Since Gabe was 3 months old he has had ear infection after ear infection and constant fluid in his ears. At first we tried treating it with antibiotics but when that didn't clear up the problem our doctors wanted to watch it and see if it would clear up on it's own. Well, needless to say, he is now over 2 years old and still has fluid in his ears. Since moving to Fort Riley they have kept telling me if it lasts 3 months he'll be referred to ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat); however, 3 months came and went and still the word was: "well, lets see in another few months..." Frustrating.
So, we moved to IL and started his regular appointments at the nearby Air Force base. (Side note: waaaay better care and attention to patients than an Army hospital, sad to say. And, they even gave both kids really good books for their well baby appointments!) Anyways, the new pediatrician said since we are here and close to Children's Hospital in St. Louis we might as well start the referral process since it takes some time to be scheduled for tubes in his ears. So, after being here three months we finally had our appointment today with the ENT department at Children's Hospital.
At first I thought this appointment wouldn't go well since an hour before my appointment (that I had to wait over a month for because they are specialists with full schedules) they called to tell me the doctor had an emergency and wouldn't be there and I could either reschedule or be worked into see another doctor with no guarantee of appointment time. I took my chances and headed to the office.
First of all the facilities are so kid friendly - Gabe didn't know what to look at as we headed towards their office. There were trains on the ceiling and wagons shaped as different animals to pull the kids around - for free! Every wall seemed to have something for kids to learn or play with. I loved it!
We get to his appointment at 1:05 and within 20 minutes we were in the back seeing the doctors. No waiting in a room after waiting in the lobby -- we were seen immediately! She looked in his ears and saw no current infection and then tested for fluid. He has some shallow fluid, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Then, it was time for his hearing test.
I wasn't too sure how Gabe would do since we were 2 hours past his regular nap time and only got to sleep about 10 minutes in the car. They took us into a dark room with large speakers and a few toys, the kind with rings on a peg. He was so excited he started playing with it immediately. (lol) One lady went behind glass and over the speakers told Gabe when to place the rings on the peg. He did sooo good! He did it every time he was asked. Then, they placed headphones on his ears and he had to listen through them. He did very well again, although by this time he had to be reminded a few times to wait and listen for the command.
Once they were finished she said he had great self-control for a child his age and she was very pleased with his test results. He tested perfect for a child! So, next we were off to see the actual doctor and she reassured me that his speech is right on track and there is no need for tubes anytime soon, but since we are living near exceptional health care facilities for the next six months or so, I can bring him back before we move. I am so blessed to have healthy children and a wonderful husband who provides for all us to receive the health care we need to stay healthy and happy. :o)
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