My DD has to have tonsils/adenoids out 12/30

[HappyGilmore]

Today is my DD 7th birthday and tomorrow she will be going in for surgery to have her tonsils and adenoids out as well as a throat scope (just to check the airway size). Her tonsils were diagnosed at a 3+ it was explained to me that a 4 is when they are touching. She has had croup @ age 4 where I had to have her taken her by ambulance to the ER then and a coulple of re occurances of croup since. This year she has been on antibiodics 4 times most recently in November (Suprax a $400.00 RX) and now again on amoxicillian for 14 days!! Anyway we went to the All Chidlrens Hospital in our area to see an ENT and it was recommended that she have them removed so she goes in on 12/30. I am worried about the procedure, how she will handle it, the recovery after, nausea/throwing up when her throat is so sore etc and the long drive home 30 miles from the closest surgical center for the specialist we were reffered to. Can anyone tell me what their experiences are good and bad I want to know as much as I can to be prepared as much as I can - even to the point of what she will look like when I see her in recovery. She is pretty much excited about the fact that she has to have it done as a girl in her 1st grade class just went through it. I haven't told her anything as far as what she may experience-- I think that is best and I haven't led on that I am at all anxious about the process. I know that some Mom's here have seen their kids go through so much worse w/ life threating illness etc so I know that I should toughen up it is just that she is not that strong when it comes to pain (gets a hang nail and whines etc) although I on the other hand basically had natural labor with her and my other dd and would rather go through childbirth than a teeth cleaning lol.

 

[mommasita]

My DD11 was scheduled for this at first last month, and later testings proved that she only needed the ear surgery (tubes, but general surgery). As it turns out, her BFF had her tonsils/adenoids removed at the same time. They were almost side by each in their recovery beds.

I was honestly not petrified, but worried about my DD going under anesthesia, as was her friend's Mother. We had each other to cling to in the recovery waiting area.

Her friend was out first, and was asleep. Within about 5 minutes, they called her Mother, as she was awake, and trying to speak. I was called about 5 minutes later. Her daughter was doing EXCELLENT, sitting up the bed eating a popsicle. She was in pain, and they gave her something for it. They left the hospital about 30 to 40 min later, before us again, lol.

I don't know the specifics about her recovery, but I do know she was out of school 5 days, and it did NOTHING to stop the constant phone calls between the 2 of them. She did recover beautifully.

I will keep you both in my thoughts, and hope it all goes smoothly.

 

[disfan07]

I had my tonsils and adnoids out in 7th grade (I was 12). The surgery went fine and I was eating popsicles when I woke up.

I was out of school for a week because I took a long time to heal. My surgeon said that I healed more like an adult than a child. Children apparently heal from this surgery much faster than adults.

I had mine taken out because between oct. and jan that year I had strep 6 times and had missed almost 6 weeks of school. My ENT said that when he looked at my tonsils during the exam they didnt look too bad but decided to take them out anyways because my bat mitzvah was in june of that year so we didnt wnat to risk me having strep.

Well, this might be TMI but afte rthe surgery he told my mom that it was a very very good thing that I had them taken out. He said that he had never had tonsils basically fall apart in his hands before. Thats how bad they were.

 

[mamamary]

My son was about 7 when he had his removed. Honestly in the recovery room he was crying alot. I believe at the time they said it was prob. from the anesthesia. Really it only lasted about 15 mts. but it seemed much longer at the time. Traveling home was fine - he was calm in the car - it was about a 20 mile trip. He napped when we got home. When he woke up he asked for a hot dog - lol. So I'm guessing his throat wasn't too sore. Didn't give him the hot dog but he had the usual frozen pops. Other than that I really think by the next day or two he was back to usual. It has made such a difference having them removed. He had very bad snoring and sleep apnea. The Dr. said his tonsills were huge and in very bad shape.

Good luck and try not to worry. The younger they are the more quickly they recover.

 

[golfgal]

My son was about 7 when he had his removed. Honestly in the recovery room he was crying alot. I believe at the time they said it was prob. from the anesthesia. Really it only lasted about 15 mts. but it seemed much longer at the time. Traveling home was fine - he was calm in the car - it was about a 20 mile trip. He napped when we got home. When he woke up he asked for a hot dog - lol. So I'm guessing his throat wasn't too sore. Didn't give him the hot dog but he had the usual frozen pops. Other than that I really think by the next day or two he was back to usual. It has made such a difference having them removed. He had very bad snoring and sleep apnea. The Dr. said his tonsills were huge and in very bad shape.

Good luck and try not to worry. The younger they are the more quickly they recover.

My DD cried a lot in recovery too-they came out to the waiting room to get me so I could sit with her while she woke up. The nurse said it was because they are still so sleepy when they are woken up that some kids cry because they want to go back to sleep-not a big deal. She bounced back pretty quickly from her surgery. She had her tonsils out on a Monday and by Wednesday was back to her normal self. She had strep 10 times during the year prior to her surgery and actually had her tonsils out with an active case of strep because they just couldn't knock it out. She hasn't had strep since-10 years later.

 

[scottishduffy]

I have not had a little one have tonsils out but I do anesthesia for this procedure. From our standpoint it is a quick 25 minute procedure. It is a general anesthesia, but usually on the linter side of general.

As others have side, just be aware that many kids tend to wake up crying or tossing/ turning from anesthesia. It is just a side effect our stuff has on little kids. But most are perfectly chipper and feeling tolerable within about 20 minutes after they fully come around.

If you wish to tell her anything about her day the hospital she will be given a spiffy special gown to wear. They will also give her a little juice to drink and this juice will make her feel a little sleepy. Then she will be taken back to OR suite where we will put stickers (very special stickers) on her fingers and chest. After this she will get a sepcial little pink mask that smells like bubble gum and perfume. Take 3 deep breathes and the next thing she knows it is all done! That is how we usually explain things to kiddos and many seem just fine with the whole process.

My friends little boy had this done at age 6 and she says the 3rd day after was the most sore but he was overall fine. He enjoyed the ice cream and extra tv and video game time.

 

[golfgal]

I have not had a little one have tonsils out but I do anesthesia for this procedure. From our standpoint it is a quick 25 minute procedure. It is a general anesthesia, but usually on the linter side of general.

As others have side, just be aware that many kids tend to wake up crying or tossing/ turning from anesthesia. It is just a side effect our stuff has on little kids. But most are perfectly chipper and feeling tolerable within about 20 minutes after they fully come around.

If you wish to tell her anything about her day the hospital she will be given a spiffy special gown to wear. They will also give her a little juice to drink and this juice will make her feel a little sleepy. Then she will be taken back to OR suite where we will put stickers (very special stickers) on her fingers and chest. After this she will get a sepcial little pink mask that smells like bubble gum and perfume. Take 3 deep breathes and the next thing she knows it is all done! That is how we usually explain things to kiddos and many seem just fine with the whole process.

My friends little boy had this done at age 6 and she says the 3rd day after was the most sore but he was overall fine. He enjoyed the ice cream and extra tv and video game time.

DD15 had two surgeries done when she was 5 and 6. Both times they had me apply topical anesthetic to her hand for IV's before we came to the hospital. I don't recall them giving her anything to drink. They had us come for a pre-op visit before her tonsil surgery and they showed her all the "stuff" they would use, etc. I thought that was a GREAT idea. For her second surgery she could have gone in for the visit but she said she was fine not going (and she was).

 

[Kit'smommy]

DS had tubes/adenoids/tonsils last February right after he turned 6.

Everything went really well and he was back to himself completely in less than a week and really was only in any pain on days 2 and 3.

It made such a difference in his overall health.

 

[HappyGilmore]

Thanks so much for all the experienced info. I appreicate all the feedback.

 

[scottishduffy]

DD15 had two surgeries done when she was 5 and 6. Both times they had me apply topical anesthetic to her hand for IV's before we came to the hospital. I don't recall them giving her anything to drink. They had us come for a pre-op visit before her tonsil surgery and they showed her all the "stuff" they would use, etc. I thought that was a GREAT idea. For her second surgery she could have gone in for the visit but she said she was fine not going (and she was).

We don't do any IV's while the kiddo is awake. We put them totally under and then we start the IV while they are asleep. Sometimes teenagers will let us start an IV ahead of time but even then we try to be nice. We just give our 'sleepy juice' which basically gets them a little drunk.... then they are happy about everything we do! We want as little trauma as possible, hopefully the hospital can be fun memory and not one that instills a life-long fear.

The exception of course would be for major procedures. Like the kids having surgery for heart conditions or scoliosis repairs.

 

[RRL38]

My son had his taken out when he was 7 and it was an easy recovery for him. He was back home within 5 hours from the time we took him in for his surgery. He asked for chicken nuggets on the 2nd day. We didn't let him have that but he wanted them. He was out of school for a week per the doctor's request. He's now 13 and it was the best thing we ever did for him as he's only had strep throat once since they were taken out. Prior to that it was all the time.

 

[laughinplace199]

My DS had his tonsils and adenoids out this summer. He was 3 yrs old at the time.

I was definitely worried about him going under anesthesia (he's a tiny little guy for his age). We explained to him that the dr was going to give him some medicine to make him sleepy and then take his tonsils and adenoids out.

He was crying a lot when he came out of the anesthesia. The nurses said it happens a lot, especially with little ones. I just held him and he cried for a few more minutes and then went back to sleep. He slept for about 4 hours in the recovery room, then he was moved to a regular room (he had to stay overnight).

His surgery took place at about 9:00 AM, so he couldn't eat breakfast on the day of surgery. By the time he got to his hospital room and was really awake, it was 6:00 PM and he was starving. He ate a huge serving of mashed potatoes, then he had several containers of apple sauce (I must have the only kid in the world who doesn't like popsicles, ice cream, pudding, or jello ).

For him, the first couple of days were rough. We had to really stay on top of his Tylenol doses to help with the pain. He slept a lot or just wanted to be held. Once he was feeling better, we still had to try to keep him busy with quiet, calm activities for 2 weeks (to avoid risk of bleeding). He was also put on antibiotics during his recovery.

One of the most important things to do post-surgery is to encourage your child to keep drinking. This will help with the pain.

Good luck. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your DD.

 

[krcit]

Both of my dd's had their tonsils out at age 7(they are now 12 and 15) Both woke up crying from anesthesia but fell back asleep and when they woke the second time they were ok. My oldest threw up when she woke up and thankfully someone had warned me that that might happen b/c it would've freaked me out if I wasn't ready for it. It was all blood they both went home the same day and just rested for the rest of the first day. make sure to have her take the pain meds..she won't want to b/c they taste gross but it will make her comfortable enough to eat and eating helps them heal. Both of my girls were eating by the second day...I know one of them even had chicken nuggets(my DH gave them to her, I wouldn'y have but I swear the sooner they eat, the sooner they heal.) Make sure no red popsicles or drinks. That could look like blood if they throw up and you need to know if they are bleeding. Good luck....I know it's scary. Please update and let us know how she does.

 

[HappyGilmore]

My Dd is doing really well from her surgery but wondering if the worst is yet to come?
We got to the surgery center about 30 minutes early @ 2:00pm. We waited in the main waiting room about 20 minutes then they took us back to a pre-op area. They put the oxygen meter thingy on her index finger and listened to her heart and got a blood pressure -- took about 5 minutes. They verified her / out info gave us all wrist bands and told us the the doc would be in to see us shortly. They didn't make her change out of her clothes that she wore ( I thought that was odd). Soon, the doc and the anesthesiologist came by and then she walked with them to the OR after we said goodbye.

We waited in a little room for about 20 minutes and the dr came back in to talk to us.. said she did well and was in recovery. Then a few minutes later they called us back to see her. She was very groggy but looked much better than I imagined and she could talk. After she finished her popsicle, they took out her IV and we left about 45minutes later total time there -- 3 hours. She slept on the drive home and after we arrived.

She didn't want to keep drinking but I tried to get her to - she mentioned she felt like she was going to be sick and she was right. I was suprised at the amount of water she couldn't possibly have drank all that?? It was about a 1gallon .
Right after this episode she was hungry and wanted scrambled eggs. The nurse said to try to feed her as the pain meds may upset her tummy. She ate the eggs and kept them down for about 2 hours then was ill again but felt better again after 2nd time. I called to see if we could get something for the nausea but after I picked it up she didn't need it at all.

She fell asleep for the longest stretch of about 1 1/2 hours then it was time for another dose of pain med at midnight so I woke her as instructed and every 4 hours after for more pain meds.

She seems to be back to her normal self just doing a little more sleeping than usual. Last night she dosed off after her 8pm dose but wanted me to wake her to see the NY ball drop. I woke her about 15 minutes before , fed her a little, gave the meds then we all went to sleep a little after midnight. I woke her a 4am for dose, and DH woke her at 8am for a dose and now she is still sleeping @ 11:15am. but I guess I will let her sleep. She will need her next dose in about 45 min.

I haven't seen any bleeding and she hasn't complained much just a little that her throat is sore. Should I expect things to get worse before she gets better?

 

[dislaney]

My Dd is doing really well from her surgery but wondering if the worst is yet to come?
We got to the surgery center about 30 minutes early @ 2:00pm. We waited in the main waiting room about 20 minutes then they took us back to a pre-op area. They put the oxygen meter thingy on her index finger and listened to her heart and got a blood pressure -- took about 5 minutes. They verified her / out info gave us all wrist bands and told us the the doc would be in to see us shortly. They didn't make her change out of her clothes that she wore ( I thought that was odd). Soon, the doc and the anesthesiologist came by and then she walked with them to the OR after we said goodbye.

We waited in a little room for about 20 minutes and the dr came back in to talk to us.. said she did well and was in recovery. Then a few minutes later they called us back to see her. She was very groggy but looked much better than I imagined and she could talk. After she finished her popsicle, they took out her IV and we left about 45minutes later total time there -- 3 hours. She slept on the drive home and after we arrived.

She didn't want to keep drinking but I tried to get her to - she mentioned she felt like she was going to be sick and she was right. I was suprised at the amount of water she couldn't possibly have drank all that?? It was about a 1gallon .
Right after this episode she was hungry and wanted scrambled eggs. The nurse said to try to feed her as the pain meds may upset her tummy. She ate the eggs and kept them down for about 2 hours then was ill again but felt better again after 2nd time. I called to see if we could get something for the nausea but after I picked it up she didn't need it at all.

She fell asleep for the longest stretch of about 1 1/2 hours then it was time for another dose of pain med at midnight so I woke her as instructed and every 4 hours after for more pain meds.

She seems to be back to her normal self just doing a little more sleeping than usual. Last night she dosed off after her 8pm dose but wanted me to wake her to see the NY ball drop. I woke her about 15 minutes before , fed her a little, gave the meds then we all went to sleep a little after midnight. I woke her a 4am for dose, and DH woke her at 8am for a dose and now she is still sleeping @ 11:15am. but I guess I will let her sleep. She will need her next dose in about 45 min.

I haven't seen any bleeding and she hasn't complained much just a little that her throat is sore. Should I expect things to get worse before she gets better?

I guess different kids have different experiences but I found that my little one took the first dose of pain medicine and then didn't want anymore. The first day was the worst for us and after that her throat was sore but she started eating more and getting back to her normal self. Hopefully yours will do the same!

 

[rie'smom]

My Dd is doing really well from her surgery but wondering if the worst is yet to come?
We got to the surgery center about 30 minutes early @ 2:00pm. We waited in the main waiting room about 20 minutes then they took us back to a pre-op area. They put the oxygen meter thingy on her index finger and listened to her heart and got a blood pressure -- took about 5 minutes. They verified her / out info gave us all wrist bands and told us the the doc would be in to see us shortly. They didn't make her change out of her clothes that she wore ( I thought that was odd). Soon, the doc and the anesthesiologist came by and then she walked with them to the OR after we said goodbye.

We waited in a little room for about 20 minutes and the dr came back in to talk to us.. said she did well and was in recovery. Then a few minutes later they called us back to see her. She was very groggy but looked much better than I imagined and she could talk. After she finished her popsicle, they took out her IV and we left about 45minutes later total time there -- 3 hours. She slept on the drive home and after we arrived.

She didn't want to keep drinking but I tried to get her to - she mentioned she felt like she was going to be sick and she was right. I was suprised at the amount of water she couldn't possibly have drank all that?? It was about a 1gallon .
Right after this episode she was hungry and wanted scrambled eggs. The nurse said to try to feed her as the pain meds may upset her tummy. She ate the eggs and kept them down for about 2 hours then was ill again but felt better again after 2nd time. I called to see if we could get something for the nausea but after I picked it up she didn't need it at all.

She fell asleep for the longest stretch of about 1 1/2 hours then it was time for another dose of pain med at midnight so I woke her as instructed and every 4 hours after for more pain meds.

She seems to be back to her normal self just doing a little more sleeping than usual. Last night she dosed off after her 8pm dose but wanted me to wake her to see the NY ball drop. I woke her about 15 minutes before , fed her a little, gave the meds then we all went to sleep a little after midnight. I woke her a 4am for dose, and DH woke her at 8am for a dose and now she is still sleeping @ 11:15am. but I guess I will let her sleep. She will need her next dose in about 45 min.

I haven't seen any bleeding and she hasn't complained much just a little that her throat is sore. Should I expect things to get worse before she gets better?

I'm happy she's doing well! My daughter's worse days were the 3rd and 4th after surgery. My son never had a bad day. I guess it depends on the child and their tolerance for pain. You're doing the right thing by giving her pain meds every 4 hours. If you skipped and her pain built, it could take 2 cycles-8 hours- before it was managed again. Hugs and prayers for her continued good recovery.

 

[krcit]

I'm glad that she did so well Keep her eating