So far, so good!

Today I brought Lm to the doctor for a scheduled appointment to look at his ears. He had a couple of ear infections since fall, and then some fluid that hasn't gone away. His pediatrician put him on antibiotics last time and asked to recheck in a month (today). He said if things weren't improved, Lm will need to have tubes put in his ears.

So, ANOTHER SURGERY for my little guy, who in his short life has had two surgeries already (it could be worse, and I do feel very fortunate that my little guy is a loooonnngg way off from the ultrasound tech telling me at 12 of pregnancy that Lm was an "abnormal baby" and "unlikely to survive"). I know tubes are a very common procedure done on lots of kids. But I'm so tired of doctors, nurses, hospitals! Before pregnancy, I went to a doctor for an annual once a year--that's it. Ever since, I've been in a revolving door to every medical facility under the sun.

Today I went to the appointment prepared to schedule the surgery. I even called the hospital and my insurance yesterday to schedule payments and inquire about the cost. So to my surprise, Lm's pedi said he doesn't think Lm needs tubes at this time!! He said with flu season near the end, let's see him in another month and perhaps the fluid will be gone. Now, I swear if I'd come to the appointment convinced Lm didn't need tubes, we'd be in surgery now. It's always the things you don't prepare for that bite you in butt. With me expecting bad news, however, I turned the jinx around. I called its bluff.

Because the thing that is just as bad as another surgery is the frigging co-pays. My share including deductibe would be $1500 for the tubes, and it's $30 every time we walk in the door to have his ears checked. I spend more in copays than diapers. Next visit I'll still be on my guard--prepared for bad news.