Re: RSS and ear infections - Tubes - detailed procedure

[Guest guest]

HI,

My daughter Emerence has had countless ear infections and severe

otitis media (when fluid builds up but does not always infect) before

getting her first set of tubes. The thing to remember about tubes is

that they do NOT cure ear infections. However, the tube allows any

infection or fluid to drain out of the ear and not damage the ear

further. Too many ear infections or fluid in the ear can lead to

permanent hearing loss.

Emerence had her first set of tubes at 9 months, her 2nd at 17 mos

and her most recent set at 27 mos. Her ears tend to spit them out

after about 8 mo nths, always her right ear first. She still gets

ear infections but MUCH less than before. Either the fluid drains

out before it infects or if she does get an infection you know

because the pus flows right out - no pain, no fever. My friend's

child however had tubes and his lasted 4 years. Tubes will not stop

ear infections but will help avoid hearing loss.

The eustachian tubes are narrow and flat in babies. The tubes open

near where the nasal canal drains (mucuos) which often backs up the

ear tubes - and infects. As kids grow, the ear tubes drop inward at

an angle and this helps to stop the nose drainage from backing up.

It also helps any fluid in the ear drain downwards too.

It is always nerve wracking to put them under anesthesia but at the

hospital we go to (South Shore Hosp in Weymouth MA) we arrive early

and I c hange her. Then I speak with the anesthesiologist while she

plays or watches tv. I also meet with the nurse and nurse

anesthesiologist so that I can talk with them and describe how she

has done in thepast. Then, I change into scrubs, carry her into the

operating room and hold her while they put the mask near her face -

ususally she is out within 10 seconds. And then, by the time I walk

back, get out of scrubs and go the waiting room I usually wait about

5-7 minutes and then the doctor comes to get me to see Emerence in

recovery. When she was 9 mos old she came out of the anesthesia

fighting and crying, the toehr two times whe only took about 5

minutes to come out if it and 10 minutes later she was eating. The

first time we stayed 1:15 the second two times we onlyu stayed 30

minutes in recovery before going home. Emerence was totally herself

and doing her normal non-stop stuff. She did sleep a bit more during

her nap.

I totally recommend them since they can help prevent hearing loss.

I just wish they could cure ear infections totally! However, it

certainly makes it easy to see when infected!

, mom to , 5 and Emerence 2, RSS/SGA 32.5 " 29 mo 21 lbs

> Hey Everyone,

>

> Yesterday, slept all day and this morning she started

> throwing up. I took her to the doctor immediately due her getting

> dehydrated so quickly and didn't want to take any chances.

>

> She has another double ear infection. She had 4 this past winter

> and I wanted to take her to an ENT, but her pediatrician said to

> hold off till the end of winter that sometimes they will not have

> any during the summer time. She also suggested maybe taking her to

> an allergist instead, since she gets alot of colds.

>

> I know that ear infections are pretty common in RSS kids. Can

> anyone offer any advice as to what you would do. I don't want to

do

> the ear tube thing, but if it will help her from being sick I will

> do it. Also, can an allergist help with ear infections.

>

> Thanks,

> Tammy

> Mom to 19mos 14lbs 13oz, RSS/SGA, GERD and fundoplication

> (which doesn't work) and g-tube