From NC to PA...: Ear Tubes

After near constant ear infections since Nolan's 6 month doctor's visit, we were referred to an ENT specialist. I've lost count of how many rounds of antibiotics we've been through, but somewhere around 6 maybe? He did the best with Cefdinir, and Joe and I became a master tag team of distractions and sneaking in the medicine.

We saw 2 doctors - one associated with Neumours (DuPont Hospital) and the other associated with CHOP. Both recommended ear tubes, which are tiny plastic contraptions that are surgically inserted into the ear drum to help drain any fluid and equilibriate the pressure in and out of the ear. These tubes fall out naturally as the ear develops, usually by 8-12 months.

After consistent sleepless nights tending to a little boy in pain, the decision was easy. The surgery is very straightforward, the procedure only taking 10-15 minutes, but does involve full anesthesia. We decided to go with the doctor from CHOP, as it is consistently rated one of the top children's hospitals in the country. We felt awful putting the little guy through surgery before age 1 when neither of us have ever had surgery in our entire lives, or been under general anesthesia. We did a bunch of research and scheduled the surgery for February 11th. A day before my birthday and a day after we got back from Penn State.

Nolan was under strict orders pre-surgery - only clear liquids allowed after 11pm the night before, then nothing after 1am the morning of the surgery. After debating it, I decided to wake him at 10:45 to give him one last bottle before his big day (he went to bed around 7pm). He was scheduled for early in the morning and we had to get to the CHOP ENT outpatient center, which is about 45 minutes away, by 6:45am.

We had a really good experience with CHOP. Nolan was brought back to a pre-surgery room, changed into a little hospital nightgown, and had his vitals taken. He was borderline for the surgery since he had a cold and cough, which is not ideal for the inhaled anesthesia, but thankfully they gave us the go-ahead. We watched some children's show on a TV in our room while waiting for our turn. After meeting with the anesthesiologist and ENT doctor, a nurse came in and quickly wisked Nolan away before any of us could get upset. Joe and I waiting in the waiting room while he was being worked on. About 20 minutes later, the anesthesiologist quickly came in and said the procedure was complete and everything was fine. Then the ENT Dr came in and gave us a bit more detail about his ears (and how infected they still were). We were to expect drainage for a few days and to administer ear drops and a short (final) antibiotic round to clear everything up. Finally, a nurse came and told us we could come back and be with Nolan who was, in her words, "VERY awake".

We only had to get a few steps beyond the door to hear our sweet baby boys cries as he was waking up from the anesthesia. Poor guy was starving! They warned us not to give too much yet, and put some diluted apple juice in an empty bottle we provided, which Nolan quickly chugged. They watched him for awhile to make sure he didn't experience any side effects (he didn't), then sent us on our way with 2 prescriptions and orders to come back in 6-8 weeks.

All in all it was pretty quick (we were home by lunchtime), and the results have been absolutely phenomenal. After one rough night directly after his surgery (poor kid - I brought him into bed with us), he has slept consistently for 11-12 hours straight (7ish-7ish) pretty much since the surgery (with the exception of a NASTY stomach bug that the entire family got this past week). He had drainage out of his ears for a few days, and now is pain-free. His pediatrician took a look when he was in for the stomach bug and said his ears look perfectly healthy (we haven't heard that since his 3 month appointment!!!) So thankful for this medical intervention.

Post Surgery Smiles!

Nolan's recovery went great. I stayed home with him one more day after surgery (my birthday treat!) and then he went back to daycare on Wednesday with no problem. Nolan being the spolied grandchild received some get well balloons and flowers from his grandparents and great aunts :)