Damn You! Infection

It’s been approximately four months since the first bout of fever. A tugged at her ear, complained about the pain but was still cheerful despite a low grade fever and chest congestion. A doctor’s visit followed. The ears got examined, antibiotics were prescribed for the inflammation and she returned home with stickers for her brother and self. We have made several trips to the doctor’s office since. A trip that has become all too familiar. Unlike most kids, the doctor’s office is a fun place for her. She likes the feel of the stethoscope on her tiny chest, the playfulness of the consulting physicians, the attending nurses and the suckers she acquires on her way out.

She has been on three doses of antibiotics so far, each promising hope and good riddance to the infection. But this darn infection is stubborn, unyielding. It has happily housed itself in her tiny frame refusing to give her reprieve.

Last night, the fever came back making us uneasy and A, restless, fitful. She woke up tired but undeterred. Her face pale, reminding me how delicate she is. My precious, little daughter. I sit her down on the kitchen island as I prepare the lunch box for her older sibling. She watches me intently but I could tell she is distracted. I ask, how is my beautiful baby today?

My ear hurts, mama. Her frail voice breaking my heart into a million pieces.

Well, the bullheaded infection is back. Maybe it didn’t go away at all. It lurked around rearing its ugly head at us once more. Perhaps the antibiotics failed – even this strong one that was prescribed last time because the earlier doses didn’t work effectively. On the last visit, the doctor realistically explained the options available to us if the inflammation continued which included putting tubes in her ears by an ENT specialist. A common cure for repeat ear infections in toddlers. It is a minimally invasive procedure but to me, the paranoid mother that I am now, a surgery is a surgery is a surgery. One in which she will be under general anesthesia.

We have an appointment this afternoon to know what lies ahead. What could be done next? I am praying that it’s not the tubes. That there are other possible remedies.

As for my baby, she is excited about the visit to the doctor’s today. The glee on her face is obvious –‘Yayy, I go to the doctors,’ she quips. I have a feeling the end of this positive sentiment is not very far away.