Popsicles are in DS's future...

[jacksmomma]

We met with the ENT today, DS will have his tonsils out in about a month. I am glad that they are coming out, but still scared for my baby to be in surgery. Any suggestions for DS...or his nervous Momma?

 

[lovingthemouse]

I could say relax, but that is easier said than done. Often times, the anticipation of something is worse than the actual. When my dgs had his out, there was pain for the first few days or so, like a very raw throat, but those popsicles sure did cool the throat down. DD also made jello and froze it in the popsicle type containers that she had from Tupperware. making him comfortable.
You know best what comforts him, and I am sure you'll do a great job.

 

[DisneyIsTerrific]

My DS had his tonsils out when he was 3. It was a super stressful day, but it all went well. He spent the night in the hospital because they wanted to check that he didn't have sleep apnea. They thought his trouble was just the tonsils, but they wanted to be sure.

He ate popsicles a lot the first day (while in the hospital), but when we got home he wanted macaroni & cheese!!! I made it for him and just mashed it really good and he had no trouble at all.

It'll be much harder on you than it will be on him, but I'm sure it'll all go fine.

 

[smitch425]

My son had his tonsils and adenoids removed this past Feb. and he did so much better than I thought he would do! He also had his tongue clipped which we had the option of doing when he was born, but he was able to nurse without issue so we opted out then. We decided to do it with the surgery because they were going in there anyway and the doctor said it would take 2 seconds.

The best and most important thing I can tell you is to keep up with the pain medicine AROUND THE CLOCK!!! If the next dose is due at 3am and your DS is sleeping peacefully, WAKE HIM UP ANYWAY!!! I made mistake of not doing this on the first night and my son had a panic/pain attack and the gasping for breath sound was HORRIBLE. I don't mean to freak you out, but I am serious when I say that even though you think he is feeling great, it is the medicine making him feel that way so keep it in him on schedule.

Truth be told, DS probably could have gone back to school the entire 2nd week of the recovery period, but I didn't want to risk another kid accidently hurting him, so I kept him home the full two weeks the doctor had suggested. It really isn't too bad. DS ate 2 slushies as soon as he woke up in the recovery room! He was only sore when he needed his medicine, and that was only for about 4 days or so. MY DS isn't big on popsicles, but he ate about 1 and a 1/2 gallons of ice cream! He did lose A LOT of weight, so you may want to try to get your son to bulk up before surgery. Good luck to your son (and you,too!). I'll subscribe to this thread in case you have any questions later.

 

[mommy2mrb]

can't give any advice, Megan and I both still have ours....but I've heard about the cold yummies to help with the soarness. will keep him in my thoughts and prayers during surgery and

 

[jacksmomma]

Thanks everyone for all the thoughts and well wishes! I am glad they are doing it, he snores like a man because of those mondo things! They rate tonsils on a 0-4 scale and DS's are a 3.9! I just need a little reassurance as this is the only chick in my nest.

I need to find some good popscicle molds. We have some but they are junk. I also need to make him a card to have ready so that I am not doing it at the last minute.

 

[mommy2mrb]

I can send him a feel better card too, I'll have Megan make one!

 

[joyah]

First off relax yourself cause he'll feed off of your stress ( I say that as the mom of 2 surgery survivals) L had tubes and adnoids at 5 and E had tonsils and adnoinds at 3 or 4. the day of the surgery the will usually let one of the parents go back to the or while they knock him out, CHaD uses laughing gas then inserts the iv much easier on the kiddo. Prepare yourself to handle the sight of your child going to sleep quickly. If you can't handle have DH or someone else there or as my mom told me "put on your big girl panties and deal" course she's a nurse! (and a side note she can say it but no way could she have dealt with it. I had no choice my DH lost it when the had to knock out our dog for surgery, I walk around for weeks saying I can and will do this guess what I was fine (well as fine as you can be). By the time the second one needed it I was fine.
As for the pain levels L needed WAY more meds with less of a surgery! so it will all be individual. E wouldn't swallow the meds and the dr's said not to get him worked up as it might bleed. Sooooo I let him tell me (yes I let a 3 year old tell me he hurt thinking back ) for the most part I remember him doing the codine twice and after that just the regular meds when He wanted them. He didn't eat or drink basically for 3 days day 4 he went to a camporee for his brothers scout troop and took a nap 1/2 way through. my best advice is prepare for everything and just deal when something throws a wrench in it. You will both be fine, get a good nights sleep the few nights before. Hang in there and I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[jacksmomma]

I can send him a feel better card too, I'll have Megan make one!

He would love a card. He is at that age where mail is the coolest thing ever! That would be very sweet of Megan.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Eldest was knocked out the day after his second birthday at Children's to have teeth removed and cavities filled. Watching him fall asleep so quickly was difficult, but I knew DH could never have done it. I really don't remember the recovery period, but I'm sure it wasn't too bad or I would have.

I am thankful that we have not had more than a few broken bones here. I don't have any been there done that advice for you. But I will be thinking about you all and sending Pixie Dust!

 

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Hey Brandi!! My youngest just had his tonsils and adnoids out before Christmas. We did it the 22nd to use as little time off school as possible. Well, I know I wish I didn't do that. The Dr. assured me he would be good for the holiday. The anesthesia is weird. My DS was funny before surgery...the loopy things he was saying!! LOL Too much! After, he was NASTY!!!!!! When that all wore off, he was great, came home in less time than they thought that same afternoon. Then, that night, fever spiked. Make sure you have the tylenol and motrin on hand! I don't want to scare you...it isn't terrible, just definitely uncomfortable. And, I want you to be prepared for what can happen. He took a full two weeks to feel back to 100%. Not sure if this is the norm, but I am assumming so. The Dr. told us he had to be out of school for two weeks. So, I guess that is what they figure for the recovery period. Hope this helps!

 

[Maddie2]

I don't have Mommy experience with kids having their tonsils out as mine have only had ear issues, not tonsil issues. However, if there ever comes a time during your son's recovery that you begin to doubt having the surgery done ... stop and tell yourself that you did him a HUGE favor. With a 3.9 on a scale that only goes up to 4, he most certainly needs to have them removed.

I had my tonsils out when I was 40 and believe you me, recovery as an adult is far more difficult than as a child. By having the surgery now, you are saving him from further misery down the road.

My food choices during recovery were popsicles, instant mashed potatoes and baby food. Be sure to also keep a water bottle next to his bedside at night. Waking up with a dry mouth/throat can be extremely painful while the scabs heal.

Good luck!

 

[Lisa]

Joyah, your Mama is one wise woman! And so are you. Good advice regarding kids can pick up your stress. Whenever DD has had surgery I strive to keep calm even as I am holding her hand reassuring her as they sedate her. It's hard to do, I know but I think it is important their last recollection as they go to sleep is you there comforting as only a mama bear can do.

Good luck with the surgery. That brave boy deserves as many popicles as he wants. Might make Mama feel better to.