Now That's Service

You know you've reached an entirely new level of the medical stratosphere when you call to request a-right-now-if-please appointment with your pediatrician and they not only make it for you, but have the office manager call back to assure you're happy with the time.

Most of the time service like this follows some sort of near-disaster or temper tantrum, but on my honor I swear we've not been a party to either. I think we've finally hit the high-rollers club. It's not Vegas, but we'll take what perks it has to give. Today, it gave us a much needed appointment to check out Mac's ears.

McKay is holding his own as far as the RSV goes. I believe the monthly Synagis injections he receives during RSV season to help mitigate the effects of the virus are really doing the trick--at least for his lungs. His nose and ears are an entirely other story.

We greeted an absolutely inconsolable McKay about 3am this morning. Unfortunately there was nothing to be done for his whimpering but wait it out until morning. His right ear had begun to drain a horrible brown fluid that had infection written all over it. As I understand it, McKay will still get ear infections even with his newly-placed tubes only now there is a hole in the eardrum that allows the infection to escape rather than fester. Last night gave me my first visual confirmation of that theory--not pleasant.

The pediatrician assured me this was an indication that the RSV has probably reached its peak as Mac's little body is producing as much fluid when and where it can. He sent us home with a prescription for ear drops and a back up prescription for antibiotics should the ears not improve quickly. A clean $111 later for the drops and we were on our way home.

He's taking a much deserved nap now after a rather traumatic morning and breathing just fine. We'll visit with the ped again next Tuesday (hopefully no sooner!) just to maintain our high- roller status and make sure Mac's on the mend for good. He's one tough cookie.