Yesterday was James' long awaited appointment with the ENT specialist. The appointment didn't go exactly the way I imagined it. It was anti-climactic. He checked James ears and said that he still sees that he has an infection and we talked about his history, what medicines he's been taking and their effectiveness. Then he said that he'd recommend getting the tube surgery.
I had a feeling this was going to happen. I was so sad at this point. He quickly described the procedure that they go in, drain the fluid and insert a tube. It would take about 5 minutes to do and we'd notice an improvement.
I was skeptical to book the appointment on the spot so I decided to wait. I am in two minds. James is constantly getting an ear infection every time he has a cold. Then he takes some antibiotics and feels better, but the infection still takes weeks to heal. So we could continue on this path, however there will be so many antibiotics in his system, straining his liver and making him resistant needing stronger medicines. Or we can opt for the surgery. Downfall of that is having James under anesthesia, ear drum ruptured and drained, then a tube placed. Afterward I hear it's about 2 days recovery then special earplugs when in water.
Due to our wonderful (sarcasm) healthcare system, James can't even have the surgery for at least 2 months. What are we to do in the meantime? My mom suggested we see an osteopath, I think we will. Who knows, it might help him deal with the pain and discomfort. Poor James has lost his appetite and we are trying to encourage him to eat some food. Hope this hunger strike is over soon.
Have you had to take your little one to an ENT or osteopath for chronic ear infections? If so share your story!
Happy reading!
Rachel
Showing posts with label anesthesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anesthesia. Show all posts
June 27, 2012
June 22, 2012
15 Month Check-Up!
We went to see the doctor on Tuesday for James' 15 month checkup. This was supposed to be a tough appointment because at this age they get another immunization. However since James was on antibiotics and suffering from an ear infection we postponed it for a couple weeks.
At this appointment we were happy to hear that he put on some weight and that he's developing well. We also discussed his ear infections. This is like number 6 for James and we desperately need to see an ENT. Unfortunately our appointment isn't until the end of July. His doctor thinks that he's unable to drain the fluid in his ear and that's why he keeps getting infected. Essentially she thinks it's just the same infection that had never gone away.
For treatment she suggested going on a low dose antibiotic everyday until the appointment. Before she makes a final decision she's referring to the pediatrician. I am very worried about that idea and the idea that James might need surgery to have tubes put in. This means he'd have anesthesia, which is completely horrifying for me.
I'm praying that there is a solution that doesn't require surgery. Also I am so upset that we have to wait until July to see the ENT. If we were in the states we would have seen an ENT the next day. It upsets me that James has had 2 infections since we've been waiting for an appointment. I've already called the doctor and have asked to be wait listed for cancellations. I've left a message at the doctor's office today requesting an earlier appointment, so let's see if that works.
Otherwise we discussed his allergy again. No progress there since I haven't introduced milk products. The good news is that since he's 15 months we can now do an allergy test so the office will make an appointment for that. James is still nursing and only drinking my milk. It's not enough, but I am against trying soy milk and although I hear almond milk is good, I'm afraid he could react to the nut. This is because his doctor suggested that we stay away from other highly allergic foods, so I'm heeding her advice.
Otherwise James is having a great week. He's eating his food at daycare, napping 2 hrs/day, playing and a ball of energy. My mom has taught him how to kick a ball so now he runs around the condo chasing the ball. Looks like James might take after his mommy and be a little soccer player!
Happy reading!
Rachel
PS: Don't forget to enter the giveaway, click here for details!
At this appointment we were happy to hear that he put on some weight and that he's developing well. We also discussed his ear infections. This is like number 6 for James and we desperately need to see an ENT. Unfortunately our appointment isn't until the end of July. His doctor thinks that he's unable to drain the fluid in his ear and that's why he keeps getting infected. Essentially she thinks it's just the same infection that had never gone away.
For treatment she suggested going on a low dose antibiotic everyday until the appointment. Before she makes a final decision she's referring to the pediatrician. I am very worried about that idea and the idea that James might need surgery to have tubes put in. This means he'd have anesthesia, which is completely horrifying for me.
I'm praying that there is a solution that doesn't require surgery. Also I am so upset that we have to wait until July to see the ENT. If we were in the states we would have seen an ENT the next day. It upsets me that James has had 2 infections since we've been waiting for an appointment. I've already called the doctor and have asked to be wait listed for cancellations. I've left a message at the doctor's office today requesting an earlier appointment, so let's see if that works.
Otherwise we discussed his allergy again. No progress there since I haven't introduced milk products. The good news is that since he's 15 months we can now do an allergy test so the office will make an appointment for that. James is still nursing and only drinking my milk. It's not enough, but I am against trying soy milk and although I hear almond milk is good, I'm afraid he could react to the nut. This is because his doctor suggested that we stay away from other highly allergic foods, so I'm heeding her advice.
Otherwise James is having a great week. He's eating his food at daycare, napping 2 hrs/day, playing and a ball of energy. My mom has taught him how to kick a ball so now he runs around the condo chasing the ball. Looks like James might take after his mommy and be a little soccer player!
Happy reading!
Rachel
PS: Don't forget to enter the giveaway, click here for details!
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