The Little Things That Keep You Well

A hospital trip for Leo’s second ear infection reminded me how hard it is to see your child in pain. The lesson? Small habits, like hand washing can be powerful acts of protection.

Dear Leo,

Today is Monday, it’s also the first day of a new month. It feels like the seasons are on the turn, summer is hanging on but autumn is beginning to show up. Today you and I took a trip to central London, to the Portland Hospital. The last time I was there was with your mummy, where she had a procedure to help heal her womb. This time however, we were there to visit an ENT specialist because you have your second, in close succession of the other, ear infection. Other parents have told us that ear infections are particularly common, but that doesn't help nor does it reassure you when your child, in this case YOU, is in tremendous pain. I didn't know that this could happen, but the ear drum can actually perforate, and what comes next is a leak from the ear. Gunky, waxy infection oozes from the ear.

Just over a week ago I took you to the GP, who prescribed Co-amoxiclav, a blanket antibiotic used for all sorts of things. The specialist at Portland told us it wasn’t much use for your situation. What you really needed was something more targeted: Ciloxan ear drops, ten days straight into the belly of the beast. On his advice I also picked up olive oil ear spray for your other ear, to soften the wax and help things migrate out naturally. Parents, you may know this already, but don’t use Q-tips. They only push things further in. Keep the entrance clean and clear, but don’t go digging.