Thomas and I had the pleasure of meeting with our favorite ENT. Thomas has been sharing with me some concerns of popping and pressure. This is typical for Thomas when a tube is not present in his ears. As you may remember, we removed the right tube about six months ago, April, and instead of immediately replacing with his tubes. The doctor had hopes that Thomas' ears would have matured and we wouldn't experience the same issues as the first five years of his life. Unfortunately, the same pattern has begun. He showed negative pressure at his June appointment. In August, his right seemed to have stabilized and was looking good. Then the end of August, the right ear got a severe ear infection that we had to treat with antibiotics. Looking at Thomas' ear today there was definitely negative pressure in the right ear. We checked his hearing and his right ear is starting to show signs of hearing loss. Having said this, the left tube is doing well and is open and clear. This is huge as it is the longest that a tube has ever stayed in place in Thomas' ears even though the last three sets were 'long term'.
So, what does this mean? Good question. Basically, his right ear is showing the same patterns as before and we should expect his hearing loss to continue in that ear as well as the discomfort of negative pressure. Short term, not a big deal. Long term, gets to be a very, big deal. Considering this would be Thomas' 6th surgery and his 5th one on his ears, we have decided to wait. Wait it out just a little bit longer to try to stretch the time period between surgeries. To try and reduce the amount of times he will be put under anesthesia in his childhood. The doctor expressed his concerns on anesthesia on there little bodies and considering Thomas' first surgery was at 4 month old, I am okay with taking those concerns into consideration.
The doctor has given me the authority to call it when I am ready for surgery. So, if for any reason Thomas' becomes miserable over the next few weeks and months with this ear we will do what is necessary.
Now we will pray and trust. Pray for his right ear to find a way to stabilize itself with the negative pressure which we are also going to try to help with a nasal allergy spray. Pray for NO infections. Pray his left tube continues to be strong and open for allow for good, clear hearing. As we enter this Fall season, this will be a true test of how his ear will function without the assistance of a tube. We may be in surgery before Christmas or we might can hold out until sometime next year. Time will tell.
Thank you to each and everyone of you who love on us, pray for us and always support us.
"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. "
1 Thessalonians 5:18
