Grommets OP advice please

[whatswrongnow]

DD is having grommets fitted in both ears in 2 weeks. Does anyone have any advice about what happens and what the DD will be like after the op. Thanks

[Willdoitinaminute]

DS had this done at age 6. He had adenoids removed at the same time. Op was straightforward. He was groggy for a few hours after but had had a big dose of morphine and was sick whenever he got out of bed. Once he had had anti nausea drug he was fine though. He was fine the day after bouncy around with his cousins who were visiting.
His hearing improved immediately and he kept asking us to stop shouting and turn the TV down. After 5 years of seasonal glue ear we automatically spoke louder to him. I'm sure people thought I was a bit of a performance parent but as you have probably experienced you have to speak loudly and very clearly to a child with glue ear.
They also still struggle to process speech since they have learnt fill in the gaps by lip ready. I had hearing problems as a young child and often struggle to hear what people are saying when I can't see their face despite having normal hearing.

[whatswrongnow]

Thank you got your reply. My Dd is struggling and has had a speed and language assessment. They said that it could be due to her hearing, so we are hoping that this clears it. Can I ask what was it like when he went to down for the op. My Dd only drinks milk and is hard work to get to take meds, I'm dreading her going down .

[Willdoitinaminute]

I don't remember the need for any medication before he went to theatre. He did have anaesthetic cream on the back of his hands but they are not allowed anything to eat or drink from at least 6hrs before admission.
I prepared him so he knew what to expect. I never lie to children re needles, I am a dentist so have a great deal of experience with needles and children.
If they know what's going to happen they find it easier to deal with.
Under no circumstance tell them not to worry, this implants the idea there must be something to worry about. Give them the facts, calmly and accurately. DS was incredibly calm mainly because I was almost horizontally laid back. Inside I was flapping like mad.
The anaesthetist wanted him to stay on oxygen for a while as he recovered most children won't tolerate the mask over their face but DS had heard him say he will get better quickly if he keeps it on and took this to heart. We virtually had to wrestle it from him when he no longer needed it.
Make sure you have plenty to occupy her before she goes down to theatre and a decent book for you to read while she recovers.
Good luck and I hope you see an improvement.

[Wormatthebottomofthegarden]

Just grommets is a quick operation, takes about 20 minutes. Although this doesn't include anaesthetising and recovery afterwards so don't be surprise if she's off the ward for around an hour. It shouldn't be too painful and recovery will be having something to eat and drink and doing a wee before you're allowed home. I would expect you'll be a daycase and only have to stay a few hours after the operation, unless there's a reason she has to stay overnight. Be prepared just incase, bring pyjamas.

Pain wise just paracetamol and nurofen afterwards. A hot towel against the ear can help with any pain too. Some discharge from the ear can occur, bloody fluid or clear fluid which is normal, don't clean in the ear just wipe around. If you're noticing smelly discharge that's yellow or she has a temperature or redness or lots of blood when you're at home then get your DD seen.

It's usually a straight forward operation with a quick recovery and instant results. Check their swimming policy.

[whatswrongnow]

Thank you Wormatthebottomofthegarden. I was really worried that i was missing something. We were seen last september and the hospital is about 2hr drive from us. They sent a letter in december, which we never got. They then sent a email saying be there for 8 in the morning and that it was a day op, that was it. Im sure it will be grand, thanks