Hi there - my DD's story is a little different. She kept getting unwell over a period of 6 weeks when she was about 12months old and had numerous trips to GP only to be told time and time again that it was a virus. On day of final GP visit I noticed that she was red behind her L ear on the bone - pointed it out to GP who said to keep eye on it but nothing to worry about at that time. Well she ended up in hospital that night and was diagnosed with Mastoiditis (the ear infection had gone from her middle ear into the bone behind the ear) was put on IV antibiotics and was in emergency surgery the next morning to drain all the pus out of her ear and insert a grommet (they only did the one ear as it was an emergency). Turns out she more than likely had a middle ear infection for most of the 6 weeks of illnesses that our EX-GP did not pick up on. She was in hospital for 4 nights as she had to remain on IV antibiotics. She was really quite groggy for the 24 hours after the surgery, but bear in mind that hers was not the normal sort of surgery. However, she obviously felt so much better after the surgery and after being febrile on and off for weeks her temperature suddenly returned to normal immediately after the surgery. She was sent home on oral AB's and also ear drops. The ear drops can be a little disconcerting and feel strange for the littlies - they upset her a bit when they were put in.

I have to say that it was the best thing that we have had done. She has had no more infections in that ear. She has had one more ear infection in her R ear - so wish that they had done that ear as well!

When it is day surgery I believe it is a very straightforward operation - the grommets really do make a difference in those kids with repeat ear infections. I was really worried about the General also, but in our instance she was so sick that the risks of her having problems were so much higher than normal, but we were also in the situation where we had no choice as she HAD to have the surgery in order to recover.

Good luck with your decision.

Janie xxx