Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

DS has been to urgent care this summer 4x for ear infections (3 single, 1 double - one trip may have been that one didn't clear up).

Since these ear infections surface on vacations, holidays and after office hours - I haven't seen my ped for any of them. The Dr last night asked if I had considered an ENT but, wouldn't give me guidance since he wasn't DS' primary ped.

I will be speaking with the ped next month at his 18 month appt but, I wanted to hear other people's experience.

1) How old was DC when they got tubes?

2) How many ear infections did DC have before getting tubes?

3) Have you seen a major difference since the tubes were put in?

Thanks!

Message edited 8/29/2013 9:32:20 AM.

Re: Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

DS got tubes when he was 13 months. He had had 6 recurrent double ear infections that needed stronger and stronger medication to treat. We were at the doctor constantly. I'm surprised the doctors haven't said for your son to see your main doc since you're supposed to go 2 weeks after the start of the meds to get a check up. They specifically want to see if the fluid is draining. In my son's case, it never was draining. WE saw Dr. Mendehlson and he did my son's tubes. It was the best thing we ever did. In the past 3 years, my son has only been sick ONCE. The tubes have been a dream! With DD, I will not wait as long to get the tubes. After a few ear infections, I'm going to request the tube. 6 ear infections was torture for both DS and myself. Good luck!

Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

Thanks for your feedback!

DS 1 has an ear infection as well and they mentioned a recheck for him (he's only had 4 in 3 1/2 years so i'm not as concerned about him tubes wise). I'm going to schedule rechecks for both of them in 2 weeks.

Re: Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

logan had 1 ear infection every month for an entire year before he got tubes, not one since and he had them put in 5 months ago. huge difference, he talks so much more now and a cold doesn't turn into an ear infection. We used to live at the doctors office

Re: Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

1) How old was DC when they got tubes?
She just had them place on Tues at 10.5months

2) How many ear infections did DC have before getting tubes?
6 within 8 months. With the last one fluid remained in the ear for a month until it as drained during the procedure

3) Have you seen a major difference since the tubes were put in?
It's only been a few day but I can tell her hearing has improved since there's no pressure. She started pronouncing more consonances later that day during her baby babble!

My primary group just kept telling me that it was because she was in daycare and there was nothing we could do. Luckily I don't require referral for specialists so I used my professional knowledge and mommy gut instinct and took her to an ENT.

Talk to me about Tubes (ears)

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback.