Surgery #5 Done ~ Ears

Today Thomas completed surgery #5.

He has now had four surgeries on his ears beginning when he was only four months old.  Thomas was very aware of what was happening today and why he had to do it.  Last night before bed our pastor called to let us know we were in his prayers.  I was laying down with Thomas to help him go to sleep and he began to cry asking why everyone was praying for him.  He is so tenderhearted and loves to pray, so he understood on his level how much everyone cares and loves him.

This morning relatively calm.  He was quite upset he couldn't have his morning coffee but he understood that it was the rules.  We had the same nurse as last time and even saw one of our physical therapists.  The hospital went very smoothly and we kept his blanket nearby at all times and both mom and dad were with him until we couldn't be.  There is something that melts your heart when I child has a lovey that brings them comfort and love like nothing else.

Surgery was earlier than planned, which was fine with us.  He went back about 10:45 am instead of 11:15am.  This time they did not have to give him an IV or incubate him, they simply gassed him and then woke him up when he was done.  I was SO relieved.  The doctor came in before and after to talk to us.  He ended up cleaning and replacing the tubes in both ears.  The left one was completed block and covered in granulated tissue, blood, etc.  The right one also had a build up of tissue.  He ended up going with a newer tube that is softer than the previous set but is also considered a long term tube.  It looked similar to this, but keep in mind this is under a microscope and looks much larger than its actual size.  They are really very tiny.

 He assured us that we are doing the best that we can do, but that there are no guarantees.  We could quite possibly be back next year doing this again.

He explained that with Thomas' Eustachian tube dysfunction the only solution they have at this time is tubes.  He also explained that his hearing will not be restored immediately, but should increase more each day as the fluid drains from his ears and the additional drops and the swelling goes down.

Thomas was quite weepy after he came back but as the anesthesia wore off he quickly became himself again.  He has only complained about pain a little bit here and there but overall he is doing great.  I am thankful for all of the prayers and support for our little man and am so very thankful that this is past us for now.


Tonight, I share two Bible verses with you that brought me peace as we now wait on God to heal Thomas and restore his healing.


Jeremiah 30:17 "For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, saith the Lord."


Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

On behalf of Thomas and our entire family, we thank you more than you know for all of your prayers and support.  God loves you and will cast his blessings upon you.

Surgery Next Week ~ Ears

Thomas had his follow up appointment today with the ENT.  Thomas told me this morning he was glad that we were going because his left ear doesn't work.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were patient and worked with the doctor.  Upon examination, they determined that Thomas left ear tube is not working anymore and the ear is having a hard time dealing with the foreign object.  We even had to go into the microscope room which caused immediate anxiety for our little man.  After we were able to spend some time alone in the room, I was able to remind him of our trip to Cincinnati and how the microscope didn't hurt and was a way for them to help them fix his ear.  His fears were then calmed and he hopped right up on the table for our Dr. to examine it more closely.

The determining factor for surgery was if his hearing was being effected.  He said if the difference was only 5 decibels no big deal, but if it were more then surgery was inevitable.  The results from audiology were quite telling.  Since we last saw him the end of September, the ear has declined and is effecting his hearing loss more.  Here is a side by side comparison of his hearing from September 27th to today, December 3rd.  There is a difference of about 30 decibels.

September 27, 2014                                  December 3, 2014

So, the doctor said that he definitely needs surgery to remove the tube from the left ear.  However, the doctor is not sure of his actions after that.  He said he is going to wait until he is under anesthesia and can review the ear in more detail before making the final decision on what he should do next.  He is also going to take that opportunity to review the right ear as well.

Thomas had his first set of tubes at 5 months old not due to chronic ear infections or fluid, but due to hearing loss.  Each year when the tubes fail subsequently so does his hearing.  He is currently on his third set of tubes that were placed in his ears last December '13.  His left ear began rejecting the tube in June '14. Thomas was even seen by a specialists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital who agreed we were doing all we could and that unfortunately there weren't many other options.  Thomas will need some time of tube working in his ears in order to have proper hearing.

Surgery is set for Thursday, December 11th at Scottish Rite Hospital.  We would appreciate all of your prayers and support during this time.

Thomas is aware that he is going to go to the hospital to go to sleep to get his ear fixed.  He is SO excited that his ear will be working before Christmas!!


It is unusual to read from the book of Micah, but this verse I found to be very comforting and fitting.

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7