Anyone still up? Help, please!

CleoKitty

Ds woke up shortly after going to bed tonight screaming in pain. He says his ear hurts. We've given him ibuprofen and have been holding a hot water bottle on his ear. It's been two hours and he's still crying very hard. The ear was fine all day and didn't start bothering him until late at night. He's had an ear infection or two as an infant, but nothing for years.

I don't want to call the doctor at home since it's after midnight and besides, I don't think there's anything she could do since we don't have a 24 hour pharmacy in town. We don't have an urgent care clinic or anything else around- just the ER (and our insurance won't cover an ER visit.) 

He's crying so hard though. Nothing dh or I can do will console him- he's never cried like this before about being sick and/or in pain. 

WWYD? 

Marce921

I'd be worried his eardrum ruptured. I'd call the doctor for sure, and if you really don't want to do that, then go to the ER. GL! Keep us updated!

summerbrideDC

Oh poor guy!!! I'd go right to the ER--the doctor's just going to tell you to do that anyway.  

Heidisean

Marce921:

I'd be worried his eardrum ruptured. I'd call the doctor for sure, and if you really don't want to do that, then go to the ER. GL! Keep us updated!

This exactly! Sounds like your going to have to make an ER trip;( GL

Hooray2005

Based on what you're describing, and comparing it to the info on the following page from Seattle Children's Hospital (LOVE this site for "when to call the doctor" questions), it's at the very least time to call the doctor

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/earache

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Earache is severe and not improved 2 hours after taking ibuprofen
• Pink or red swelling behind the ear
• Stiff neck (can't touch chin to chest)
• Fever over 104? F (40? C) and not improved 2 hours after fever medicine
• Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal (e.g., a pencil, stick or wire)

 

CleoKitty

I went ahead and called. Luckily our own pediatrician was on call and so I got to speak with her personally.

I was mistaken- turns out there is one 24 hour pharmacy that just recently opened on the other side of town. The doctor is calling in prescriptions for an antibiotic, numbing ear drops and a few doses of Lortab/Vicodin to get him through till morning. 

Heading off to the pharmacy now...he's still screaming. 

Hooray2005

So glad you called and that a pharmacy was available (and no ER trip needed).  Hope he's feeling better really soon - poor little guy