tonsils

[loobylolly]

DD (7) is having her tonsils out next week. I've read the previous threads so I think I have some idea of what to expect. Slightly apprehensive!

Any practical advice please on things to do, either in preparation or during the convalescence, that will help on any front??

TIA

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Sorry- no help, but will be watching! DD (6) is awaiting a referral to ENT having had 3 bouts of horrible tonsillitis in 6 months. I'm not really mad keen on her having her tonsils out, tbh, but will go along with it if they advise it. What is your experience of the whole take-out-or-leave scenario?

ENT said it was up to us ultimately but if she's getting infections every few weeks (yep) and getting horrid gastric reactions to erythromycin as she's allergic to penicillin (yep) and missing several days of school each time (yep), then taking them out would certainly stop that whole cycle. I do think on balance it will be best to take them out (had mine out at 7 and it made a huge difference) but I'm still reluctant on some level. Seems such a big horrid thing to put them through.

I know what you mean! I've never had tonsillitis in my life, and couldn't believe how ill dd gets with it- vomiting, hugely high temps, sore head. She is terrified at the idea of getting them out, and I am reluctant too (it's the general anaesthetic I worry about, which I know is daft, but still!) but at the same time,she has missed lots of school, and it was happening so frequently (touch wood, been at least 10 weeks since last bout, but lots of schoolmates going down with it, so just waiting for it..)

I had a huge wobble about it last night and got up this morning resolved to cancel the op on Monday, I can't bear the thought of it - but I've come back round to knowing it is for the best in the long run... As well as the repeated active infections, DD spends much of the year under the weather and lethargic and pale, and I'm convinced it's all connected.

Do you have an ENT appointment Jooly?

Roll on Monday. If anyone has any practical advice I'll be hugely grateful!

Hi, my ds had his tonsils out on the 9th Jan he had just turned 4! I was terrified but looking back I can't believe how well it all went. His basic history was repeated tonsillitis every few weeks with horrendous temps etc, so unwell. He had been on antib's non stop for 4 months. The cream on the hand before the anaesthetic numbs the hand so no trauma having the needle put in. Within 2 hours post op he was drinking and eating choc fingers! They said let him eat whatever he wanted and he did. Keep up the meds every few hours - ask their advice on what is best eg, alternating every few hours etc. The worst days are the day of the op when they wake up and then days 5-7. Before discharging from hospital ask for codeine phosphate.. this is invaluable for days 5-7 and regular gps are reluctant to prescribe. Insist on it at the hospital before you leave. As my ds hated the taste of it i was advised to mix with calpol but each child is diff so ask for advice. They also stressed keep him eating and drinking all the time so let them eat whatever they fancy for the first week - it clears debris away from the throat and prevents infection and helps healing - I also found high strength (20+) manuka honey helped both pre and post op but thats a personal choice based on research. After going through the experience recently and seeing the improvement in my sons health i can only recommend it - now when he gets colds theres no tonsillitis and raging colds. He doesnt miss things like parties etc and my life doesnt resolve around taking his temp, watching for signs of infection and getting antib's into him asap. He also has more energy and eats much better and is a much better colour. We went for his follow up last week and he asked the specialist if he could have his tonsils out again as he enjoyed it.. funny child but shows it was no where near as bad as I thought. I'm sure it will all go fine and in a few weeks you will know you have made the right choice. good luck..

That is fantastic, so pleased to hear a positive story! Will ask for codeine phosphate, had read about that somewhere else as well so I'm sure that's really good advice.

Don't know anything about Manuka honey but off to read up, thank you.

How long was it till your DS was fully recovered?

He was completely off any pain medication after 9 days - had 2 full weeks off nursery and hasn't had a temperature since despite numerous colds. When he went back to nursery 2 wks post op he was back to his normal self with more energy than ever.. It really was the best decision I could have made for him at the time and the improvement in his health has been amazing!

bump!