Patient zero...
Angry? Disappointed? Discouraged? Frustrated? Patient zero, I have been trying to figure out exactly how I have been feeling about you all day now... because you are the only culprit I have before me at this time.
We had our follow-up with audiology this morning. Based on the progress our LO has been making these past weeks, I was optimistic. But, I left the hospital with so many unanswered questions feeling defeated, tears stinging my eyes all the way to work where I finally found a moment to just cry and let it all out.
It appears that the new tube that was placed in her right ear is not working out as anticipated. The test they ran in July, before surgery, showed a hearing loss of 20%. Today, their results were the same. The results are not due to permanent damage, but rather fluid build up and still reversible. But, in addition, the tube itself may have been displaced again.
And, this is where patient zero comes in to play.
When it comes to sharing germs, some situations are unavoidable; public transportation, living in the same home, appointments in public spaces and such. Others, while we would hope for more, are a gamble; daycare, school, extra-curricular activities, the gym or your workplace. We would prefer that the sick stay home, but life doesn't always allow for a day in bed to fight the sniffles!
But, then there are the avoidable; scheduled play dates, birthday parties, family gatherings and yes... even holidays! If you, or one of your dependents are sick, you are socially obligated to inform the other guests! Even if it is the birthday child them self! You cancel, you inform, you reschedule... I don't care what you do! But you do not decide, on my behalf, whether or not you or your child is not that sick/just sick enough/or too sick to be around me or my family!
And that is why I believe we are where we are today. Because half way between surgery and now, my LO caught a tiny cold. That tiny cold turned into a medium ear infection (for her), and that infection like caused her not yet fully healed surgical site to dislodge the tube putting us back at square one.
Patient zero... you are the one who didn't stay home, that shared your germs, that brought out a cold, that filled up her ears, that got infected and subsequently (possibly, maybe) are to blame!
Which made me remember something. I met up with a fabulous friend the weekend before surgery. She left the house with her son to meet us for coffee. Halfway there, she remembered her son was starting to feel sick. She drove him all the way back home and then came to meet a very grateful, appreciative, me. Her first stop was to the bathroom to wash her hands, just in case, and to disinfect some toy cars for the LO. This! She is my people!
And, while I am ranting... get your damn flu shot! If not for yourself, then for others around you. Quit being so damn selfish! I myself am on this high risk list and DH refuses to get one, but if he gets sick he can go live with his mother! What about you?
End rant. Off to therapy, I need it!
We had our follow-up with audiology this morning. Based on the progress our LO has been making these past weeks, I was optimistic. But, I left the hospital with so many unanswered questions feeling defeated, tears stinging my eyes all the way to work where I finally found a moment to just cry and let it all out.
It appears that the new tube that was placed in her right ear is not working out as anticipated. The test they ran in July, before surgery, showed a hearing loss of 20%. Today, their results were the same. The results are not due to permanent damage, but rather fluid build up and still reversible. But, in addition, the tube itself may have been displaced again.
And, this is where patient zero comes in to play.
When it comes to sharing germs, some situations are unavoidable; public transportation, living in the same home, appointments in public spaces and such. Others, while we would hope for more, are a gamble; daycare, school, extra-curricular activities, the gym or your workplace. We would prefer that the sick stay home, but life doesn't always allow for a day in bed to fight the sniffles!
But, then there are the avoidable; scheduled play dates, birthday parties, family gatherings and yes... even holidays! If you, or one of your dependents are sick, you are socially obligated to inform the other guests! Even if it is the birthday child them self! You cancel, you inform, you reschedule... I don't care what you do! But you do not decide, on my behalf, whether or not you or your child is not that sick/just sick enough/or too sick to be around me or my family!
And that is why I believe we are where we are today. Because half way between surgery and now, my LO caught a tiny cold. That tiny cold turned into a medium ear infection (for her), and that infection like caused her not yet fully healed surgical site to dislodge the tube putting us back at square one.
Patient zero... you are the one who didn't stay home, that shared your germs, that brought out a cold, that filled up her ears, that got infected and subsequently (possibly, maybe) are to blame!
Which made me remember something. I met up with a fabulous friend the weekend before surgery. She left the house with her son to meet us for coffee. Halfway there, she remembered her son was starting to feel sick. She drove him all the way back home and then came to meet a very grateful, appreciative, me. Her first stop was to the bathroom to wash her hands, just in case, and to disinfect some toy cars for the LO. This! She is my people!
And, while I am ranting... get your damn flu shot! If not for yourself, then for others around you. Quit being so damn selfish! I myself am on this high risk list and DH refuses to get one, but if he gets sick he can go live with his mother! What about you?
End rant. Off to therapy, I need it!
Comments
Post a Comment