Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy experiences

[Leeznbuck]

Hi everyone, my son is meeting with a private pediatric ENT consultant on Friday (we have been referred to an ENT specialist on the NHS but I'm starting teacher training in September and aware of how long waiting lists are right now!)

My son is almost 2, has HUGE tonsils, wakes very frequently in the night, has problems breathing out of his nose and is very small. I suspect sleep apnoea. He has allergies too.

I am hoping they will suggest surgery and am expecting tonsil coblation plus adenoid removal as that's what this consultant specialises in.

My question is - for those of you with kids who've had this surgery, what were your experiences? I joined a FB group for kids with sleep apnoea and many of those kids are suffering with complex problems. Also many of them have kids with tonsils and adenoids that have grown back. It has scared me a little, as it's been a long hard road with my son already for various reasons and I'm really hoping going down this route solves a lot of our problems!! Thank you.

My daughter had hers out aged 2. It made a massive difference to her, she gained weight, her sleep and behaviour improved markedly. They monitored her closely in high dependency after the procedure due to her age. They haven't grown back, she is 8 now.

Thank you @Choconuttolata, that's good to know!

My dd had tonsils and adenoids out just before she was 2. She had sleep apnea and was a different child afterwards. She put on weight and grew so much in height. Her regular admissions to hospital for breathing related issues became non existent. Because of age and weight she was kept in PICU for monitoring overnight but no issues whatsoever. Best decision we ever made regarding her health.

Thank you @Trying2310 that is so reassuring! He's booked in for surgery in 3 weeks time so fingers crossed we have a similarly positive experience.

My DD had tonsils and adenoids removed aged 3 - sleep apnoea, underweight, and so, so tired and grumpy. Saw a massive improvement after surgery, she was pretty wiped out by the anaesthesia and took a few weeks to get her energy levels back to normal, but no issues other than that. She's now 13, and they haven't grown back, and still so glad we went ahead.

I had mine out aged 7 back in the bad old days - a week in hospital, parents only allowed to visit for a couple of hours every day. It was totally transformative. I remember very clearly the moment when I realised it was possible to breathe through my nose. Previously I used to get horrible ear infections every time I had a cold, lots of time off school and I was a generally sickly child. It all stopped right then and I never looked back.

9yo DS had his out just before he turned 3. He had sleep apnoea (the snoring was horrific!), was constantly tired and I’d say it definitely affected his speech and general development. After having the surgery he recovered well - keep giving the pain relief as day 5 post-surgery is the worst as it starts to scab over and can be very painful. He had a massive growth spurt shortly after and his speech came on in leaps and bounds. The constant infections and bouts of tonsillitis had really impacted him and it was great to see the improvement.

He hasn’t had any issues since, other than with sleep. He had developed a fear of sleep due to waking multiple times a night when his breathing had stopped and started again, and it’s only now he’s 9 he is sleeping well without fear and night terrors. Surgery absolutely resolved the apnoea and other associated problems, but wasn’t the cure all for his crap sleep that the surgeon told us it would be!

DS had a tonsiladenectomy last March aged 2. Made a huge difference to the snoring and constant respiratory infections. His development improved because he wasn't exhausted. Ours was done at The Cromwell Hospital who were brilliant, in hospital for one night then home. DS was in pain for 4 days and just needed cuddles on the sofa but after that was a lot more perky and interested in toys again. He also had grommets inserted due to glue ear.

It's made such a difference and was worth every penny to get sorted.

As the others. DS has his out age 2 and it was the best decision. Went from bottom % in weight to 50th, grew, started eating, slept better, he's now a happy and normal 7 year old. You're definitely doing the right thing.

Both my youngest had tonsils out at 3 years. They bounced back and it changed our lives.

Scariest bit is seeing them go under and then them being crabby when they come round because that can't understand why they feel drunk.

This is a positive thing for you all. Sleep and eating greatly improves almost immediately.

Thanks @Twinkie01 @SalaciousCrumble @Twilightstarbright @ipswichwitch @Couchpotato3 @GoGoPowerScooter - all your experiences are so reassuring! I have realised that joining the FB group was the worst decision as the reason why everyone is still in the group is because their kids still have sleep apnoea; all the T&A success stories will have left, so these experiences have all put my mind at rest that this is the best decision and will help him grow and sleep better (hopefully...and me!)

@Twilightstarbright - yes, this is where we are having the surgery with Dr Dan Tweedie, so that's great to know, thanks!

@Leeznbuck they were so good there, felt very safe covid wise and the staff were so lovely.

dd had hers out about that age 1 night in hospital was a little unsettled but by the end of the week she took part in toddler race at sports day and won! And afterwards her sleeping was so much better.

Best thing we had done for our daughter. She was having constant throat and ear infections. Having to use steroid cream in her ears. She hasn't had an infection since, no wheezing and snoring since. I do wonder if all the people having sleep apnea now is due to the move towards no longer performing tonsillectomy in the 80s. Good luck.