little blue thing oh how I will miss you

In late 2008, after numerous ear infections that would not go away, the decision was made to have tubes placed in Audrey's ears. They were really wonderful until a few days ago. When they were placed, we were told that the longevity of them was anywhere from 6-12 months. Since she was so young at the time, we would more than likely have the need for a second set. Last week Audrey became pretty fussy. I thought it was because she was cutting teeth. I do think that part of the fussiness was because her mouth hurt, but the main cause of the crankiness was this little thing.

That tiny little blue thing you see is the tube that was in her right ear. Sunday as we were coming home from church, she started whining and said "Ear!" When we got home all she could say was ear over and over again. Knowing that I should have gone to medical school, I took my trusty flashlight to take a look in her ear. Sure enough, she had a HUGE glob of snot/wax in her ear. Now if you know anything about tubes, the tube should help drain any fluid that gets built up in the ear. If the tube is working properly, the fluid will drain out of the ear not stay in like it was doing with hers.

This small little thing has been our life saver for the last 13 1/2 months but it use has come to an end as of this afternoon. It decided that it was time to come out of her little ear canal. Her regular ENT apt to check tube placement that was scheduled over 3 months ago, was today. I was so thankful that it was today and not another day. Her ENT is a new one, not the one who placed her tubes. I was quite pleased with him and his bedside manner. He pulled a chair right up next to us and started talking to Audrey.

Anyway, he checked her ears and cleaned them out which she absolutly hated. Who knew a tiny 20 pound girl could put up such a fight that her mommy had to lay on top of her. Her ENT wants to see her back in 3 weeks and she will eventually need another set of tubes. Her adnoids will more than likely come out at that time too.

I leave you with thanks tonight. Thank you little blue rubbery tube that is still lodged nicely in the left ear. I thank you for providing my sweet little baby with a little bit of relief from the green boogy monsters that invade her little body.