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Success after IF
If your LO has tubes in his/ her ears -
Could you please tell me about it? It seems to be fairly common, but the only IRL person I know whose kid has tubes was very against the procedure and went to he!! and back to try to prevent needing it (quit her job to keep DS out of daycare, etc.) In the end, she ended up getting tubes anyway but, last time I checked, she had still had 2 more ear infections!
Anyway!
At what point were tubes discussed/ considered?
What went into your decision about whether to do tubes/ when/ etc.?
Was the procedure itself better/ worse than you anticipated?
Speaking of, who actually does the procedure? Does your pedi refer you to a surgeon or something?
Anything else you think of or would like to share. .
Thanks!
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Re: If your LO has tubes in his/ her ears -
DD had fluid in her ears starting around her 12 month appointment at the end of June. She didn't get an actual infection until 4 months later (around Halloween). It cleared up but about 2 weeks later she got another infection in the other ear. We put her back on amoxicillan and halfway through she started becoming very sleepy (sleeping 13-14 hours at night and taking 2 really long naps... from a child who was hardly STTN at all!) and developed a cough. We took her to the pedi in a panic and she still had the ear infection (it hadn't gotten any better) and a fever. We did bloodwork and all was fine except that she had some kind of bacterial infection (the ear infection) So she went on a stronger antibiotic and was fine about 10 days later.
Then a few weeks later, another ear infection developed. Between this and the fact that she had fluid in both ears even when no infection was present, we were done. We had been at the pedi at least once every 10 days at this point and DD was sick from Halloween until Christmas. Our pedi referred us to an ENT (not a pediatric one, but that was ok with me). I'm a speech therapist, so I would have pushed for it knowing what the fluid can do. Plus I have had a very bad experience with antibiotics and like to avoid them and the pedi also knew this. Everyone was surprised at how quickly we resorted to surgery, but it was the right decision for us.
The ENT took one look in her ears and said that she needed tubes. He wanted her to have them right away, and we agreed. The fluid had been clear and thin a few days before and it was now thick and gummy (in the ENT's words). So we scheduled it for later that week.
The surgery was super simple. I was nervous about the anesthesia, but she was gone from our care for a total of 20-25 minutes. The ENT (who did the surgery) came out to tell us it went well and then the nurse followed about 5-10 minutes later when she woke up. We hardly had time to worry. She did great and had no side effects at all (wasn't even sleepier than usual or anything).
It has been 8 weeks and so far her ears are looking great, which is awesome. Her language took off and her speech improved a ton as well (which could be just because of her age, but I have seen what constant fluid/infections do to speech and language skills) She has had a cold since, but she's in daycare so I would expect that. It's amazing at how much less it affects her though.
Ever since the tubes, she has also STTN most nights, she started eating better, and she's just happier overall. I'm so, so glad we chose to do it!!
DS2 has them and he got them last August when he was 9 months old. BEST decision ever.
The ENT doctor does them. Usually your pedi will give you some referrals to ENT's in your area. We then went to an outpatient facility. They literally did hundreds the same day as DS's and they went in order from youngest to oldest, so DS2 was the 2nd baby to go that morning. He was maybe away from us for 20 minutes. It was fast and easy. He did throw up after we got home when the anasthaesia started wearing off, but after he napped, he was totally fine by the afternoon. Many of our friend's kids have them and no one has ever had an issue. For me, the procedure was better than I was anticipating.
He was pretty much getting an ear infection every month and the fluid was not clearing up. He was also constantly congested and every time he got a cold (which seemed to be a lot since he was born in the winter.....), he would get an ear infection.
*knock on wood*, but he has not had a single ear infection since he got his tubes in last August. As you know, the most common times for ear infections are in the Fall/Winter, so we made it this year with none
His congestion and sleep have improved tremendously since we got the tubes as well.
GL!
My littlest one is getting them next week. Since September, she's either had an ear infection or fluid in her ears. She has had about one infection per month. It's not fun as you know as they're painful and hard on everyone. We just met with an ENT this week. We realize the season is practically over, but she had fluid in her ears 3 days after finishing her last round of antibiotics so we're going ahead with the tubes.
I get to hold her during the procedure, and the tube is so tiny. So I'm feeling ok about the procedure itself. I'm hoping it works. Also, the ENT mentioned that if she does get another infection after the tubes are placed, then they prescribe ear drops instead of another oral abx so I'm happy about that.
We went through multiple ear infections before tubes were even discussed. I don't know any pedi that rushes into them. We were referred to an ENT. The procedure was simple and quick. I did not even go and DH brought Little Dude to see me at work right after. We did end up with one or two infections right after, but have not had any in a year (knock on wood). Best decision we ever made.
I always had problems with ear infections as a kid and even into adulthood. I wish my mother would have pushed for tubes for me. I had three ear drum ruptures and had the ear drums lanced twice to drain fluids. The pain of that was horrible and I have never forgotten it.
At what point were tubes discussed/ considered? DD never had an ear infection- she had fluid in her ears for several months, after a round on antibiotics that did not work- we were referred to the ENT.
What went into your decision about whether to do tubes/ when/ etc.? Pedi concerned it would affect her speech.
Was the procedure itself better/ worse than you anticipated? It was what I expected- took about 15 minutes- she was fine the minute we pulled out of the parking lot of the surgery center.
Speaking of, who actually does the procedure? Does your pedi refer you to a surgeon or something? ENT- Ear Nose and Throat Specalist
I am a pediatric nurse and work in a recovery room from the OR. I believe the criteria to recomend tubes is 4 infections in a year- but I could be wrong. The surgery is fast and basic. Adults get them done in a chair at the ENT office. The only reason you have surgery in kids is because they need to be still. At my hospital the parents are allowed in the induction room. The kids are given gas to put them out. Parents are then taken to the waiting room. The surgery takes MAYBE 10 min. The kids are brought to recovery room and wake up anywhere from 2 min to 30 min. We DO NOT try to hurry them up especially toddlers when waking up. If they sleep for even 15 min to wear off the anesthesia they are sooooo much happier. We get parents back as soon as possible. I don't know how old your LO is but typically the are toddlers- so this note reflects how they act. ENT does the procedure. Kids are usually just tired when they wake up and are thirsty. Once they wake up the kids are usually able to go home right away.
Things you need to know
Request narcatic pain med. We give fentanyl in the nose. They don't have much pain but it helps them sleep for a few min and wear off anesthesia and make a happier baby. They are sensative to noises and recovery rooms at a pediatric facility can be noisy- the med will help with this also.
When you come back they may be crying and freaking out. This is pretty common in toddlers for shorter procedures. research EMERGENCE DELERIUM. It can be scary, but it is the anesthesia and there is no need for you to stay longer in the recovery room.
If they are crying and very fussy, they will calm down as you leave the facility. Parents all the time don't want to go because there kid is grumpy. Once they see you are leaving- they relax.
If your child uses a cup during the day and a bottle at night for comfort- bring the bottle. Anesthesia makes them tired and if a bottle comforts them when tired that is what will make your experience better.
If your child uses a pacifier- GIVE IT to the staff. The recovery room nurse will use it the second the child wakes up to help them wake up slower.
I hope this helps you and any other person reading post about to get ear tubes. PM me if you have any other questions.
Lucy got tubes the beginning of February. I was nervous, of course, but I knew that it was for the best. The poor girl had had SIX ear infections since the beginning of December, and her ears just wouldn't drain.
We were separated from her for no more than half an hour. She did great! Of course, she was a little sad coming out of it (and she threw up in the car!), but other than that, she was fine! She took her normal one hour nap that day,and woek up as if nothing happened.
She hasn't had an ear infection since, and at our 3 week follow-up last week, the ENT said her ears looked great. I feel fairly certain she will be a candidate for a second set in a year or so, and I will not hesitate. If it makes her feel better, it is totally worth it.
Let me know if you have any other questions