Ear Issues

With the temperatures hitting a sweltering (yes, I'm being sarcastic) 40 degrees today, I'm optimistic that everybody will be able to to go school on time and stay all day. I've enjoyed having them home, but after nearly three weeks I'm ready for a semblance of a schedule to resume. Of course, Scott and Robby (and probably Timmy) disagree and would happily accept any and all snow days offered.  

Although the boys are disappointed with the warming trend, the melting ice makes me happy.  I have a doctor appointment scheduled for this afternoon that I cannot miss, so the fact that I won't have to contend with icy conditions is a relief. After several months of pain, pills and an arsenal of ear drops, I think I am finally on the correct path. I have a follow up appointment with an ear specialist who is confident that he can help me find comfort and hopefully regain my hearing. 

My treatment plan started with a course of ear drops throughout the past seven days in preparation for today. This afternoon I'm having my outer eardrum debrided, which certainly doesn't sound pleasant although I'm assured that it isn't painful. I'm not looking forward to the procedure, but I am excited about not dealing with the constant ear pain that has been omnipresent since August!

The doctor speculated that the ear issues probably transcend the debridement, but hopefully completing this phase will be a move in the right direction. We are optimistic that the doctor will be able to further evaluate the structures once all of the "gunk tissue" is removed. Once he has a better view of all of the ear structures we will be able to develop a full treatment plan. I'm hoping that it is something that is easy to cure because I'm tired of dealing with physical maladies!