axis, age is listed.
As of 15 months, Josiah surpasses one of his brothers :) Yes, this Mama is doing a happy dance!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Zero to Sixty Faster Than the Speed of Light
Tonight was certainly not one of my prouder moments. It involved an accumulation of stuff followed by a three year old boy.
I'd like to know how a child who is knee-high to a a grasshopper, can invoke such mommy- dearest-type reactions (perhaps that's a slight exaggeration).
The middle boy (age 3) had his "well visit" two weeks ago. All was perfect. 24 hours later, at my urging, C took him to the e.r. Diagnosis: middle ear infection. Treatment: Amoxicillin. No problem. Little one loves the bubblegum flavor so, for the next ten days, he gladly took his medicine. Now, albeit, an occasional dose was missed (school, fell asleep, Mom/Dad forgot, etc) so, fast forward to day ten, while I was pouring his last dose he pipes up "Mom, my ear hurts." Great! Last dose consumed. Pediatrician office the next day (yesterday). Yup! Ear infection still there. Same ear. "It's early in the season to see resistant strains," says the N.P. Well, that's encouraging!
Off we went with a new script - new medication. Let's try this again. Not missing a dose was stressed. To make it easier, the new medication is to be taken once daily. Perfect! Last night, 5pm, time to take medicine. Little one takes one sip (after questioning why this medication doesn't look like the last one - it's white in color, not pink). He took one sip and announced he hated it. End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe. That's always a pleasant thing to have to do.
This afternoon, C calls pharmacy. We pay to have the medication flavored with 'bubble gum' flavoring. He brings it home. I pour it. Little one sees the same white color and questions it. Trusting me, he takes one sip. He promptly announces he hates it. End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe. New twist - HE SPIT IT OUT. So much for not missing a dose. I was FIT TO BE TIED. Mad? Yes! Exasperated? Even more so!!! I went from zero to sixty faster than the speed of light. I yelled and shouted; I was bordering on 'over the edge.' I had to walk outside to cool off.
I'm already dreading tomorrow's dose.
I'd like to know how a child who is knee-high to a a grasshopper, can invoke such mommy- dearest-type reactions (perhaps that's a slight exaggeration).
The middle boy (age 3) had his "well visit" two weeks ago. All was perfect. 24 hours later, at my urging, C took him to the e.r. Diagnosis: middle ear infection. Treatment: Amoxicillin. No problem. Little one loves the bubblegum flavor so, for the next ten days, he gladly took his medicine. Now, albeit, an occasional dose was missed (school, fell asleep, Mom/Dad forgot, etc) so, fast forward to day ten, while I was pouring his last dose he pipes up "Mom, my ear hurts." Great! Last dose consumed. Pediatrician office the next day (yesterday). Yup! Ear infection still there. Same ear. "It's early in the season to see resistant strains," says the N.P. Well, that's encouraging!
Off we went with a new script - new medication. Let's try this again. Not missing a dose was stressed. To make it easier, the new medication is to be taken once daily. Perfect! Last night, 5pm, time to take medicine. Little one takes one sip (after questioning why this medication doesn't look like the last one - it's white in color, not pink). He took one sip and announced he hated it. End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe. That's always a pleasant thing to have to do.
This afternoon, C calls pharmacy. We pay to have the medication flavored with 'bubble gum' flavoring. He brings it home. I pour it. Little one sees the same white color and questions it. Trusting me, he takes one sip. He promptly announces he hates it. End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe. New twist - HE SPIT IT OUT. So much for not missing a dose. I was FIT TO BE TIED. Mad? Yes! Exasperated? Even more so!!! I went from zero to sixty faster than the speed of light. I yelled and shouted; I was bordering on 'over the edge.' I had to walk outside to cool off.
I'm already dreading tomorrow's dose.
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