Devlin's Ear - Part 2

The popcorn kernel is still in the ear.



Yep, despite a visit to the Ears Nose Throat specialist, who was NOT equipped in any fashion to deal with a frightened five year old. Nor did he think it was prudent to listen to the parents' concerns about scaring the child anymore.



I appreciated the sign at the doctor's office that warned 90 minute waits were common. In fact, we waited 110 minutes before being ushered into the cramped examination room. The older doctor took a peek and tried to flush out the kernel with a huge syringe. Devlin said it hurt. Not sure why this doc would try this method when it was unsuccessful the day before, but, hey, I'm not a doctor. Then he took out another long steel cuvette (not sure if it was properly sterilized)and Devlin really started to freak. Not surprising considering his experience the day before in the ER. Devlin asked for the vacuum. The doc took it out and was about to poke it in his ear without explaining the mechanics to him. Any child would freak at this long pointy thing coming at them. We slowed down the doctor's actions by explaining to Devlin the long pointy thing was a vacuum, and there was air at the end. We forced the doctor to explain his machines. It sort of calmed Devlin down, but not for long. I think the doctor was insulted when Devlin said "Don't hurt me". Well, the specialist didn't try for long before he gave up. He suggested coming into the hospital clinic next week where they would try to swaddle him and attempt it again. I don't think so. We inquired about sedating Devlin - he said he never heard of that.

Understandably, we were frustrated. I called my doctor sister in London for suggestions. We were prepared to drive to London. She made some inquiries with colleagues and suggested Sick Kids in Toronto. We headed home for a brief respite, and to see Ceilidh and Aisling, grab some food and more magazines and books before heading to the hospital. Of course, it made sense in hindsight. Sick Kids probably sees these types of silly childhood situations on a daily basis, and are better trained to deal with spooked children.

It was a quiet night at the Sick Kids ER. Despite the relatively low number of patients, we still waited 4 hours before being seen by a pediatrician. She was great. Took a quick peek. Listened to our tale about the previous failed attempts to remove the offending kernel at various medical establishments that did nothing but traumatize Devlin. After consulting with the pediatric ENT specialist, it was decided that instead of attempting anything further, the best course of action would be to sedate Devlin at a clinic in a few days and remove it then. While we don't like the idea of waiting another few days, at last, we now know that an individual who is specially trained to deal with children and little children's ears will be administering to Devlin.

We left the ER around 1:oo am and it took another 20 minutes to find our way into the parking garage. That was another adventure.

I have to say, throughout this entire ordeal, Devlin was quite well-behaved while having to wait for endless hours at various ERs and doctor's waiting rooms. Ceilidh and Aisling have been wonderful despite the lack of attention. I did have to promise to paint both girls' toes with pink nail polish on the weekend and make a batch of brownies.

Stay tuned for the next segment of this popcorn drama.