In Omnia Paratus!
When parents mix together more than 75 years of combined medical history into the DNA of their LO, sometimes they just need to hope for best and pray they don’t end up with the worst! You can never truly know what will happen once you mix up the genetic cocktail that becomes your child. We would often joke about whose teeth we would prefer our future child to inherit (mine) or whose eye color we hoped for most (his), but it is quite clear after her short 2.5 years that we are currently following my medical history so far; recurrent ear infections and then ear tubes, and then her sudden onset of strabismus as well.
While it is comforting to be dealing with familiar territory, it is also painful to watch your child struggle and know that there is just nothing you can do about it but hold their hand and be strong for them when they are scared. It’s my job – right?
So, earlier this week we followed up with Ophthalmology, Audiology and the ENT… not necessarily in that order, and some more than one visit in the day! I generally do not support tablet-parenting, but that day was certainly an exception! It was just too hot outside (over 40C), sticky humid indoors despite A/C and just lots of appointment coordination and running around to bother with chasing a toddler!
So, the verdict is:
Audiology: Slight hearing loss on her right side, where she lost her tube, as the fluid is still hanging out and not planning to go anywhere any time soon it seems.
ENT: As the hearing loss is only slight, no need to replace the lost tube unless she has 3 infections in 6 months’ time, or 2 consecutive ones.
Opthamology: Well, I can’t say that I was surprised by the decision, because I have been warning people for weeks that this would be happening… but, once again, we are facing surgery. Corrective surgery for Bilateral Strabismus to be exact. Surgery that I, myself, have had twice at nearly the same age! We do not have all of the details as we are only meeting with Orthoptics early next week, but the waiting list for the procedure is apparently not very long.
On one hand, it breaks my heart that I will have to see her go through this. But, on the other hand, I am somewhat pleased with this decision because, you know what? Kids can be assholes! Seriously, I was bullied, a lot; about my eyes still being slightly crossed despite 2 surgeries, about my crooked teeth and so many other idiotic things. To us, our LO is absolutely perfect just the way she is, and I wouldn't be doing this if it were purely cosmetic - but it's not, so we will do whatever we have to do to help her. And, on the bright side, I’ll get to spend a few extra days at home with her while she recovers – work free!
After all was said and done, she got to choose a toy from the gift shop (Lightning McQueen from Cars won out over Nemo, Dory, Paw Patrol characters I know no names of and a bouncy ball) and then we went out for Mexican food – a family favorite! She stuffed herself silly and followed it up with some ice cream.
My heart is heavy, but it is full. It seems we really are ready for anything!
While it is comforting to be dealing with familiar territory, it is also painful to watch your child struggle and know that there is just nothing you can do about it but hold their hand and be strong for them when they are scared. It’s my job – right?
So, earlier this week we followed up with Ophthalmology, Audiology and the ENT… not necessarily in that order, and some more than one visit in the day! I generally do not support tablet-parenting, but that day was certainly an exception! It was just too hot outside (over 40C), sticky humid indoors despite A/C and just lots of appointment coordination and running around to bother with chasing a toddler!
So, the verdict is:
Audiology: Slight hearing loss on her right side, where she lost her tube, as the fluid is still hanging out and not planning to go anywhere any time soon it seems.
ENT: As the hearing loss is only slight, no need to replace the lost tube unless she has 3 infections in 6 months’ time, or 2 consecutive ones.
Opthamology: Well, I can’t say that I was surprised by the decision, because I have been warning people for weeks that this would be happening… but, once again, we are facing surgery. Corrective surgery for Bilateral Strabismus to be exact. Surgery that I, myself, have had twice at nearly the same age! We do not have all of the details as we are only meeting with Orthoptics early next week, but the waiting list for the procedure is apparently not very long.
On one hand, it breaks my heart that I will have to see her go through this. But, on the other hand, I am somewhat pleased with this decision because, you know what? Kids can be assholes! Seriously, I was bullied, a lot; about my eyes still being slightly crossed despite 2 surgeries, about my crooked teeth and so many other idiotic things. To us, our LO is absolutely perfect just the way she is, and I wouldn't be doing this if it were purely cosmetic - but it's not, so we will do whatever we have to do to help her. And, on the bright side, I’ll get to spend a few extra days at home with her while she recovers – work free!
After all was said and done, she got to choose a toy from the gift shop (Lightning McQueen from Cars won out over Nemo, Dory, Paw Patrol characters I know no names of and a bouncy ball) and then we went out for Mexican food – a family favorite! She stuffed herself silly and followed it up with some ice cream.
My heart is heavy, but it is full. It seems we really are ready for anything!
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