super tubes

In December at Coco's one year checkup we took Isaac to Dr. Shulman's for his hearing. We had noticed while away in Florida that there was clearly something very wrong with his ears. We would ask him a question and typically receive a 'what' or 'what did you say' every time. There were many instances of us saying "Isaac" with no response in return. At the time we thought it could have been the plane flight, or the series of colds he had, but after a month with no improvement we knew we had to bring him in. His hearing was tested in December, January, February, and in March when there was very little improvement we knew it was time to see Dr. Stroker, a pediatric ENT. She immediately said "lets discuss tubes". There was a tremendous amount of fluid buildup in Isaac's ears that was not allowing him to hear. She was certain hat the surgery was necessary, and we immediately scheduled it for a couple days later. I loved Dr. Stroker. She was comforting, and lovely, and spoke to me as an equal. She also had a dog named 'Winston' that she brings with her and comforts the patients. Isaac was so wrapped up in getting kisses from the dog I cold have a proper conversation with the doctor. The pup clearly brought him a sense of comfort and fun, because when the doctor explained that he was going to need tubes in his ears, and then showed him what they looked like, he didn't seem the least bit phased by it. I took Isaac for a frozen yogurt on the way home and talked to him a little about the procedure. He was mostly concerned about what the mask looked like, for anesthesia, and wanted to see photos. I am not sure he was buying my 'super hero mask' cover up story, but he also didn't seem anxious or overly concerned. I did explain it would help him have 'super hearing' which was so so important, and I think he too was ready to hear.
On Thursday morning at 6am we headed to the Surgical Center near our house. We bought Isaac a pup to take with him, Doug from the movie 'UP'. It was the perfect distraction and delight for our little boo. Money milk and toots also joined him as we were called into the pr-op area. I could tell at this point Isaac was getting a little nervous, but still was very composed and surprisingly pleasant for a kid who was denied anything to eat that morning. When Dr. Stroker told him it was time go with her, and he realized I couldn't come with, he got upset for the first time, but after a solid hug and a little pep talk he was off. I waited in the waiting room while David ran across with street to Starbucks, and not 8 minutes later the doctor was out and I was allowed to go back. David was still at Starbucks.
The hardest part for Isaac was coming out of anesthesia, he was disoriented, angry, in pain, and a big old mess. It was pretty hard to watch, and I know that both David and I felt very helpless. He complained constantly of having pain in his ears, and 'wanted the tubes out'. After a twenty minute nap, our Isaac returned as if nothing happened. No more complaining, only joy for the treats we had bought him for being so brave, and Bubie who had come for a visit.
And now a few days later there is noticeable improvement. He spent the weekend with my parents at the beach, and when I called him I didn't once get a 'what', only crystal clear conversation back and forth. It was the first time in months I could talk to him on the phone without disruption, and I knew then, it was all worth it.