Ear Infection-- boo hooo

Can you believe that neither Drew or Libby have an ear infection, but I DO? I started having some fullness in my ear on Friday night which escalated into the worst pain ever-- I mean EVER-- all weekend. I went to the doctor today and as I suspected-- Otitis Externa. Which basically means an infection in the outer ear. We suspect it got irritated somehow (from Qtips-- yes, I am guilty) or maybe some water or shampoo got trapped in there and boom--- infection. It's what's also known as "swimmer's ear" and it HURTS. Thankfully, no ear drum rupture from which she could see (b/c the canal was swollen shut). I actually have been taking the strong ibuprofen they gave me after my c-section and it's barely helping. But I was prescribed some antibiotic drops and should feel better within a few days. But I can't afford to take off more time from work, so I'm going in tomorrow with a blocked up ringing left ear that throbs. Lovely. I can tell you something, though-- I do have a whole new respect for babies and children that go through this multiple times and can't communicate what's wrong. Holy cannoli! I'm gonna make sure I keep a careful eye on it for L&D.