Advice on Putting Tubes in 19 Month Old's Ears

Both my sons had tubes and it was no problem. They were tired, but happy leaving the hospital. The whole thing took about 10 minutes. There was no pain and the ear infections stopped. I wish I had insisted on it earlier with my first (he was about 20 months), he would not have suffered as much. My second son was 6 months old, same thing, no problem.

My son had tubes put in his ears the day before his first birthday. There was very little recovery time. He was a little out of it for the rest of the day and a little cranky for the next day or two. However, the tubes helped A LOT as far as health issues are concerned. He also started walking on his own within a week (his ballance was too 'off' because of needing the tubes). The only issues we had with tubes was having to put the wax in his ears before bathing or swimming. His tubes did not come out on their own either. The doctor had to flush them out with water and that was a little scary for my son. Those were the only draw backs though. My son is now 10 years old and has no ear infections and only one bad cold since the tubes were put in. My step-sister had to have tubes put in her son's ears (less then a year old) and they have had no problems.
Good luck!

I have to agree with the others... my son was 7 months old when he had tubes put in and the outcome was amazing! As far as recovery time... he came home and acted like nothing ever happened. I actually think we may be looking at him needing another round, but we'll see what the Dr says.

My son who is 16 months just had tubes in November. We were also worried but our doctor reassured us that he would be fine a little fussy the first day but after that he would be fine. That is basicly how it went too, he was very crabby right after surgery and cried for a bit but about 20 min after we got home he took a three hour nap and woke up ready to play. He was a little irritable that evening but the next day he was my happy boy again and the amount of words he is saying now is amazing b/c he can finally hear clearly!!
So good luck!
M.

Hi G.!
My 2 oldest daughters both had tube surgery (my oldest twice) and the recovery time is practically non-existent. The worst part of the whole ordeal was waking them up before the sun came up and waiting for the surgery unable to give them anything to eat or drink. My oldest had her first set of tubes at 9 months and the 2nd set at about 18months. Both times, by the time we got home from the hospital she was back to her old self. The procedure only takes about 15-30 minutes and then you just need to wait for them to wake up fully. Our experience with both kids was very uneventful - I think after the first surgery with my oldest, we ended up going out to breakfast after the next 2 times. Good luck!

My 19 month old daughter just had tubes put in Dec. 10th! I had lots of anxiety and many questions as well. But guess what?! It was the best thing I could have done for her! She has always been a happy, loving baby but now she is extremely happy and loving! Her tubes were put in during the ice storm so it wasn't that bad concidering we couldn't go anywhere anyway. The recovery was not bad, by the 4th day she was running around! The first day she slept pretty much all day and ate very little. (She can eat whatever she wants when you bring her home!) The second day again she slept most of the day and she just wanted to be cuddled! The third day she was feeling much better but you could tell she still wanted her mommy and then the fourth day she was great! My daughter did have the most horrible smelling breath...the doc. warned me...but wow it was gross! and all the congestion (mucus) is just from the drainage of the ears. Her congestion stopped probably on the 4th or 5th day! Good Luck! You are making a great decision!

Hi G.!
You may want to think about a chiropractor. I know this sounds really crazy but I know from first hand experience that this can work. We went through this and were scared about surgery. I took control and did alittle homework of my own just so I could be educated about all of the options that are out there. We went to a chiropractor who is a palmer graduate (that is very important) and learned that everything is connected to the spine. I didn't realize that every nerve in the body is connected to the spine. Anyway, if there is a pinch of any kind it could be effecting even your childs ears. After the first adjustment the ear infection went away and we haven't had a problem since. Just research it. What's to lose, right?

-K.

Both of my children had tubes put in, my daughter played like nothing ever happened, my son came home, took a nap and then played as if nothing had happened, no real side effects! Good luck

G.,
The procedure is invasive. What I was told and experienced the same with my daughter is that when they wake up from anesthesia-they may scream or cry for a while with difficulty consoling. She was only 9 months old though. Also, I don't think doctors routinely recommend tubes unless they really feel necessary. If your child has continuous fluid in their ear, it may affect overall speech development and listening comprehension. You should go to an ENT to determine necessity and surgery. Another point, I work with a mom of a 2 yr. old boy who did not respond to antibiotics. The Ped. took a swab of the ear/drainage and sent the specimen to a lab to determine the exact bacteria to prescribe the most effective medicine-which worked.
Hope this helps...Good luck!

Any time a child has been put to sleep is a big deal. When they are put to sleep every organ they have is rendered slow to function. I've had so many friends over the years who have put tubes in their little one's ears, just to have them fall out. I had some friends that had them put in at least 3 times each. They still had ear & sinus infections. Before I did the tubes I would have my child tested for allergy's. What most people don't realize is that most fluids in the ear are caused by allergies. We were told to take our son's tonsils out and we did. It did not stop the fluid. We had him tested and gave him allergy shots or drops and he did great. We also got rid of animals inside and kept them away from smoke. On high smog or pollen days we kept them in. You can do a lot of things to help these symptoms.

I've been put to sleep 16 times and I can tell you that everytime, it seemed that my personality changed. And doctors told me that each time a child is hospitalized or put to sleep it changes their personality. So do all the other things you can before you do the tubes.

Both of my sons have tubes in their ears. My older son was 4 when he had his put in last year. They are still in place and working well. My younger son was 2 when he had his tubes put it. They also helped him a lot. He just had his second set put in yesterday since the first set fell out a few months ago. Both my boys had ear infection after infection and once the tubes where put in, there has been no problems. The recovery time is very fast. The worst part for my boys was putting in the antibiotic ear drops for about a week after the surgery. Good luck.

My son had tubes put in in July. It was a very quick procedure! We were back with him within 10 minutes and he was already awake when we went back to see him. He was a little sleepy for the rest of the day, but has done great ever since! Good luck.

Go for it! We had tubes put in our 12 month old's ears and it was the best thing we could have done at the time. She's 2 years old now and hasn't had an ear infection since. We had her adenoids out a few months ago due to chronic sinus infections, and that was a fantastic decision as well. For tubes the recovery was a couple of hours. They were put in at about 8:00 am and she was back to her normal self by the afternoon. The adenoidectomy recovery was a few hours longer, but she was perfect by the next day.

Both of my kids had tubes- one at 8 months and one at 10 months. It was the best thing we ever did. It was very short. With my second they gave him some meds while we were still with him the made him calm (and loopy). The only bad part was coming out of anesthesia. Bring some water or something because they are very thirsty. I think both of my kids cried about 10 minutes and then it was over. by the time we got home they were playing.

My daughter was 11 1/2 months old when she got her tubes, and she was a little tired the day of, but really went about her day as if nothing had happened. The only thing i noticed, was she started talking more than ever!! Right after the surgery, she was very mad...the doctors had warned me she would be, because of the anesethia, but once she got calmed, everything really was great!

If the dr. has suggested it, I would do it in a heart beat! All 3 of our kids have had them - it made a world of difference for the younger 2...and they've had 2 sets! The procedure takes all of about 15 mintues once they are asleep. I was a "mean" mom and had them put in our youngest's ears on Halloween one year...she was JUST fine that night! our kids were just groggy and out of it until the anesthesia wore off for an hour or so, then they were up and running! Our youngest was suddenly walking a week later! they could hear and keep their balance! Take her in her pj's and take her favorite blanky/doll and make her comfortable! My one recommendation is to do it at Children's Mercy though. We had all of ours done at Olathe Medical - they were great, but our youngest recently had hernia surgery at Children's Mercy South and it was fantastic! They cater to the younger ones and understand that it's hard on mom too! :) Good luck!
shelli

My son, who is now 4, had tubes put in when he was about 20 months. It was an absolute godsend. Once he woke up from anesthesia (which wasn't fun, they cry pretty hysterically for several minutes - they're not really awake, and I'm pretty sure it was harder on me than it was on him), things were fine. He had some juice and when that stayed down fine they gave him some graham crackers... an hour later we were headed home and there was no downtime at all from that point on. No pain, no fever - and while this isn't the case with everyone - not a single ear infection for the next 2 years. The tubes fell out after about 20 months - now he needs tubes again - we're scheduling for next month.

Good luck!

My son Kevin has had chronic ear infections. He has actually had two sets of tubes put in. Getting tubes put in is very minor. You will see a difference right away especially if your daughter has balancing problems. When he had his first set put in he was playing and normal by the afternoon of the same day. Now just to prepare you, just cause they insert the tubes does not mean the ear infections will go away. My son actually just underwent surgery to get his adenoids and tonsils removed because the ear infections kept coming back. His adenoids and tonsils were causing a lot of ear infections because they basically blocked the liquid from draining. If after getting the tubes put in your daughter keeps having big issues with the ears still I strongly recommend that you push to have the specialist examine her adenoids and tonsils. Since the surgery he has been so much better. Ear problems can also cause speech delays which he has so it is something you really want to stay on top of.
E.

My daughter had tubes put in her ears at 15 months of age. It was the best thing we could have done. She had chronic ear infections her entire life, starting at just 3 weeks of age. My pediatrician at the time kept wanting to wait to put tubes in, but I wanted to do something much earlier. I was worried about hearing loss and just the fact that she had to be in pain, even though she handled it very well. I often didn't even know she had an ear infection until I took her in for a well check. The procedure was very quick and there was no recovery time at all. She had no problems whatsoever. As a matter of fact, she was a late walker and she took her first steps later that very same day! She is now 7 years old and has not had a single ear infection since having tubes put in at 15 months! I'm definitely in favor of those wonderful tubes!

Between my 2 boys, we have gone through getting tubes in ears about 6 or 7 times. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Each time, it was a total transformation in our lives. They could hear again, appetites improved, attitudes improved and they slept better. Which meant that I slept better and was a better Mommy. :) I can't remember a time that either one was out of commission for more than a day or two. The worst experience that we had was with the youngest. He was in a lot of discomfort after the surgery and the doctor had not ordered anything for pain. So, they didn't give him anything nor did they call the doctor. He was required to stay in the hospital for at least 12 hours post-op. But, as soon as the 12 hours were up, we were out of there!!! That meant that we went home at midnight! It was worth it. I gave him Tylenol as soon as we got to the car. All was well then. He bounced back beautifully!
It is scary to send your baby into surgery, but it is all worth it. Be sure to let your little one pick out his bear or blankey to take into surgery with him. We talked to our boys about how the bears were going to watch everything that was going on in the surgery and the bears were going to hold thier hand the whole time. It seemed to work.

After reading all the previous posts, I'm glad so many have had positive results with ear tubes, but I just wanted to ask if you have thought about the risks of general anesthesia. I'm sure the risk is very small, but the possible problems can be very serious. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to try boosting the immune system first? Perhaps an herbalist or naturopath could make suggestions. I would second the suggestion of chiropractic, it's true that when the bones are out of place, pretty much any symptoms can follow. Also craniosacral therapy, sometimes practiced by chiros, sometimes by massage therapists, etc, is something I would definitely try before surgery. (My daughters have never had ear infections, but have both had cranio sacral as part of their health maintenance.)

My daughter was born with a soft cleft palate, in which ear infections are inevitable. She had ear infections for 3 months straight when they put her first set in at 8 months. It was a very minor procedure and she had no down time from what I could tell at that age. However since the tubes didn't take care or relieve her infection at that time, the doctor removed the first set after 2 months. Again, she had no recovery issues except for the on-going infection and severe drainage (meaning gunk draining down the sides of her face from her ears hourly!) When her palate was repaired at 13 months, they put in her 2nd set of tubes, which are still working today (almost 20 months)
My opinion it is a very simple procedure, which takes about 10 min to do (not counting set up time and recovery time) And it definitely opens up the ear way from the infection. The recovery is to take it easy for a a week or 10 days (if I remember), but I tried to take it easy and just followed my daughter's cues. Of course there is always the anesthesia worry but again the time that they are under is pretty minor. I think the positives of having the surgery definitely out way any negatives that you could come up with.

Both of my sons had to have ear tubes. The recovery time is pretty much over once they wake up for the anesthesia. I kept them home that day and then they went back to daycare the next day. She may need a couple of doses of Tylenol for some minor discomfort. The procedure is easy and will save you several trips to the doctor and sleepless nights. I would recommend the procedure.

My 6 year old son just had his tubes put in last Friday. He was a little tender for half the day other than that he has been fine. He also had tonsils taken out so the surgery to a little longer. His ears were holding fluid without having ear infections. Went to his ENT appointment yesterday and all was good.

Hi-

My son had tubes at 12 mo and it was the best decision we could have ever made. My son had 7 ear infections in one year. He was a little fussy when he woke up from the anesthesia but after he fully came around he was his usual self. At first he was a little hesitant to drink stuff because I am sure it felt weird but after about 5 min of trying he was fine. He went back to daycare the next day and never had any problems. He has now lost one of his tubes (about 6 mo after his surgery) and still has the other.

Make sure that you have some kind of ear plugs for when she takes a bath (you don't want water to get in her ears). Your ENT can advise you about this. Your ENT will also give you antibiotic drops (or a prescription) to have on hand for any future ear infections (this is still a posibility) it is always good to have these on hand.

Every child will respond differently but it is a good decison to have tubes put in as constant fluid on your childs ear can cause speech delay issues and open a whole new bag of worms.

I hope some of this information helps. I know that it is scary and I won't say that it was easy to sit in the hospital room when I knew that my son was having surgery. I do know that his procedure lasted about 10 minutes and then he was back in my arms. But there is not one day that goes by that I regret it as he has not had another ear infection since and I will put tubes back in his ears if I notice any further issues and they are recommended.

G. my eight year old son has had tubes put in several times. The first time he was very young about two years old. He has had them put in and taken out. As far as the surgery goes he did well out of all the times he was only sick once from the anestisha. He was up and running in no time. The last surgery was in the spring. He had one tube removed and the other was left inside. Because when he was five he stuck a rock and half a peanut in his ear. They are back to normal in no time, Good luck

Hi G., My daughter had ear infections from the time she was born. At 2yrs, we put in tubes & she was fine ever since. She's 22yrs now!!!! I'm an RN & it's an easy procedure with good results. Best, C.

My daughter had tubes placed at 16 months. Within an hour or so of being home, she was asking to eat and was playing. We stayed at the surgery center for a little while until the anesthesia wore off. It is hard when you first see them after the surgery as the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet. We were in a little room in the surgery center where we could just hold/rock her. If the surgery is in the morning, then take her in her pjs. They gave us one of the earlier times because they can't eat beforehand. Good luck! The surgery is worth it.

G.,

I have a co-worker who son had tubes placed in both of his ears. I will forward your email to her for a response.

Prayers to you and your daughter..

H. W

My son had them put in at 1 1/2. It literally was so quick I barely had time to go pee(tmi) after they took him back and the doc came out and said it was done. Longest time spent in pre-op. He was cranky when he woke up from the anethesia, but was fine that evening.

My son had tubes when he was two and my daughter when she was just 12 months old. There really is nothing to it. I was worried with my son, but with my daughter I knew how easy a surgery it was. They might be cranky the same day they have the surgery, but other than that, it's nothing to be worried about. The doctor did such a good job that my 17 month old daughter has not had any trouble with her ears since July (and she's been sick with colds, etc.)

I wouldn't do the tubes at all. My daughter had ear infections one right after the other and we found out that the antibiotics she was being prescribed weren't working and the ear infections were never going away. Sounds like you have the same problem. Switch to a different antibiotic, especially if your ped is using ampicillan-it doesn't work. Once we got on the right meds, her ears cleared up great and she never had another ear infection. Don't do the tubes unless that is your last resort. There are too many problems with them that the docs won't tell you about.

My duaghter has had three sets of tubes. The first set at 10 months the last set around 3. She is now 10. The procedure is worse on the parents then the child. Some Drs don't use general anesthitic only local and secure the child like a mummy. I would not use this type of method to scary for the child. I have been through this procedure several times with foster children also. I would ask if there are any alternatives. THe tubes cause their own problems such as scarring. THis can affect their hearing at a later date. I didn't know this until I went to a 4th ENT. Consult with a chircopracter. One showed me how to pull on the ear to allow the fluid to drain, Good luck B.

My younger daughter had terrible ear infections and we ended up with 2 sets of tubes. She did great both times, the first time she was about 18 months- she was her usual self that evening. The whole ordeal was harder on my husband and I because she had to be put under for the operations and we had to wait. She did wake up frightened because weren't in the recovery room yet, and I forgot to leave her pacifier with her.

easy and worth it! we spent longer in the preop area then she did in the surgery. she stayed home with me that day and was fine just a little tired from all the excitment and maybe the anesthesia, but she was back to normal the next day and went back to daycare. she's had a couple of ear infections since then, but they haven't caused the high fevers or pain as they did before. and the tubes allow drainage which is good. our ENT did not explain that the tubes would not stop the infections (i assumed they would) they just stop the blockage of the fluid which causes the bad symptons of the ear infections.

I have had a lot of experience and success with liquid coloidial silver. Same thing they use in burn clinics called silverdyne to protect and kill infection and heal skin. It is natural and kill all known bacterias as well as over 1700 different viruses. Of course Dr.'s don't recommend it because it is natural, Im not a "natural freak" but use them whenever possible before harmful antibiotics and such. Just drop the liquid in the ear and let it sit as long as possible. We also drink it often for an immune boost. Will also heal cuts and burns in as little as hours. You can get more information on the site of the product Ive found to be the best at www.regenesisinternational.com it's called silver immune. Dr's are so quick to recommend surgury or drugs, its worth a try before you go that route.

My son had tubes put in his ears in either 2005 or 2006 (been so long can't remember). When we got home from the surgery he laid in bed for about an hour and then he was up being his usual self. But I guess that it would depend on the child.

My son has had tubes three times (he has Down syndrome so he has unusually small ear canals and it will just take longer for him to outgrow ear infections) and my daughter is scheduled in a week and a half. Both have been plagues with recurrent ear infections. Tubes really are no biggie. You're at the hospital literally 1-2 hours, the surgery takes 15 minutes and by afternoon they're playing completely normally. My son has actually felt better immediately afterwards if his ears are infected when they do it because there's less pressure. Probably the most traumatic part is waking up from anesthetic because they aren't with you - but at least at Children's Mercy - they will bring you to her almost immediately. You can also bring her favorite sippy cup, blanket, etc., so she can have it immediately when she wakes up.

Good luck and hopefully it'll make her ears lots better.

My sister dealt with this with both of her daughters. The doctor told her to wait til her daughter(s) were over the age of 2 because the ear infections will usually stop around then and they will have to deal with the tubes for the rest of their lives. Her daughter is about to turn 3 and hasn't dealt with ear infections for almost a year. I would just hate to see you rush into something that is permanate for a temporary problem. Either way good luck!!