Clare's Health

Clare has had her fair share of illnesses over the first year of her life. Although, we are so grateful that none of the illnesses have been terminal and that we have been able to find means to cope with them it has presented challenges. As many of you are aware from about 3 months until 7 months Clare had severe issues with her skin, which got infected and caused her extreme discomfort. She was diagnosed with Mastocytosis in September and the treatment that was prescribed seems to have done the trick. Recently, I have tried to cut back on her allergies meds and she is responding so well to the change. Her skin looks so good and her hair is finally coming in on the back of her head. She has strawberry, blond curls, which I jus tlove. We went for a couple of months with some pretty restful nights, until about mid October.
Clare started waking up more often in the middle of the nights and would randomly burst into tears throughout the day. We weren't sure what to think of it. At her nine month appointment, we found out she had a ear infection, which was the first of six over a five week period. During this time there were many nights spent sleeping in the recliner with Clare, giving her various antibiotics, weekly outings to the Doctor's office, and finally the week of Thanksgiving the antibiotic appeared to do the trick and cleared her ears. I hope she never has to have this type of antibiotic again since it is one administered through a shot. She cried non-stop for a half-hour in the Doctor's office and then you have to wait around to make sure the child doesn't have an allergic reaction. Her infection finally went away but we spent endless hours changing her clothes since the antibiotic gave her the worst case of diarhhea we have dealt with.
Things were good until Christmas break when Clare came down with another ear infection. We were referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. He has recommended that she should have tubes put in her ears so on January 21 Clare will have the procedures. I know it is a simple procedure but the Mommy side of me is still nervous since they have to use general anethesia on her. We know this procedure is for her own good and it should help reduce the ear infections. Please keep Clare in your thoughts and prays.