My 3 1/2 year old daughter has had swollen tonsils and hearing problems (from fluid in the ear) for a while now. The ENT advised that we remove the tonsils, adenoids, and put tubes in her ears. However, I went through all that with my six-year-old, who had the same surgery at 3, and although the results were immediate and wonderful, we have had continuing subsequent problems. She has had to have her tonsils removed again because they grew back, and has had to have tubes put in a second time because they fell out and the problems with fluid draining returned. One of her ear drums never healed from the surgeries, and she has a hole in her ear drum that won't heal. If I had known I would have had these ongoing problems, I would have waited to put her through surgery until she was 6 or 7. We are replacing the carpets with hard flooring in our home to rule out any allergies causing swollen tissue in/around the tonsils & ears, but so far no change. Her hearing problem is noticeable, does not appear to be affecting her speech so far, but she simply doesn't hear very well (a hearing test has confirmed). Her pedi does seem to be in agreement with the ENT.
Typically I do not readily question the advice of medical professionals, especially when it comes to my children, but I do not revel in the thought of unnecessary surgeries for my very young daughter. Some Moms have told me to just wait it out, as long as she is developing at a normal rate (with speech, learning, etc.) to just wait and see if these things work themselves out.
What is your experience with this? Did you "wait and see"?
Take her to see a chiropractor. Make sure it is a chiro that is experienced with kids. You will be amazed at how much that can help.
I probably would take the advice of my pedi and ENT meaning going forward with the surgery. My daughter by age 2 1/2 had tubes twice but no ear infections and her adenoids out with the second surgery. Knock on wood we havent had any complications. My best fried swears by a chiropractor to help with her boy's ear issues (3 yr old and 8 month old). My friend prefers a more homeopathic regimen versus medicinal intervation - perhaps you could look into that as an option or alternative? I wish you the best with your decision. Go with your gut.
My daughter had tubes put in when she was about 10 months old. After they fell out she too had holes in both of her ear drums that didn't heal and thus caused hearing loss. Our ENT performed a bilateral tympanoplasty, i.e. a skin graft on the ear drum. She did great and has all of her hearing back! My recommendation would be that followed by chiropractic care to help with all of the other issues. Good Luck!!
Do either of your daughters drink a lot of milk??
The ONLY reason I 'm asking, is because of my experience as a child.
When I was growing up my nose was ALWAYS stuffed. And I mean always. I could never breath through my nose & used to have ear problems as well.
An ENT told my mom I needed to have my adenoids removed. My mom was scared to do so, so she went for a 2nd opinion.
She took me to another Dr. that was more homeopathic. My mom explained my issues to him and his response was
"Do you drink a lot of milk"
I said yes
"Well stop" he says.
So my mom made me stop drinking milk for a little while, not forever, and I never had that problem again.
I'm not saying just GO with what I'm saying here. I am saying maybe it's worth getting a second opinion.
