Ear update and some news

[mamagotcha]

Since the last visit with the old ENT back in February, I found that the medication he had prescribed actually promoted fungal growth,, and that the management of otomycosis requires frequent, if not daily, debridement for healing (he was cleaning once every two or three weeks, and forbidding me to do so between visits). So I had been treating it myself, cleaning with alcohol and using a mixture of tea tree oil suspended in olive oil (melaleuca is both antibacterial and antifungal). About two weeks ago, I had a recurrence of the bacterial infection in the middle ear, and used the ofloxacin to calm it down (while keeping the eardrum area scrupulously clean and dry to avoid another fungal infection). The fullness and ear noise and dizzyness and deafness and discharge were all still present to some extent, but generally improving.

Last week, when I saw a new ENT, they used a nifty fiber optic camera to check all the holes in my head (an fascinating process!). And while there was still some evidence of Not Rightness, it was clear that the perforations had healed! He even had me do the Valsalva maneuver (where you blow into your ears while holding your nose to "pop" them), and you could see the ear drum moving in and out with the pressure, and NOT leaking! The hearing in that ear is only about 30% of the other one, but I know that's much better than it was, and he gave every indication that I could expect a full recovery back to normal hearing in time.

I'm still in shock. It's been six months since this odyssey began. After almost a week, I'm feeling even better and decided it must be true, and so I'm sharing it now with you LJers, who have been on this ride with me from the beginning. Thank you all for your kind words of support and encouragement!

My other big news is that I'm definitely heading out for a road trip in the next few weeks... I'm hoping to hit Kansas City, Denver/Boulder, Davis, Penngrove/Petaluma, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, and Yellowstone. My dates aren't set in stone yet, but I do hope to be in Davis for the Whole Earth Festival (over Mother's Day weekend). Other than that, we're flexible. Want to connect? Willing to host a wandering mama and her kiddo? Want to take us for a hike to show us your favorite view? Leave a comment and we will MAKE IT HAPPEN! Woohooooo!

Comments

[tara-doula.livejournal.com]

Yes! You are always welcome here! We'd love to have you. And I'm so glad you are finally seeing improvement in your ear. That has got to be so encouraging and probably makes everything else is life feel a little bit better.

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

Are you serious? Because I would totally love to crash with you guys (and Linc would be over the moon as well). I should give you some time to come to your senses...

[tara-doula.livejournal.com]

Yes, absolutely! A better idea of the possible timing would be helpful though. Email me and we can talk more. :)

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

I will do so as soon as I get a solid idea of when I'm gonna take off... I told Linc and he about exploded with joy!

[lorraine-inwa.livejournal.com]

you are welcome anytime. I will even make sure there is gluten free available.

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

I'll know in a few weeks when I will most likely hit Harrington (or Spokane, wherever you want us!)... probably sometime in the second half of May. And I know we will eat very well when we stay with you! <3 <3 <3

[corva.livejournal.com]

How come I don't see Santa Cruz Mountains there? Don't you want to view and snuggle Lou's new twins? *grin*

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

Yes, Santa Cruz and Sunnyvale/San Jose should be in there as well... I am blessed with SO many wonderful folks to visit! <3

[mh75.livejournal.com]

Good news! I am glad you are feeling better.
And, as always, our house is your house...

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

As always, we will mooch off of you. Unless Julia actually has a bed in her spare room? I'll definitely be in touch one way or the other! Can't wait to meet your new baby... who isn't so new anymore!

[jedusor.livejournal.com]

After cycling through two different crappy fold-out futons, we now have a lovely microfiber sofa in there. It's very comfortable and several people have slept well on it, but it doesn't fold out, so you might prefer to crash at J&M's. But you are welcome to it if you so desire!

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

I am of a size and age where sofas are suboptimal... but I bet Lincoln might like a sleepover while we're there, if you're up to it? You are pretty far behind in your planned psychological experimentation on that particular subject. We have kept "Who? Mike Jones!" in his regular training, at least.

[metaphortunate.livejournal.com]

Yaaaaaay, good health news!

[mamagotcha.livejournal.com]

And here's another mama with another baby I haven't met yet... I need to try to shoehorn a visit with you and the Junebug. And Mr. E, if he's around... it's been TOO LONG!