DS got a referral last week to the ENT specialist for grommits and surprise surprise he is already onto his next

What is the story with them? Anyone know the criteria for getting or not getting them is?

On the assuming that he might need them...

I remember reading on here a while back that there is a huge wait for them. Is that correct? What is the normal wait time etc.? I think I also read that children with other medical conditions can not be seen at JJ as there is no Paed HDU?

twenty questions as always

Karen

Sorry Karen can't answer ACT specific questions as Shea had all 3 of his lots of grommets done at Westmead Kids before we moved here.

Shea was monitored by GP, paed and ENT for recurring glue ear and ear infections for ages, and had multiple hearing tests before we got them the first time, then each time they fell out we'd go through the wait and see if the glue ear recurs or hearing is affected again before going in for more.

We always scheduled them for the same time as another op, and although seeing a private ENT always allowed the registrar to do it if necessary to enable them to schedule it more easily. So I'm not sure what normal waiting periods are.

The grommet op itself is still an anaesthetic, but they are out for less than 15 minutes, usually only a few minutes, so it's fairly light, and they are up and playing a couple of hours later. I can't answer the JJ question, but would imagine that would only be an issue if the child was expected to have issues with the op.

Sorry I'm a bit vague but hope that helps a bit!

Thanks Jet. Gosh I never thought you would have to have them more than once. DS is on medication which slows his heart rate right down, so I am just worried them wouldnt want to do a general anaesthetic. I know I am crossing the bridge before I get it but right now my list of worse case scenarios is just growing. I or rather DS is off to more tests and to see his normal Paed tomorrow, so i will mention it to him.

My son had grommets - never had ear problems again after that (well it has been 3.5 years so far) - I had to wait 6 months with the public system.

Here is a link to a recent thread that might be useful.

Caitlyn had recurring ear infections ( and glue ear), we were refered to a private ENT the wait was not to long and then the op a month after.. So far we haven't had any more problem but last time she was checked the grommets were still in, I am hoping she won't need them again if they fall out..

They "generally" can last anywhere from 3 months to 3 years with most common around 12 months I think. Shea had 1 lot put in at 22 months, second 14 months later on 3rd actual birthday and third one in left ear only (right was still in place) on 3rd corrected birthday (3.5 mths later). They then lasted until he was around 4 and he's had no further problems (with his ears).

We have been referred to Dr Tack-Tsiew Lee at JJ MC anyone used him, he doesnt appear in the previous threads - is this a bad thing?

DS app is in 4 weeks.

Well we saw the dr today and DS needs to have them fitted. I was really hoping he would not need them, I really do not fancy the anaesthetic for him. how on earth do you fast a 17 mnth baby?

Karen

Hi Karen,

What hospital will you be going to?

When DS had his tonsils, adenoids and grommits put in three weeks ago, he had a morning surgery which helped immensely with the fasting (I actually requested morning surgery as one of my issues because of this factor). Do you have morning surgery? It may be best to request it if you are worried about the fasting issue.

Grommits is day surgery and if you are at CJJH, then they do day surgery first, and by age, so if your DS is the youngest on the list, then he will be done first (so at 8.00 am).

DS did really well after his GA (he was 24 months at the time). It really is amazing how quickly they recover from it.

Good luck, and let us know how he goes.

Kath

Caitlyn was around that age when she had her's done.. There was no way to explain fasting but she coped..She was 1st on the afternoon list so had to fast from 6am so I got her up early and gave her breakfast and a huge drink of milk.. Surgery was delayed which was annoying and the general made me cry, ( be aware they will scream on waking but recover quickly).. Good luck