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Original poster

Tonsils operation

14 replies

adrianna22 · 29/07/2014 18:40

Hi DS 4 is due to have an operation soon.

I met with the doctor this month about DS and she then told me that he has sleep apnea so requires surgery.

A few weeks later I got a call saying that the date of DS operation is on next month.

What I want to know is... I thought the waiting list for these type of operations were at least 18 months. But how come DS is getting his the following month as I was preparing myself for him to get the op when he is at least 6.

Also I'm getting second thoughts about this operation. Also DS dad, who does not have DS full time, adamantly does not want DS to go through the operation.

At lost what to do.

OP posts:
HHH3 · 29/07/2014 20:17

Not sure about waiting times as I'm sure it varies from hospital to hospital.

Can I ask what his symptoms are and why you're having second thoughts?

My DS1 had his tonsils and adenoids out when he was 3 and we're just waiting for a date for DS2 to have his out (he's 19 months).

MrsSpencerReid · 29/07/2014 20:19

If he has sleep apnea he will be a high priority for the op, maybe they had a cancellation? Does his dad understand the implications of sleep apnea? Is there a reason he doesn't want your ds to have the op?

MrsSpencerReid · 29/07/2014 20:22

Some info m.kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/apnea.html

Abra1d · 29/07/2014 20:25

I wish my son had his taken out. He had terrible tonsillitis during very important exams in which he was expected to perform very well (he is 17) and will now end up doing lots of resits. It has been very stressful for him and us and he still isn't quite right now.

His tonsils are still enlarged and if, for example, he gets very hungry and eats quickly at night he is quite likely to need to throw up very suddenly. Very embarrassing for a young man about to start independent life. But he doesn't qualify for the operation because he hasn't had enough episodes per year.

glowstick · 29/07/2014 20:26

This is the main reasin they take tonsils out now as poor sleep effects concentration and hence learning. My Dc had them out at 2 and 4 yrs - the younger the better imo. If you do a search you will find lots of posts with helpful hints.

I was like you for my first dc and an old hand for dc2 two months later. Have the op - all will be fine.

glowstick · 29/07/2014 20:28

As for times - I think we waited 6-8 weeks.

As for Ds dad - can the consultant call him?

rubyslippers · 29/07/2014 20:43

The operation was of significant benefit to my son

Much better sleep and no interrupted sleep either

trinitybleu · 29/07/2014 20:56

My DD saw the consultant in January and only had to wait until June as we had to wait for the new financial year. He had said 6 weeks max.

Agree that his Dad needs to find out more. Apart from anything else, doing it before school starts will make the 2 week quarantine much easier to manage!

Original poster
adrianna22 · 29/07/2014 23:17

Hi everyone

Yes DS has sleep apnea. It's been getting better but it's on and off.

The dad knows the implications, but I guess with him it's all about controlling the decisions.

OP posts:
Littleoaktree · 29/07/2014 23:58

Ds1 had his tonsils/adenoids out when he was 4.5, I think we waited about 3 months for the op. Dh didn't want him to have it either so we paid privately for a second opinion on whether it was necessary or not and in the basis of that we went for it and it's made a big difference to ds1. Ds1 recovered quickly from the op itself and didn't have any problems afterwards.

lemondust · 30/07/2014 09:06

My 3.5 yr old has just had his tonsils and adenoids removed for sleep apnea. I don't think his sleep apnea was too bad (ds1 had the same op for awful sleep issues) but he had recurring bouts of tonsillitis too. We waited about 8 weeks between all agreeing it would be done and the operation.

He is now day 8 after the op and is doing well despite the pain still present. I can already see an improvement in his sleep

lemondust · 30/07/2014 09:08

My 3.5 yr old has just had his tonsils and adenoids removed for sleep apnea. I don't think his sleep apnea was too bad (ds1 had the same op for awful sleep issues) but he had recurring bouts of tonsillitis too. We waited about 8 weeks between all agreeing it would be done and the operation.

He is now day 8 after the op and is doing well despite the pain still present. I can already see an improvement in his sleep

lemondust · 30/07/2014 09:08

My 3.5 yr old has just had his tonsils and adenoids removed for sleep apnea. I don't think his sleep apnea was too bad (ds1 had the same op for awful sleep issues) but he had recurring bouts of tonsillitis too. We waited about 8 weeks between all agreeing it would be done and the operation.

He is now day 8 after the op and is doing well despite the pain still present. I can already see an improvement in his sleep

Madamecastafiore · 30/07/2014 09:13

DS had his removed at 3 due to recurring tonsillitis which had meant eating was an issue due to scar tissue.

He was like a different little boy afterwards. Operation went without a hitch no pain until 7 days afterwards when we had a pretty rough 24 hours but was warned about that.

Tonsils are only removed of there really is a reason these days and it seems this us the case with your son. It's much better to do it now before his sleep issues and the time off he will need have an impact on jus education.

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