Conference moira::parenting

    
    How long do they take to clear up? What anibiotics have been
    prescribed? Has your pedi tried more than one antibiotic?
    
    Chris
    

    re:.1
    
    	How old is your son? My son is 7 months old today and he just got
    over his 2nd ear infection. He was on amoxicillan and that seemed to
    clear him up just fine. I'm getting nervous he's going to be one of
    those kids that needs ear tubes though since he's had 2 ear infections
    in the past couple of months.  I was just wondering at what age they
    decide to put the tubes in?
    
    
    Thanks
    Robin

    RE: .-1
    
    In my experience (and talking to others), most doctors won't think
    about tubes until the infections continue for a period of 9 months or
    more.  Two infections in that many months is not a lot.  It may appear
    to be a lot, but...  There are many things that can result in ear
    infections, colds being the primary one.  Don't be alarmed!  If the
    antibiotics are working, than the need for tubes decreases.  Tubes are
    designed to stop prolonged infections which can cause hearing problems
    if not cleared up.  In my own case, my son had infections for almost a
    year straight before the decision was made.  
    
    Note that once the tubes are in place, you need to be very careful
    about keeping water out of the ears.  My son has had NO infections
    since the insertion of the tubes one year ago.
    
    The procedure is simple and short (about 5 minutes in the OR).
    
    Dan

         I went through the same thing with my son, Tyler.  Last November,
    he developed an ear infection and was put on antibiotics.  Two weeks
    later he went for a checkup, he still had the infection and was put on
    another medication.  This went on back and forth into January, with him
    getting a stronger medication each time.  Finally, his pediatrician
    said that the only thing left to do was to have tubes put in his ears. 
    I went to see a specialist, who agreed that he needed tubes.
    
         So, in February, Tyler went into the hospital as an outpatient. 
    He was never frightened and was allowed to take his stuffed dalmation
    into the surgery room!  Now for one year, or until they fall out, he
    has to wear ear plugs when taking a bath or playing near water.  A
    minor inconvenience, but it is worth it to see my son a happy healthy
    child again.
    
         So don't worry, it is nothing major.
    
    Diane
    

Elise had a continuous ear infection from late January until early April.  We 
just kept cycling thru the list of antibiotics, waiting for warm weather.

We discussed tubes, but the pediatrician pointed out that last summer, her ears
cleared up in the spring, and very often, toddler's ear infections clear up
(because they spend more time upright? because their eustachian tubes have
grown? because they no longer nurse?  He couldn't say - he was reporting his
personal observation).

Elise is 17 months, and her first ear infection occurred at 4 weeks.  She has 
gotten about 5 infections in each of the last two winters.  Her hearing is
fine.

So, she's on a prophylatic dose of Bactrim until the end of May, and hopefully,
that will do it until next winter.  If we're lucky, she'll outgrow them this
summer.

Just some info to give you perspective on what "bad ear infections" is.  Elise
is not a bad case.  They don't effect her hearing (so far, knock on wood), don't
interfere in her verbal development, or general health and well-being.  If one
of those circumstances occurs, then my husband and I will certainly become
more assertive on the treatment.

Pat

    Janet,
    
    Tubes were the most wonderful thing for my older daughter.  Lexi had
    more ear infections that I care to remember, was on antibotics for
    the better part of seven months, and never had dry ears (fluid, but not
    always infected) for eight months.  This all started when she was about
    9 months old.  In addition at eighteen months, she had a very limited
    vocabulary and she was hard to understand.  Given that it was now the
    middle of the summer and both ears were still full of fluid, we did the
    tubes.  What a difference.  Lexi started talking a mile a minute, was
    much easier to understand and her balance was so much better.  
    
    Lexi is now 3 and is probably going back for another set of tubes this
    fall and will have her adnoids (sp?) out at the same time.  The first
    set came out after about 17 months and her ears filled right back up.  If 
    they do not dry up by June, after some warm weather she will get another 
    set.  At this point it is an issue that the fluid could injury the bones 
    in her ears and permanently impair her hearing.
    
    I also have a one year old who will probably be getting tubes this
    summer also.  Chelsey had her first ear infection at 6 DAYS old and
    has an ear infection once ever month since.
    
    It is an easy operation and takes about 10 minutes.  Everyone at the 
    hospital that we used was terrific and very aware of the fear that
    we had as parents.  We have a wonderful ear specialist (in the Maynard 
    area) and I would be happy to give you his name if you send me a mail 
    message.   He even has a video tape of the operation.
     
    Good luck,
    Penny                                      

    
    
    Is your son in a large day care situation?  Our son went through the
    same thing.  We ended up having tubes inserted and a week later he got
    another infection!  Then we moved him from the large center he was in
    to a small home-based day care situation and we have not had a problem
    since.  Literally, he never had a week in the center when he wasn't
    sick and from the week we moved him he has been fine.  He was at the
    center from 7 to 14 months and he is now 3.  The previous replies make it
    sound as though tubes are always the answer.  Our experience is that
    they are not.                             
    

     
    	I put this in the adenoid note as well.    
    
    	My son, Nicholas, has been having speech/hearing problems, due to
    fluid buildup behind his eardrums due to infection,  since early
    last September. We went the try_another_antibiotic route with his
    pediatrician, who finally gave up and sent us to an ENT a couple months
    ago. The ENT said his ears would need tubes and his adenoids would need
    to be removed. 
    
    	I said no and began looking for alternatives. Without surgery or
    tubes, Nicholas can now hear again. We have been using a combination of
    homeopathy/vitamins/diet/allergy/decongestants, etc. It's slow but it's
    working.
    
    	
    
    
    	Craig
    
    
    	
        

    Brian has been on just about all the antibotics that they use for ear
    infections. He is now on what is I think called psidiolyte (sp?), which
    is the last resort medication in our peds office.
    
    His 3rd ear infection lasted 1.5 months and this one is going on 20
    days. Will find out on Friday if the latest antibiotic cleared this one
    up.
    
    He is in a daycare center.

    re:-1
    
    (HI Ania!)
    
    I am not too familiar with tubes in ears and such since I am from India
    and the concept is unknown there - at least as far as I know. But I too
    have been treating my daughter with homeopathy (actually my husband is
    the expert) and she has not had a ear infection for the last 16-17
    months.
    
    My husband had a ear infection about 9 months ago and it got worse with
    the medication prescribed by his doctor. So he treated himself with
    homeopathy and he recovered quite quickly.
    
    We do not go to a homeopath but we have books that tell us how to treat
    various symptoms (it is safer to do this with Homeopathy than any other
    type of medicine)
    
    Shaila

    My daughter (now 3) had several ear infections during her first winter.
    At first I was treating them with antibiotics but bu February (after
    pneumonia) she got an ear infection that would go away when she was
    on antibiotics but would reappear the day after she stopped taking
    them. My day care provider's son had tubes put in and continued to
    have ear infections. Tubes may not be a major surgery but it is a
    rather drastic method (you are scarring the ear drum if  I understand
    the procedure). Antibiotics are NOT harmless: they kill the good with
    the bad, they weaken your immune system. They should be saved for more
    serious disease's (like pneumonia). Unfortunately the doctors in this
    country overuse those wonder drugs (I am from Europe). They are afraid
    of being sued and therefore prescribe antibiotics for even minor
    problems. Most ear infections will go away on their own without any
    damage to the ear. Anyway, I was lucky because I found a pediatrician
    who is a homeopath. She is wonderful and my daughter reacted very well
    to homeopathic medicine. After having an ear infecion and fever for
    literally weeks (off and on) the fever and the ear infections were gone
    within a week on homeopathic treatment. However any herbal medicine
    will take longer to take effect than antibiotics. I was lucky in that
    I could work from home a lot or split days with my husband so I would
    keep my daugther home until she was completely recovered. The second
    winter she had 2 ear infections and none (knock on wood) since.
    I also changed daycare to an even smaller one. 
    
    Good luck, Ania
    
    P.S. Did you try taking your son off milk products?

    

    
    I have a dilemma about ear infections.  My daughter 13 months has had
    ear infections on and off since September of last year.  I am not sure
    how many.  She had one from November thru December.  Put on preventive
    (AMOX) till February, came off got another ear infection went back on
    the preventive at the end of March and now I took her yesterday and
    she has another infection.  Although the doctor said it was just
    starting so we could have caught it in time.  My question is, in all your
    experiences when did your children stop getting ear infections?  I am
    really nervous about them saying anything about tubes.  I can tell with
    her when she has one, her nose runs so much.  And her attitude changes
    totally.  I hope this is over soon!!!!
    
    Thanks for any information
    Kim
    
    

    They say that after 2 years old most children will stop having ear
    infections. But there are no guarantees.
    
    Ania

    
    Kim,
    
    My 15 month old daughter is in the same situation as your daughter. 
    She has been on antibiotics since last October with ear infections
    coming and going periodically.  When she doesn't have an infection,
    she is on preventive doses of antibiotics.  They have also changed the
    type of antibiotics several times, but the infections always return.
    
    What my pedi has told me is that if she stops having infections in May
    and June, that we will forget about tubes until next winter (if the
    infections return).  Since the infections are usually caused by some
    type of virus, ear infections generally tend to slow down over the
    summer.  Ear infections can continue to occur for many years, depending
    on your child.  However, they can be less frequent as the child gets
    older.  My oldest had about 4-5 infections the first winter and only
    had 2 this winter (her 3rd winter).
    
    Good Luck
    Carol                                                      

    I have been batteling with ear infections with Brad since he was four
    weeks old.  He finally had tubes put in his ears at 15 months he did
    not have any infections until they came out 3 months ago.  He is going
    to have tubes put back in and his adnoids taken out in the next month.
    
    If any of you have smokers in your house this can be a major factor
    that is causeing the ear infections.  My husband is now smoking
    outside.
    
    Hang in there,
    
    Sasha

    my son had about 10-12 ear infections before he had tubes put in when
    he was 14 mos old.  They stayed for a few mos then came out.  He has
    grown out of the ear infections, which most all kids do and we have a
    cute litte monento from his babyhood, both tubes.

    Summer's here!!
    
    Now come's the next set of "what to do when" type of questions.
    
    What sort of methods to you, the parents who have children with
    eartubes, use for ear plugs while swimming?
    
    AJ's new tubes went in the end of February, along with having a T&A
    done.  So far no major illness, and I don't want to start by causing
    one with pool water.
    
    We are being offered swim lessons at his preschool, in the pool at the
    apartment complex where it is located.  Plus we own a small pool 3'deep
    by 12' across, and my sister inlaw where we go frequently has an 16X32
    inground pool.  So the problem is a little prominent, since it was
    mid-80's all weekend.
    
    The doctor sells premade earplugs that come in several sizes for $15,
    or molded ones for $40.  I've used in the past a brand called Siliflex
    which is like a flesh colored silly putty in tiny strips, which you
    push into the ear canal, and mold themselves into shape.  The doctor
    also recommends a bathing cap.  Right!  first where do you buy them
    anymore, and second ask this "manly-type boy" to wear "a girl's bathing
    cap"  No way mom!!
    
    Yesterday he was in our pool, for th first time this season, and I used
    the silliflex and preceeded it with the antibiotic drops that had been
    prescribed following his insertion of tubes.
    
    I have a call, with no rush, into the doctor.  But wonder what other
    parents have done.
    
    Lyn

    Lyn,
    
    I hated using plugs!  We'd have to take a diving mask down to the pool
    every time just to retrieve them from the bottom of the pool. Bathtime
    was stressful too.  It's one thing bribing your child to wear her plugs
    to go to the 'big' pool. But those tactics don't work well when the 
    end result is a 'bath', if your kids don't happen to like baths.
    
    So, I called the ENT in desperation to see if he had any suggestions 
    and he said "no problem".  He gave us a prescription for antibiotic
    eye drops (yes, eye drops) to be used in the ears every other day. 
    This proved to be much easier and less stressful than any plugs. My
    daughter never experienced any ear infections while on the drops.
    
    Jodi-

re: .18 - drops for the ears... 

   I'm not to that point yet, but I am curious... are there any side
   effects to be aware of when dealing with what appears to work out
   like a maintenance dose of antibiotics?   Any suggestions for stuff
   that would help the situation (if there are any situations)?
   
   Curious in DSG,
   
   - Tom
   

>          <<< Note 61.19 by ROYALT::PEACOCK "Freedom is not free!" >>>

>re: .18 - drops for the ears... 

>   I'm not to that point yet, but I am curious... are there any side
>   effects to be aware of when dealing with what appears to work out
>   like a maintenance dose of antibiotics?   Any suggestions for stuff
>   that would help the situation (if there are any situations)?
    
    
    Tom,
    
    If you're asking, are there any side-effects from using the drops,
    my answer as a mother, is "no".  In other words, my daughter didn't
    experience diarrhea, headaches, rashes or anything like that. I'm 
    sure if you look the drug (or any drug, for that matter) up in a PDR
    (Physician's Desk Reference) you can find possible side-effects. The 
    only side-effect that I noticed was a hassle-free trip to the pool 
    and bath. :^)
    
    Of course, the use of drops was made even easier for us because both
    of our kids are used to their ears being cleaned on a weekly basis
    and love the attention.  Ear drops are no big deal to them. My daughter
    was 10 months old when she got her tubes, by the way.
    
    Jodi-

    Most pools require bathing caps for anyone with long hair.
    
    You can buy masculine-looking bathing caps at any sporting goods store. 
    Blue, green, etc.  The new ones seem to be made of a knitted nylon.
    
    Tell AJ he looks "Olympic" and maybe he will feel better.

    an update....
    
    I heard from the ENT late yesterday, his advise was NOT to insert the
    anitibiotic routinely, unless I saw drainage coming from his ears. (of
    course common sense says if I saw drainage, he would not see the pool
    but his doctor instead anyway).
    
    The doctor said the the Silliflex plugs, which I bought a Brooks Drug
    BTW, are fine and acceptable.  This doctor is very definite about how
    his patients maintain their ears.  And to use a bathing cap.  One
    mother told me she bought the cap, and cut the top off, leaving just a
    band that goes around the ears.  We'll see how he reacts.  They told me
    to try EMS (Herman's) for caps.  Somehow these caps have big bucks
    written all over the idea!!
    
    By the way, my ENT as well uses the opthamology drops in his ears, as
    someone a few back mentioned.  (Is your doctor in Worcester, and
    associated with Hanneman Hospital?)
    
    Lyn

Maybe if dad wore a bathing cap also, AJ would be less resistant.  That works 
for a few years -- later on, for dad to wear one is a reason NOT to wear one 
yourself, but rather a chance to make fun of your nerdy looking father.  :^)

Clay

The Right Start catalog that I got in the mail today - has some sort of
headband that covers the ears.  If you want the info I'll look it up.

Rochelle_whose_son_had_tubes_for_3_years_and_never_used_plugs_or_drops_for_
swimming_bathing_etc!

    Thank you, yes would you please get me as much info as you can.  I
    don't receive Right Start.  (How come you can never get the "right
    kind" of junk mail when you need it?)
    
    Mother in law said she saw regular bathing caps a her local five and
    dime store yesterday (O'brien's in Northboro) for around a dollar.
    I sort of told her to put that on hold for now.
    
    Lyn

    
    
    My ten months old daughter is going in on Monday (12/14) to have tubes
    put in her ears.
    
    Now to those of you whose children had that procedure done, can you
    give me some advice?
    
    I understand that after the tubes, she will have to wear ear plugs when
    she gets a bath. Is that the only "maintenance" aspect of tube in her
    ears, or will other every-day aspects of life be impacted as well?
    
    I am also concerned about the anesthesia (total, but doctor said: "only
    a whiff of gas" making it sound like nothing to worry about). How have
    your children felt right after the surgery? Were they groggy, in pain,
    confused?
    
    Thanks in advance for your comments.
    
    Patricia (a worried mom).
    
    

    Zachary (now 11 months) just had tubes put in his ears 3 weeks ago.

    The only "maintenance" should be keeping the inner ears dry.  

>    I am also concerned about the anesthesia (total, but doctor said: "only
>    a whiff of gas" making it sound like nothing to worry about). How have
>    your children felt right after the surgery? Were they groggy, in pain,
>    confused?
    
    When he came out from the surgery, he was crying inconsolably for about
    15 minutes.  I understand that this is very common for young children.
    My daughter also had tubes put in about 20 months ago, and she woke up 
    the same way.  In fact, she cried inconsolably from the time she woke up 
    until the time we got her into the car and started driving home.  In both 
    cases, they napped for about 2 hours, and then woke up as if it were all 
    a bad dream.

    In both cases they also seemed to be a little off balance for a few
    days, too.  But that could be just because the fluid in their ears was
    FINALLY draining away.

    As far as pain goes, the doctor said that adults have this done 
    under local anesthetic, but he had me give them tylenol for the first 
    day after surgery.

    Hope this helps,

    -Joy

Just a nit.

The tubes drain fluid from the middle ear. If the fluid was drained from the
inner ear, that ear would be totally deaf.

The earplugs keep water out of the ear canal. If any water gets into the
middle ear via the tubes it can cause the very infection you are trying to
avoid.

Good luck with the surgery

Chris

    Patricia,
    
    My daughter, Amber, had tubes put in (bilateral myringotomy)
    when she was ten months old. Her appointment had been canceled
    twice because she couldn't shake a bout of pneumonia. She landed
    in the hospital, cleared up and was released only to start wheezing
    again a day before her third scheduled ear surgery.  We were so
    disappointed by all the delays. We (the ENT and mom and dad) felt 
    the pneumonia was caused (at least in part) by the constant ear
    infections. The ENT argued with the Pediatrician on the phone for
    several minutes until she relented and released Amber for surgery,
    despite the fluid in Amber's lungs. By the way, the Anesthesiologist
    gave the thumbs up as well. 
    
    Surgery was scheduled for 9:00am. We were home and Amber was in the
    backyard playing by 10:00am (pretty remarkable, I thought). The rest
    of the day went smoothly until we went grocery shopping that night.
    She started bouncing up and down in the cart and whining. My husband
    picked her up just in time to be completely covered by vomit. We
    never did figure out why she threw-up but suspect it was related to
    the anesthesia. 
    
    The earplugs during baths and swimming was a complete pain. We took
    a snorkel and mask to the pool with us to find the plugs that fell
    to the bottom of the pool. I soon grew tired of the whole thing and
    told the ENT the same.  He suggested that we put antibiotic drops
    in each ear after swimming and baths. These were actually antibiotic
    eye drops but seemed to work marvelously. 
    
    Right after surgery, Amber's pneumonia cleared up and she didn't
    have another ear infection for over two years. She had been treated
    for 8 months out of her 10 month young life for ear infections. I
    felt so bad for her. Tubes changed our lives. Mom and dad weren't
    stressed out by a sick, uncomfortable baby who was constantly being
    pumped with one antibiotic or another. And baby was very healthy and
    happy.  
    
    Good luck,
    Jodi-

    
    
    	Tyler had ear infections constantly and the meds were making him
    loose weight so I just stoped giving them to him and he didn't have an
    infection for over 2 years.  The one he had a few months ago was
    associated to the discovery of his bodily orifices.  Every toy was
    checked to see which hole it would fit into.  The Tinker Toy sticks fit
    well into his ear and one had left a splinter that ended up causing an
    infection.  After it was drained, he decided that things dont belong in
    his ears any more.  Besides, he always has his mouth and nose to work
    with.
    
    Virginia

    Unless your child is a real splasher in the tub, you can get
    away with just putting a little vaseline on cotton balls and sticking
    them over the ear cavity -- not into the ear.  This was what our
    ped. recommended when my daughter had her plugs at 16 months.
    
    She had no problems with the surgery and the anesthesia.  The
    doctor/anesthesist put grape-flavored chapstick on the mask
    so when she breathed in, she smelled the grape flavor.
    
    She finally had her plugs removed at almost 4 yrs of age.
    
    Regards,
    Diana

    
    
    Thanks for all the tips. We just went through with the pre-op
    visit, and will be at the hospital bright and early on Monday morning
    at 6:00.
    
    Your notes made me feel better about the whole thing. 
    
    Patricia.

    Just a footnote. The surgery and the waking up from the anesthesia went
    very well. Chloe was behaving as if nothing had happened, and even had
    a bottle of formula 30 minutes after the surgery without any ill
    effect.
    
    To our (the parents) eyes, she seems already better. For example, she
    now tolerates hats without any complaints. Before the tubes, she would
    tear them off her head immediately. She also seems brighter and more
    active. But maybe it's just our imagination. Now will have to see if
    these infections will stay away.
    
    Patricia.

    In giving my daughter a bath (with hair shampooing a necessity)
    last nite, I may have gotten water into her ear canal.  She had
    tubes put in last week.  I used the cotton balls and vaseline, but
    they got wet/fell out.  this child squirms so much during hair
    washings, it is next to impossible to wash her hair these days.
    I may need to buy plugs.
    
    I'll be keeping a look out for a possible ear infections due to
    last nite, but I'd like a definition as to what 'drainage' looks like
    when caused by an ear infection.  Is it clear, is it green, is it
    a lot, how far out will the draining occur or will it just be in
    the ear canal?  When will it show up?  Any other pointers or signs
    to look for?
    
    Thanks - Kathy

    
    I heard from a Doctor you can use Silly Putty in the ear, Its alot less
    cheaper than special ear plus.
    
    Lynne

    There are also flexible ear plugs that you can buy.  I can't remember
    the name right now ... but I have some at home I will check tonight. 
    You usually buy them in a small clear plastic box with 4 ear plugs. 
    They are small clear/white material that you roll in a ball and place
    in the ear. For an infant/small child you may actually be able to make 
    more than 4 out of them.  They are reusable.  They do get kind of "yucky" 
    after a while and you just throw them out.  My step-son used these for
    years for the exact reason you are (tubes).  He used them for swimming as
    well as bathing.  Only drawback is that you can't hear very well when
    they are in.
    
    Joyce
    
    

Signs of an ear infection:

Child pulling, rubbing, hitting the ear
does not like anything touching their head
gets upset when put in a prone position

If you think one is coming on, see your pedi. It only takes a quick peek with 
the otoscope to verify and start treatment. The sooner the better.

Chris

    RE: Silly Putty
    
    I put a rather lengthy note in the previous version of Parenting
    about our experience using Silly Putty.
    
    When a friend suggested it, I said cool, sounds great. It was 4th
    of July and we were enjoying our annual block party.  As Amber
    splased in her little wading pool, I checked to make sure her
    Silly Putty was still in.  A good look into her right hear turned
    up nothing.  A search of the pool and surrounding area turned up
    nothing. Where could it have gone???  Fortunately oue next door 
    neighbor is a doctor and he suggested he get his scope out and really
    look down the ear canal. There it was, about as far into the canal 
    as it could get.  The warm weather had softened it enough for it
    to 'crawl'.  Memories of my mother yelling at me as a kid about 
    keeping my Silly Putty in it's egg, so it wouldn't crawl away, came
    flashing by.
    
    Dave used the scope and a loop to snag the putty but it wasn't a
    fun time. I was just lucky we didn't have to run to emergency. I
    felt so stupid (or maybe Silly) about what I had done.
    
    Jodi-

    Whenever Sarah got an ear infection after she had her tubes, the
    discharge was a definite greenish color and came out of her ear.
    There was no doubt that she had an infection.  The ped. explained
    that since their is now an outlet for the infection, it is very easy
    to tell.  The ear pulling, etc doesn't apply anymore because there
    is no pressure on the ear canal anymore.
    
    As for water in the ear, I too was very concerned at the beginning.
    My doctor assured me that clean water wouldn't cause too much trouble.
    The real problem would be getting unclean, like swimming in a
    lake or stream, water in the ear.  
    
    Hope this helps a bit.
    
    Diana
    
    P.S.  We never had an infection due to water in the ear -- an in the
    summer my daughter is an underwater fish.  We did get a couple due
    to colds.

    I have a question related to ear infections.  My 9 month old has had
    recurrent ear infections (non-stop) since November 92.  It is going on
    three months now.
    
    We know the cause -- it is his tonsils.  They are so enlarged that he
    only has a space about the size of a pencil eraser to breath, eat,
    drain, etc. through in the back of his throat.  
    
    Bottom line is his tonsils will have to come out.  But our family
    physician says it can't be done until he is at least 3 years old
    because his lung capacity is great enough to handle the anesthesia
    required for a tonsillectomy.
    
    So what am I supposed to do... keep him on maintenance medication for
    ear infections for the next 2+ years?  Can't something be done to
    reduce the size of his tonsils without surgery (anti-inflammatory drug
    therapy)?  
    
    I would greatly appreciate any responses.  I went through the exact
    same situation with my older son (now 4 years old).  He had his tonsils
    removed at 3 years old for the same reason.  He had ear infections for
    17 months solid before they realized it was his tonsils, not his ears
    that were the problem.
    
    We have identified the problem... now we need an alternate solution. 
    Any help would be REALLY appreciated!!!
    
    Thanks,
    
    Kathy

    Hi Kathy,
    
    I'm afraid I can't offer much help, but..
    
    I went thru the same thing when I was young.  However, they wouldn't
    take out my tonsils until I was 5 years old!  In fact, they lost me
    twice and still refused to take them out!  AFter they were removed,
    I haven't had it since and that was many years ago!
    
    I don't understand the reasoning behind them saying their lungs aren't
    developed enough for the anestesia.  My daughter was born with a huge
    nevus (like a big mole) that covered most of her right leg.  They
    insisted on removing it right away, they didn't know if it was benign
    or malignant.  As it turn out, it wasn't, but it could have been.
    She had her first surgery, under anesthesia at 11 days old!!!  She
    did alot better than mommy did during the whole thing!  
    
    I think I would question them again.  Maybe it's because they would
    have to be under longer for a tonsillectomy.  I don't know.  If I
    remember correctly, my daughter was under for a good 2 hours!  She
    had a total of approx. 10 surgeries and 2 skin grafts over approx.
    a 4 year period.
    
    If you find out, please let us know, I know I'm curious.
    
    Good luck!

    I'd get a second opinion.
    
    or, there's something you're missing.
    
    Peter had full anesthesia at 4 months for a double hernia operation.
    Something missing here.
    
    Ben

    I'd also get a second opinion.  That doesn't make any sense about not
    using anesthesia til 3 years old due to lack of lung capacity.  My
    twins were born 12 weeks prematurely, so lung development (or lack
    thereof) was a great concern causing my son to be on a respirator
    to breathe for him for 8 1/2 weeks.  Yet, at 11 days old he had
    minor surgery to put in a central feeding line which under general
    anesthesia with the surgery lasting under an hour.  2 days later, his
    bowel burst causing life-saving surgery to be required.  This time,
    the surgery lasted for a little less than 4 hours, and it was also 
    under general anesthesia.  He again had surgery to reconnect his
    bowel at 6 months old which was a major operation lasting about 4
    hours and that required general anesthesia and for him to go back on
    a respirator for breathing as his lungs were so damaged due to the
    prematurity.
    
    Bottom line is that surgery is performed under general anesthesia on
    babies from the time they are born, and although there are risks,
    those need to be weighed when making the decision.  I can't imagine
    a blanket statement like no surgery til 3 due to lack of lung
    capacity as there are ways around that, use of the ventilator being
    one. 
    
    I'd definitely get a second opinion on this one.
    
    Regards,
    Cathy

    Thanks for all the input so far.  I am taking Noah to another
    pediatrician next Wednesday to have his ears rechecked (both ears have
    been infected on and off since November) and to check into this tonsil
    thing.  
    
    I know tonsil/throat problems are not bad enough to warrant major
    surgery but it is impacting his general health and well being.  He has
    been on amoxycillin/ceclor/erythromiacin (sp?) since Nov 30 and his
    teeth have been discolored because of the antibiotics.  I am concerned
    about what else constant use of antibiotics may be doing to him. 
    Another question for the pediatrician next week.
    
    My mom gave me tetracycline when I was an infant and my permanent teeth
    have been discolored because of that.  It looks like Noah may have the
    same problem.  Since it is only cosmetic, it is no big deal.  Just
    another thing to think about for everyone else who has their little ones
    on antibiotics for a long stretch.  My current family practice doctor
    says that long term use of antibiotics leeches calcium out of his
    system.  I hope it does not affect his bones.
    
    I'll let you know what I find out next week...
    
    Kathy
                                                 

    Yeah!!! Noah is doing much better :-)  The new pediatrician gave me a
    few new insights...
    
    The tooth discoloration is most likely due to his vitamins with iron. 
    Either stop the vitamins (if we want to) or add them to his formula and
    the teeth will be white again in a little while.
    
    His ears are NOT infected as of this writing.  Yeah!!  The pediatrician
    put Noah on a low dose maintenance drug (sulfa-- something).  He wants
    to recheck him next month.
    
    Noah's tonsils and adenoids are enlarged but he can live with it for
    now. 
    
    I feel much better (and so does Noah).  This is the first time in two
    months that he has been totally well.  He is sleeping better and is so
    much peppier it is amazing.
    
    His latest trick is pulling to a stand and then letting go to see how
    long he can balance himself upright without any support.  In a few
    seconds he falls/sits down hard on his diaper and smiles and laughs
    like crazy!  
    
    Isn't it great when your kids are healthy and happy?
    
    I'll keep you posted periodically.  Thanks for your replies and
    suggestions.  They were very helpful.
    
    Kathy
         

    Max got tubes put in his ears a month ago.  Two weeks later he came
    down with another cold.  This time his ears did not get infected 
    however, one of them is clogged with ear wax.  Now instead of the pink 
    stuff we are on ear drops :-{
    

    AJ went to his ear specialist last week.  Just a bit of history, the
    middle of last month he had a very severe ear infection.  It was so
    severe we though he had pink eye because we were getting a disgusting
    discharge out of the corner of his eyes, it was discharge from his ears
    that had no other way out!  As a result of this ear infection his
    asthma was triggered, and he spent several days in the Pedi ICU and the
    hospital.
    
    The ear doctor said one of his tubes was clogged, not really
    functioning, and there was fluid behind it.  The Dr. has put AJ on one
    week of theraputic level Suprax, and 3 to 4 more weeks of half that
    dosage until he sees him again the middle of March.
    
    The Doctor said he's probably going to have to have the tube pulled and
    replaced.  What I forgot to ask is, if he does one tube will he do
    both of them at the same time.  It seem the other tube is just fine.
    These tubes have been in just about a year, I think they went in the
    end of February 1992 along with removal of tonsils and adenoids.
    
    Since he is now 6 and has asthma how many more years of tubes am I
    looking at?  This is his second set.  The first set lasted something
    like three years, and were surgically removed so as to avoid scaring.
    
    Lyn

    Russell has had fluid in his ears since sometime in January (we think).
    For the last 3-4 months, the fluid has not been infected.  We tried
    maintenance doses of medication, but all this did was lower his white
    blood count.

    The dr is recommending tubes so that proper speech development doesn't
    become a problem.  Russell will be three the end of August.  He said
    if we want to wait until the end of the summer, that's ok.  It's also
    ok if we want to have it done now.  My husband and I are leaning toward
    waiting.  Russell does talk fairly well (we think).  He does have
    trouble with some sounds (f's sound like t's) but are we being
    unrealistic in hoping that a growth spurt will "cure" him?  We'd like
    to be able to enjoy the summer, and don't want to have the daycare
    center worry about the tubes unless we really have to. The dr. seems to
    think it's ok to wait.  But he'd write the referral today if we agreed.

    Has anyone else had this problem?  If Russell's ears were infected,
    there would be no question - he'd have the tube put in right away.  But
    the fluid is just there - it's not infected.  He seems to be in this
    grey area where there are no clear answers to any of our questions.

    marianne

How old is Russell?

Have you discussed with the doctor draining of Russell's ears before going to
tubes? 

Have you gotten a second opinion?

    Russell will be 3 the end of August (the 31st).  We asked him about
    draining the ears, and he told us that they really don't like to do
    that anymore.  Evidently, the fluid just builds up again as soon as the
    ear drum heals.
    
    Since we are with an HMO, I believe the "second" opion will be with the
    ENT, who will probably push for the tubes. I may take him back to his
    old pedi and talk to him about this. 
    
    marianne

You need to remember that the doctor is working the law of averages while
you are working for your son. While your mileage may vary my son had his ears
drained at 4 and never had another problem. Some kids do have fluid buildup
again later. In terms of the trauma to the child most I've seen have had
lots of problems with the tubes (they pop out, they get infected, etc.). I
would be inclined to attempt draining first and then if problems continue
go for the tubes. This was our doctor's opinion at the time (yes, it has been
10 years and things do change). 

    I guess I can offer experience here.  
    
    AJ had his first set of tubes sugicaly removed in Dec'91 because they
    really wern't working, clogged etc.  Plus they had been inover two
    years and teh doctor was afraid that to leave them in any longer might
    leave a scar.  They were removed and not replaced.  Within a month,
    unfortunately we changed from JH plan to an HMO within that month, he
    had fluid build up, and a 90% hearing loss.  No infection just fluid. 
    He was not hearing much of anything, or as the ENT specialist said, he
    is hearing like a 90 year old person, or as much as you hear when you
    are underwater in a pool.  When the tubes were finally put in, about a
    month later, there was so much fluid the surgeon had to suction it out,
    and there was drainage even after the surgery, something I had not seen
    before.
    
    My understanding, from the ENT doctor, is that where there is fluid
    build up, there is hearing loss, and potential for permanent hearing
    loss.  Left alone long enough with the fluid being in a warm dark area
    you are just begging for an infection.
    
    In our case we were aggressive with keeping his tubes in and
    functional, my sister inlaw refused any more tubes for her son after
    his third or fourth set.  My nephew now talks like a child who has or
    has had a hearing loss, i.e. lots of D's where th's should be, dese
    instead of these.
    
    Does this help?  FYI, in the HMO rules your primary physician is the
    first opinion, the specialist is your "second" opinion.
    
    Lyn

    
    Lyn - 
    
    I'm thinking about switching from JH to an HMO (it's just TOO
    expensive!)  so I'm curious about your comment  "we had just switched
    fom JH to an HMO"
    
    How would getting tubes - or getting the whole condition evaluated
    differ
    
    Thx -
    Jamd

    The BIG problem with the switch from JH to HMO, beside a huge decrease
    in premiums, was that we had been established with ONE hospital, and
    the doctors who practice AT the hospital.  AJ has(hopefully I can say
    HAD) many medical conditions from birth requiring numerous specialists. 
    Our biggest problem was that in addition to realizing he had a 90%
    hearign loss, and the potential for a permanent loss if we didn't react
    very quickly, plus it was becoming obvious that tonsils and adenoids
    ought to come out at the same time, was that we had to change from the
    ENT specialist at the teaching hospital to a NEW doctor, NEW Hospital,
    new routine, plus that meant findign someone whom we felt comfortable
    with, waiting for an appointment, then waiting to schedule surgery, a
    new preop proceedure, and let me tell you an awful lot of asprin and
    antacids during the waiting period.
    
    We had enrolled in this particular HMO because they listed the hospital
    we were used to as one of the approved hospitals.  What they neglected
    to tell us was it was only for major "trauma" not routine things!
    We explored quite seriously, the possibilty of mortgaging the house to
    pay for his surgery with the former specialist, for the sake of quick
    turnaround and being comfortable with the surgeon.  Even asked him if
    he'd take a certain amount of payment in monthly installments.  We were
    in a "a panic mode" dealing with what seemed to be a daily loss of
    hearing, his horrible behavior, because when he can't hear he acts out
    terribly and is just out of control.  Bottom line, the new doctor is
    wonderful, my only complaint is that he makes us wait tremendous
    amounts of time in his waiting room, and to get routine appointments!
    
    He has done a second set of tubes since, and I am quite satisfied with
    his care, and bedside manner.
    
    Lyn

After a year of on and off antibiotic treatment, my two year old Patrick had
tubes put in last month. Patrick has a hearing loss unrelated to the middle
ear, and it is very important that his remaining shred of hearing not be 
further diminished. His vocal production had just about vanished, and his 
recognition of environmental sounds was limited to things he could feel. 
Both of his middle ears were filled with fluid which drained off immediately 
after the tubes were put in. One month later, he's hearing the dog bark, my 
motorcycle arrive, the refrigerator turn on, etc. We have been working 
doubletime on his vocal production, and it's coming back slowly.

I was against having tubes put in, but this situation had to end.

Re: HMO's 

We were very lucky, in that all of our doctors (7 total) were members of both
health plans I've belonged to. We're with Tufts now, and I can't forsee
changing for any reason other than leaving the company. They are the best
for our family.

Chris

 

    
    Well, we just came back from the latest ear check - and the fluid is
    gone!  Russell probably went thru a growth spurt.  We had been thinking
    that his hearing was improving, but it's hard to tell at this age
    whether they can't hear, or just choosing not to listen.  We will have
    to keep a close eye out over the the next few months to see how he
    handles colds, but for now no tubes.  I'm glad we waited.
    
    marianne

    My daughter, who is now 23, had multiple sets of tubes in her ears
    over the years when she was young.  She didn't get them because anyone
    suspected she couldn't hear, but we soon found out that she really
    couldn't hear, until she got the tubes.  They were great.
    
    Dick

    
    Well, Jonathan went for his 2nd appt with his ENT last week, and after
    much discussion, we've decided to go ahead with tubes.
    
    He's had ear infections since he was 2 mos old, and has had fluid in
    his ears since February, or possibly sooner.  The fluid hasn't always
    been infected, but has always BEEN there.  There is some concern that
    if the fluid remains in the ear too long, it can thicken and cause
    permanent hearing loss.  Unfortunately, there is no way to see if the
    fluid has thickened or not.  About the only way they can tell is when
    it gets so bad it starts to stretch the eardrum.  Jonathan's eardrum
    does not appear to be stretched at this time.
    
    The Dr. was unsure about whether to wait and see if the fluid would go
    away over the summer, or to proceed with tubes.  I could have been 
    persuaded either way when we went in there Friday, and the Dr could
    have too.  He said things weren't normal, and might even be a LITTLE
    better, but he wasn't positive about that.  Then came the discussion
    about how well he hears.
    
    I told him I don't think he hears well at ALL.  He definitely hears,
    but he doesn't hear WELL.  (His dad disagrees w/ me, but that's a
    different argument (-:).  The second he heard that, the Dr said "Then
    we should definitely do the tubes as soon as we can".  WOW!  I was
    surprised.  The Dr's feeling was this;
    
    if something's going on that even makes you SUSPICIOUS that he might
    not be hearing well, then he's probably not hearing well, and he
    probably can hear even less than you [I] think.  
    
    He wasn't even terribly interested in how I reached my conclusion - his
    feeling was that just about any suspicion was enough of a concern to
    proceed.  He did comment that a lot of times, a parent can be a much
    more accurate judge of their child's hearing, than even their most
    precise testing.  
    
    And then as a clincher, we went to the fireworks this w/end, and
    Jonathan wasn't bothered by them, but I had my hands over both his
    ears.  I took my hand off his right ear to kill a bug, just as a big
    *BOOM* went off, and the little guy didn't so much as flinch.  I tried
    it, leaving his left ear uncovered, and he started crying.  Swapped
    back to his right again (after he stopped crying), and again he didn't
    flinch.  Yesterday we were visiting his dad, and whilewas running the
    tablesaw, Jonathan started crying.  I picked him up and he kept crying. 
    I covered just his left ear, and he stopped right away.  Did the same
    left/right thing, and had the same results as the fire works.  And of
    course, it's always been his right ear that's been MUCH worse than his
    left.  So at this point, I'd venture to guess that he can hear very
    little from his right side. )-:
    
    Surgery is scheduled for July 14th, and I'm a bit of a basket case
    about it.  I KNOW, logically, that it's all for the best, and it's a
    simple procedure, and he'll be fine, and a lot better for it in the
    end, but it's still got me in knots.  I keep remembering when Chris had
    his eye surgery, and for as long as I live, I'll remember that little
    boy being wheeled away, scared to death, crying for his mommy, reaching
    out to me, and having to swallow my instinct to protect him because
    this really was "the best thing for him".  It was harder on me than
    him, and I think Jonathan's will be too!
    
    Question:  As for afterwards, what did you do with your child after?  I
    planned to take the day off and just spoil him after.  His father
    thinks that's ridiculous to waste a whole day out of work when the
    procedure is so short, and he feels that the baby certainly doesn't
    need BOTH of us there.  What did you do?  Did you both take the time to
    be with your child, or with each other?  I feel like I'm nuts to expect
    his father to take the day off, but then again, it's his child, and it
    seems like he should be there.  He works at Digital, and it's not a
    problem to get time off.
    
    Thanks!
    Patty

For every surgery either of our son's have had (Evan had tubes when about 
8 months old or so), we both were there, and we both took the day off to
be with him.  We also pressed the hospitals to let us be with the child
the longest time possible, meaning with him until he fell asleep (*in* the
operating room) and with him when he woke up (not always possible, but you'd
be surprised sometimes; the hospital staff doesn't like children to be
panicky either!).  We sometimes really did have to push, but usually were able
to do what we thought was best for our child.  

We think our presence and support helps a lot.

     Carol

    
    My husband is going in for day surgery (also on the 14th, where are you 
    going??) and just this morning I read the instructions. One of the
    instructions was that if the patient was a child there would have to
    be 2 people to take the child home: one to drive and one to be with 
    the child. So once you get your instuctions, it may be a moot point
    about his father taking the day off.
    
    Patty

    
    We're going to Nashua Memorial, and I left out that he's now 9 mos old
    - be a week short of 10 mos at the surgery.  I do have my instructions,
    but haven't read through them all -- I'll definitely have to check
    that, but now that you mention it, I remember that from Chris' surgery. 
    For him the surgery was in Concord, MA, and we lived in Nashua, NH.  It
    was one of the longest drives of our lives, with a very unhappy little
    boy, who just wanted his bed and Mommy and Daddy (*BOTH*!).  
    
    A friend at work pointed out that having Mom and Dad both there is one
    of those times where that real "parental" bond is formed - to know that
    when it 'hurts', or when it's scarey, they'll both be there.  I never
    thought of that, but she did bring up a good point!  
    
    Maybe I'm overreacting, but it is interesting how it was just assumed
    that if he needed any other attention than the morning, that that'd be
    MY problem to take care of it.  And I guess I always had the "what-ifs"
    drummed into me as a kid .... what IF something happened??  Wouldn't
    you want to BE there??  
    
    THANKS!!
    

My 5 year old son has had tubes in his ears for about 2.5 years.  His tubes 
no longer look good so the doctor has told me that he recommends removing them 
but it sounds like a much bigger deal than putting them in.  

Among other things he mentioned possible conductive hearing loss, a recovery
period (no physical activity for 1 week) and possible future surgery if
the opening does not close properly.  In addition since both ears would
need the operation, he said that my son would no be able to hear for 2 weeks
since they put a gel in to help the opening close.

Has anyone else needed to have their child's tubes removed ?  I'd be
interested in hearing anyone else's experience with this.

Thanks,
Abby

    Wow!  Sounds terrible.  My daughter had her tubes put in
    at 16 months and removed at 3.5 years.  The ordeal of putting them
    in was greater than taking them out, except that she was more
    aware of what was going on at 3.5.
    
    They put her under general anethesia -- had her sniff a grape
    flavored face mask -- then just took it out.
    
    She was running around by that afternoon, and to my knowledge
    had no trouble with her hearing.
    
    She did only have to have one removed.  The other one fell out
    about 6 months earlier.  It looked like a tiny sewing bobbin.  We
    still have it somewhere.
    
    Anyway, there may be other factors that I'm not aware of, but for
    us the removal of the tube did not involve any of the cautions
    that your doctor mentioned.
    
    Diana

Hi,

My 4 year old son has had ear infections every winter. A dose of amoxicillan
cured them all.

Last year, I asked his pedi about tubes, as he had never suggested them and
I thought that was strange, as every other kid with ear infections, that I have
heard of, has had tubes put in. The pedi stated that as long as the medicine
does the trick, he'd rather avoid the tubes. I prefer that way, too.

Recently, I had my son's hearing checked, as hearing problems run in my
family. The ENT specialist and his audiologist confirmed that he does have
"Significant Reversable Childhood hearing loss". The ENT is pushing to have
tubes put in. At the same time, he wants to remove the adnoids to correct
nasal problems.

Any experienced parents that had tubes put in their children at or around
age 4? I'd be curious to read what you have to say.

I already have an appointment with my son's pedi and my son has been on
amoxicillan since the day he saw the ENT.

Norma

My 4 year old daughter has had 4-6 month ear infections for each of
the past 2 winters.  She just started with another infection last week,
so the pedi wants to go with tubes and removing the adnoids ASAP.
Her logic is that since she had 2 bad winters, and the start of
a third is here, why wait?

I'm not too concerned with putting in tubes (my 6 year old had
them in when she was 2), but I'm not sure about the adnoids.

Removing adnoids seems to be a recent thing with ear infections.
I haven't read or heard much about this - can anyone point to 
documentation on the pro-and-con of it?

thanks.

- Craig

    Re: .65 and .66 (older kids having tubes put in)
    
    Did you end up with the tubes?  I'm curious because I may be facing the
    same decision for my 4.5 year old.  We have been on maintenance
    amoxicillin for as long as I can remember, with some summer breaks. 
    Lately my son has broken through every 2-3 months with another
    infection.  The problem is that he always has the fluid in his middle
    ear, he just can't seem to clear it.
    
    Right now he is on Ceclor, loves the taste thank heavens!  His speech
    is fine, his motor skills seem okay too.  He did have one hearing test
    a few infections ago, but it was inconclusive, as he raised his hands
    too much and thought the whole thing was a game.  He does talk loudly,
    but then he comes from the "loud family", so that may just be due to
    his environment.
    
    After the next recheck the doctor wants to discuss tubes.  I was so
    hoping he would grow out of these infections and the fluid would just
    miraculously disappear.
    
    Julie

>>                     <<< Note 61.67 by USCTR1::JPALMASON >>>
>>                    -< Potential for tubes in 4.5 year old >-

>>    Did you end up with the tubes?  I'm curious because I may be facing the
>>    same decision for my 4.5 year old.  We have been on maintenance
>>    amoxicillin for as long as I can remember, with some summer breaks. 
>>    Lately my son has broken through every 2-3 months with another
>>    infection.  The problem is that he always has the fluid in his middle
>>    ear, he just can't seem to clear it.

Have you ruled out allergies?  That's been known to cause continual fluid
int the ears.

Garry    

    Garry,
    
    As I have been reading through this string, I have become more aware of
    allergies as a possibility.  I will bring this up at the ear recheck. 
    Someone in here mentioned allergies to dairy products, is this a major
    culprit for many?  Other than the ears, he is very healthy.  In fact,
    he rarely gets a cold, the ear infections just pop up from the fluid
    sitting there.
    
    Thanks,
    Julie

    This is an update to my son's battle with ear infections, and
    middle-ear fluid.  He is almost 5 years old.
    
    Well, after several summer ear infections, middle-ear fluid that won't
    drain, and a return to maintenance doses of Amoxicillin, our pedi
    referred us to an ENT specialist.
    
    He did a "hearing test" which blew me away.  He took a tuning fork, and
    banged it on the desk.  He placed the handle (i.e. dead end) up against
    Erik's head and asked him which was louder - this or - then he placed
    the live end at his ear, - or this.  Erik said right away that the
    first was louder.  Then, the doctor repeated the test with me, and I
    just couldn't believe how much louder the latter sound was.  Then he
    had me stick my thumb in my ear and try it.  Even at that, for me the 2
    sounds were about equal.  For my son, it was still louder through his
    head.
    
    So, we will be having the tubes done in October.  Now that I know how
    bad his hearing is, I can't wait.  I am so glad that this has not
    affected his speech, coordination, or development, at least not yet.
    
    I just reread this string, and feel even more confident in our
    decision.  I will post results later.  Emerson Hospital has a
    preadmission party for 3-10 year olds, where they show them what
    happens, so it should take away some of the anxiety, for all of us!
    
    It was interesting to learn where the fluid in the middle ear actually
    comes from.  Since his Eustachian tubes are not opening, there is no
    fresh air getting into his middle ear.  That creates a vacuum, and the
    eardrum is pulled into the vacuum.  Then, the vacuum pulls fluids from
    the middle ear tissues, quite like a suction cup placed on you creates
    a fluid-filled blister.  The operation includes puncturing the eardrum,
    draining the fluid, and then inserting the tubes so that fresh air can
    enter the middle ear.  
    
    We are going to get a pair of molded plugs for $34.00.
    
    Thanks to all for their replies to this string.
    
    Julie 

Good luck with the tubes.  My son had them done at Emerson about 6 months ago.
The hospital experience was good.  The hardest part was when they took him
away for the surgery (he was only 15 months), but he was back about 20 minutes
later.  After he had something to eat he was fine.  We were home by 10 AM.

The tubes work really well, but not perfectly.  He has had 2 infections since
then, one soon after the surgery and one more recently(started in sinuses), 
each of which was cured with 1 course of anitbiotics.  In the six months 
before the tubes we estimated that he spent approx 1/2 of the time on 
antibiotics, and had allergic reactions to 2 of them.

Lori

    Ditto..good luck with the tubes. My daughter had ear infections several
    times  fall/winter 1993/4 and we were talking about tubes spring 1994, but
    her ears cleared up by June. Not so lucky this past year..she spent the
    past fall/ winter (1994/5)on antibiotics and her ears did not clear up. So
    we went for a hearing test and that showed some temporary hearing loss in
    one of her ears. She had the tubes put in at Emerson in July...her
    ears have been fine since and no more drugs! The Pediatric Prevention
    Team at Emerson was just terrific and really took the time to make each
    child feel comfortable. The procedure went fine and we were home early
    morning that day. Good luck .
    
    Steph

    re: my note 61.70
    
    I wanted to update all interested on the tubes procedure.  My son Erik
    had the tubes inserted 2 weeks ago, and everything went beautifully. 
    He had the procedure done at Emerson Hospital in Concord, and they were
    great to deal with.
    
    We went to the preadmission party the week before his surgery, where he
    met the Pediatric Intervention Team (the best), got to play with all
    the equipment, and see where everything happens.  This is definitely
    worth the trip, as far as relieving anxieties for both parents and
    kids.
    
    The surgery was scheduled for 8:00 AM, we played with toys until then,
    and Erik visited with his Pediatric Intervention rep (whom he had met
    the week before).  We opted not for a sedative, as he was handling all
    this very well.  They wheeled him off to surgery in a red wagon, he was
    waving as he headed out the door.
    
    Hardest part is waiting, but it took about 15 minutes before the doctor
    came out to tell us all went well, and to give us post surgery
    instructions.  Basically, we need to use earplugs for bathtime, and
    keep an eye out for any discharge, which probably means an ear
    infection.
    
    Erik woke up after another 15 minutes, and was very sad for about 30
    minutes.  He was thirsty, so drank about 6 cups of water, then threw
    up, then was fine.  We were home by 10:15, after stopping to rent some
    cool movies. 
    
    He was back to normal by noon, wolfing down lunch and running around. I
    tried to keep him kind of quiet, but it was difficult.
    
    His behavior has not been stellar since the surgery.  I think he is on
    sensory overload right now (Wow, I didn't realize I could hear all this
    fun stuff).  Imagine being put in front of a really loud TV and being
    made to sit and listen.  He's getting better now, we have been using a
    sticker system for the last week as a reward for good listening and
    being kind to his little sister.
    
    I am so glad we opted for the tubes, now I know my son can hear again
    and I look forward to a winter free of ear infections.
    
    Julie