Sorry I’ve been so quiet over the past few days, but I didn’t really want to see my thoughts in black and white (or black and tan).
At Tree Faerie’s doctor appointment on Friday morning, the doctor confirmed that Tree Faerie still has an ear infection. The verdict was to have a follow-up appointment this coming Friday to see if the Rosefin finally worked. If she still has the infection, Tree Faerie will have to go see an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor.
I still have not seen any improvement in her ear, and she’s starting to “run a little warm.” I know it sounds like I’m talking about a car when I say that, but that’s my phrase for when she feels warm all over, yet the thermometer says she’s normal (or less than normal, even). Running warm seems to come just before the 3AM 103 degree fevers. I’ve been screamed at a lot over the last few days. The ear infection coupled with trying to cut four top teeth at once makes for a very unhappy child.
Since Western medicine doesn’t seem to be working, I’m trying out a home remedy, because the next step in Western medicine is tubes if this doesn’t clear up. I researched a lot of sites and found a multitude of different suggestions, ranging from mildly helpful to completely gross. I’ll save you from the gross suggestions, partially because I really don’t want to know if any of you have tried them. The one I decided to try is garlic oil. While you can make your own garlic oil by simmering a crushed clove of garlic in olive oil then straining it through cheese cloth, several sites suggested garlic oil capsules, even the odorless ones.
I picked up the capsules yesterday and tried putting it in her ear last night. I don’t think it was very successful, but tonight I’m going to try warming the capsule first, because the oil was kind of congealed. I have had very successful personal results with home remedies in the past when Western medicine failed, however I’ve been reluctant to try to treat Tree Faerie with home remedies. I guess I’m so hesitant because she can’t clearly communicate what is wrong.
I’m stressed and tired. My nipples are cracked and sore from Tree Faerie teething. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, keeps telling me to wean her, but these people who are telling me this either have never breastfed a child or only breastfed for the first 3-6 months. Yes, I know I will have to wean her at some point, but I won’t do it cold-turkey. I’m too scared of the hormonal fluctuation in combination with the melt-downs she’s liable to have.
It has been a rough week. Can we just fast-forward to the weekend and try again for a better week next week?
8 comments:
I whole-heartedly support your decision to continue breastfeeding. I've been breastfeeding for a total of eight years and counting...through tubes, teething, and temperatures. Weaning right now will undoubtedly bring on a whole other set of problems for you both. Hang in there. Kuddos to you for trying some alternatives.
I only breastfed the twins and J-man for six months apiece, but I definitely wouldn't wean Tree Fairie right now. That would be a complete cluster. Do it when you're ready and she's not having any illnesses. You're right. There would be serious strife there.
I'm so sorry, hon, that you're going through that and that your sweet little girl is suffering. You're both in my thoughts.
Do you know that many people have told me that breast milk will help cure an ear infection because of the antibodies in the milk. Pump some and try that in her ear. It can't be bad for her, and it may well help clear it up. I know that I told my girlfriend that if LittleMan got an ear infection this spring I was going to make her pump some milk from me (I quit bf-ing him at a year). Though now we have moved across country it would be a little hard to get if from her. LOL
Oh my gosh, I had an ear infection in the middle of the night last winter. I thought I was going to die! I didn't know what to do because it was so late. MY husband got on the internet and did a little research. He ended up putting a little warm olive oil in my ear. It worked like a charm and within an hour or so my ear was better. Good luck. Also, have you heard of Hyland's ear infection tablets. Those work good as well.
I'm sorry, I hope she starts to finally feel better!! Good Luck!
Sorry to hear about your week... I feel a little the same way. I am with you that I wish we could fast forward to the weekend and have a "do over" next week with all better results!
andrea, sorry to hear you're going through such a difficult time. my oldest daughter used to get ear infections all the time. ((((hugs)))) to you both. i hope she feels better soon.
:)
maria
I hope that she is getting better. {I'm a few days behind as usual.} As I've said before, I nursed most of mine for 15 months and I say wean when it feels right for you both! I've ussed tea tree oil for ear troubles and always had good results with my kids.... good luck!
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