6.17.09
Trey had tubes placed in his ears two years ago by one of the greatest Ears, Nose and Throat doctors in America, Dr. Beck. She is recognized throughout the world for her Choclear Implant surgeries, and is also a pro when it comes to tubes! We were fortunate enough to get into her when we did and are now an established patient for life!
So, today was Trey's two year follow up for his tubes. We sat, and sat, and SAT in the waiting room for Trey's appointment. There were patients of all ages waiting to meet with Dr. Beck. Thankfully I brought our stroller, enough formula for two bottles and baby food for Tian because we used it all. Trey and Tian were both angels. Seriously. They were fabulous and I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Thankfully we got into a room, and waited for 15 minutes before we saw Dr. Beck and her nurse.
After an examination in the right ear, Dr. Beck could see that Trey's tube wasn't in the ear canal and could be removed. Trey didn't even flinch! What a trooper. When it came time to look in the left ear, Dr. Beck could see we will probably need to come back in one year to have it rechecked. It is still in the canal, but will slowly make it's way out over the next year. We have only had 2 ear infections since the tubes were placed, so I am hoping this one tube will get us through another winter and cold season!! With tubes, ear infection appointments are put to a complete halt. When Trey has had his ear infections WITH the tubes, there is usually a clear drainage that pools in his ear, which is visible to me. I then am able to drop some antibiotics into his ear in an ear drop form, and the ear infection is gone. Dr. Becks office is so wonderful, they will refill your ear drop antibiotics without a doctors visit. Before the tubes were placed, Trey was getting one ear infection a month. This meant we were going into the doctor AT LEAST every month, if not more frequently! We haven't seen a doctor for Trey since his 3 year old well child check. SERIOUSLY!!!!
Dr. Beck also checked Trey's throat which looked great!
When Trey's appointment was completed, we waited at the checkout desk for about 3 minutes until a registration employee saw we needed help. She said, "You have probably been here long enough, I can help you." As she said that, I looked at the clock, and I noticed we had been there for 2.5 hours. It felt like an eternity and I just wanted to start bawling. I told her we had been there for 2.5 hours, and her response was, "Oh, is THAT all?" I said, "Seriously, is THAT not long for some of your patients to wait?" She said, "An hour is an average time a patient waits. Any longer is a bit long." A BIT? OHHHHHH, I really, REALLY wanted to cry at this point. I guess that is what we get for going to the best-of-the-best. Thankfully, we wont have to go back to that office for another year. And next time, I will be a little more prepared then I already thought I was. Oh, thank heavens for PBS, waiting room toys that are probably crawling with germs, a stroller, baby food and formula.
