Dr. Saffron Visit
Posted on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 11:30 pmDavid:
Ellen and I went to see Dr. Saffron this afternoon to have a recheck of her ear pre-flight. The following is a synopsis of our visit.
• The perforation is still there – no change in size
• The area is still clean and healthy looking
• Flying will not be a problem (we do have 2 pairs of Flight Mate – pressure reducing ear plugs. Ellen will wear one in her right ear only…I’ll try them out in both of mine).
• Afrin – over-the-counter nose spray to keep nasal passages clear…can become addictive so we are going to pass on it.
• Hearing test showed improvement of hearing – compared to hearing test from first visit when perforation did not show due to inflammation of inner ear tissue
• Surgery – is an option; however there is no time clock ticking. I suggest we revisit this option in the fall when we can all go to an appointment with Dr. Saffran to hear the same thing and ask questions
• Surgery Outcome/Success Rate – 60-70% due to the location of Ellen’s perforation. (80% otherwise). Hearing loss is also a possibility.
• Do people live with perforations forever? Yes. Water becomes an issue…keeping the ear dry. The surgery option is worth considering for this reason.
Well it’s late. I’ll write about our trip plans in the morning.
Jen
I bought the Afrin…actually it is the CVS version…exactly the same ingredient and $2 less. How did Ellen’s left ear compare to her right? On the first visit, her right was within the normal ranges…the left dropped off below the “normal ranges” on the chart. The visit this week showed the graph lines closer in line with each other…the left not completely in the normal ranges but much closer.
How did Ellen’s left ear compare to her right?
Good advice. I’ll get some Afrin.
Of course we can get a second opinion. The hearing test comparison was a graph…I’m sure there is a number attached to it regarding hearing loss. This is a question that can be asked as well. I just visually saw that it improved.
RE: Afrin. Jennifer, my eustachian tubes are constantly swollen and collecting mucus. If Ellen’s are like mine, the Afrin might be helpful. Her left ear will equalize fine. Her right will not. And I would watch and ask her to see if there is anything she is doing to clear those tubes. I regularly hold my nose, close my mouth, and blow to try to open and clear them. This may be a bad idea. Anyway, I wouldn’t just say no to Afrin because it is addictive. Instead, I’d toss it after the trip.
OK. When someone recommends surgery, then it really is time for a second opinion. So, I do hope you will consider seeing someone else for confirmation of Saffron’s recommendation.
Of course, I am quite sorry Ellen is in this situation.
I’m sure I’ll be told at some time, but I would like to know the degree of hearing loss.