sleep apnoea, surgery and the aftetmath

[mrsfleming32]

Hi all
To cut a long story short, 8 yr old DD needs surgery for tonsils and adenoids out due to them causing bad sleep apnoea.
I've read that sleep apnoea can cause ADHD like symptoms - DD is certainly hard work and very hectic - we are just waiting for a date for her surgery.
Anyone have any experience of this?

[AnotherStitchInTime]

Yes with dd2 now 4, was aged 2 when she had the surgery. She is like a different child now. Less manic, less meltdowns, increased concentration span, actually putting on weight and growing.

[mrsfleming32]

That's so good to hear! Can't wait for surgery date.

[mrsfleming32]

How long waste recovery?

[staghunter]

Yes ds2 was much calmer, happier and made huge developmental strides very soon after surgery for sleep aponea.

[mrsfleming32]

Thankyou everyone. It's such hard work with her! School is fine, great reports, top of the class but night time is such a worry and she can't get up in the mornings

[AnotherStitchInTime]

Surgery was quick in dd2's case. Aftercare was more complicated because of her age, smaller airway meant stay in HDU rather than discharge home same day.

Keep on top of pain relief, give max dose calculated by hospital for you dd's weight and alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Try to encourage her to eat foods like biscuits and crisps that will keep the scab forming in the throat from becoming extensive as this can crack and bleed if it gets too big.

She may well need pain relief for weeks afterwards. Dd2s pain improved and then worsened around day 10 post surgery due to the healing process.

Her immune system will be affected for a few weeks afterwards, but will soon compensate. Dd2 gets far fewer ear infections and upper respiratory tract infections than before the surgery.

[Girliefriendlikesflowers]

Hi my dd had that op when she was 4yo for sleep apnea, I can't say that i noticed a dramatic improvement in her behaviour tbh although I guess generally being less tired was a good thing!

We were told to keep her at home for 2 weeks post op to reduce the risk of picking up any infections and i found dd needed 2 weeks to recover. Make sure you are well stocked on calpol and ibrufen as they are very sore for a while after and also stock up on foods and drinks they like as important to get them swallowing as much as possible to reduce infection risk, healthy eating went out the window for a little while to get dd eating!! Things like skips, lollies and ice cream are good for eating when you throat is sore.

[louise2011]

Completely changed my 6 yr old for the better! No more meltdowns, so much more energy. Like having a different child!

[PansOnFire]

My 3yo DS had his tonsils and adenoids removed due to sleep apnoea and recurrent infections 6 weeks ago. He's like a different child, I'd been so worried about his erratic and difficult behaviour that I was one step away from demanding an investigation into adhd. Since the surgery he's been calm and able to concentrate, his sleep has improved dramatically and he's just so much more rested. I'm able to have a conversation with him that doesn't involve me bargaining with him to behave, it's the best thing we could have done for him and I'm so glad we went ahead.

The recovery wasn't as awful as I thought it was going to be, it was awful seeing DS so uncomfortable but keeping up with the painkillers made it more bearable for him. We were giving him painkillers in his sleep to keep on top of the pain. I agree with the pp who suggested eating more crunchy things as this helps the recovery to speed up. I found days 4 and 5 hard as he seemed to be in more pain but it was the scabs coming off, once they were gone he was much happier.

It's not pleasant for children to go through but the benefits have been huge.

[Northernlurker]

My niece had this surgery and recovered without issues. It wasn't exactly a fun time but it was definitely 100% worth it.

[mrsfleming32]

Thankyou everyone

[mrsfleming32]

Just to let you all know that we got a surgery date!