Experiences of child’s tonsillectomy

[Maii132]

Hi,

my 6 year old is going in to have her tonsils removed in a week! I know it’s for the best for her to have it done but I can’t stop worrying about the surgery itself and how she is going to be after!

Has anybody else’s child had this done and how was it? Any tips for afterwards to make her as comfortable as possible would be amazing!

Thank you!!

I don't have children but i did have my tonsils out when i was 6. I was sore after the operation. Ice cream really helped. It took me a while to start eating normally but it was worth it as i wasn't constantly off school after the operation.

I've had two kids with theirs put. One at 8 and one at 1. It really depends on the child 8 year old has adhd and hyper active she smashed through it no bother at all. Woke up ate as much as she wanted in ice cream. Was running about within a couple hours. 1 year old it was very hard. He was sleepy and disoriented (he did have something to calm him before the op though) took ages to wake up properly and didn't want to eat. He's naturally already pretty stubborn though. He ended up with some morphine to take home to get him over the rough patches of pain.
Both time we didn't need to stay in home same day.

Don't skip on pain killer doses. Day 5 is the worst for pain. Let them eat whatever soft things they want too. Mine lived off whatsit crisps and ice lollies.

Stock up on painkillers (calpol and liquid ibuprofen) and give regularly. Don’t wait until they’re in pain. From what I remember, the pain gets worse a few days after the op when the dead tissue starts to come away. Encourage her to keep eating scratchy foods (toast, cornflakes etc) as it helps slough off the dead tissue which in turn aids healing. Fluids are important so if she’s not a great drinker maybe bribe her with a nice new water bottle / cup / squash she doesn’t normally have etc. Have a good stock of ice lollies and ice cream in the freezer as these help with pain too.
We were told to keep DC home for a week or two after the op to avoid picking up infections so if that’s still the case, stock up on colouring books, crafts or whatever she enjoys to keep her occupied.
Be prepared for a few nights of crap sleep. But it’s worth it. Good luck - hope it all goes well.

I had mine removed as a child, I remember having to eat weetabix with very little milk before I could go home. Jelly ad ice cream helped soothe my throat. Stock up on ice pops.
Long term I was no longer ill every 6-8 weeks.

Thank you everyone!!

I've stocked up on painkillers and ice lollies and she has been and chosen some special pyjamas to wear in hospital!

Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!

Thank you x