Ears, Nose and Throat

The saga of Sam continues.

One of the tubes in his ears is working its way out. There is fluid that has collected behind it and the fluid is not draining. After two recent ear infections (or one that never cleared, despite antibiotics), when we went to the doctor for an ear check prior to our trip to Florida, the nurse practicioner referred us back to the ENT (otolaryngologist--fun word) to decide what to do about the tube.

We saw the ENT today. After examining his ears and gathering anecdotal data on Sam's snoring (loud), breathing (loud and through the mouth) and sleeping (waking up several times a night), the ENT decided that Sam needs to have a new tube put in his left ear. And, excitement of all excitement, he needs to have his adenoids removed. And his tonsils removed. And he isn't yet two. Apparently, all of these things can constrict his airway, resulting in the snorting, snoring and general restlessness he experiences every day, as well as the frequent ear infections.

Unless there is a cancellation in February, his surgery is scheduled for April 4. Someone informed me today that that is the Reds' opening day. I am thinking of it as Sam's opening day. He will have to stay overnight in the hospital at least one night and the recovery period is about 10-14 days if I am lucky. Poor little dude. I hope this doesn't completely change his personality--he is such a laid back kid. But I guess they're not dealing with any neurology, and I've probably been watching too much Grey's Anatomy (best show ever--omg do you believe that Ellis woke up finally?).

As if this is not enough, my lovely 18 month old little boy is not yet walking, so we are beginning the process of physical therapy. Scary terms are being thrown about, like "developmental delay." I am hopeful that with early intervention, he will "catch up" and be fine by the time he is three (or when he goes to school). He is meeting most other milestones, but the walking just isn't happening. We can't quite figure out why. He had xrays of his hips and spine, to see if there was a physiological problem, and the xrays didn't show anything. He will cruise and will take awkward steps holding hands with an adult. He just won't do any of it on his own. I know he will probably walk when he is ready, but most kids are running at this age.

So we are starting PT and we are meeting with a neurologist in March to make sure that his lack of walking isn't caused by a neurological problem.

Other than that and a sinus infection (me) and not sleeping (any of us), life here is peachy keen. I'm headed to Seattle in March to visit my soon to be born nephew, Baby Boy Wacksman, and I can't wait!

It's freaking cold here too, but at least we didn't have any tornadoes. We also have weather above zero, which is a bonus.

And I'm back to writing class Monday--hoo-rah!