Tubes

Zoya's surgery went well this morning. She had tubes put in both ears and an ABR hearing test while sedated. She came out of anesthesia much better this time. She still cried quite a bit but not nearly as much as she did for the tear duct surgery. She was comforted by Mama, Daddy, Elmo DVD, and her new favorite....peanut butter! Once they removed the IV and all the tape she was mostly a happy camper. She did not, however, want any medical equipment or nurses near her! It was so nice to see such a difference in her between this surgery and the last. She sought comfort from us and we were able to calm her down.  The doctor said Zoya's right ear had a clear fluid when they cut into her eardrum, which is what they typically see. He said that her left ear, however, had a very thick glue-like fluid which is not good. I asked if that meant it was infected and he said no, but that it likely caused her a 30-40% hearing loss in that ear prior to tubes. I had no idea it was that bad :( He said that could contribute to quite a bit of pain on a flight, especially three consecutive flights from Ukraine to home....which now makes a little more sense why she might have had such a rough time on the very long flight.  The good news is that the hearing test they did right after they put the tubes in showed almost perfect hearing in both ears! She didn't respond to some low tones but the doctor said those tones are not conversational or speech tones and would not interfere with her acquiring speech. He also said he thought after all the fluid drains from her ears this hearing loss of low tones should be reversed and she should have absolutely no hearing issues.  So as far as he was concerned she now has perfect hearing!

I kept thinking afterward about how this poor angel went through open heart surgery with no momma and daddy by her side :( (although I think you mommas and daddys who go through an open heart surgery procedure with your children are amazing! Even little procedures like this hurt my heart). I'm so glad she is here with us and we can comfort her and spoil her until she feels better! She's snoozing away now catching up on her sleep! Thank you God for this precious angel!