Down Syndrome and Ear Problems

The last week and a half or so have been kind of a roller coaster ride with my son. In a nutshell, he went in for his 4th set of ear tubes (Down Syndrome children are prone to ear problems) and was diagnosed with a massive cholesteatoma in his right ear. We were shocked and scared. Surgery was imminent and would likely leave him deaf in that ear. Mix in all of the other potential complications...we were scared.

Prayers from family and friends appeared to have come through when the doctor called and, surprised by the CT Scan images and the biopsy, concluded that there was, in fact, no cholesteatoma. To say that prayers were answered is an understatement. There is still "something going on" in his right ear. Surgery is scheduled for September 1 to clean out his ear and replace his tubes if we can get rid of a perpetual infection.

It's hard to watch your child struggle with any medical challenge. To know he is in pain and cannot hear well is difficult to manage. The amazing thing is that throughout the whole week of testing and waiting for results and preparing for emergency surgery, I was calm inside. I was able to manage my emotions, focus on the task at hand at work, and still be a strong leader for the family. Prayer works.

Considering the challenges other children with Down Syndrome face, my son has it pretty good. We have not had to experience heart surgery, or feeding tubes, or GI problems. I can imagine it has to be difficult for some dads to get up in the morning and face the pressures of being a husband, father, employee, boss, or what-have-you while your son or daughter struggles to eat, or breathe. More difficult than anything I've faced.

I guess I can thank Paul for his letter to the Philippians (4:13) "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Words to live by.

I welcome your thoughts and experiences. Give me a shout!