DW: I’ve decided I would post a couple of ways. Postings directly to you will be under David. Postings that are more like journal entries/musings will be under Jennifer…and postings to Ellen in Ellen. Also, I’ll create a new category: David and Ellen. You are free to read any of my postings as I am an “open blog!” Now…I am going to get something to eat. JT
Hello Ellen,
Thought I would make a few entries to you while you are off at Circle F. I went to the Circle F blog today and found out all about your first day at camp…well, not exactly your first day (personally) but the camps first day. I posted the blog address for dad and told him that it sounded like 2 weeks worth of fun was already packed into one night. I sent you hugs and kisses last night and thought of you when I saw the giant full moon.
Love, Mom
Just visited Circle F’s blog: www.circle-f-duderanch.com/florida/blog-wrapper. Sounds like they already packed 2 weeks worth of fun into 1 day! Here’s the address for mail – packages are ok…but no food items allowed:
Mail:
Ellen Foley, W3G
Circle F Dude Ranch Camp
PO Box 888
Lake Wales, FL 33859-0888
Packages (FedX/UPS/DHL):
Ellen Foley, W3G
Circle F Dude Ranch Camp
5301 Dude Ranch Road
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Ellen’s Ear
Ellen’s ear still has the perforation. We went to see Dr. Holson for a physical as part of enrolling in Glenridge. Ellen’s ear had been bothering her off and on with what she called “seeping” or “still moisture there.” Dr. Holson took a look…couldn’t see a perforation, but said the surface looked “abnormal.” I asked her for an ENT recommendation. She recommended Dr. Saffran.
Went to see Dr. Saffran. He examined both ears…couldn’t see a perforation in the left, but did see what he described as some of the “inner ear material” – spongy like – on the surface. Couldn’t really explain it at the time. Recommended 10-day antibiotic (to take care of any infection/fluid that could be behind the drum) and topical drops for inflammation. Ellen also had a hearing test, which did show loss of hearing in the left ear.
Ellen went through the treatment fine. And afterward, said she noticed she heard better/differently in band and chorus.
Last Friday (June 5) we went in for a re-check. Dr. Saffron asked how she was doing. Ellen told him that she did have a slight burning sensation once (went swimming at Mattie’s grandma’s house) when a little water got in her ear. She also told him that she seemed to be hearing better.
Dr. Saffron took a look in the left hear and immediately said, “I can see the perforation.”
The way I understand it is that with the treatment of the antibiotic and the topical drops, the inflammation of the inner ear material subsided to expose the perforation. It explained why the other doctors didn’t see the perforation and why Ellen still felt the moisture. I looked in and saw the perforation, too. Dr. Saffron said that it is nice and clean now and pink “healthy” looking in all other respects.
With the ear clean and clear now, it may have a chance to heal. We have a recheck appointment in a month to see if there is any change. If not, then surgery is the option to graft the hole. The surgery lasts an hour and a half and is performed under general anesthesia. It is not a difficult procedure, but with the perforation toward the front of the drum it is challenging, as Dr. Saffron would have to go in from behind her ear to reach the spot effectively.
Surgery plans, if necessary, will be made with you, too.
Regarding swimming at Circle F: I told Dr. Saffron Ellen was getting ready to go to camp. He said as long as she keeps the ear dry, it shouldn’t be an issue. She has plenty of ear wax/plugs and we changed one activity from Water Sports which would have had her sliding into the lake from a giant slide and possibly getting thrown in from the “banana/inner tube” ride to Canoeing/Sailing. Ellen seemed fine with the switch. She also knows to wear the ear wax/plug with all water activity and not to go under water, which she said she didn’t like to do in the lake anyway.
Here’s Dr. Saffron’s number if you want to give him a call to speak with him directly and get any questions answered that you may have:
Alan J. Saffran, MD.
7251 University Blvd (at Forsyth)
Winter Park
407.677.0099
Hello Everyone,
Another beautiful day at camp. The temperatures are pleasant and the kids are having a blast. The day started with flag raising and a great morning thought about positive thinking. We were off to a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, cereal, fruit, juice and milk. A very yummy start to a day full of activities. Riding did their testing for skills, paintball reviewed the rules and safety procedures as did rockwall and waterfront. The Summit and blob were huge hits. Nature Lore found bugs to feed to Mia’s spider. You can bet I leave that to them! Arts and Crafts had lots of activities going and the Spirit Squad make wonderful signs for tonights dance. The kids did a good job staying hydrated, of course we remind them all day long to drink water and wear sunscreen. After a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs the campers were off to the “Welcome Dance” which is a very popular evening program. Most of the younger children love to run and play in the field and then go into the dance and back out for more running and playing. It is so wonderful to watch kids just be kids. They are so happy.
We are trying very hard to get the pictures up but are having some difficulties. We will do our very best to have them up as soon as possible. We know you are all waiting to see your campers.
Thank you again for making our lives special by sharing your children with us.
Diana, Murray, Mike, Mia, Devin, Bri and all of Circle F