tubes in ears

[eshores23]

We just finished the 5th antibiotic in a month and a half for ear infections in my 7 1/2 month old.  We went to the Ear, Nose, and Throat dr this am and are scheduled for tubes in January.  I know they will answer all of my questions the day before the surgery, but for those of you who have done tubes or know of these things, I just hated to wait that long and thought I would ask you.  One, he said her ears weren't red but had ***** fluid in them still--is that the same thing as an ear infection?  The antibiotic is still in her system so is that keeping them from being red?  I know only time will tell, but I hate to be gone for Christmas and her start the high fever again.  Two, will they do the tubes if the ***** fluid is still there the day before the surgery or if she has red ears?  I didn't know how concerned with infections and doing surgery since the surgery is so minor (although anything that they have to put a child out for is major in my mind!).  Three, do you think it is bad to have her around alot of family (who could be caring many germs) at Christmas?  Of course I want to enjoy the holidays with family and not be overly concerned about every little cough that I hear around me!
Any other advice related to this is much appreciated!  I tend to be a worrier and love to know about things from others who have gone through the same thing beforehand.  
Emily

[anamari]

Just to throw out something...  while waiting for the surgery, you might want to try Lavendar oil.  A few drops in the ears a couple of times a day.  
What I love about it is that not only does it help to heal, but soothes alot of the discomfort... AND absolutely NO side affects, & completely safe for any age.
You can find it at health food stores, and any homeopathic supply store.  It helps the reoccurance of infection as well!!  I just cannot say enough about the stuff!LOL  My children have used it, as well as my husband.  Let me also say, we don't get ear infections hardly ever, so I don't know how much it will help with such a severe case, but it can't hurt.  Ask your doctor about it.
Anamri

[thunder214]

My son was 8 months when he had tubes in his ears and it was the same scendario.  His ears were not red, but still had the fluid.  It's still an infection I believe at that point and she may spike up with fever again before her surgery.  I wouldn't worry about bringing her around others, she's fine..just use common knowledge about washing hands and what not so she doesn't get really sick (upper/flu/etc) because then they will not do the surgery if she has any other illnesses.  They will do the surgery with the fluid in her ears though.  It will be a big relief for her afterwards.  Word of caution.  After my son came out of the surgery, he was a handful because of the anestesia.  He cried and cried.  Bring hiim something to drink in a bottle..it will help move that fluid out after the surgery.