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POST OP INSTRUCTIONS: TUBES FOR EARS |
POSTOPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TUBE INSERTION IN EARS
Tubes are intended to be TEMPORARY. Many
times, they come out by themselves. You may
not notice them, since they are very small
and can be hidden in wax. Rarely, however,
the tubes do NOT come out by themselves and
must be removed. It is important that this
be done not later than two years after
placement, since if they are left in to
long, the ears may not heal properly.
ACTIVITY and WATER PRECAUTIONS: Activity
does not need to be limited following
placement of tubes except for water
precautions. Keep soap, water, etc. out of
ears. If some accidentally gets in, don’t
panic! It only can cause problems if it gets
through the tiny tube. Earplugs help keep
water out of ears. They are available at
drug stores. If they are used, be sure they
are firmly in place. Swimming with them is
usually possible, but jumping or diving into
the water is not. This may dislodge the
plugs.
DIET: After discharge from the hospital or
surgery center, adequate fluids are
essential and may be given in almost any
form such as water, soda, juice, jello or
popsicles. Encourage fluids for at least 10
days. Soft foods are tolerated best at first
and should be encouraged. Normal diet can be
advanced as tolerated.
PAIN: If the patient complains of pain in
the ear(s), the pain may be due to an ear
infection. This is uncommon with tubes in
place and is usually accompanied by
drainage. The pain may also be due to
getting water in the ear(s), or may be
“referred pain” from another source (such as
a sore throat or teething).
Medication may be prescribed to help control
pain, take as directed. You may also use
Tylenol or Acetaminophen.
DRAINAGE and BLEEDING: There may be some
drainage and/or bleeding from the ears the
day the tubes are inserted. It should
diminish the following day. If you notice
mucus, pus or blood coming from the ear(s),
keep track of it. If this type of drainage
persists for more than twenty-four (24)
hours, please contact us. This is important
… but not an emergency. You may be
prescribed eardrops and/or antibiotics by
mouth. If the ear does not dry up after 10
days of treatment, please contact us.
FEVER: Very slight elevations of temperature
during the first few days are usual. If the
temperature goes above 102 degrees, please
contact us.
MEDICATIONS: If you have been prescribed an
antibiotic take as directed. You may resume
any other medications that you use
regularly. If taking pain medications, avoid
drinking alcohol or other dangerous
situations.
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN CONTAINING
MEDICATIONS FOR AT LEAST 3 WEEKS.
Tylenol usually controls the
pain.
FOLLOW-UP VISIT TO THE OFFICE: If a
postoperative appointment has not been made
for you, please call the office during the
first few days to arrange an appointment
within one to two weeks following the
surgery. Follow-up appointments will be made
to check the ears while tubes are in place.
PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS: For any problems
that arise, or to ask any questions, please
call the office during regular business
hours. Drs. Berghash, Lanza, and Zeiders are on
call after hours and weekends for
emergencies. |
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