also on the ear tubes front.. ?

KoriBrett

We were told that DS's right tube had fallen out & was gone.

Then we were told his left tube was also gone.

Saturday, we were told that the left was in place and functioning, right was in the ear canal but non-functioning.

All by the pede.  Different docs at the same practice.

Would you be calling the ENT?  Would you leave it, 'cause if it's not broke don't fix it?  How the hell can 3 docs miss bright blue things in an ear, anyway?

shouldbworkin

Our ENT says that peds can't tell, it's not their specialty.  If he needs an annual recheck, I would take him in.  Otherwise, I'd just wait until you have a problem.  I always ask the Peds when we go, but I don't always go to the ENT based on what they say.  At this point, though, if DS still has one, it needs to come out (been in since he was 10 mos old).

mamarazzi

I would go to the ENT just for a check.  I've come to the conclusion that (some?  most?) pediatricians aren't adequately trained when it comes to dealing with ear issues.

Our pediatrician (who we're in the process of replacing) missed multiple ear infections, saying they were clear.  The most obvious misdiagnosis was when we went for pedi visit less than two days before an ENT appointment.  The pedi said his ears were "perfect."  The ENT said -- and showed us -- his eardrums were purple, pus-filled and bulging.  He said there was no way it would have gone from clear to raging in that amount of time.

Then, before this surgery, we had to go for a pre-op physical.  We saw the ENT Monday afternoon.  He said the left tube was completely obstructed (it's been this way for months) and that it appeared infected.  On Wednesday, the pedi said "Wow.  Well, that left ear alllllmost looks clear!  Hmmm..."

Turns out the left tube had been completely dislodged by infection/swelling/fluid and the eardrum had healed back closed.  It was filled with thick, mucousy, infected fluid, which continued to drain the next day.  So, yeah...definitely not "almost clear."

I'm not sure if it's just hard to get a good look or what, but I definitely only *really* trust the specialist when it comes to ears now.

niecy

Some pedis suck at ears. I've had quite a few tell me the ears were clear, and the ENT tell me the opposite, all within a few days of each other. I'd follow up with your ENT to see what's going on. My DD is on her 2nd round of tubes in 6 months so if you have other questions, let me know.