Anyone fly after ear tube surgery? HELP

[NHRAgroup]

It all started with a test that required tubes down my throat, got an infection in my throat from the tubs that spread to my ears, (double ear infection) now I was told by my ENT on 4-03 that I could not Fly for my 4-11 cruise Rhapsody cruise if I did not have this surgery, other wise (the worst could happen) he told me I could not have all the Anesthesia required to do the tube surgery but he would give me something, has anyone ever done this before. My ENT told me this is done mostly on young kids, but i'm an older kid in my mid-40's. He is to do this on Friday(only day possible) and I fly out on Sunday 7am. Any one ever have this problem and fly so soon?

 

Rhapsody of the Seas 04-04

Navigator of the Seas 05-03

Adventure of the Seas 04-02

Nordic Empress 04-02

Grandeur of the Seas 10-00

Majesty of the Seas 09-98

Sovereign of the Seas 08-96

[crdoms]

Not sure which problem you’re talking about. Anesthesia or flying after PE (pressure equalization) tubes. As for the anesthesia, I’m fairly certain there are ways now to use topical anesthesia, possibly with IV sedation, to place the tubes. It sounds like you are not going to have a full general anesthetic, however, you should be very comfortable as I’m sure this is something he has done many times. The actual anesthetic should not be a problem, assuming you are reasonably healthy.

 

As for traveling after tube placement. The purpose of the tubes are to equalize the pressure between the middle and outer ear. This will make your travel much more comfortable, especially during ascent or descent of your flight. In your case, it sounds like you would not be able to equalize the pressure through the Eustachian tube. If you are unable to do this, you could perforate the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This would be very uncomfortable. Sounds like the ENT is making the right call. Just ask him/her about any precautions you need to take, e.g. swimming, bathing, etc.

 

Go ahead and enjoy yourself.

 

crd

[Family of 14]

I know my children had this surgery and had no problems with flying. They did however have trouble with swimming. Make sure you wear earplugs.

 

Are you sailing on the Mariner 7/18/04?...Click here!

or HERE!

 

Disney Wonder 3/2000 ~ Disney Magic 9/2000 ~ RCI Vision 2/2001 ~ Carnival Victory 12/2001 ~ Celebrity Millennium 3/2003 ~ RCI Adventure OTS 9/2003 ~ RCI Mariner OTS 7/18/2004 ~ RCI Serenade OTS 9/26/2004

[Alysia]

Hello,

 

I am in my mid 40's also and had many tubes put in my ear and got on a airplane right after. It's not a problem. I have more problems now with flying without the tubes. If you like more info, email me.

 

Alysia

 

7/01/04 Brillance of the Seas Cruise

[welenja]

Your doctor is right to tell you that you must have this surgery to fly. I acquired an ear infection the day we were leaving our ski trip in CO at 9500 feet. My Eustation tube was plugged and I was in great pain by the time we got to Denver. The flight was very painful. My ear drum did not burst, but I wish it had. By the time I got back home I went directly to the emergency room. I spent the next week on Vicodin. 5 days after returning the doctor finally popped my ear drum for me. I couldn't hear properly out of that ear for 6 weeks.

 

There may be a tempatation on your part to just wing it and jump on a plane. I would just say I would drive to Florida from Wisconsin before I would fly with an ear infection.

 

I have been advised to have the tubes put in. Since I no longer have an infection I haven't had it done. The tubes are long term and require that your ear stay dry. This would mean swimming with an ear plug. A hassle. But, if you have recurring issues I wouldn't fly without it being done.

 

Dan

<IMG SRC="http://escati.linkopp.net

/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;4;17;22;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500">

4/17 Adventure of the Seas

 

[alexkrn46]

I had a tube placed in my ear- about 9 years ago, I was flying cross country and I had an infection that wouldn't clear. He tried to drain the ear and it didn't work. I won't say it was pleasant ( like you I couldn't get anesthsia prior without postponing the trip). I went to work after and flew the next day no problem. The pain was minimal during the procedure, it ranks up there with having a tooth drilled. I had the doctor phone is a sedative that I took just prior to having it done. Good Luck! Alex

[NHRAgroup]

Thanks for all the info from all, I'am getting the tubes done at 9am Friday, I can't beleive that I have to go through pre surgery tests, I just hope it as easy for an adult as it is for a child. I just hate knowing I can't go snorkeling, but I'm to be sized to an ear plug so I can go swimming, I best to be happy that I'm still going to be able to fly, I guess this is better then not going on the cruise at all, and since I did not buy the insurance. I would have been a long drive from Cleve. Ohio to Texas.

 

Rhapsody of the Seas 04-04

Navigator of the Seas 05-03

Adventure of the Seas 04-02

Nordic Empress 04-02

Grandeur of the Seas 10-00

Majesty of the Seas 09-98

Sovereign of the Seas 08-96

[Kapeluza]

No, but it sounds painful!!!

 

 

 

 Navigator of the Seas/Western Caribbean 03/06