My daughter will be 2 in June and she has had several ear infections over the past 8 months. We took her to see the specialist Minneapolis Oto.in Shakopee at St. Francis. The Dr. recomended tubes and possbile have her abnoids taken out. I am wonder if anyone has any insight for what we should expect that first day of surgery? Also if anyone has 1st hand experince with this group of doctors? I am very nervous for her but I know that this will give the best results. I am also afraid she may have hearing loss from having 9 ear infections seeing she is always saying HUH. Any advice or knowledge would be appreciated.
R.,
My daughter also had tons of ear infections and was about 1 1/2 when she had tubes put in. After we came home she slept and when she woke up her speech was better. It was the best thing, and is now always happy. I had asked tons of people their experiences before, and everyone was positive. It will help her hear better, and ear infectins are painful.
Best of luck!
C.
Hi, R....
Our nearly 9 month old son just had tubes put in Wednesday morning. I'm not sure about the group of doctors that you mentioned--we had Dr. Malone from Midwest Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists (she's great!). She actually did the procedure up at Children's Hospital in St.Paul because his canals are so tiny and he was so little. He'd basically had fluid in his ears for at least 3 months and about 6 infections during that time. They actually did a hearing test on him at the office before deciding on the tubes, and it was beginning to affect his hearing a bit, but that should be better now that the fluid is gone. He had to have a pre-op physical with his pediatrician within a week before the surgery. In terms of what to expect that day: He had to stop formula at 1:30am (breastmilk at 3:30)and could do clear liquids until 4:30am. Nothing after that. We had to arrive at 6am. They had us bring comfort items--blanket, nuk, stuffed animal (he took all of those into surgery). We went through registration, got security passes, then went into the surgery center area. They took his vitals, had some questions for us, and had us sign the initial release. After a little bit, they took us upstairs to the OR waiting room for that area. We met with the anesthesiologist and the surgeon...were able to ask questions, had some things explained, and signed the releases for the anesthesia and surgery. They took James back after that for the anesthesia. My husband went back with him and held him while they put the mask on. He fell asleep very quickly. My husband came back to the waiting room with me, and James was taken in to the OR. The procedure took less than 10 min and we were able to monitor what was happening on a little monitor in the waiting room (little symbols indicated surgery started, surgery complete, into recovery, etc). He was in recovery for about 20 minutes or so. During that time the surgeon (Dr Malone) came out and told us how things went and what to expect. Then they came and got us as soon as he woke up. They took us downstairs to the short stay unit. We stayed there for just over an hour. They like to observe them for a bit and make sure that they are able to drink (we were to bring a bottle for him). He was able to sleep after a bit--he was crying a lot at first because everything is different...sounds, swallowing, etc, and from the anesthesia making him feel a little strange. Once he fell asleep, we just stayed there for a bit and then moved him into the car seat for the ride home. They went through discharge paperwork, what to watch for, and how to administer the drops for his ears (5 days). Since then, we have been doing the drops. You can tell his hearing is much more sensitive than it was by his responses and babbles. He has had some discharge (normal for several days). We see the doc for a post op check up in a couple of weeks. Our niece had this done about the age your daughter is--it helped her a lot, too...no more ear infections! We're hoping :) A lot of info, but hopefully it helps set you at ease.
Blessings,
V.
My neighbor (3yrs.) had that done last summer. Sameday surgery... Couldn't run around and jump and play hard for two weeks. Had to eat soft foods and popsicles for awhile. She had a very hoarse voice for awhile and wouldn't talk for a few days just nod her head. I think her parents are really happy they went along with it she's had no problems and her illnesses have gone down dramitically no strep throat, no ear infections....
Hi R.-
My youngest daughter also had tubes put in before she was 2. Let me tell you it changed everything. My daughter could hear everything that was said to her and she started talking. The 1st day of surgery was a breeze till I went in the operating room with her when they put her to sleep. If they give you the option of this I will worn you now it is very hard to watch. I was very happy I did the tubes with my youngest. I never had a problem with her ears after her surgery.
Good Luck~
B. L
