It's funny. We went to see the ENT six weeks ago and Katie had fluid behind the ear drums at that visit.
Shortly afterward, I think the fluid FINALLY drained and she seemed to being doing much better.
I ALMOST cancelled the surgery, thinking maybe I had jumped the gun, or was putting her through something she didn't need to go through.
But, I REALLY felt like this was the right thing to do, and sure enough, when she went in from her pre-op exam yesterday, she had fluid behind the ear drums AGAIN. And I know that it really bothers her, and she still isn't sleeping well (so I am REALLY hoping this helps with the sleeping issues too!)
Anyway, it made me grateful that I was listening to the promptings I was getting and especially grateful that I DIDN'T cancel the operation, since her surgeon is REALLY GOOD, and booked for six weeks solid!
So, just for a little background:
So really, nothing too serious. But you always worry a little whenever your children have to go through anything like this.People get tubes (also known as PEs or pressure equalizing tubes) to allow air to get into the ear space behind the eardrum. Air is needed in this space to
allow the eardrum to move. Normally the Eustachian tube at the back of the throat does this, but in many children, the Eustachian tube is immature, or temporarily not built right, preventing the air from getting into the middle ear.
If there is no air in the ear, either fluid builds up, or infections start, or both. With the buildup of fluid or infection, hearing can be affected, either temporarily or permanently. If medicines have not worked, PE tubes can prevent these problems.
The actual procedure is called a bilateral myringotomy with tubes. This just means that she is going to have a tube place in each ear.
During the procedure, Katie will be placed under general anesthesia. She must be perfectly still during the operation, so, in order to keep her still and prevent her from feeling pain during the procedure, they put her to sleep.The surgeon will use a microscope and cut a small incision in the ear drum. The fluid behind the ear drum will then be drained.
The surgeon will then insert the tube in the ear drum. The tubes is the size of a grain of rice.
Then, it's over. The whole procedure only takes about 10 minutes.
So keep Katie in your prayers and we will give an update tomorrow.
8 comments:
Blake's tubes actually just fell out. It was just lying in his ear canal this morning and the dr took it out and showed it to me. He's had five infections in the same ear since the tubes came out about a year ago, so he might have to get them again!
The procedure is a breeze and she'll be up and all over the place as soon as it's over. Good luck!
Good luck - I'm sure she'll be fine, and you'll notice a HUGE difference right away!
Good luck. So hard when it is your baby! I remember when Emma was 18 mths old she was put to sleep and had her tounge clipped. She was mildly tounge tied. It took 20 min. from the time the took until I was holding her again. They are so good with little kids! She was eating M & M's at Sams Club just hours after it was done. Didnt phase her at all!
We'll be praying for you little Katie! For you too, Denise (and Troy).
We will be praying for you and Katie.
My Sydney (3) had tubes when she was a 18 months old. It was the best thing, she wasn't hearing well and just a few days after the tubes she was responding to me in ways she never had before.
Everythng will go great- we'll keep her in our prayers! I'll check in with you in the afternoon!
Good luck today!
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