Ear Infections

I definitely have an ear infection. I got my antibiotics (Cefdinir) and need to take it twice a day for 10 days. The feeling of my ear being under water is gone and my jaw isn't swollen any more but I am still having pains in my ear and my throat is sore on that side. Its sort of a dull ache with a sharp pain interjected now and then. Very irritating.

I started the antibiotic on Friday evening so I've taken it 5 times already, not including this morning which was 30 minutes ago so it doesn't really count yet.

It's literally been years since I've had an ear infection so I don't remember what is suppose to happen. Should I be calling my doctor to tell him I still have pain or wait another day to see if it goes away? I don't want to be taking this medicine if it's not doing it's job. It keeps me up at night and I don't get a great nights sleep. I only agreed to take it because it is one of the drugs they primarily assign to ear infections specifically.

Also, I've heard of viral ear infections (though never knew anyone with one). How do you know the difference? I am fairly certain that my infection is bacterial since it is affecting only one side and it didn't start with a cold and it's only been a few weeks since i finished antibiotics for the sinus infection from hell. I think perhaps this is still part of that and it just migrated to my ear.

So my question is for those who have, in recent memory, dealt with an ear infection. I hate to call my doctor if this is the natural course of the healing process. They won't talk to me over the phone and I'll have to go in and I don't want to if I don't have to.

I trust all my A2K friends here to send me their advice....I often listen to you all.