Tubes

   Last Tuesday, Dawson had ear tubes put in.  As I mentioned before, the ENT doctor discovered mild hearing loss and fluid in his ears.  He also gets ear infections pretty frequently, so the ENT decided that tubes would be the best solution for Dawson.  I did a ton of research on the subject, and I heard over and over again how much it helped kids. 
    Joey took the day off of work so he could be there too.  The doctor told me that the procedure was very minor and would be quick.  We had to be at the surgery center at 6:30 a.m.  Luckily, it's very close to our house.  When we arrived they took us back into the patient prep area.  They took his vitals and gave him a little hospital gown.  He was such a good boy through all of it.  The anesthesiologist came in and discussed with us how they would be putting him under.  The doctor also came by to go over the procedure once more and answer any last questions we had.   They warned us that he would not be a happy boy when he woke up.  Joey went back with him when they put him under.  I did not want to see that.  Joey came back out very shortly and we went to the waiting room to wait.  We only waited for 10 minutes or so before the doctor came out and told us he was done and everything went perfect.
   They called us back to the recovery area a few minutes later.  He was not happy at all.  My poor baby was crying so hard.  He was just inconsolable.  We did manage to get him to drink some juice.  They went over the recovery instructions.  The nurse said that he was going to be very angry for a little bit.  I was a little concerned.  He cried the whole way home.  When we got home, we put on some Thomas the Train and gave him milk.  I cuddled up on the couch with him.  About 20 minutes later, he was totally back to himself.  I would say that that the anesthesia only affected  him for one hour.  It was a tough hour and I hated seeing him so upset and not being able to do much, but it was very short lived.  That afternoon you never would've guessed that he had surgery earlier.
    We went back today for a follow-up appointment.  They retested his hearing and it is now in the normal range.  His ears canals are now open.  The doctor said ear infections should be rare and if they do happen he won't be in any pain.
     From the research I did, having fluid on the eardrums can make it sound like you are under water.  A lot of people think that can lead to speech problems.  Dawson does sometimes have trouble articulating clearly.  Even though it has only been a week, we are already noticing HUGE gains in his language.  He is literally talking up a storm and he is easier to understand.  It is truly amazing!  I am glad that we finally got things figured out and Dawson is able to hear normally!

In the waiting room waiting to go back

Just relaxing with Mom

Joey had to wear this to back to the operating room

After surgery, drinking his juice

Trying to cheer him up with the Ipad.