https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:06:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2365544 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 07:32:21 +0000 Mrs Hedgehog 2365544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids don't have tubes but I have had chronic ear infections my entire life so I had to get tubes when I was 2 or 3. All I remember is going to sleep while breathing yummy tasting flavored air and waking up, getting a bear, and being fine. I did have to use wax in mybears when I was in water to prevent excess water from getting in but other than that, the ear infections stopped until I was in elementary and they fell out on their own (which they are supposed to do). I need to get more put in as I still get them but usually I just power through the pain. I'm terrible. They do work and they made my life easier as a kid. It's a big deal for the parent understandably but they put kids to sleep to do it usually and the ear infections go away! I wouldn't hesitate to have it done to my kids if they inherit my crappy ears. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2365534 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 06:58:52 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2365534@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to share at lo got his tubes a little over a week ago and it has been life changing!! my sweet boy must have been feeling so so awful, because his behavior is completely different. we have my daughters scheduled for a week from now...I can't stand the thought of her suffering for the next 2 years. she's had recurring infections too :( thanks for calming my nerves mommas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347311 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 18:09:01 +0000 leighleigh 2347311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I myself had tubes put in after a number of ear infections and not talking around 12-18 months. IMMEDIATELY after, I began not only talking, but reading at age 2. Crazy! Also, no more ear infections :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347304 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 17:52:17 +0000 PurplePeony 2347304@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: my DD got her tubes at a surgical center. They have a central OR with waiting rooms on one side and recovery rooms on the other side. We stayed with DD in the waiting room until she was out. The anesthesia was just gas, and they put a scent in it so it smelled like strawberries. I held her while she breathed in the "strawberry air" and once she was out, an orderly took us around to the recovery room while DD was wheeled into the OR. I basically had time to drink a cup of water and then they were wheeling her into the recovery room. She came out of the anesthesia a few minutes later and was super grumpy/crying for awhile but wasn't in pain -- apparently it's mainly disorientation and waiting for the gas to totally wear off that causes the grumpiness. I was really glad that there was never a moment when she was awake that we weren't with her. After lunch and a nap, she was completely fine and we haven't had any ear issues since.</p> <p>We did the opposite from @Mrs D and had the procedure done at the surgical center instead of the main hospital. They advised us that things go much more smoothly there, the setup is better, and you don't risk being bumped by emergency patients. After the fact, I do wish we had gone with the hospital, but that's because of a safety issue that came to light regarding the surgical center and not because of our experience on the day. It was nothing we could have predicted beforehand, though, so if we were back in the same position at the same time, we'd have still made the same choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347053 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:02:02 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 2347053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: They didn't let us go back with her, but they gave her something to make her sleep before they took her to the OR. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347042 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:51:04 +0000 Mrs D 2347042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: K got tubes when she was 18 mos...so obviously not as old as your little one. She had a nurse who was her "constant" for the entire process - would be with her when all the different people were shuffling in and out.</p> <p>Before the procedure - the anesthesiologist came in to introduce himself and walked us through the whole process. He was very nice and explained that he would be the one to come and take her and that the nurse would go with him. He said he will let the "goodbye" go on as long as we wanted - but did encourage that it likely wont be pleasant and his experience is the just rip the bandaid. Rather than wait and hope K calms down and goes happily. DH and I decided we would rip the bandaid to make it as quick on both parties. K cried as he carried her out - the nurse and I both telling her it was ok. I surprisingly did not sob - more of a whimper. Someone came and got us to the waiting room (we had been back in pre-op); it was literally no more than 10 mins after we walked into the waiting room that the Dr came and said she was done, K did great and a nurse would be getting us shortly to be with her when she woke up. She was coming to when we got back there...we were told to wait with her as long as we wanted before going home. She had the teddy bear she was given (by the hospital) and then was allowed to choose a book as well....we sat (she was a little extra clingy but not cranky) for about 30 mins. They suggested she try drinking something and eating a small cracker. When she did good with both those they told us she was fine to leave but we were welcome to stay as long as we wanted. We waiting another 20 mins or so - then went home.</p> <p>I believe if I recall she was given some laughing gas before they started anything else. But cannot remember specifically.</p> <p>FWIW - K had had 7 ear infections when we had the surgery. The Dr indicated her hearing had been compromised 30-40% by the excessive fluid in her ears. She told us to expect dramatic increase in talking...it was not instant but now 8 mos later - the flood gates have opened (I'd say I noticed the biggest difference 2 mos after surgery).</p> <p>It has been amazing...I am so glad we did it. Though we did find out one has fallen out already and 1 is on its way out. The Dr said that is normal and not to be worried as she only does replacements in about 5% of cases!</p> <p>My only recommendation is if given the choice of locations (our Dr does the surgery at a local hospital - known for the childrens center and at a outpatient facility) choose the hospital. I know 99.9% of the time these procedures go off without a hitch but I definitely found comfort in the moment knowing if god forbid something did happen we were in a facility that was best suited to handle anything.</p> <p>Good Luck!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347016 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:27:36 +0000 HazelEyes 2347016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: Yup! I was happy he went in, I got too nervous. He said it was super quick though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2347000 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:17:41 +0000 blackbird 2347000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: E just had tubes and adenoids out at 2.5. Coming out of the anesthesia is the worst because they're very disoriented. She just cried for a good 30 min. They gave her some Morphine and DH laid in the bed and held her until she calmed down a bit. She was also distraught about her shoes not being on...We took her home and she watched tv on the couch and took a BIG nap. Then felt fine because she just had to come to the grocery store that afternoon and get a free cookie with me :)</p> <p>They had a little red wagon for her to ride to surgery in, but she ended up dancing to the OR with one of the nurses. It was adorable </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2346998 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:14:31 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2346998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HazelEyes: oh I'm so glad to hear that your little guy feels better! so they let your husband hold him while they gave the anesthesia? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes/page/2#post-2346989 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:10:39 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2346989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: nurses are pretty magical &lt;3 we actually don't know the ent yet. we will meet him next week. But even our pediatrician who we have been seeing since he was born barely gets smiles and only the tiniest amount of cooperation. He is the friendliest kid ever and will go to anyone, but doctors freak him out :( When we have to take him to urgent care because the office is closed it's a complete scream fest :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346974 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:58:45 +0000 HazelEyes 2346974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: My little guy had them this summer at 15 months and it is AMAZING. Night and day. He would get ear infection after ear infection, finishing a round of antibiotics and 3-7 days later we were back for more. He has had ONE brewing since and we have drops to put in his ears for 5 days and its gone-so no more oral antibiotics, just local.</p> <p>So we had the same where we were at a surgical center, J was the youngest and went first. We were in a preop room for a bit where they talked to us and gave him some tylenol, I believe. Then we could go to a little playroom until they were ready for us. </p> <p>I chickened out, honestly, and had my husband go in with him and he said he just held him, they gave him a gas and he went limp. My husband was with me in the waiting room before I even found a seat and then not 5 mins later the doctor came in and said it went great and actually apologised for taking so long to speak with us bc he was talking to his next patient's family!</p> <p>They then took us to the waiting room where a nurse was walking in with him and he was pretty disoriented, kind of flopping around in her arms, I took him and he did the same for maybe a minute. (It wasn't more than a little tantrum when your LO doesnt want to be held and wants you to put them down.) He was clingy, wouldnt let me sit or put him down or give him to dad, but other than that ok! We gave him two pouches bc he hadn't eaten. We went home after the required 30 mins, gave him a banana and some cheerios played for a bit and went down for a nap and he slept forever! 9:30-1:15! After lunch he was up and his cheerful self playing hard in the backyard like nothing happened. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346964 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:53:27 +0000 Truth Bombs 2346964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does your LO know/like their ENT? When my LO got her tubes done at 10 months she actually fell asleep in my arms during in preop so that hand off was super easy. When she got her second set around 30 months, I was more nervous that she would flip out when they wheeled her away. BUT, LO looooooves her ENT. And the nurses spent a lot of time buttering her up in preop. So when it was time to go we just told her that the nice nurses were taking her to see Dr. D and she was totally fine with that. When we went to get her in recovery the second time she was snuggled up in the arms of a nurse and had to be convinced to come to me. Nurses have magical powers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346959 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:50:29 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2346959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: @LovelyPlum: thank you for the reassurance. I hope he does that well. He panics at the doctor over every little thing. I have to hold him to restrain him just to look in his ears. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346953 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:46:07 +0000 LovelyPlum 2346953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: don't underestimate the charming power of the OR nurses...seroiuslu, G went right to her! She talked to her about getting stickers and blowing into a magic balloon (I'm guessing heart rate monitor and the gas?) There were no tears from her, and very few from me. I was really -and pleasantly - surprised! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346938 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:37:55 +0000 Mamasig 2346938@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I'm not sure how it is everywhere but my boys had theirs done at a surgery center. We stayed with them in the pre-op room until it was surgery time. The doctor and anesthesiologist came to talk to us before. With adenoids they had an IV. Just tubes - no IV. When it was time, they took them back awake and we had to go to the waiting room. It literally takes about 15 minutes and they are done. Then the doctor came to talk to us and we could go back to the recovery area. We left about 30 minutes later. Waking up is the hardest part. Also, my doctor schedules based on age. So the babies go first. It's harder when they are older because they can't eat or drink after 10 or midnight the night before.</p> <p>Eta: neither one of my boys cried when they took them back. I was surprised. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2346923 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:28:41 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2346923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: @BabyBoecksMom: @Mamasig: Thank you so much!!</p> <p>Can you tell me more about how the anesthesia part goes? I'm picturing them taking him into a cold sterile OR awake and us having to stay behind and I know that won't go over well for anyone involved. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2345931 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:37:30 +0000 Mamasig 2345931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: DS1 has had two sets - 1st at 17 months and second at around 32 months. The second time was so much easier. He came out the anesthesia much faster. Not sure if it was because of age or that he didn't get his adenoids taken out that time. </p> <p>DS2 just got some last month and he was out of it until the afternoon. Totally different ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2345909 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:19:52 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 2345909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: The idea of the procedure is so scary, but I cannot express how wonderful the end result is!!! </p> <p>W had her 2nd set of tubes put in when she was almost 3. They also removed her adenoids. For her first set of tubes (10 months?), it was literally 15 min from the time they took her back to the time they called us to let us know she was in recovery. She was a little groggy but completely herself in an hour.</p> <p>It was harder on me the 2nd time because she was older and I was afraid she would be scared and because it was a longer procedure. She woke up crying in recovery, saying her throat hurt because they removed the adenoids, but they gave her more pain medicine and she was ok. </p> <p>No more ear infections, medication or grumpy kid... well, at least not from ear infections. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2345821 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:33:19 +0000 LovelyPlum 2345821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: oh, poor LO! So G was out for like 10 minutes total. They did gas, no IV. She was angrier for longer after than she was inder. Once we got home, though, she was better, and they have been a GODSEND. thinking of you!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2345755 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 15:54:16 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2345755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bumping this older thread! My poor little guy has had pretty much constant ear infections for the last 3 months. We are going to have tubes put in even though he is almost 3, since we are heading into the winter and he just started preschool. Any advice about older kiddos and anesthesia? I get super choked up every time I think about it, which is ridiculous because at the same time I wish we could do the surgery like, 3 months ago. :( I am just so super nervous about him being knocked out and us not being with him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2201605 Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:22:01 +0000 LovelyPlum 2201605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: @GrapeCrush: I'm so glad to hear that their surgeries went well! Ours was 3 weeks ago, and it has made a big difference. Unfortunately, she has had a bunch of discharge this weekend, so we may have another infection. If so, though, I am really glad we can take care of it with drops. Otherwise, we have seen good improvement in babbling and falling over less. She still isn't a great sleeper, but we are working on it. It was very much the right decision!</p> <p>Eta: she was super pissed coming out of anesthesia, as the ENT said she would be. Cried inconsolably for half an hour, and that part was awful. It didn't take long for her to settle once we got her home, but I could tell she had some pain still. The next day was much better, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2198255 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:54:50 +0000 Finfan 2198255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD had tubes put in 6 months ago. At the time, she had less than 30 words (at age 2.5!) and ow she is almost entirely caught up with her peers. Wish we has gotten the tubes in sooner but they have been amazing for her/us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2198204 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:45:14 +0000 GrapeCrush 2198204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: I'm glad everything went well!! A's surgery was today too and she did great! She was great for all of the pre op stuff and came out of anesthesia beautifully. They let her sleep for about 10 extra minutes before bringing her out completely. She was mainly hungry. She was smiling and happy and eating, and her normal self within an hour of it being done. I posted a pic of her on IG (_sasasarah_) enjoying a timbit afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2198134 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:42:10 +0000 PurplePeony 2198134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: @GrapeCrush: how did the procedures go? DD's was this morning and it was stressful to see her anesthetized and also when she woke up. But now she seems happy enough -- she took a little nap in the car, ate like a bottomless pit when we got home, ran around and played for awhile, and is napping again now. So far, so good...fingers crossed it stays that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2179238 Fri, 15 May 2015 05:38:05 +0000 GrapeCrush 2179238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: honestly we were expecting it, because DH has terrible ears, and DS had to have tubes. I want it done, because I know how much they help. DS had only 1 ear infection the whole time his were in, and it's when he had pneumonia and was pretty sick. It's such a quick procedure...you'll be at the hospital longer getting her checked in, and waiting for surgery the she'll actually be in surgery. </p> <p>@PurplePeony: good luck to you guys! She'll do great :) and by the end of the day you won't even know she had anything done </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2179070 Thu, 14 May 2015 21:03:19 +0000 LovelyPlum 2179070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: will do! And thanks :happy: </p> <p>@GrapeCrush: oh man, you, too? I hope it goes well for you! I'm sorry you have to wait, though. Now that I'm feeling good about the decision, I'm ready for it to be here already! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2178229 Thu, 14 May 2015 12:36:55 +0000 PurplePeony 2178229@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: please update after your daughter's surgery! She's having them done sooner than mine so I would love to hear how it goes for you. Good luck and I hope she bounces back quickly!!</p> <p>@GrapeCrush: that's the same day as my DD's procedure. Good luck to you guys, as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2178178 Thu, 14 May 2015 12:20:41 +0000 GrapeCrush 2178178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: good luck. She'll do great! DD gets hers in on 6/3(I wish we could have gotten in sooner). Same thing, she had 5 in 6 months and I was so happy when they finally said to give the ENT a call. DS has tubes and they helped immensley! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2178113 Thu, 14 May 2015 11:55:38 +0000 LovelyPlum 2178113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jhd: @SeptMomma12: @Mamasig: :heart: </p> <p>@PurplePeony: good luck to you as well! I hear you on the balance thing. LO falls over all the time, so hopefully that will stop soon. Fingers crossed that it makes a huge difference for both of our kiddos! Let us know how your appointment goes.</p> <p>@Mrs. Oatmeal: my sister is an SLP, and she said the same thing. I am excited that she will feel better, and I can't wait to help her get back into a more normal routine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-experiences-with-ear-tubes#post-2178101 Thu, 14 May 2015 11:48:48 +0000 PurplePeony 2178101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Smurfette: yeah, the nurse practitioner at our initial appointment said they administer the anesthesia in a room on one side of the OR, and when DD is asleep they wheel her in and do the tubes while we walk around to the recovery room on the other side. They wheel her out and she wakes up with us. She said not to even go get a cup of coffee while we wait because it goes that fast! I just never thought to ask what method of anesthesia they use. One of DD's daycare classmates just had tubes put in and her mom said she barely seemed to notice she'd had a procedure done by the time they left the hospital, so I'm glad that seems to be a common experience. And that little girl started basically talking in sentences within a few weeks of getting the tubes (at ~18 months), which is kind of amazing! I'm hoping tubes will improve my DD's balance as well as speech, she falls over a lot -- more than I think is normal even for a toddler. </p>