Ds is having grommets in/adenoids out tomorrow - help please....

[PiedWagtail]

Help! DS - age 4.5 - is going into hosp tomorrow to have grommets fitted. He may also have his adenoids out, depending on how they look.

What all do I need to take in his hosp bag? What will he want to eat afterwards? How much pain will he be in? Is there anything I should know?

If it's just grommets he has, when should he be back at school (I know it's 10 days off if he has his adenoids out).

And grommet after care - do I need ear plugs for ds for in the bath? Is there anything else I need to ask to doc/do??

Should I take an overnight bag for us both just in case????
Thanks! Jane

Did they tell you he will have to stay overnight. My DS had grommets and adenoids out about seven years ago, he was absolutely fine afterwards and they gave him some jelly to eat at first but he was able to eat no problem soon afterwards. He had to stay overnight and I stayed with him. I am in Ireland though. Just try to keep his ears out of the bath water and he should be ok. As far as I can remember he just took a few days off school. He had to get grommets again a few years ago and didn't stay overnight for that.

If it's just grommets then he'll almost certainly be out afterwards.

Ds was in a little pain after, but nothing calpol couldn't cure.

The hospital had a cupboard full of snacks which ds munched through before eating a large dinner too.

We use cotton wool rather than ear plugs, and only when washing hair. He used to call them his "clouds in his ears".

I packed an overnight bag which I left in the car in case I needed.

He was back at school on the Monday having had them out on the Friday.

If he has his adenoids out it's a lot worse recovery etc. but I've no experience there.

Thanks :) No, they said he should be in and out in the same day but I like to be prepared!!

I've no idea about adenoids but all mine had grommets done in day surgery - 2 wore hospital gowns for the procedure, 1 just his own clothes.

Take dressing gown and slippers, ds's wore pants under gown and walked to the theatre so dressing gown kept them warm.
I'd pop an overnight bag in - if you have it then you won't need it
This is leaflet from our hospital
This is video to show them to explain what will happen (I know thats not particulary helpful for your ds now but might be interesting for you?)

Favourite teddy, ours could take one in. Things to do for the wait, the younger children are usually first on list.
ds's were given pain relief when they woke up and then it was calpol or nurophen.

Hospital supplied a snack box after op but I'd take extra snacks, ds3 didn't want food to start with but happily drank the smoothies I'd brought (and take something for you too!)

We were advised to give boys 2 days off school/childcare to recover, ds1 was the same age as your ds when he had them done, he bounced back and we went out for dinner that evening.

Grommet aftercare for us was - no swimming for 2 weeks, ear plugs for bath and swimming (we use ear putties). ds3 (2) had some bleeding (took him straight back and nothing to worry about but needed to be checked) and an ear infection, had drops and it cleared up straight away, other 2 were fine. Don't clean ears with cotton buds and they can be a bit sticky for a couple of days.

Hope it all goes well x