We took Bethany to the doctor we've been seeing for the ear infection on Monday.  He was puzzled that she is still in pain, ears still infected etc...  He said he would prescribe another antibiotic and more ear drops.  I interrupted him and told him I thought we needed to see an ENT.  He didn't feel it was necessary but after more conversation, he gave us the referral to the doctor I wanted. 

We were able to get in for Friday.  We were very pleased with the ENT.  He was very nice and obviously knowledgeable.  It was such a relief to be seeing a doctor that was confident and knowledgeable.  He said that he is of the opinion that it started as a sinus infection and then went to her ears.  He gave us two options.

1.  surgery and put short-lived tubes in

or

2. a very strong antibiotic for the next month.  If that doesn't clear it up, then we'll have to do tubes.  

He said that we should know within a week if the antibiotic is going to work.  If it does, she'll remain on it for 3 more weeks.  If it doesn't, then we'll schedule the tubes and she'll be on an antibiotic for a month.

We chose the antibiotic and go back in on 2/2 to see how things are looking.