Has your LO had their tonsils out recently, advice please

[Helinher30s]

My darling DS just turned four is having his tonsils out on Saturday. I'm dreading it for him. He's a sensitive lad with a fear of needles. Is there anything I can do to make things easier for him? What kind of pain relief do they give? Is he allowed to eat after his operation or not until the next day? when do they take the canula out? - (I know this will make him so distressed if it has to be kept in for 24 hours). Sorry for all the questions, I'm getting a bit panicked about the GA and recovery and his pain now. Thanks

DD1 (4) had her adenoids out and grommets fitted last month, so not the same but I should think the anaesthetic procedure is similar. They put "magic cream" (local anaesthetic) on her hand so that inserting the canula wouldn't hurt, and had her hand round DH's back like she was cuddling him when they inserted it so she couldn't see what was going on. She was quite distressed at the whole process, with various different staff talking to her etc so they decided to give her an oral sedative, in the form of medicine. This should have knocked her out in 10 mins but after 20 mins she was still sitting up in bed saying to the nurse "that medicine will not make me sleep - I am strong!" which was quite funny looking back at it! It did calm her down enough though for the anaesthetic to be administered. The operation went smoothly and she was allowed home 6 hours after coming round. They removed the canula after about 5 hours.

She has been so much better since, and I'm very glad we did it. Giving your child a general anaesthetic is a really horrible feeling though. It's worse for you than it is for the child I think....