Ears, Part 734560

Okay, not really. But it sure seems like that is how many times I have blogged about Camden's poor ears recently.

We went to the ENT last week. With me helping by holding Lil C down and the ENT's med student pinning his head, the ENT used this skinny little sucker tool (yes, that's the technical name) to suck a bunch of the green goo out of his ear. He mentioned that he did have a middle ear infection and he believed it to be a result of having a non-functional tube for those few weeks. He said that the goo did build up in his eustachian tube and became infected, and thus started to drain out of his ear once I dislodged the clot. This means the poor kid had been walking around for a good week with an ear infection, because that's how long it was draining/gooing. At least having the tubes meant that he wasn't really bothered by it. He was a little uncomfortable at times, but no where NEAR how bad it was before tubes. Sleeping was not bothered, so that's a HUGE deal.

I figured the ENT would put us on an antibiotic. Much to my surprise, this was not the case. Instead he gave me a recipe for a vinegar/water/Domeboro solution to boil on the stove and use that to irrigate the ear for five days, twice a day and to use ear drops 3x a day for a week.

Camden has been amazing when letting me put mineral oil in or drops. But squirting three syringes full of a vinegar solution (read: painful burning solution)?? Didn't go over so well. He would CRY and CRY after we were done. No amount of book reading, Mommy cuddling, blankie snuggling, or paci loving would get him to stop crying for a good ten minutes. The very definition of losing ones shit.

Thankfully, our five days of horrid irrigation is over and we are just in the drop part. Unfortunately, our toe still being infected caused us to be put on oral antibiotics anyway. I suppose his ear is destined to heal no matter what. His toe though? Still looking funky. Not sure what is going to happen with that. We will see after our ten days is up.

AND ALSO? My Mom-tuition was right. Camden officially broke his third tooth through on October 6th. If I remember right, his first two were at ten months old, so it was about time. It appears to be the top, front right tooth. I can't tell if the other one will be following behind it soon or not, we shall see!

This also means he has not cut a tooth without having ear issues or being sick of some sort. I have no idea how he will cut teeth when he feels well! I will say, I had no idea he cut his tooth until BAM! there it was. Knock on wood, I hope that's a good thing.

le Sigh.

This week, I felt like church was directed right towards me. We are doing a series called Passing the Test. It was discussing the trials that God gives you and how they are important to make us stronger. Many times it was mentioned that if you aren't being tested, then something isn't right.

The verses that really hit home:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5

My goodness, the pieces to the puzzle suddenly fit together. Husband and I were given these issues with Camden's health and well being to develop our perseverance. And despite all of the issues related to these medical problems we should be joyful that God chooses us to take this test, to help us grow our wisdom and to learn from this. I am ready to catch our break, but I do view it in a completely different light. We are definitely blessed to be tested!

Here's to healing!