Tonsil and Adenoids removal

Just1234 · 2024-05-03T18:01:08+00:00

I'm hoping for some reassurance. I suffer with anxiety which I am getting help for but obviously I worst case everything. My son is having his tonsils and adenoids removed in 3 weeks. He is 3 We saw a consultant after both the Dr and Dentist referred us for his large tonsils and repeated throat infections and also he has issues with food and regurgitates a lot as he can't hold much food in his mouth without it touching his tonsils. He also snores the house down, His surgery is booked but I'm now so emotional! I'm absolutely hiding it from him but I'm so worried. I read about the complication of bleeding afterwards and now I'm terrified. I was hoping someone who may have had DC go through this may be able to re assure me . Currently I'm so anxious I just want to cancel it but I know that's not good for him . Thankfully DH is very calm and level headed. Anyone who can offer any stories would be so appreciated

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FlyingPizzaMonkey · 03/05/2024 20:59

My 2 year old had their tonsils out and it was honestly the best thing. Yes bleeding is a risk but they have to tell you the risks. It doesn’t happen very often and generally you get readmitted for antibiotics. You need to stock up on pain relief and make sure you give it regularly for at least the first week. Let him eat and drink whatever he feels like. It really changed my DS’s life, no more sleep apnoea and poor sleeping.

Icanseethebeach · 03/05/2024 21:01

Not those surgeries but others. Be prepared for the awful feeling when they’re talking to you one second and the next they’re under GA.

Floralnomad · 03/05/2024 21:08

I had my tonsils / adenoids done when I was just 4 , can’t remember a thing . My son had his tonsils out when he was 17 , took ages in theatre recovery ( bleeding) and then had a post op bleed 3 hours after we came home and had to go back in for 3 days of observation and iv antibiotics . Much easier to get them done as a youngster .

Original poster

Just1234 · 03/05/2024 21:12

FlyingPizzaMonkey · 03/05/2024 20:59

My 2 year old had their tonsils out and it was honestly the best thing. Yes bleeding is a risk but they have to tell you the risks. It doesn’t happen very often and generally you get readmitted for antibiotics. You need to stock up on pain relief and make sure you give it regularly for at least the first week. Let him eat and drink whatever he feels like. It really changed my DS’s life, no more sleep apnoea and poor sleeping.

Did you have any issues at the day 5-10 mark with bleeding when the scabs came off?

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CJ0374 · 03/05/2024 21:38

I had my adenoids removed and a grommet put in age 4. 40yrs on, I still remember it- not in a bad way though. I do wish though they had explained it more to me- theatre, the anaesthetic mask, recovery etc. I recall blowing my nose afterwards and bloody snot would come out- something I wasn't expecting, but was apparently normal.

Do you have a partner or family to support you OP? If bleeding is your concern, ask the Dr's/staff what you should do in that situation and explain you own anxiety issues.

Fullofpudding · 04/05/2024 02:25

Both of mine had theirs lasered off rather than removed. The laser then seals the wound. Both pain free and back to their usual routine the next day.

OrderOfTheKookaburra · 04/05/2024 02:32

My DS had his tonsils removed, adenoids trimmed and grommets inserted at 2 1/2.

He was second in the surgery list (they did it in age order, from youngest) and he recovered so well that he didn't even need to spend the first night in hospital as had originally been organised.

He was a changed child from the very first day. He slept better, ate better and was a more cheerful child overall. And he could hear me... he was partially deaf due to the fluid in the ear from recurrent infections.

At this age they heal quickly and are very resilient. It takes a lot for them to offer surgery nowadays. Don't second guess it all now.

mumof1879 · 04/05/2024 06:03

My daughter had them out age six and had no issues during recovery. We did full doses of painkillers for the two weeks as suggested but she didn’t complain of any pain, just a slight dry throat in the mornings. It was life changing for her. x

surreygirl1987 · 04/05/2024 08:26

My son had this at 4 - coblation method. Went very well. No issues. Only upsetting bit was after he woke up. He woke up confused and distressed, crying his eyes out. I put on a movie on Netflix for him and cuddled him and he calmed down. Otherwise he was fine and the whole process was fine.

Original poster

Just1234 · 04/05/2024 10:14

Thank you so much for the replies! You are making me feel so much better

I do have support with DH and my mum and I have an appointment next week with my therapist but it's just at night! I think the most awful worst case about the whole thing . I have having anxiety.

I think we have agreed DH will go down with him as I don't him to feel any of my anxiety on the day

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Original poster

Just1234 · 04/05/2024 10:45

Sorry that was meant to say I hate having anxiety

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Killerqueenie · 04/05/2024 10:51

I feel you OP. My son is due to get his tonsils removed at the end of next month and I'm so worried, but he has been suffering with recurrent tonsilitis for around 2 years. He currently has tonsilitis and has had it for 3 weeks. He is not very compliant at letting me look at his throat, and so when I take him to the doctors, he doesn't let them look either. It makes it so hard to get them to take me seriously. I'm dreading going into the hospital as he is so stubborn with everything and especially around medical staff.

Original poster

Just1234 · 04/05/2024 17:58

Killerqueenie · 04/05/2024 10:51

I feel you OP. My son is due to get his tonsils removed at the end of next month and I'm so worried, but he has been suffering with recurrent tonsilitis for around 2 years. He currently has tonsilitis and has had it for 3 weeks. He is not very compliant at letting me look at his throat, and so when I take him to the doctors, he doesn't let them look either. It makes it so hard to get them to take me seriously. I'm dreading going into the hospital as he is so stubborn with everything and especially around medical staff.

I hope your sons surgery goes well. Hopefully it will offer him a lot of relief

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TwelveTimesTables · 04/05/2024 18:20

Hi OP,

My son had his adenoids out twice in his toddler years. After they grew back the third time, I figured out that it was a wheat/dairy allergy that was causing it.

I cut out wheat and dairy and after exactly 14 hours, his breathing cleared, his nose unblocked, and he was fine. He remained wheat-free after that and we never had another problem with the adenoids.

Might be worth a try with your child just to check.

Latenightreader · 04/05/2024 18:29

My friend’s son had the same op last year when aged four. She took time off work expecting a child in pain and miserable for a couple of days, but the next day he was completely as normal, and eating happily. It made a big difference to his noisy breathing.

Original poster

Just1234 · 04/05/2024 19:10

TwelveTimesTables · 04/05/2024 18:20

Hi OP,

My son had his adenoids out twice in his toddler years. After they grew back the third time, I figured out that it was a wheat/dairy allergy that was causing it.

I cut out wheat and dairy and after exactly 14 hours, his breathing cleared, his nose unblocked, and he was fine. He remained wheat-free after that and we never had another problem with the adenoids.

Might be worth a try with your child just to check.

Ah thank you. His tonsils cause a lot of issues with food to so I'm not sure this will be the case for us

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Original poster

Just1234 · 20/05/2024 16:00

The Op is Thursday so I'm feeling all of the nerves but have had some hypnotherapy to help me ( I've used it before and it's been super effective ) and I've told the lovely children's nurse that I suffer with anxiety.

I'm trying to think of fun things to do whilst we are isolating at home after and wondered for those of you that had it were they quiet for a few days or back to their usual selves?

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babysoupdragon2 · 20/05/2024 16:07

TwelveTimesTables · 04/05/2024 18:20

Hi OP,

My son had his adenoids out twice in his toddler years. After they grew back the third time, I figured out that it was a wheat/dairy allergy that was causing it.

I cut out wheat and dairy and after exactly 14 hours, his breathing cleared, his nose unblocked, and he was fine. He remained wheat-free after that and we never had another problem with the adenoids.

Might be worth a try with your child just to check.

Can you explain a little more about this?
My dd has had 2x adenoid removal and we are now waiting for her third.

Gcsunnyside23 · 20/05/2024 16:09

My 2 year old had both out and it was the best thing ever for him. He was such a poorly baby but he absolutely thrived after. No more illness, food issues and his speech issues started to resolve. He was back up in no time and very little annoyance after thankfully. I know you must get very anxious but it's the best thing for him and he will be back to normal in no time

babysoupdragon2 · 20/05/2024 16:11

Good luck for Thursday- take each day as it comes and keep up with pain killers after the op. The benefits massively make it worth doing. Have a little present for your child for when you're waiting in the morning - it's a good distraction from them not being able to eat pre-op.

Original poster

Just1234 · 20/05/2024 16:34

babysoupdragon2 · 20/05/2024 16:11

Good luck for Thursday- take each day as it comes and keep up with pain killers after the op. The benefits massively make it worth doing. Have a little present for your child for when you're waiting in the morning - it's a good distraction from them not being able to eat pre-op.

Thank you this is such a great idea! He's obsessed with paw patrol so I've made him a little hospital bag with a new paw patrol bag , PJs and a new tonies and sticker books so I will use this for the bit whilst he can't eat

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Original poster

Just1234 · 20/05/2024 16:34

Gcsunnyside23 · 20/05/2024 16:09

My 2 year old had both out and it was the best thing ever for him. He was such a poorly baby but he absolutely thrived after. No more illness, food issues and his speech issues started to resolve. He was back up in no time and very little annoyance after thankfully. I know you must get very anxious but it's the best thing for him and he will be back to normal in no time

This is exactly the sort of thing I needed to read! Thank you

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spicysamosahotcupoftea · 20/05/2024 16:48

DS had adenoids out at 3yo then tonsils and adenoids (again) at 7 (almost 8).

This was after snoring the house down too and then being diagnosed with sleep apnoea.

Hes absolutely fine and no snoring / stop-start breathing since.

I understand your worries but he will be in the best of hands and it'll make him so much more comfortable afterwards.

The surgery doesn't last long, just take something along to keep you occupied while you're waiting for him to come out.

Also tell them you want to be there when he comes round.

Finally, have a think about whether you want to be with him when they sedate him. It'll be reassuring for him but quite honestly I found it so hard both times and cried! It's emotional so if you do go with him, prepare for this.

It'll be ok x

goldenretrievermum5 · 21/05/2024 04:12

spicysamosahotcupoftea · 20/05/2024 16:48

DS had adenoids out at 3yo then tonsils and adenoids (again) at 7 (almost 8).

This was after snoring the house down too and then being diagnosed with sleep apnoea.

Hes absolutely fine and no snoring / stop-start breathing since.

I understand your worries but he will be in the best of hands and it'll make him so much more comfortable afterwards.

The surgery doesn't last long, just take something along to keep you occupied while you're waiting for him to come out.

Also tell them you want to be there when he comes round.

Finally, have a think about whether you want to be with him when they sedate him. It'll be reassuring for him but quite honestly I found it so hard both times and cried! It's emotional so if you do go with him, prepare for this.

It'll be ok x

As a parent I can’t imagine ever willingly choosing to leave my DD alone whilst being put under anaesthetic - your child’s emotional needs have to come before yours, especially in a potentially traumatic situation for them. It’s never pleasant to watch but it’s just one of those things where as a parent you have to push through and remain strong for the sake of your DC - even if like most of us you crumble as soon as they’re asleep! Typically the calmer they go down the more relaxed they wake up so a familiar, comforting face being there with them as they go under is really beneficial.

TwelveTimesTables · 21/05/2024 22:18

babysoupdragon2 · 20/05/2024 16:07

Can you explain a little more about this?
My dd has had 2x adenoid removal and we are now waiting for her third.

Show quote history

Hi,

Yes I can try. It was just that his nose was always blocked as a baby. They took his adenoids out and then the nose blocked again. Then they took the adenoids out again and the nose remained blocked.

Then quite by chance I took wheat and dairy out of his diet for a full day, just once. Basically I gave him an omlette for breakfast instead of wheat cereal with milk. 14 hours later, his nose unblocked completely, just because we had a different breakfast.

I did many tests to see if I could safely reintroduce wheat over the years. However, every time we do that, DS's nose blocks up within 20 minutes of eating wheat.

He's still wheat free now as a teen, and currently off dairy as well. The wheat just doesn't work for him. I have no idea why.

I'm so grateful that we figured it out as the surgery was very difficult for him and left him with PTSD. Removing the wheat from his diet would have been so much easier. I wish I'd known to try it before the surgery.

Does that explanation help a bit?