February Features (Part Two)

Today, we took Lyla to Cooks Children's for a bilateral myringotomy. Yes, I wanted to be fancy and use the medical term for "tubes in both ears." I had been fretting about it since we made the appointment, not sure if we were maybe making this decision too soon, but she has been sick an awful lot this year, and I don't think daycare is to blame 100%. Her consultation was last Monday with the ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor, who recommended the procedure after reviewing her history. There was an opening just a week later, so we signed up and put her on another round of antibiotics to clear the ear infection she was just starting (only 2 days after being off antibiotics).

So, we arrived at the hospital at 6:45 and Lyla got dressed in a gown, did all her pre-op excitement, etc. After a short wait, I went back with her to get a squirt of sedative up her lil nose and within five minutes, she was relaxed and content. The nursing staff there were fabulous, obviously very experienced with trying to keep kids happy during scary ordeals like this; they blew bubbles for her while she was getting dopey and let her hold all the instruments they used. She had no problem riding the "choo choo" (aka the gurney) back to surgery. The actual procedure was only about ten minutes and Dr. Roberge came out to let me know she did well, however her ears were a complete mess (ah, reassurance that we truly needed to do this for her), and only two days after completing an antibiotic (once again).

After another ten minutes or so, we went back to recovery, where our girl was stirring and groggy. She had a Popsicle and some juice shortly afterward and when she was coherent and perky, we were sent on our way. Easy enough! We spent the day at Grandma and Grandpap's house "recovering" (me, mostly, from my lack of sleep - Lyla was back to normal within an hour). All in all a positive experience and hopefully this will help her stay healthy!!

Unfortunately, the only photos we got of Lyla during her surgery experience are on my phone, which can't be uploaded. I guess there are some occasions I don't tote my camera to!