Tubes

My daughter Victoria (5) has had a history of ear infections. She saw an ENT specialist last January when it seemed a bit bad and he was concerned. But after a dose of hard core antibiotics she was OK.

This fall, she had another run of ear infections. She’s a classic second child. Social, very independent, and extremely stubborn. So it’s generally hard to tell when “not listening” is deliberate or medical. But regardless, her ENT specialist determined that her hearing is compromised and that’s no way to raise a kid.

So tomorrow she gets tubes in her ears.

It’s super routine. Apparently after well checkups, getting tubes is the #2 reason for a kid to go to the hospital (I haven’t confirmed that particular statistic, so don’t take my word for it).

Regardless, having your 5 year old go under is still a bit nerve wracking. She was such a good girl today talking to the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. And she generally is very brave with this stuff. But at the end of the day, tomorrow she has to leave me and go into a room with strangers and be put under.

She’s probably been compensating for this her whole life so this should be a big deal for her going forward.

But I’m still nervous for her. Welcome to parenting…