So here's an example of how parenthood can be hard, or...how in life, we experience tests of our sanity!
As IF we haven't dealt with ENOUGH sickness in this ONE little family over a SHORT period of time, we are dealing with sickness anew! But I think other families are getting hit hard by all this junk, too.
On the 21st, I took Alice in because of a diaper rash that nothing was clearing up (Not A&D, not Desitin, not Boudreaux's Butt Paste, not even the prescription ointment the pediatrician had prescribed during her well-baby appointment on the 14th, and not the foot fungus cream the nurse had called back to recommend when the former failed). And because her cough concerned us. Lungs were clear BUT she had a double ear infection, and now, perhaps this rash was folliculitis! Ok! Didn't know she had ear infection, but now that I think of it, I had wondered if she'd been digging into her little ears because each ear had a couple small little red dots, little wounds. Poor Alice! And a new cream was prescribed for the bootie area (and small area under one of her armpits!).
Returning to the HEB pharmacist has become downright embarrassing! They HAVE to wonder WHAT is up with this mom literally handing them new scripts seemingly every week. For weeks and weeks. For head lice, for flu, for ear infection for me, for wheezing in chest, for James' sinus infection, for Lincoln's barfarama stomache virus, for Wendy's upper respiratory infection, for....it's unreal. And as embarrassing as it is to be "that strange woman in constant need of drugs," it's even harder to care for chronically afflicted kids and/or self! It's the PITS!
Making it even more lovely were the PA's words, "Now, this antibiotic for Alice causes diarrhea." Great. Big soupy poos on top of folliculitis that I'm trying desperately to heal! "You might want to elevate one end of her mattress so that the drainage won't clog her head." But my baby moves around her crib like a fish out of water, with her head at one end, and then the opposite end, in a corner, sometimes her legs get stuck in between slats, a problem we need to remedy with plexy glass! "You may want to use a humidifier in her room." Oh ok, yes, the humidifier that we recently bought, the one that warped the wood flooring in Lincoln's room, and the one that would no doubt destroy the hoard of family photos I have crammed into her closet and drawers? "Warm and dirty water can cause folliculitis." Ah.... We'd gotten into the habit of, "Honey, can you hand me the baby? She needs a bath." As I'm in the water, rushing to get ready for church. Water a bit on warm side. Why's it dirty? Oh! The bath products that I've allowed Wendy to use in excess for "spa day for Barbies!" Oops. My bad. I CAUSED THIS!
So, that night I try the antibiotic. No go. She's a tired mess. Ok, I'll start tomorrow. The whole next day, three attempts, she vomits it all up each time. With the food that I've struggled to get down her because "it must be taken with food." Now, I'm worried about dehydration, her poor ears which cannot heal without this antibiotic, her pain, and her bootie. I drive through the same pharmacy where I'm weird woman, and ask if he can sweeten her antibiotic. Pharmacist says, "We don't sweeten. We flavor." Ok then, can you please flavor it? See, I'm wondering if it's drainage that made her vomit or the dadgum nasty med! He's rude, "what flavor?" I dunno. Whatever babies like? "You have to tell me." Strawberry? Ok.
Get home and resume my efforts. Entire day is worthless.
Call my kids' doctor's nurse, who might think I'm as needy and weird as the pharmacist. She gives some info, I feel better and today, the 24th, has gone much better than yesterday, which was better than the flop day before.
So, second stressor for me: On the 14th, at her well baby appt, Alice was diagnosed with gross motor delay. She needs physical therapy. I was given the names of two places which would receive the referrals. The first place has a wait period of at least 2 months-- not enough therapists. The second place processing us now but there's this whole family cost share thing and because we may not fit into the category that receives help, it may be unaffordable, but they say they'll work with us, so I'm hopeful! But the financial aspect of how it works is so confusing.
Third stressor is a situation I feel might be reckless to mention on a blog. I'm aware of possible consequences. But! It's HARD! That's all I can say safely. PRAY!
Ok, I love my family and friends who follow my blog, and I am thankful for your blogs, which I follow with interest. It helps to know that as we grow in this life, we are not alone. Throughout the trials and junk of life, there is hope, there is potential--to do the work of the One who is beyond our comprehension of wonderful. So, carry on!
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