I took Simon to the doctor today because he had an ear infection. I knew he had an ear infection. Unfortunately, we just changed heath insurance providers, and consequently I had to go to a new clinic, which meant that I couldn't see our old pediatrician whom I love dearly, and who is familiar with Simon's history of ear infections. My conversation with the new nurse went thus:
Nurse: So Simon had a fever yesterday, but this morning his temperature was normal?
Me: Yes.
Nurse: And he hasn't been pulling at or rubbing his ears?
Me: No.
Nurse: So you just think he has an ear infection because he's crying a lot?
Me: Yes.
(Nurse looks a little skeptical, but is too polite to say anything.)
And he did have an ear infection--two, in fact, if you count each ear. And I knew, because I've seen him with enough ear infections to know exactly how he cries when he has one, and that he never pulls or rubs his ears, or does any of the things that are generally listed as ear infection symptoms except cry.
And tonight, as I think back on the whole experience, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be at home with my children, so that I can be there when they cry in just that certain way and recognize that cry for what it is. And I am grateful for a husband who works all day so that I can have that opportunity. And I am grateful for antibiotics, and for pediatricians. And for nurses. Even the ones who take a little convincing.
2 comments:
Hooray for fantabulous mothers! And, of course, husbands who support them. :) I hope Simon Tyler feels himself again soon.
Isn't it amazing how you can tell immediately when it's an ear infection (after the first couple, at least). My kids never did the ear pulling or rubbing either. Actually, I've never met anyone whose kids did that. They should take that out of the med school textbooks. Hope he feels better soon.
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