One Tough Tiger

The last month has been a tough one for sweet Ben.  He got his 3rd ear infection.....and one that just WILL NOT go away.  His previous ones have started with a simple cold.....then the diagnosis of ear infection.  It is tough, because like I have mentioned before, his ear infections haven't followed the classic signs and symptoms.  So, as a mom, it is so hard to know when it is something beyond a cold.  Well, this ear infection was a doozy and brought with it all the classic signs...... low fever, pulling on the ear, change in sleep, and change in appetite. 

Off we go to the doctor's office.
Diagnosis:  Right ear infection
Treatment:  Augmentin (which he had before and was successful in treating the ear infection.....but it brought with it a nice FULL body rash)
Well, by day 9/10, he was back to all the original symptoms.

Off we go again to the doctor's office.
Diagnosis:  Right ear infection
Treatment:  Cefdinir (which he had before and he could only take it for 7 days because of the diarrhea....but it did successfully treat the ear infection in 7 days).  We were also given instruction to make an ENT appointment for pre/op tubes consult.  He is seeing an ENT at Children's South on December 8th.
Well, before he could finish the 10 days, he was back to more fever (101.9) , a rash....all over, and no appetite.

Off we go once again.
Diagnosis:  Right ear infection, left ear with fluid, red throat, viral rash.
Treatment:  Bactrim and an injection of Rocephin.  (Instructed to watch for allergic reaction to Bactrim since it is a sulfer medication.  Well, Ben already was covered in a rash, so we were told to watch for MORE rash or CHANGE in rash)
Well, Thanksgiving Day brought about lots of yummy food and fun......AND hives!

Off we go again.
Ben was taken off the antibiotic, and it was decided that a series of 2 more Rocephin shots should put him into the 95%+ cure rate for the ear infection.
Treatment:  Shot #2 and come back in 24 hrs for another.

This morning, Iron Bowl morning, we head to the pediatrician's office for shot #3.

What a month for Baby Ben!  He is so brave and we are so proud of him.
Ben had his own Iron Bowl with a month of medications and 3 shots. 

His reward.....3 stickers.....all placed on his Auburn jersey.  (Santa, Elmo, and Thomas the Train).  What could be better? 

So, our little Auburn Tiger is one tough Tiger!!