Quick update

Well, the Tobradex drops we are using in Jack's ear appear to be helping quite a bit. The wick is loose and even fell out this week because the ear canal is opening up so much. We are keeping a bandage on the ear to keep the wick in and moist with the drops. We are relieved that it seems to be much better. I will try to post some pictures in the next few days.

A setback week...

Well, last weekend while in Colorado to visit family, we noticed that Jack's left ear canal (second surgery) began swelling. The outer ear seemed fine. We thought maybe he was just having a tough time with allergies. By Monday, his left ear was essentially swollen shut. I emailed Dr. Roberson and Dr. Reinisch and it was decided that we should bring him down to Palo Alto. Chris cancelled everything at work and took Jack to Palo Alto on Wednesday. Dr. Roberson says that it is not actually swollen, but scarring. He had a very tough time putting in a wick and it was rough on everyone involved. Jack was very upset. Chris came home with Jack and unbelievably, by bedtime, the wick had fallen out. I emailed Dr. Roberson again with the bad news. He thought it might make a difference if we tried again. So, I cancelled my obligations at work today and took Jack down to Palo Alto today. After much effort, Dr. Colen got another wick inserted. Jack was very brave, but ended up completely hysterical. I felt so bad for him. It was hard not to cry with him. We put a bandaid over his ear in the hopes that it will help keep the wick from getting snagged on something and falling out again. We will keep a bandaid on his ear and use Tobradex drops which have a steroid in them. It is the hope that this will open the canal enough that by the next time we are back to see Dr. Roberson in a few weeks, a silicone plug can be made to force the canal open a little more. If this works, we will use progressively larger plugs to hold the canal open. If all that does not work, Jack will have to have the scar tissue removed and the canal re-lined at his next surgery. This is all so dissappointing. Jack's hearing is much improved (along with his behavior) with his left ear functioning. This could result in Jack having little hearing in his left ear until January. I am so sad to have this have this happen.

Please keep Jack in your prayers...