Ear Tubes

No, it affects the parents the most...my daughter just had her second pair put in last week. They give him something to make him sleep & if ear tubes are all he's getting it only takes afew min. He'll be a little fussy but you will be able to hold him before & just after they're in. The doctor told us he makes a small incession in the ear drum & drains the liquid out & inserts the tubes....that's it....good luck ! you should see immediate results!

When my twins were 10 or 11 months old they had to have tubes put in. The immediate separation when they take them back is hard but it is so worth it when they come out and have no more ear problems. As far as I can remember, caring for their ears afterwords was no problem.

My son had tubes put in when he was 10 months. The hardest part for me was him screaming for a bottle because he could not have anything to eat or drink after midnite. He was only gone out of the room for about 15 mintues and I had a bottle ready and waiting for him. He was crying and he had about a drop or two of blood that was drying in both ears. All they do is make a tiny incision to insert the tube and use anastesia to make the baby more comfortable. My son will be 3 in april and we have finally had one tube fall out.

Now the flip side, he did still have ear infections but I had to clean the yucky stuff out of the bowl of his ear using warm washclothes and the fat baby q-tips. He still had to have antibiotics and ear drops. But over the course of a year he had less than his first 10 months of life. Over the couple of months from 2 1/2 until now he has had zero ear infections.

The first thing that clued me in to possible ear infections before I saw it draining out of his ear, was his equilibrium would be off. He was walking at 8 months 3 weeks old. So he would be walking and all of a sudden his feet would slightly turn and he would "walk into a wall" or bump his head on things.

Hope this info can help ease your mind!

His doc that did the procedure put the decision to me like this: You can continue being a part of the antibiotic of the month club, or he can have tubes put in and have to have oral antibiotics a whole lot less frequently.

I am an audiologist who worked in an Ear, Nose, & Throat clinic for quite awhile. From my experience, it was always worse on the parents (which isn't that true for almost anything that happens to our kids). The procedure is very quick. The care shouldn't be too difficult. The doctor/nurse will let you know what you need to do for him after the surgery. It will be important to keep his ears dry immediately following the surgery & they should give you advice on how to do this. Some doctors vary on their views about using earplugs during bathing/swimming/etc. because research has not been conclusive on how much it really helps. My opinion, though, is that moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria (especially in a dark, warm place like your middle ear), so I always advice my patients to err on the side of caution & try to keep the ears as dry as possible the entire time the tubes are in place. There are several options such as custom earplugs (the most expensive option & probably not the best for a 9.5 month old), pre-formed plugs, wax that you put in the outer ear & cover (DO NOT put into the ear canal!) the ear canal with it (2 of the most popular brands are Putty Buddies & Mack's), or a little vaseline on a cotton ball. I think the last option is the best for little ones who are only getting their heads wet in the bath & not swimming (the cotton ball with vaseline does not work for swimming). I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

M., Ear tubes are very common and are very easy to take care of. One of my kids had them and did very well. The main thing that may surprise you and you need to be ready for it is that 99.9% of kids who have any type of surgery will come back to you from the recovery room crying unconsolably! This may last anywhere from a few minutes to hours. I am a nurse and have dealt with this a lot and also as a parent I have experienced it more than once. It is definatly nerve racking but you need to understand that they are not usually in any pain. This is a side effect of the anesthesia and will pass. They just wake up and have no control over their emotions for a while. Within a few hours they should be more alert, tired, but alert and will be back to normal within a day or two

Hi M.,
It will be ok. My daughter and some of my foster children have had this done and it is pretty painless. We went to the surgery center and got checked in. When they called us back they gave her something to drink that would make her sleep then they took her back and when she was asleep put an IV in. She never knew they did it. Then did the tubes and also removed her adnoids. The whole surgery took maybe 20 / 30 minutes and then when she woke up they took out the IV. She was sleepy for a few hours but when she was good and awake she was ready to go. They gave me drops for her ears and an antibiotic so no infection would set in and we go back next friday for a follow up visit. She has had no problen and she did great. So dont worry, your baby will be just fine and he will feel so much better when he gets done. :-) I will be praying for your peace and nervousness.
D.

My son had tubes put in last month (when he was 9.5 mths). It was hard to let him go back, but he didn't cry when they took him from me, so that made it easier. After the surgery, they brought him to me and he seemed delirious, and he was very fussy. He slept alot that day. The only thing we had to do after the surgery was put drops in his ears everyday for about 4 days. One thing that I wasn't expecting was the drainage. They told me he would have drainage, but it looked like bloody mucous. I called and they said that it was normal. For the next week he was pretty fussy, and his sleeping didn't improve, like they told me it would. So, I was initally disappointed in the results, but after a week, he started sleeping through the night, well he occasionally fusses, but we don't go to him and he goes right back to sleep. Since the tubes, he has had a double ear infections, but they didn't hurt him because the tubes allowed them to drain. I guess I will have to deal with drainage until the tubes fall out, well whenever he has an ear infection. All in all, it has been worth it. Hope this helps.

Tubes are a breeze. My son is almost 3 and has had them twice now. The first time he was 1. It literally took about 15 minutes. They gave him some medicine to relax him then once it kicked they carried him to the operating room he didn't even cry. They gave him a little gas and they said he could even keep his pacifier in his mouth while they gave him the gas. They brought him back to me about 20 to 30 minutes later once he started waking up. He was crying and I couldn't console him but that was just b/c of the gas. They said that once he drank about a cup of juice that we could leave. Also they say it's easier for them to drink out of a cup without a stopper (i just took the stopper out). I guess it doesn't really matter if they are still on a bottle. Once I took him home and he slept off the rest of the gas they had given him he got right up and at lunch and started playing. He had a little drainage come out of one ear but it wasn't much. He has to use plugs now when he takes a bath or goes swimming but it only takes a few times putting them and you get used to it. A little while dealing with getting the tubes put in sure makes it worth not having to deal with the constant infections anymore.

My experience with ear tubes was with my 4 1/2 year old, but I am sure it is similar. They are only under for a few minutes, like 5, so there is little or no side effects from the anesthesia. You have to watch the cotton balls in their ears for a day or so and that is no big deal. At his age he might be upset about leaving you to go with the nurse but I am sure he is like that about everything. You will be able to be there when he wakes up and he will be reassured. I know a mom whose daughter was about your son's age when she had tubes and the most upsetting thing for her was them taking her baby away (her impression is that it was harder on her than her baby). The hardest thing for me has been the ear plugs after, remembering to put them in; my 4 year old reminds me!

A.

well it was actually more scary for me than him i was there until he fell asleep so he didn't even know... and they let me go in the recovery when he came out before he woke up so he ahd a familiar face... i'm not sure what your hospital rules are but maybe you should ask them what will be possible... afterwards he had to have drops for a week which was easy and then when swimming and taking a bath i used the wax ear plugs so no water got in his ears. good luck i know you are anxious since this is a major thing

Tubes is about the easiest surgery your child can go through. When my babies would go to get tubes i was also a bit scared. When you get to the place to get the tubes in, expect that a nurse will give you baby some drops( that just makes the baby sleepy), once the baby is a bit sleep the staff will take the baby to the back, you will be called to the back in about 20 to 30 minutes to be with your baby as he wakes. About an hour later you all get to leave. To care for his ears after the surgery is simple, no water in the ears. If you notice nasty stuff coming out of his ears at a later date then he has an infection. See, my son still got infections but the tubes allowed the ears to drain instead of having pain and fevers. My son has had 3 sets of tubes now, he is 6. And my daughter has had 2 sets. My 13 months old is going in for tubes in 2 weeks. So I understand why you worry, thats your baby, but there really is no need to.

Hi M.

I know this is scary. My daughter got tubes at 11 months and it was a great experience. The hospital staff was great and the process was so fast. She slept all afternoon and was fine the very next day. The best part is that in 11 months we have only had 2 ear infections and they were a breeze compared to what we got before the tubes. I think you are doing the right thing. It angered me that my daughter had to have 8 infections and 11 rounds of antibiotics before they finally said we could get tubes. I pray every thing goes well and you all will be up and running before you know it!

A.

Our experience was very similar to what Elizabeth described. You will be pleasantly surprised by how fast it is. My son had minor fluid drainage afterward. He has only had one infection since the tubes. The hardest part about tubes is remembering to always plug their ears for bathing or swimming.

Good Morning M.,
My oldest daughter had this done when she was younger,twice as a matter of fact...Its nothing to actually worry about...When your child has this surgery he /or she may throw up some old bloody secreation which is nothing to worry about...The ear isn't complacainted to take care of...You have to make sure no water gets in that ear...I know its really nothing to be scary about...Your doctor should tell you how to keep that ear dry until it heals...Just another piece of advice keep the cold air out also...It shouldn't be scary for either one of you...God bless you both...Hope all goes well...
G.

My son got tubes at 18 months, and I was the more terrified of the two. He went in the surgery center first thing in the morning. The only pain meds he had was Tylenol, and he was back to himself by lunch. The procedure was very quick, we barely had time to sit down in the waiting area. As for care, to be honest I don't remember anything major that we had to do immediately following the procedure (so it must not have been too traumatic). On a long term basis, just be careful not to let too much water get in the ear. For us, tubes worked great. Good luck, I'll be praying for you!

M.,

The only one that is going to be traumatized is you! My son had this done on the 7th of this month. He couldn't eat or drink after midnight. With yours being younger they may let him have his formula. You go in REALLY early. You fill out some paperwork. You go in a room. You will have to change the baby into this little baby hospital gown. They will come in alot and their will be more paperwork. They will take his vitals. They will explain all this to you. They gave my son a little oral medicine to make him drowsy so he wouldn't be upset about leaving me. They came in and took his vitals again. Then when he was good and drowsy they took him to surgery. Joseph was allowed to take his favorite blanket with him. Which was wonderful for him to take something of comfort! When he goes to surgery he will inhale a little gas to put him out. There will be no I.V.'s or pokes!! One of us had to stay in the room (not the surgery room) in case nurses or doc. had to see us and it doesn't take long. The surgery took maybe 10 minutes. He goes to recovery where he is monitored, vitals taken. He will come back to you while he is still very drowsy. He may be screaming his head off and may be a little unlike himself. DON"T WORRY!! He is just coming off his anesthetic and he is is confused and maybe a little scared. As soon as he sees you or daddy he will calm down. My son never had a fit like the others. He threw a fit b/c I made him slow down his fluid intake. When they bring him back he will snuggle and probably go back to sleep on you. They will watch him a little while longer, take vitals and you will get to go home. That afternoon he will be back to his normal self of activity. My son came home from the hospital and instantly started playing! He had his surgery at 8. I was home a little b/f noon and he was playing!! He was a little groggy for 2 days. But he was fine. There was a little blood seepage from his ears. Nothing major. Now if it is major, call the doctor. I had to put eardrops in his ear 2xs for 3 days and massage his ear. Keep the eardrops that are left over. He will have to go back in 6wks to have his ears looked at and every 6 months until his tubes fall out on their own when the ear matures. I take a cottonball and cut a small piece off and then I coat it really well with vaseline and put in ear to keep water out. You have to do this every time for baths, swimming, etc. If baby is going in water block those ears! The only one that cried and had an anxiety attack was me!! Someone was taking my baby, cutting on him etc. I lost it. Joseph was absolutely fine!! Didn't phase him one bit! Good luck. Sorry so lengthy.

My youngest son had to have tubes put in his ears as well. His procedure went well and he had no issues. The morning of the surgery we went into a room at the outpatient surgery center in our area. They treated him with care. They took his blood pressuer and other vitals (all routine). The only hard part on both of us is when they carried him back into the operation room. He only cried about 2 minutes since they immediately put him under - very little stress on him (just from stranger stress). He came out about 30 minutes later a little sleepy. The only effects he seemed to have the rest of the day from the surgery is a little harder to get down from nap. He has had his tubes for a year and a half with no problems. Yes he has had ear infections but the tubes let the yucky stuff drain out easier which allows him to have less pain and me to know when he actually has an ear infection. Good Luck :-)

Hey M., tubes r not usually a problem..my oldest granddaughter who is almost 12 has her 3rd set in...the only thing u need to remember don't let water in the ears your son will scream like u never heard before learned this the hard way with my nephew years ago...in wal-mart's k-mart any where they cell meds should sale ear plugs they come in small to large we buy the large cut them to fit the ear then smooth it with the ear so that water does not go in...find out the color of his tubes u may be able to see them in dark with flash light my granddaughters are blue they stay in usually 18 months or longer she has one left from 5 years ago and doctor says it is still doing the job.....u will feel better with less ear troubles in your son he want be taking meds all the time....good luck with this all and yes it is ok to worry and be parniod he is your son!!

A little about me I am 50 mother of 3 and 4 grandkids...and having a sick baby is no fun I had one that was always sick with asthma a granddaughter with ear and allergies ....

You will be amazed how much happier your baby will be. My daughter had tubes put in bot ears at 4 months old. It was like night and day. Instead of her being fussy and always on antibiotics she was happy because she was no longer in pain and could hear. Once in surgery it only took about 10 minutes for the procedure. It took longer for the anestesia to wear off. She is now 10 years old. The tubes as your son gets older might fall out when he doesn't need them anymore (thats what happened with my daughter).
Good Luck and Get ready for a happy baby!

Two of my children had tubes at 10 months old. The actual surgery took about 5 - 10 minutes. The doctor was out to talk to us very quickly. The drug that they get before surgery makes it where they don't recall being taken to surgery (and away from you). My first child to have tubes was in so much constant pain from fluid in her ears (infections weren't as much of the problem) that the surgery was like a personality transplant. I told the doctor "I don't know what you did with the child that I gave you, but I am keeping this one." She started crawling and sleeping through the night within two weeks of the surgery. She was happy from the moment that we saw her in recovery. She wasn't hurting for the first time that she could remember. The only care after the surgery besides maybe some drops for a few days was to keep the ears dry until the tubes came out. I think that took 6 months on one side and two years on the other. My other child that had tubes had constant infections. She did not have an infection the day of the surgery, so she was pretty miffed that we had put her through that. She cried and cried in recovery and seemed pretty indignant for several days. Within two weeks she was also sleeping through the night. I am told that my first one was very abnormal to have been so happy in recovery. Regardless of the different reactions, I would do it all over again. They both benefitted greatly and did not have another infection for a LONG time. They are 3 and almost 6 now and doing very well with absolutely no side effects. Good Luck!

The surgery is much worse for you than for them. Both of my children have had two sets each. Son had a set at 17 months and 25 months, daughter had a set at 8 months and again at 23 months. Although each reacted to the anesthesia differently, they were both back to normal the next day. It's amazing how fast little ones recover! I never had problems with drainage any of the times. Most doctors will scare you to death about using earplugs, but a good friend of ours did the first set of tubes (moved to another state or he would have done the other 3 sets as well) and said it was only necessary if they were swimming underwater for extended periods of time. I've never used earplugs, mainly because my kids refused to leave them in, but every checkup while the tubes were in place was perfect. Matter of fact, my daughter had a checkup yesterday, and the doctor said everything looks "perfect". It will be okay. Good luck!

The little boy (18 months old)that we are keeping has tubes in his ears. The placement is not a pleasant experience for him and afterwards will not be a pleasant experience for you. Expect fever,restlessness,and major irritation for a few days...get the tylenol ready. The tubes will allow the fluid that usually builds up behind the drums to drain. Expect lots of fluid drainage. It might surprise you as to how much will drain. We went to the doc the first time this happened but he said as long as the fluid is not thick or green it is okay.

Hi! Well I am 58 and when I was about your age my 3 year old daughter had tubes. When the surgery was over she cry a
bit, but was ver hungary and wanted to eat. Of course they like for you to wait so long, well they finally let her eat and she was fine. Then thing went on as normal. You just have to be careful with the water in their ears. She was so much better after the tubes we had went through 3 year of ear
problems, it was really nice after it was all over. By the way we were in the Air Force at that time.

Getting tubes is a very simple procedure. Both of my children got them. One at 6 months; the other at 3 years old. I wish my 3 year old had gotten them sooner; it would have saved her so many painful earaches. Each time, they took by girls back to the surgery room for about 20 minutes before I was able to see them again. It took them awhile to come out of the anesthesia but they did fine with no side affects. We had it done at two different outpatient clinics and both clinics took extra good care of them. They made us feel comfortable with sending our babies off with "strangers". The nurses were very motherly. Since then, they have had no trouble, no ear infections. We don't have to worry about getting water in their ears (we don't swim in lakes or ponds or anywhere that may have high levels of bacteria, which is a bad idea anyway). But you don't even have to be overly protective of their ears in the bathtub. When they do get any infection, it drains right out and you just swab it, but not deep in the ear canal. And of course, take them to the doctor to see if they need antibiotics. But as long as the ears are draining, the tubes are working. Good luck. Remember to take his favorite toy or stuffed animal for comfort.

Hi, my son has had two sets of tubes. The first time was when he was 8 months old. It was scariest to me. He was ok because he was loopy from the medicine when they took him to the back. It was over quick and when he came back he was crying (that was hard). He was crying not because he was in pain but because he could not wake up the way he wanted to. He took his bottle and fell asleep for about an hour and a half. When he woke up it was like nothing every happened to him. It was really easy to take care of his ears cotton balls for 10 days when he gets in water, ear drops for first five days, then ear plugs when he gets in dirty water only.

My little girl was 15 months last October when she got hers and she did great. It only (literally) took five minutes (thaht's the longest that she was away from me thru the whole thing). When she was waking up and was crying a little because she didn't know what was going on or where she was at. She slept the whole way home and for about three more hours after that. When she woke up she ate and ran around my house like a mad child as usual (HAHA). She has done great ever since the surgery and it has been great. It doesn't bother her to take meds ao when we did her ear drops twice everyday for two weeks she let me with no hesitation. It is not near as bad as everyone says, but than again she ONLY had her tubes nothing else. Good Luck

My youngest daughter had to have tubes at 9 mo. I was a nervous wreck about the situation. But turns out it was the best thing ever for her. The procedure only took maybe 15-20 minutes. She was cranky the first few hours but after that we did not have any problems. That was 3 yrs ago and she hasn't had an ear infection since. The biggest aggrevation to me was the ear plugs that you have to use afterwards. Anytime that she was in water...bathing or swimming...she had to have her ear plugs in. So for over two yrs we had to do that because hers stayed in longer than most kids do.

HI! I had the I.A Irrenburg implant my jr. and sr. year of high school.
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S019459980300...
This url gives info on the surgery. I had my surgery in the 80's..I am trying to find an article on the surgeon as he invented the surgery.. ( I tell more about this below )
The doctor removed both right and left mastoids, but one ear at a time, and a year apart. I can tell you the surgery was rough which is why they only did one ear at a time. The implants are tubes the size of my pinky nail, and drains fluid from my inner ear. I had my surgery done in Denver Colorado. The tubes remove fluid from my inner ear and brain to help prevent equilibrium problems. Before my surgery I had extream ringing in my ears, dizzyness, and would become sea sick in class from the room spinning. I also had an episode during swim practice where I lost my sense of balance underwater, and was unable to tell the differnce between the top and bottom of the pool. The surgery has helped me alot. I did loose my hearing, but would have lost it anyway due to the fluid destroying the auditory nerves. I was up walking the next day after surgery with the big bandage around my head and ear. The surgery was done at the seventh day advantist hospital in Denver, and had a specialized wing for teens which had a video game room that got me up pretty quick. I had to keep my head above my heart. I did really well with surgery. The ear clinic in Denver was wonderful, and I was one of Dr.I Arenberg's first patients. The implant is named after him as he invented the surgery . The tests before surgery were rough. They put balloons in my ears with moving stripes on the wall which made me sick. The doctor had us in his private office where he had given me a drink before a test which I threw up all over his brand new carpet. I would say the tests before surgery were more difficult for me than the surgery itself.
The trapped fluid was noticed when I was in the 4th grade. I also got my first hearing aids when I was in the 4th grade, and remember hearing myself swallow for the first time.
Having tubes placed in a one year old in my opinion is a good thing because the fluid will destroy auditory nerves. However, I do not feel it is right for parents to have a young child go through the cochlear implant. It is my opinion that hearing aids are the best choice until a child is much older - 15 and up. I do not have the coclear implant, and I speak so well that most people cannot even tell I am deaf until they see my audiograms. My hearing aids were very helpful, and I wear them just as a person with a vision loss would wear glasses. My hearing loss was a gradual loss due to Meniere's. My hearing would flunctuate which was rare, but due to the fluid.
Tulsa and Broken Arrow schools both have excellant deaf education programs. Jan Pride would be a wonderful person for you to contact at the little lighthouse. She works with both hearing and hearing impaired toddlers. Tulsa Edison High School also has a wonderful deaf ed program. TSHA assoc. also has a program that is wonderful they will send someone to your house, and show you how to commuicate with your baby due to hearing loss. I also suggest the signing time tapes for your child . www.signingtime.com My niece is hearing and LOVES signing time. I really hope this is helpful :) My doctor here in Tulsa was Dr. Roger Wierz < I am not sure I have spelled that correctly, and I am not sure if he is even still alive> My hearing aids are from Aromstrong hearing aids here in Tulsa. I have been a customer since I was in the 4th grade. It is ran by a family- started by the father who is no longer living and now ran by the sons. I highly reccomend them .

Two of my three boys have had ear tubes. The oldest had his almost 2 years, the youngest maybe 6 months. Neither one had any problems with the tubes and neither one has had anymore ear infections since. The oldest is 20 and had tubes at 20 months. All we did to keep water out of the ears on both was put silly putty (suggested by our pediatrician) when washing their hair and while in the tub. We never had any problems with them getting water in the ears either. I was a little aprehensive before surgery just for the fact they were going to be put to sleep. That made me nervous but with prayer it helps alot. I hope this helps.

Both my children had tubes in their ears as their eustacian tubes were too small and could not drain properly. I was more scared than they were. The procedure is fairly routine and has been improved since my children had their tubes 20+ years ago. Basic care was to keep the ears dry and clean using cotton balls. There was some bloody drainage the first and second night, don't let that scare you,just make sure the Doctor knows. I will suggest tubes for my Grandson if he has the same problems.

No need to fear. My son had tubes inserted at age 2 after countless battles with ear infections. It was the best thing I could have ever done. Surgery was minor and went well. They put him to sleep to do the surgery. Once he woke up he was fine. The only thing that doctor's didn't prepare me for was a smelly odor. It was bad for a few days. After calling them they told me it was normal. However, it was so bad that I didn't take him out for those few days. On the flip side, my niece had the same surgery and didn't have the odor. Just follow the doctor's instructions and it'll be a cinch. You must be EXTRA careful not to get water in your child's ear. That is the key to not having any problems later on. You can go to Walmart and buy a package of ear plugs. It's like little wax balls/squares...probably about 12 or so in a pack. Prior to putting my son in the tub I would pinch off the squares and roll them into a little ball and insert in his ears to keep water out. The same goes for swimming, although we avoided pools pretty much until tubes fell out which was about 1 to 1 1/2 years later.

When my son got his first set of tubes he also had his adenoids removed. He was one and didn't seem frightened at all during the wait prior to surgery or during the wake up process. He slept a lot and you just need to make sure someone can ride in the back seat with him and keep his head up.

The scariest part was the not knowing, but it was so worth it to have a child that could sleep comfortably through the night and not have to be on antibiotics. You will have to plug his ears everytime he washes his hair. I would start using the cotton ball and vaseline method now so it won't seem so strange to you or him.

We are on our second set of tubes now, but I know it is the right thing. You will probably notice that he hears better and is a little sensitive to noises at first.

Good luck!!

My grandson had tube put in his ears twice, After the procedure, he slept on the way home and played the rest of the day. He would still have infections, when his sinus drain, He had certain kid of drops we used, he has allgeries too. The only downsize, was not getting water in his ears, and One weekend I kept him and he had a sinuis affection which cause the ear to have fluid on it which ause the infection to puch the tube out, which was very painful,
After that he was given nose spray when he started having stop up head or and running nose we would do nose spray and that didn't happen anymore, He is four know and his last tube came out last week, He is fine.

I went through this with my two year old son. It is a simple procedure, the hardest thing for the child is when they wake up. They are scared, but that is when they bring you in and you hold them until their vitals are fine and you take them home. My son was running around as soon as we got home. I have never had any problems, and just had to give him ear drops for a couple of weeks. I think the whole thing was harder on me than him. I say this because my son was so scared i had to watch him go under and then right when he was waking up. Parents usually don't have to watch that, mine just had a really hard time with me leaving. Since your child is so young you probably won't have to see that. I think the whole thing took 45 minutes if even that. Good luck and I wouldn't worry about a thing.

My 1 year old had tubes placed in his ear at 9 months. The surgery lasts about 20 minutes. The hardest part of the entire procedure was the recovery from anesthesia. My son cried for about a hour following the procedure. Once we got him home, he slept for most of the day, but by that afternoon, he was himself again. It wasn't difiicult to care for his ears. My husband and I placed drops in his ears two times a day for 3 days. We did use earplugs when taking a bath until he was cleared by his doctor at the follow-up. We had an excellent MD and would recommend the surgery if your child has had multiple ear infections. Best wishes.

My 14 month old just got tubes and his adenoids removed on Friday (2/22). He did just fine, however when he awoke from the procedure he was extremely cranky, crying and screaming. The nurse and doctor both warned me of this before the surgery so I was prepared. They said that when he wakes up he is very confused and disoriented and that was what would and did cause the cranky/screaming. They began the procedures at 7am and he was awake and in recovery by 7:15, we were home by 8am and by the time we got home he was fine, but tired, and is already a much happy baby.
Good luck.

I have had two children get tubes. It was scary both times no matter how they prepare you becuase that is your baby in there without you. It is not hard at all to care for them after as long as you protect them. I have only had one little "infection" since and the drops they give you clear it right up. I was told to expect major crying when I saw them again. But neither one of mine cried. My 18 month I think was just so pleased to be out of ear pain that he was happy- groggy but happy. My 4 year old we talked to her about what would happen and she was just fine about it. She was a little irritated with the iv in her arm and just wanted to sleep but other than that she was fine too. It is hard but so worth it in the end when they can hear again or not have pain and infections every month. Good luck!!!

I just got referred to and ENT to get tubes in my 13 month old son's ears. I'm not worried at all. I was working at a daycare and cared for children that had tubes. They would get tubes and be at daycare the next day. All we would have to do it put some drops in the ears and that's it. Maybe wipe the ear out with a warm rag because of the drainage. But I am about to go through it with my son and I'm excited. I am tired of him hurting with ear infections and high fever. And antibiotics every two-three weeks.

We just went through the procedure on Wednesday so it is still fresh. I was questioning myself even up to the day he had surgery so glad we did it though cuz he had another ear infection. I was nervous if they do him the way they did Jamie, then they will use a gas type of drug. The effects of that are what make them crabby. He cried for about 30 minutes or so after it was done. Had some drainage out of one of them for a couple of days... But he feels so much better now. No more snotty nose, no more drainage coming out his eyes. And his attitude is so much better before he was always into things and getting into trouble... now he is laid back and going with the flow... I guess it is because he doesn't hurt...

It is definately scarier for mom than it is for them. The nurses showed him all kids of new things because he wanted to explore they showed him the doors he would go behind and everything.

Our son had a total of three set of tubes and the 1st was done when he was 6 months old. I was so scared that morning but he did great. When we could go see him in recovery he was very grogy (spelling?) and would just cry and seemed sort of drunk. I was worried, but after he feel asleep in the car on the ride home and woke up he immediately seemed to feel better and rested better instantly. Each time was the same in recovery. We tried to keep the water out of his ears but it is sometimes very difficult when washing hair and we would also go swimming all the time. We never had any problems and weren't able to use any types of ear plugs because they wouldn't stay in. Good luck!

Hi M. I am a young mother of 3 daughters, but my second daughter had tubes placed last August. As far as the procedure goes she did fairly good with it. The procedure doesn't take that long, he will probably have bloody drainage in the ear when you go to comfort him until they release you. The drainage may last a few days before it goes away. She has other medical problems as well the only thing she does is cover her ears periodically which may be due to the tubes allowing air to enter. Also there is a possibilty that they can get blocked with periodic pediatrician appointments I think he should be fine.

My 18 month old had his tubes put in about 9 months ago. They took him back and put him to a lite sleep. He didn't know anything was happening. My husband and I sit in the waiting room for about 2 hours. Then we sit with him after the surgery for about 30 minutes to be sure he was a wake and eating before they released us. He spent most of that day sleeping then your all good to go. I'm sure I was the one most worried. He has only had one ear infection since then. If he has any bad draining after the tubes heal the specialist uses a suction hose and cleans out his ears in one visit. In todays time the only worries is the week after the procedure not getting bath water in the ears after that he can swim and play with no worries. I hope this helps. I had heard all the old bad stories but in today's time it is all very easy. Stay calm and take Dad or a friend with you to keep you calm.

More scary for you. My daughter was about the same age. From the time they took her until the time they told us she was done was maybe a total of 10 minutes. She did cry a lot afterward but they had warned us ahead of time that it was common due to the anesthesia they use. Other than that...no problem. I stayed home from work the next day and she was normal, like it never even happened. The worst part is having to put the earplugs in at bath time every night!

Ear tubes: Be assured this is a very minor procedure. My 20 mth old daughter had this procedure done on 01-28-08. She had no idea anything even happened. She was out of my site for approximatley 10-15 minutes and all was done. She had a bit of bloody drainage in one ear, but not enough to be alarmed. She never acted like anything had happened. As far as the after care, no need to worry. The Dr. stated she could swim and I did not need to worry about getting water in her ears at all.

We had a son that at a year old had tubes put in both ears. What I remember most was him coming out of surgery. They let me go back and see him, but he was still pretty groggy. He was crying and even though it was his momma, I could not console him. Nothing to be concerned about - just that he was still under the anesthesia - once that wore off, he was fine!
Now that we are getting ready for warmer weather - you will have to be extremely careful about getting water in his ears (even in the bathtub). You don't want any of the water to get behind the ear drum and cause more infection.

A little about me:

I am a (much older) SAHM and have three boys. They are 15 (today), 12 1/2 and my youngest is 2.5 months (can you say "surprise?"). I am an Air Force spouse also and have been married to my husband for almost 20 years.

Dear M., I personally am against surgically placed tubes in the ears. It really does not solve the problem which is excess fluid and mucus from the child eating things to which he/she is allergic like milk. If the irritant is stopped, so will the fluid and mucus caused by the irritant. Babies were meant to be breast fed, and not to have cows milk after they are weaned. That is the biggest source of problem. They get frequent ear infections due to wrong diet. So the tubes do not solve anything, they just take away the symptoms, and the child is still being exposed to elements that harm his/her immune system and can cause infection elsewhere, like the throat and sinus area. So will you then take out the tonsils, and clean out the sinuses surgically later on? It is best in my opinion to get to the source of the problem, and not to just treat the symptoms. I had 2 children, who were breast fed for 1-2 years each, who drank no cows milk, thereafter, ate foods with high alkalinity (alkaline foods create systems on which bacteria and viruses can't grow), (fruits and veg mainly) no grains till after age 18 months since they are a high cause of allergies, and they were totally fine. Remember too, that this procedure is surgery and the child must receive a general anesthetic both of which can have side effects and risk. B. S. RN. CCM

Oh M., your baby will do just fine. It is a little scary for you. The whole procedure takes less than 15 minutes. I know with my son they took him back and within 15 they called us back to recovery. It was like holding a newborn baby all over. While the anestesia(sp?) is wearing off they have no control over there little heads and they wake up a little startled but thats why they have you come back. But after that they are back up and going strong. You will be fine..have faith and good luck!!

HI M.,

My grandson had to have tubes put in both ears...I think he was a little older when he had his put in 1 1/2 years old. Anyway, no problems...Trevor never was afraid but naturally Mom and Dad were anxious while waiting for the procedure to get over with. Solved the problem though...hasn't had an ear infection since and he's now 5.

Good luck with yours...I'll be praying for you.

Nana W.

It was the BEST decision I made. I realized how much it helped my daughters pain when we made our first trip back to see the dr. She turned her ear toward him and patiently let him look in.... up until this time anyone who came near her ears had a fight on their hands. Even at such a young age, she knew this man made the pain go away. We use the "orange" Mack's ear plugs from Walmart (cheap), and have for 1 1/2 yrs. we always get a great check up, and dr. says we're doing a great job keeping her ears dry.

M.,
The ear tubes will be fine. My son was 11 months old when they put his in. He did fine, hardly even new it. We did not have to do anthing. His tubes stated in and he did fine. They even came out on their own when he got older. My childen were 14 months apart, so I know how you feel. Believe me, it is hard now, but as they grow it get easier. When they got older they had the same group of friend and they are so close.
That little 11 month old that had the tubes.........well now he is 30 and in the Air Force, he and his wife are stations in Aviano, Italy along with my only grandchild.
Best of luck to you and your family and I'm sure you son will do fine with the tubes.

Ann

well a little for both the hardest part for me was to let jesse go with them by his self but they were very good with him an they put tubes in often so they no what to expect after he leaves the hospital he will fell better jesse was like having a new child an you dont have to do anything else the tubes fall out on there own. D.M. WWJD

It will be more scary for you,than your child. I had to get tubes put into my daughter's ears when she was a baby,and she did wonderful with them,when Abby's last one (cause the one I didn't know came out) I got her out of the bath,and I had washed her hair,and I saw the small blue tube on her ear...

They are so small,but she is now a very active 9 yr old,and I she hasn't had any more problems out of her ears,it's a good thing we did it...

Keep us updated :)

Lotsa hugs
E.

It kind of depends on the method. Our son's first set of tubes were done in the office. It was a horrible experience for me, but he seemed fine afterward. They did not give him any anesthesia. He was strapped on a papoose board, and he screamed during the procedure. Caring for him afterwards was as simple as using a good set of earplugs and the band that covers the ears. (Would certainly make this purchase-I think the band was called a buddy band) If he got water in his ears a snot like drainage poured out. Disgusting, but painless for him. When that occured (rarely) we used antibiotic drops. He had to have that set of tubes removed-they did not fall out. His second set was done in the hospital under general anesthesia. He aslo had his adenoids removed. he was sent home with Tylenol with Codeine, but he was fine. He did not even sleep. Just wanted to go buy his new toy. Good luck.

He will be fine. I was the same way he was in surgery for about 30 to 40 minutes that is putting him under and the procedure and waking up. When he was up he took his bottle and we were home within an hour never would of though the had anything done that day he had never ran fever or anything we have not had any more infection just remember not to get water in his ears. we go back to our ent in April. Good luck it is just scary for the mommy's I was terrified but everything will be ok

My middle daughter was a bit older than yours...3 1/2 when she had tubes put in her ears. I was more scared than she. The doctor is one of the best in the ENT field around, and after her ears were drained and tubes put in, he said that she could go about her normal routine immediately. He even said that getting water in her ears would not be a problem. She could have swam that day even, he said! (Was not going to happen! I was too scared!) It is an ordinary procedure and done every day. The worst part about it is the wait until they gave her something to calm her down before 'sailing' her back to the OR. The employees at the Day Surgery Center were VERY good with children and your ENT or Family Doctor should be there before giving her anesthesia. I was very worried, but after all was said and done...I felt a bit silly. Especially since she can hear alot better now (be sure that you keep the music off in the vehicle on the way home and keep the noise level a bit more mellow), and hasn't had an ear infection since (surgery was ~ 6 mo ago)!!! She has started communicating verbally a lot more also. Before, we just thought she was ignoring us when we talked to her!

Hope this helps :-)

P.S. I would get someone else to watch your almost 3 yr old when you go to the surgery center with your baby...at the surgery center I went to they did not allow anyone under the age of 12 in the surgery prep room (my youngest was 18 mo. at the time) and I got a friend to watch her so I could concentrate on my middle daughter. Also, ask the doctor to schedule your childs surgery as one of his/her first, so ya'll can go have ice cream or something that your baby really loves :-)

Hi M.,

I am also an Air Force Spouse. Eight months ago, my oldest, then 3 1/2 had tubes put in and also his adenoids removed. From what the docs told me then , that having his tubes would have been a much easier process.

From what I recall, the docs told me to watch for drainage from his ears after the procedure.

My husband was deployed, when it was done. So I had a good friend go with me. So I would suggest having a support system. I think it will be much harder on you than your child. At least that was my experience.