Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Laurie, Your story sounded so familiar. However, I knew what the immunologists reaction was going to be - so we didn't see her until after the T & A. My pediatrician did send her a memo letting her know that he and our ENT were in agreement that it was the right course of action. If it is any consolation - he tried to explain that depending on the field of medicine a doctor is trained to try medicines to treat or try surgeries to treat -- therefore, many pediatricians try for example antibiotics for a while to cure ear infections. But an ENT is more prone to putting in ear tubes. Immunologists are naturally predisposed against surgery. While I can't comment on " years " of success - we have had over 8 months - and almost NO other illnesses in that 9 month (middle of flu/virus season) and my daughter is also 3 years old. We still hope/pray that the fevers stay away - but we will always be glad for the time we've had if the fevers do come back. Best of luck to you. Ginger Daughter - le, 3 years old (fevering since 7 months, diagnosed at 15 months, T & A on 12/11/07, Fever-free since 11/16/07) Son - Jay, 15 months old ----------------------------------------- ==================================================== This message contains PRIVILEGED and CONFIDENTIAL information that is intended only for use by the named recipient. If you are not the named recipient, any disclosure, dissemination, or action based on the contents of this message is prohibited. In such case please notify us and destroy and delete all copies of this transmission. Thank you. ==================================================== Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Laurie, Your story sounded so familiar. However, I knew what the immunologists reaction was going to be - so we didn't see her until after the T & A. My pediatrician did send her a memo letting her know that he and our ENT were in agreement that it was the right course of action. If it is any consolation - he tried to explain that depending on the field of medicine a doctor is trained to try medicines to treat or try surgeries to treat -- therefore, many pediatricians try for example antibiotics for a while to cure ear infections. But an ENT is more prone to putting in ear tubes. Immunologists are naturally predisposed against surgery. While I can't comment on " years " of success - we have had over 8 months - and almost NO other illnesses in that 9 month (middle of flu/virus season) and my daughter is also 3 years old. We still hope/pray that the fevers stay away - but we will always be glad for the time we've had if the fevers do come back. Best of luck to you. Ginger Daughter - le, 3 years old (fevering since 7 months, diagnosed at 15 months, T & A on 12/11/07, Fever-free since 11/16/07) Son - Jay, 15 months old ----------------------------------------- ==================================================== This message contains PRIVILEGED and CONFIDENTIAL information that is intended only for use by the named recipient. If you are not the named recipient, any disclosure, dissemination, or action based on the contents of this message is prohibited. In such case please notify us and destroy and delete all copies of this transmission. Thank you. ==================================================== Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Laurie, I know how you feel as I was very worried that I would lose my job with being home so much for my daughter's fevering episodes. Luckily I have a boss who is expecting twins, so I have been able to work things out to work at home as needed. Is there any chance you could go back and request some flexibility? Anyway, that's not why I'm writing. I'm writing b/c our pediatrician believes that my daughter has , however the immunologist said that she doesn't, only because, we cannot set a clock or calendar to when she has her fevers. His feeling about it was that it should be like clockwork, but they simply aren't. They're every 2-4 weeks, and getting to 4 weeks is only during summer months. WIth our pediatrician's agreement, I took my daughter to see an ENT and had all sorts of articles and studies with me to show some evidence of a link between tonsillectomy and ending the fevers...obviously knowing that there are no guarantees for success. He didn't even look at the articles or studies, he reviewed her chart, saw frequency and symptoms, as well as the immunologists's opinion, but asserted that he thinks that she is a candidate for tonsillectomy. So, she'll have the procedure the Wednesday before Columbus Day. So obviously, based on our experience, I would suggest that you consult an ENT for another opinion. :-) Good luck! I can relate. Short daughter , fevering since 2, now is 5, T & A scheduled for 10-08-08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Laurie, I also agree with . An ENT is the way to go. We were referred to one from our pediatrician. The ENT briefly examined our son (who was not having an episode at the time). He had previously reviewed the chart notes sent over from the peds office. He was already aware of the recent study and explained to us what would happen during the procedure before he asked us if we still wanted to do it. I think because the T & A is their field they are more current on the issue. Pruden Tyler Pruden 2yr 8mo fevering since 3mo - PFAP - T & A 8/05/08...waiting to see if it worked Dylan Pruden 5 months old Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Laurie, I also agree with . An ENT is the way to go. We were referred to one from our pediatrician. The ENT briefly examined our son (who was not having an episode at the time). He had previously reviewed the chart notes sent over from the peds office. He was already aware of the recent study and explained to us what would happen during the procedure before he asked us if we still wanted to do it. I think because the T & A is their field they are more current on the issue. Pruden Tyler Pruden 2yr 8mo fevering since 3mo - PFAP - T & A 8/05/08...waiting to see if it worked Dylan Pruden 5 months old Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Hi Laurie, We went to several different Drs for opinions, including an ID, an Immunologist, a Rheum and an ENT. Each seemed to have a different take. The immunologist we saw told us that we would try the following for , in this order: 1. Cimedetine, 2.Prednisone, 3. T & A When I asked why we wouldn't just try the T & A if it seems to be pretty successful for a lot of kids he told me that the tonsils are the " soldiers of your immune system " and that they shouldn't be removed until the teens(think that was his timeframe) if the alternatives work. We then saw an ENT and when I asked him about the " soldiers " he said if they remove them and it takes the fevers away then they obviously weren't working correctly. So, like everyone said... depends on which type of Dr. you consult. I don't want to jinx us, but we started my son on the Cimetedine and so far we've had our longest stretch yet since starting the Prednisone. I noticed a change within a few days of starting it(despite hearing that you need to be on it for a few months before seeing an impact). Perhaps it's coincidence, but his coloring is great, he's eating us out of house and home(I never ever thought I'd say that)... and he even eats veggies! All around he just seems so much better. We're keeping our fingers crossed as the T & A is not a great option for my son due to potential blood clotting issues. Hope this helps! Vivian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Hi Laurie, We went to several different Drs for opinions, including an ID, an Immunologist, a Rheum and an ENT. Each seemed to have a different take. The immunologist we saw told us that we would try the following for , in this order: 1. Cimedetine, 2.Prednisone, 3. T & A When I asked why we wouldn't just try the T & A if it seems to be pretty successful for a lot of kids he told me that the tonsils are the " soldiers of your immune system " and that they shouldn't be removed until the teens(think that was his timeframe) if the alternatives work. We then saw an ENT and when I asked him about the " soldiers " he said if they remove them and it takes the fevers away then they obviously weren't working correctly. So, like everyone said... depends on which type of Dr. you consult. I don't want to jinx us, but we started my son on the Cimetedine and so far we've had our longest stretch yet since starting the Prednisone. I noticed a change within a few days of starting it(despite hearing that you need to be on it for a few months before seeing an impact). Perhaps it's coincidence, but his coloring is great, he's eating us out of house and home(I never ever thought I'd say that)... and he even eats veggies! All around he just seems so much better. We're keeping our fingers crossed as the T & A is not a great option for my son due to potential blood clotting issues. Hope this helps! Vivian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Hi Laurie, my name is Jenn and I'm from Spring Hill, FL...about an hour north of st.pete/clearwater. When my son , Mikey( 4yrs.), started the fevers we thought we'd have to go to ALL Children's hospital or the other down there. However, due to some advice from others close by we decided to stick close to home and we saw Dr. Donnelly (ENT) He is based out of Tampa and Spring Hill, FL. We also see Dr. Ledford (Allergy and immunology) out of Tampa and Spring Hill. I cannot tell you how wonderful both of them have been to us. Both did research on their own for us and worked together to diagnose Mikey. Mikey started fevering this January and today we saw Dr. Donnelly and guess what....he was so pro the T & A and as a father, he was very understanding of our decision and our T & A is scheduled for Sept. 10th...that's just two weeks away!! The specialist at All Children's suggested we put him on steroids twice a day or use the cimetidine? first...I was not comfortable at all with that suggestion and both of our docs agreed. Dr. Donnelly said a lot of docs are against the T & A b/c they simply don't know enough about it and the results of how wonderful the T & A works for a cure to are fairly recent. Anyhow, He does have an office in Tampa and that's not far from you. I highly recommend him and I feel so blessed with the way things have worked out for us. Mikey only had to go through blood work once, and see Donnelly and Ledford twice each for this....I feel for those who have gone through so much just to get to this same conclusion..T & A. If you have any other questions or want info on either doc please let me know. Good Luck!! Jenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Hi Laurie, my name is Jenn and I'm from Spring Hill, FL...about an hour north of st.pete/clearwater. When my son , Mikey( 4yrs.), started the fevers we thought we'd have to go to ALL Children's hospital or the other down there. However, due to some advice from others close by we decided to stick close to home and we saw Dr. Donnelly (ENT) He is based out of Tampa and Spring Hill, FL. We also see Dr. Ledford (Allergy and immunology) out of Tampa and Spring Hill. I cannot tell you how wonderful both of them have been to us. Both did research on their own for us and worked together to diagnose Mikey. Mikey started fevering this January and today we saw Dr. Donnelly and guess what....he was so pro the T & A and as a father, he was very understanding of our decision and our T & A is scheduled for Sept. 10th...that's just two weeks away!! The specialist at All Children's suggested we put him on steroids twice a day or use the cimetidine? first...I was not comfortable at all with that suggestion and both of our docs agreed. Dr. Donnelly said a lot of docs are against the T & A b/c they simply don't know enough about it and the results of how wonderful the T & A works for a cure to are fairly recent. Anyhow, He does have an office in Tampa and that's not far from you. I highly recommend him and I feel so blessed with the way things have worked out for us. Mikey only had to go through blood work once, and see Donnelly and Ledford twice each for this....I feel for those who have gone through so much just to get to this same conclusion..T & A. If you have any other questions or want info on either doc please let me know. Good Luck!! Jenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.