pregnant and just diagnosed

[Guest guest]

hi everyone, I was just diagnosed this past tuesday after problems with hearing

loss/ fullness, and recently very bad earache. The dr pulled what looked like a

jagged tooth out of my eardrum in his office, and told me I needed a CT and

surgery after delivery of my baby. (I am 35 weeks pregnant). Two days later he

inserted a tube for (hopefully) temporary relief of pain and fluid. I had a

severe perforation of eardrum 10 yrs ago so I'm guessing its been growing since

then. I am having the CT day after I deliver baby. He said I could wait a few

months after baby is born unless I still continue to have pain- then I need it

asap after baby. My husband and family think I should go ahead and get the

surgery over with asap after baby born either way. Any advice? My concern is

being able to breastfeed and care for a newborn, wake up every few hours, etc...

AND deal with the pain and other issues from surgery. (although I will have

family help at home.) If I wait until baby is 3 months old, it'll then be

almost summer, and the two children I have in school part time will also be at

home full time. I have 4 YOUNG children and another that'll be here in a few

weeks. This really sucks. I'm trying not to be depressed, but feel like this is

just gonna ruin my life, and my poor kids' lives. My OB wants to do an amnio at

37 weeks to see if baby's lungs are mature enough for me to be induced then.

(since I'm not sleeping much due to the pain, etc..) Does anyone know if I can

even push during labor? sigh......... thanks in advance, glad there is a

group like this.