I have newfound empathy for babies with ear infections

Man oh man! Last week I spent a few days home with Matthew and/or Nathan as they contended with the usual first bout of exotic germs brought together by the first days of class. By Friday I had a bit of a sniffle (possibly allergy, who knows for sure) and by Friday I had minor ear infections in each ear.

So, I did what you are supposed to do, soldier on with Tylenol and such and wait for it to go away. The right ear seemed to be clear by Monday, but the left ear kept getting worse and worse. By Tuesday evening it felt like someone had taken a syringe and shot a tablespoon of peanut butter behind my left eardrum. This is the point at which you become acutely aware that most of the ear is safely encased inside your skull, otherwise you would gladly rip it out (you have another one, right?).

When I got home Tues night I took my temp and it was 101.8. Yuck! Today I saw a PRN and she told me that my right ear still had fluid and that my left eardrum was nigh unto bursting. I got some antibiotics and am praying that they will kick in soon. So, now as I was getting ready for bed I took 3 large Depakote tablets, 2 Tylenol, 1 Lamictal, and 1 Amoxicilin. Don't think I will need to be getting up for a midnight snack.

Day 2.5

I have no idea why I am posting so much here today. Perhaps a manic swing now? Yea!!!

Well, I ended not going to Church for a couple of reasons. First, I am pretty sure that I now have an ear infection in each ear. This would not be surprising since I spent a few days home with my youngest son this week who also had an ear infection. So, long story short, my ears are driving me nuts. Second, I am just not ready to play the whole "everything is fine" game.

You know the one. Heaven forbid that you should answer the question of "How are you?" with anything other than "fine". Sometimes I am not ready to say "Fine" while I think "slowly bleeding to death internally, thanks". I'm just not ready for that game today.

Day Two

It never ceases to amaze and somewhat frighten me just how much I can sleep during one of these hits. I slept a bunch yesterday and thought I'd have to take some sleeping pills to manage to go to sleep last night. Instead, I laid down in bed at about 9 pm and slept through until about 10 am. I do feel better at the moment, but ye gods the hours of sleep I have logged in the last two days.

I am still in bed right now, but I will likely get up soon. I have enough enthusiasm to make some toast and take my pills (always have to take-a the pills). I will probably manage to muster enough momentum to make it to church later (one of the benefits of going to a meeting that does not begin until 1 pm). It will give me a reason to get cleaned up and a chance to be around some people.

Maybe I will watch the MDA telethon later. Maudlin songs, crippled children being rolled out, and the sweaty, inchoherent babblings of a comedy star from the 50's ought to make me feel MUCH BETTER. (heh)