Today we took Lex to have a follow up hearing test since the last time Nate brought him he had fluid behind his ear drums. Today they tested to see if there was fluid and it didn't appear that there was, however, his hearing was still not up to par. So tomorrow I get to bring him in to see an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. The main reason was to have someone who really knows what they are looking at when it comes to Lex's ears and throat (he has a slightly runny nose right now so there won't be much peeking up there) and to make sure there really is no fluid back there. If she doesn't think there is fluid the next step is a sedated hearing test to see what the nerves are doing. This makes me nervous but so does him still having fluid back there. I have lots of scar tissue in my right ear due to the amount of fluid that builds up there because of my allergies, not to mention the number of ear infections I've had. If he has fluid still the typical next step is another round of antibiotics and then an ear check and possibly doing that again. Or it could mean tubes. I'm not comfortable with my two year old being sedated, it's perfectly fine for me, I've had several surgeries and know what to expect from recovery to healing. I know I shouldn't get ahead of myself and worry as it won't do me any good but my brain is in overdrive due to my insomnia. Hopefully when I see my doc tomorrow I'll have a little help with that.
**Update**
Lex is scheduled to have tubes placed on Monday in hopes that by draining the fluid he'll hear better. We'll have a follow up hearing test in one month when we see his ENT again. If his hearing isn't improved he'll have a sedated hearing test. At least now we have a plan.
9 comments:
(((HUGS))) to you all! How is Lex's sleep? I only ask because Stephen always failed his pressure hearing tests, but didn't have any fluid. It turns out his adenoids were swollen, and he was diagnosed with sleep apnea last spring. His ENT said that when they swell, it can change the space behind the ear drums, and makes it seem like there is fluid. Anyways, we had his adenoids and tonsils out over the summer, and he's a new kid - I can totally tell he hears better, and his speech improved right away. I wanted to mention all of that for you to keep in mind when you see the ENT!!! Good luck.
His sleep is good for the most part, some soft snoring when he's really out but otherwise okay. I was going to mention the last time he was seen in his peds office his tonsils were very swollen and so he was given antibiotics (they thought it might be an ear infection but they didn't get a really good look). They still looked swollen to me last week but when I felt them they weren't that bad. Thanks for your advice I appreciate it!
Good luck, hon! All of these trials you are going through only make you a stronger person. You are a great mommy and Lex is so lucky to have you! ♥
I can tell you, from having had my toddler sedated for procedures several times, that they snap out of it quite quickly. The only issue would be keeping him NPO before the procedure.
Mol, I don't know how you do it, you are my hero in more ways than one. Any tips on NPO? I know when I have surgery I try to sleep as long as possible before but that won't happen for Lex...
Make sure that you know the deadline for clear liquids in addition to knowing the deadline for food. A few times David had a later test and the deadline for food was 4AM, so I woke him up and made him an offer he couldn't refuse--a cheese omelette. I'm not sure if I could get away with that now. But anyhow, other than that, just keep him distracted. The time spent checking in and waiting at the hospital/doc office is the worst, although if you have to wake him earlier to go there, he might go back to sleep.
Good luck! Ella's been sedated about 17 times or so. The first time was the hardest, but she did so well. Kids are such troopers.
It's easier if the procedure is in the morning. They don't seem to notice no food as much. Just keep him busy with fun things and hopefully he won't mind.
I am praying for you guys. I was amazed by how easy the procedure was when Jack had it a little less than a year ago. We just found that one of his tubes came out, so we may be back soon for round 2. His fluid build up was effecting his hearing.
I cannot begin to thank you for all your kind an thoughtful comments on my blog. They really mean a lot to me.
Good luck with the tubes tomorrow. It's harder on mommy than him, I promise. Allie had them placed when she was 17 months old. Actually, she had two sets of tubes. It's scary but it's really quick. All my good thoughts will be with you tomorrow!
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