Ear tubes in 17 month old

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My 17 month old daughter is getting tubes in her ears on the 17th. She still has fluid in her ears. My questions are how safe is it? any tips to make her more comfortable? she is still nursing how soon afterward should she nurse? I am a worried mom and the specialist said she trusted the doctor that would be putting her to sleep and her kids have had it done and she felt comfortable about it. You all know how moms worry and I wanted some reassurance. My dd is not speaking and has had fluid and/or infections this go around since Oct. She has a history of ear infections and I know something needs to be done. We do not smoke and anyone that does goes outside. I guess I feel I should have been able to fix this myself. Thanks.

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I know exactly how you feel. My daughter had hers put in the week of her first birthday. Luckily my husband was there before the surgery. The give them this medicine that makes them kind of out of it or thats what they did to her. That was the hard part. But i promise to you they will have her back in your arms in minutes. My daughter was back in my arms in like 7 minutes. It is a very quick procedure. And if she has been fussy before you will see a 180 degree change in her. Just know it is very quick and they do these everyday. So don't worry. If you have any questions please ask me and i will do my best to answer them.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

Two of my three kids had tubes. The middle one only had one ear infection his whole early childhood! The doc told me it was a matter of genetics and not to blame myself--don't blame yourself!!! You can't make that fluid drain. My oldest didn't get tubes until he was four--complete personality change. It was like he had to hear under water for those first years and then the world opened up to him. He began to talk more and was WAY less grumpy and frustrated. I was so happy he had it done. I changed peds dr over the delay and had my youngest to the specialist as soon as I saw the signs.

Try not to beat yourself up--there are way more mistakes for you to make down the road:chuckle . Like the other poster said, it is very quick. 10 minutes or so and you go home soon. My oldest received some valium in a nasal spray that made his nose bleed, so he threw up on the way home--be prepared! Good Luck.

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My son got them when he was 9 months old. It was the best thing we ever did for him. The whole procedure took 15 minutes, tops.

If I recall correctly, you'll be able to nurse him as soon as he's awake.

One hour after we got home, my son crawled for the first time. We had no idea the constant fluid in his ears was so hard on him.

I know the decision is hard, I sobbed while handing him over to the nurse, but it was a wonderful thing, and he's only had ONE ear infection since - he's almost 5 now.

Good luck,

Amanda

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I talked to the nurse today and she said that we will not be able to see her until after she wakes up and it could be as long as 20 min after she wakes up because they want to check her and have her drink something. I told her that she will not drink out of a cup much (she has never had a bottle), we have tried to wean her twice and the 2nd time she started getting dehydrated after a few days (hardly any tears and wet diapers) so I gave in, the nurse told me I shouldn't have given in that she would have drank. I am worried that she will get too upset before they bring her to me, she will not let strangers or even her grandparents hold her so I know she will not drink for them. Am I being paranoid or should I say something to the dr. when we go in. The nurse didn't seem to want me breastfeed, she said they prefer juice, water, or soda, and if she doesn't drink them she will her to me. I know my child better than they do and I don't want to be a problem but I don't want her crying so much she feels worse. Should I say something? Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

Ok, I'm going to take completely different spin on this.

I am the one with tubes in my ears. I got a set at 17 months, and another set when i was 21years old- which are still present.

Trust me when I tell you, tubes are a godsend. I was having chronic ear infections, as well as pain and pressure with every little change for about 7 months before I decided I wanted tubes placed back in, and what a difference it made. I did antiboitics and allergy medications for months with no success before I got this set of tubes.

From my perspective- yes your daughter will be groggy when she awakens, and there is really no pain involved. Just some discomfort. For about 3 days I felt as if i was in a tunnel. When I spoke it sounded so weird. After a week, I was completely used to them and since then I am thrilled with the results.

I was giving tylenol with codine for pain, took maybe a few the first and second day, and that was it. You will also be given ear drops afterwards to do for about 7 days.

I can understand not wanting to do breastmilk at first- they want to start her off with a clear liquid just in case. they dont want her to vomit and then aspirate since she will be groggy.

If you can, try using a cup, or maybe even take a straw and put some liquid in it (you know, cover the top with your finger so it doesnt come out) and place a little in her mouth just to get her used to not taking all liquid by breast.

I dont see why you cant be in the recovery room with her when she returns from sugery. Most of the time parents are welcomed in- and you should be the one to give your child a drink. I would ask and see if you can be the one to give your daughter a drink. I would hope they understand children, and that most, expecially after surgery, arent go to eat/drink for a stranger.

Best of luck! Its for the better, and I'm sure you'll see an improvement in your daughter quickly.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

They let me back in recovery both times. The second time because he was only nine months old and they couldn't calm him--but I did! I would just let them know that if they have trouble calming her they should come and get you. I know it is hard, but she will be fine.

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I spoke to the nurse again today about some prescriptions and I asked her again about recovery. She said I would not be allowed in there because of risk of infection and patient confidentiality (sp?). She will be in there for 15 minutes give or take after she wakes. I don't like the idea of her waking up without me and being with total strangers. I guess you can tell I am not totally comfortable with these people or the recovery rules for babies. If she were older and I could explain it to her I would feel a lot better. I think they should a parent in there because the baby would be more upset with a stranger. Maybe they could have a separate area for babies, its just my opinion. Hopefully I am getting worked up over nothing.

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My guy had them in at 11 months. He walked for the first time the next day. His balance was soo off due to the fluid in his ears.

I remember him sucking on a popsicle when we went in to see him. I remember he took his fav. stuffed animal with him for comfort. Is that an option, having the sleep bunny/bear for the child to wake up with?

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She doesn't have a special toy or blanket that is her lovey. We tried different blankets and toys (dolls, teddys, trains, etc). I am her comfort item and I don't know how to get that transfered. When my son weaned (at age 1) he was not as clingy but I think part of her problem is that she has been so uncomfortable with her ears that she turns to me. I hope this will turn her around and help her in so many ways like balance, speech, and independence. She is very strong willed right from birth, she refused to stay in the nursery at night. They tried rocking and the swing before they brought her to me, one night she screamed so loud coming down the hall, I woke up before they were even close to the door.

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