talk to me about grommets...

[simpson]

Have just got back from hosp appt with DS (4) and they say it is probably best if he has grommets inserted in the next couple of months as his hearing has gotten worse in the last few months.

I know it will be day surgery but would just like to hear from people who have been through it to prepare him and myself (PFB syndrome )

TIA

I had grommets when I was a child, I remember going into hospital and being quite excited about it (I suppose it was a novelty!) they put some (local anaesthetic?) cream on my hand, then a plaster and then I was wheeled down to theatre (I assume) - I remember there being cartoon characters on the ceiling! Then when in theatre they put the anaesthetic line into my hand (I could not feel this) and got me to count down from 10. I don't remember getting to 1, the next thing I remember is waking up, there was no pain etc but I used to be very frightened by loud sudden noises as I was not used to hearing them. The grommets fell out of their own accord a few months (years?) later, but this was fine apparently and I have had no problems ever since.

Read books with him about going into hospital and make sure you tell him about how exciting it will be and it should help - he won't know at his age that there is anything to be scared of with an operation, so hopefully it will just be fun for him. You'll be able to stay with him as well I think, until he is asleep.

thanks for that

Will definately get a book (Topsy & Tim?) to read about hospitals, good idea

TBH am worried about me blubbing when they knock him out and trying to keep calm for DS

stewie- thats exactly the same reason that DS needs them as he keeps getting severe ear infections which leave scar tissue

Glad to hear they have done the job though

TBH I was wondering why consultant today kept asking if DS ever gets sore throats, now I know!!

My dd had her grommets put in just before christmas. The change has been phenomenal. Her hearing and speech have improved beyond belief. She had started to get lazy when talking and now she is much more understandable. The worst thing is for the parent watching while their dc is put to sleep. Because we are in Switzerland, they wouldn't let me go to the theatre with her which was annoying for me, but dd (8 at the time) really didn't mind.
I'd second the books explaining what's going to happen, the hospital my dd's were done in gave her a teddy with a bandage around its head.

dd1 has had grommets twice

it really worked a treat with stopping the pain and infections
her hearing was massively imporved

one thing I would say is ask them to put a canula in and then administer the stuff that makes them go to sleep through that
becasue if they have the mask with gas then they are very likely to be sick quite a bit after they wake up as some of the gas ends up in the tummy

he will be fine, its very quick

and the worst bit is when you see your child go under but its only bad for you not your dc

Agree 100% with what trinity said. DD was apparently gassed down and then intubated. She spewed 14 times after her surgery. Alternatively ask for an anti emetic to be given via the cannula.

Thanks for advice guys

I bnought him the topsy & Tim hospital book today but he doesn't want to read it

Think he is a bit anxious tbh so not going to mention it for a few days....

Trinity - thats exactly what I am worried about, the bit when they go under

hello,

just wanted to hijack the thread a little if you don't mind.

DS2 who is 11 months has almost constant ear infections for six months. they're getting worse in that the last two have gone on for over ten days and they make him really sick. he gets really deydrated as the antibiotics give him the runs too. so he ends up really poorly and it takes ages to recover. as soon as he recovers he gets another one.

we went to see an ENT specialist who has said to put him on a low dose of antibiotics every day for three months. is this what some of you had to try first before the specialist agreed to grommets?

i guess what i'm asking is how much longer does this have to go on before he is bad enough for grommets to be fitted?

thanks for your help.

Sorry OP we are waiting for DS2s OPs so I can't help with what to expect, but I'm glad you stated this thread.

countrylover DS2 is 18 months old and due to have a grommet inserted in one ear in at the end of the month. His right ear has been perforated pretty much since last Nov and leaking goo and they can't put a grommet in this ear if it is leaking goo (I suppose because it would be pushed out by the discharge?) so the grommet will go in his "good" ear. He has had various abs in the last few months including the low dose trimethoprim (is that what your DS is taking?) but didn't really cure his ear discharge for more than a few days.

We eventually got a glue ear diagnosis and hearing tests have shown his hearing is very poor and his speech isn't really developing. I think the only reason they are putting a grommet in so young is because of the hearing/speech problem. Have they tested your DS2s hearing?

countrylover - DS does not have an ear infection atm although does have them frequently with leaking goo etc.

He has had 3 hearing tests in the last yr (was refered by GP) and they have now decided to give grommets a go as his hearing as gotten so much worse in the last 3mths

as far as i'm aware his hearing is fine. he responds to his name and he babbles well for his age saying mama, dada, nana and also 'aaa disss for?' 'what's this?'.

also he has never had goo from his ear and as far as i'm aware he's never had a burst ear drum as i've never seen fluid leaking from his ears.

so i'm guessing as the ear infections aren't doing any damage (other than to my mental health having to look after a permenantly ill baby!) then perhaps grommets won't be considered necessary?