Any Special Care for Tubes?

In my experience, it is a super easy recovery. My kids felt great later that day. The doc will give you info on how long to keep dry, and what to look for. Just make sure you give the antibiotic drops. I heard of bad stories when people forgot those. Also, I made it a day where all I had to do was hold my girls and watch movies with them after because I needed it more than they did.

As the others mentioned, you will be amazed at how quickly your little one will bounce back. He should be himself by the afternoon.

When they come out of anesthesia, they're confused and groggy and usually thrashing/flailing/screaming. It's hard to see but it usually settles in a short while. Also, your son will be hungry since he won't have been allowed to have anything to drink since before midnight (usually). Bring his usual drink along and ask if it's OK to give it to him. It will probably help.

Also, if he's not allowed to drink after midnight, wake him up around 11:30 to give him something to drink (more than just water). That will help stick in his stomach and make him less starving in the morning.

Finally, as someone else said, make sure to get antibiotic ear drops and ask about after care (whether ear plugs are needed for showering/bathing, etc. - doctors vary on that one).

It is a quick and easy surgery. I'm sure he'll do well. Good luck and best wishes!

Though all physicians are different, most ENT surgeons will suggest keeping out dirty water (ie lakes) but don't have a problem with showers or swimming pools. The recover is only dependent on the anesthesia - the tubes themselves really have no discomfort or recovery to them.

Best of luck,
D.J. Verret, MD
InnovationsFPS.com

It is very easy. Just follow the Dr's directions. By the end of the day, he will be fine.
A friend warned me about when they come out of surgery as they are waking up. I was so glad she did.
My son was 11 months with his first set and he was a monster for about 1 hour. I don't want to scare you, but it took my husband to hold him. After the Dr was ok with him being awake, he gave him something to calm him for the full affects of the anesthia to wear off. He was ready for lunch and playing by afternoon. Good Luck!

my son has tubes then they have been a miracle. He hasnt had 1 ear infection since and he's had them for 10 months so far. His ENT & our pediatrician both agree that there is no special care we need to give for the tubes. I have always heard that people with tubes needed to keep there ears dry and wear ear plugs during baths. But the ENT and ped. both said we didn't need to do that. So we haven't. My son spent lots of time in the pool this past summer. No problems. He takes showers and baths. No problems.

Our recovery was easy. He came home and slept for a few hours and go up and was back to his normal self. It was a great expereince for us.

I hope all goes well for your little one.

My daughter was 11 months when hers were put in and it took her about 15-20 minutes to recover! She was pretty much herself by the time she came back from the surgery.

We were told not to let dirty or soapy water get in her ears. When we went for her post-op appointment we had the option of getting earplugs. They were $20 and came in differnet sizes so they fit her correctly.

Good luck!

My son had them at 11 months last January. I was stunned how fast and easy the entire process. I certainly spent more time waiting in the waiting area then he spent in the surgery room. He was upset from the anaesthea, but quietened down quickly and was home playing in the living room within a couple of hours. (He slept all the way home, probably because we had to be up so early for the procedure). Trust me when I say that it was FAR more tramatic for me than him and his ears have been perfect ever since. Blessings!! We'll pray for you and baby.

My 2 year old has had his tubes for a little over a year now. Still havent fallen out. There is really nothing special to do. Just dont let him be in dirty water like lakes and such. Our ENT also said to never use like "swim ear" solutions because the alcohol in it will melt the glue. Bath water, pools etc are ok. My son though doesnt like any water in his ears ever! lol Also be prepared after he wakes up that he might be quite upset! My son cried for about 20 minutes or so. Then we went home and he slept for HOURS! Never had an ear infection again. When he has had a bit of irritation the ENT gave us ear drops to put in his ears and they work pretty quick. Good Luck and dont worry!

Both of mine had tubes in at 1 year - it was amazingly quick (like they were gone from my arms for less than 15 minutes) and the only negative for us was the tears when they woke up. Both of mine sat & cried for about 30-45 min while I nursed, rocked. Both did throw up on the way home so be prepared (with the 2nd kid I was ready - had carseat covered in a sheet & had PJ's on them that unbuttoned instead of pull over to make clean up easy. Mine weren't hungry for a couple of hours but wanted lots to drink. If your husband can go, I'd take him just in case you have throw up or extended crying. You'll be sent home with a prescription to fill (another good husband job!).
But this is so easy & the best thing we ever did - no more ear infections! Good luck to you guys.

I know every doctor is different, but I don't recall any special precautions with my son's tubes (which were done almost 5 years ago, he was also 10 months). I don't recall any issues with water getting in his ears or needing earplugs, and I don't remember doing ear drops either. So either we didn't have to do any of that, or it was such an easy process that I just don't remember. My son woke up ANGRY, but they let me nurse him and he calmed immediately. By the time we left, we went and ate lunch and he took a nap and you would never have known he'd had surgery that morning. very easy process, and very much worth it! Good luck!

E.,
There is not any real recovery time. It is a very easy procedure. The only thing that you will have to worry about is that the child will be upset before and after the surgery only because they have NO idea what is going on. Other then that, everything goes quickly. We took our boys out to breakfast right after the surgery when they had their tubes put in. Don't worry, it will be over before either of you knows it.

M.