Differing Opinions

As a parent of a child with special needs, I spend a lot of time taking Evan to the doctor.  I put a lot of trust in these doctors and respect their opinions.  But at times, I must admit, I don't agree with their opinions.  These last few days this has happened A LOT! 

Evan started running high fevers on Thursday night.  It didn't seem anything in particular was bothering him, so we just kept him loaded up with Ibuprofen and Tylenol.  His fever continued and on Saturday, it finally occurred to me that he might have a Urinary Tract Infection.  We took him to the ER at Children's, was seen, they agreed it was a UTI and sent us home with some antibiotics.  Sunday morning when we got up I went to change Evans diaper.  His butt looked as though it had been scalded with hot water and his skin was peeling off in big layers and there were several blisters as well. So back to the ER we headed.

Anytime we are at the hospital we deal with a multitude of people.  The first line of visits always come from residents.  I don't have a problem with this as I know they have to learn somehow.  At times, I even find they are a little more detailed with their exams as they are learning and taking everything in.  The problem within lies when the resident says one thing and the attendings say another, and at times, my thoughts differ from either of theirs.   That was my thoughts during both of these ER visits. 

On top of all of this, we are still struggling with Evan's chronic ear infections.  One of the residents felt his ear looked infected, but the attending disagreed.  I felt sure his ears were still infected as he continues to pull on his ears constantly.  So, after 2 ER visits, it was still unclear what was causing his fevers and even more unclear what was happening with the issue on his butt. 

Monday morning I called Evans regular pediatrician who I have great faith in and we went to see her Monday afternoon.  She too, was uncertain what was going on with his skin, but was sure his ears still looked infected.  Several weeks back she had wanted me to set up an appointment with the ENT and cancel it if his ears got better.  I never cancelled it, despite multiple other doctors saying his ears looked clear (mothers instinct).

This morning was our visit with the ENT and he agreed Evan's ears still look quite infected.  A hearing test was done and his hearing is being affected by all the fluid build up behind his ears.  The doctor feels tubes are the appropriate next step.  I agree.  He had time to do the surgery this coming Thursday, but that's just a bit too quick for me, so we are headed for surgery number 10 next Thursday.