December 21, 2009

Ear Infection and Coughing


Azer came down with an ear infection last week. I think the attending pediatrician was trying to show a resident doctor what an ear infection looks like. He said, "This is a classic, perfect example of an ear infection" while looking in Azer's ears. I'm glad to provide teaching examples ... but Azer was so miserable all day. They took his oxygen saturation levels, and he was 92%, when he is usually about 98%. I was afraid they were going to admit him. Azer also had more mucus in his cough than it should have. They prescribed a 10 day course of antibiotics and Prednisone. The side effects of Prednisone are kind of frightening, especially the risk of infections.

A few days after the pediatirician visit, we had CF clinic visit as well. The doctor there seemed pleased with how Azer sounded and appeared. So, I suppose all is well for now.

Good news... both children have gotten half of the Swine Flu vaccination. The kids didn't seem to be as relieved about receiving them as I was. A few tears were shed ... I think the child screaming bloody murder in the next room made things more dramatic than they really were.

Another "wonderful" thing happened last week. Right around the time when the doctor gave the word to increase his treatments during the day, Azer's vest ... the machine that does CPT for me, gave out. I only had to live without it for a few days, but those days were very long and tiring. I don't know how I ever lived without it. Thank you Electromed!

I hope everyone has a healthy and safe holiday!