Adenoidectomy

T., anytime your child has surgery it is scary. My son had this at 2 1/2 and he has not been sick since. He is sleeping better, no ear infections, and a couple of really mild colds compared to before the surgery. THe surgery itself was very quick. He had a bit of discomfort after but with lots of love and the medicine they gave he recovered quickly. We just went in for his 6 month check and now my 1 year old may have to have tubes. It still make me a little nervous about surgery for her but I know that the dr is excellent and she will do well too. Good luck.

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My daughter had tubes put in her ears at 2 after 10 months of chronic ear infections. She had her adnoids removed too but not her tonsils. She breezed through the entire procedure. I would have to say it was harder on me that it was on her. Having her wheeled away (in a decorated red wagon) to surgery was very traumatic. By the time we drove home she was back to her usual self. It is my understanding that it is much harder to recover if they take their tonsils too. She never had throat problems so it was not a consideration for us.

Her tubes fell out 10 months later and did not come out of her ear. Her ear infections started back immediately (that is how we knew the tubes came out..first one ear then the other). We chose to put the tubes back in. She would have had to be put to sleep regardless to have the tubes removed since they did not fall out of her ear. They are still in now one year later. She has never had an infection with the tubes.

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My son had tubes out in at 18 months which were a blessing and he had his adnoids and tonsils removed together at 4. It really helped him a lot! He was able to breathe easier and hasn't gotten sick hardly at all and he's now 9. All the surgeries were worth it to help my son live a fuller healthier life. Just make sure you are comfortable with the ENT so you feel your son is in good hands during the procedures. I paid $2000 dollars just to have my son go to a ENT that I trusted out of network. Good Luck!

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I have two siblings that had tubes put in their ears as toddlers and the other sibling and I didn't.(We all have messed up ears, for some reason) I had my last ear infection when I was 19! My other brother who hadn't had the operation as a baby had them put in when he was 9 or 10 because the teacher reported that he couldn't hear!!! He had lost 10% of his hearing! I'm a big believer in NOT overmedicating children, but ear infections unchecked can really cause serious problems. Ask all the questions you need to feel more comfortable, but an ear infection every month is very uncomfortable, believe me! It is probably advisable to get the tubes.

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T.:
I wanted to share this testimonial with you. The chemicals in the cleaning products that we buy from off the store shelf is what is causing ear infections, cancer, allergy, asthma in children. Take a look at www.KidsNeedUs.com P.
I just wanted to share this story with everyone. My son, Jonathan, is 3 years old. For the last 3 years, he has suffered with Chronic Ear Infections.
*Day 1* His nose would start running
*Day 2* He would start running high (104) fever (Usually bi-lateral ear infections)
*Day 3* He would get a stiff neck due to the swollen glands
*Day 4* He would start, yet another, antibiotic
*Day 14* He would finish the antibiotic
Within 1 week, we started all over again

When he was 20 months old, we had tubes put in his ears - a common procedure in which your young child is completely put under for surgery. For the next 8 months or so (until the tubes fell out), we only had about 4 ear infections. But as soon as the tubes fell out, we started on the same trend as before the tubes.

Just over 1 month ago, I was introduced to the Kids Need Us Website. This is when I discovered that the plug-in air fresheners that I had all over my home were giving off FORMALDEHYDE. After reading several things from Melaleuca and doing my own research, I discovered that FORMALDEHYE may be a possible major cause for chronic ear infections in children. The moment I read this information, I removed all of those plug-in air fresheners from my home. My son has not had an ear infection since that time. I know some people would just say that I didn't know for sure that the air fresheners were causing his ear infections. What I say to that is Why take that chance? If there is an alternative which makes my house smell just as good and my son is no longer sick, this is definitely worth it to me.

Thanks a bunch
Jessica Briggs

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My son had his tonsils and adnoids out when he was just a little over 2. He always snored real bad and was constantly sick. It was an outpatient surgery and the only problem we had was getting him to drink enough afterward. He did have to be hospitalized for a few days after but only because he got dehydrated from not drinking.
All in all it was a good thing, he's barely sick ever now.

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This surgery is very common.Alot of kids get better and stay sick less afterwards.My son had his T and A in 2006.Who are you seeing Dr Rashleigh is great.My ds has a rare disorder (most dr's know nothing of)which could affect his hearing and He knew about it.

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My daughter had this too at about 2 years old. It is a really quick surgery and we went from 6 ear infections in 10 months to 1 ear infection in a year and a half. It is a simple surgery and you shouldn't worry. It will be totally worth it. You can start looking forward to sleeping again. Yeah!

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Hi T.,
This procedure has been around for a long time....It works wonderfully.
I can understand your concern. My grand-daughter had the same problem, and underwent the same procedure. Needless to say, I was extremely worried, but it WORKED. Her life became normal.
Please know that others have been in the same boat, and it didn't sink.
Stay safe, H.

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Two of my children had tubes in their ears before 2 yo. and 1 had an adenoidectomy. So I know how it feels to have your baby facing surgery. I have since become aware of more natural ways to help keep kids healthy. We all know that our kids should eat raw fruits and veggies every day But it is not always possible. One of my kids would not eat any F or V. In my search for something to help my family a doctor recommended Juice Plus. We tried it and love it.
My kids are healthier and I have more energy. So last year I decided to do the business so I can help others get healthy my web site is
www.janetleejuiceplus.com
They even have gummies for kids.
Also check out askdrsears.com. He has been here in Atlanta and spoke on the value of fruits and vegetables and JuicePlus helping kids stay healthy

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My 4 yr old had hers out at 3 she also had tubes put in. It was her 2nd set of tubes. She went through it fine she wanted mexican to eat that day and did not understand why she could not. My 2 year ols is needing to have is adnoids out. he is already on his 2nd set of tubes and the ENT said that he thought we needed to get his adenoids out. Have lost of ice pops for him and he will be fine. They are in and out b4 you even get to set down to wait on them.

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My son had a second set of ear tubes in and adenoids out last spring when he was 4. The surgery was quick and recovery was fine. He went back to school within a few days (2-3 I think). He was limited in what he could do, due to the stitches, they say no extreme running around, but normal school play was fine. The first time he had tubes he was 17 months old. We labored over the decision, heard many horrors about it (like "ooohh, such and such happened to my friend's cousin's sister's kid, etc). We got to the office (done at an outpatient center), paperwork took the longest. It was a pediatric specialist center so they didn't even have to do an IV (they did for the adenoids though, I think they wait until they are under to put it in ). We went an area to wait and 10 minutes later the Dr. came out and said it went fine, told us how much pressure was built up in the ear and we were so glad we did it. The one with the adenoids did take a little longer. It helps so much with ear infections. Your son may still get one, but you'll be able to tell right away. Word of caution, you'll have to instill ear drops for a few days afterward and if he gets a future ear infection,,, make sure they are not cold. Hold them in your hand for a while, or put in a warm (not hot) cup of water. Anything cold or even room temp is extrememly painful in the ear.

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My 3 year old had the tonsils and adenoids out recenlty - my only warning is that you have to either have someone to take care of him or you have to have atleast a week to nurse him back. They say 2 weeks but after a week if he is feeling ok, he can go back to daycare. My son wasn't able to play outside during that time because of the stitches (*that may have only been for the tonsils ?) It has helped him sleep better where he was snoring and sleeping with his mouth open, The tubes helped as well because if he had an ear infection, we could see it and didn't have to give the antibiotics. Good luck and I am sure he will do fine. It is very quick - youwon't even be able to dring a whole cup of coffee during the surgery time.

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T. I have something that has prevented the need for the placement of ear tubes surgery in several children and I would love to help you and your son. Get back in touch with me immediately and I will tell you what to do. I wouldn't put myself through that surgery, much less a child, and if the medical profession told you the whole truth, you would know that it is not as successful long term and there are many things to consider. PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE don't be talked into taking out the adenoids or tonsils. Someone else mentioned we have them for GOOD reason. You will have to apologize to him later when his immune system can't protect him.

You have some good advice already about seeing a chiropractor (one that specializes in upper cervical treatment) and good nutrition and that is part of my plan. I also have a solution for the immediate pain relief and fluid in the ears. As a chemist, you will appreciate the simplicity of the formula.

If you don't like my advice, it's okay, but you deserve to know.

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Both my children have had tonsilectomy and adenoidectomy. Both went through it about 2 1/2. My son was a little younger than my daughter. It was really okay. They give them a drink that they willing take because it is sweet. It makes them loopy and where they dont remember anything. They are taken away from you (with no fight or crying because they dont really know what is going on). They are put to sleep, surgery done, and then brought back to you to wake up. Honestly the worse part of the whole ordeal is the groggy kid waking up. They are practically mean. Your sweet baby is not so sweet. Something to do with a reaction to the anethesia. Once they moan and groan and wake up, they turn back into babies. They give them some serious drugs like codeine for kids. My only warning is to only use this the first day or so. Only as needed for pain. I continued to give it to my son for days and everytime he would have severe stomach pains and problems. I finally realized that the medicine was making him more in pain than the surgery. I switched to standard ibuprofen/tylenol and everything was better. (I did one day heavy drugs with daughter and switched) Both kids had no problem eating, mac and cheese, popsicles, etc. I really wouldnt worry. It is much better to have it done now...Adults and teens dont do as well with the surgery (I know two of my adult friends complained terribly) and my kids have no recollection of it whatsoever.

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My son had this done when he was one and again at age 3. Adenoids can grow back. My son has bad sinus infections. He has had sinus surgery 3 times. I would go ahead and get his tonsils out while you are there or you will probably be back. It took my son about 14 days to be completely back to normal eating and everything after tubes tonsils and adenoids. This was at age one though so yours will probably be a little less recovery time. Do not give anything red after the surgery to be able to tell if anything comes up that it is not blood. Good luck!

J.

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My son, who is now 9 yrs. old, had this surgery at about the same age as your son is now. We went to the Greenville Childrens Hospital. He did great, although he cried and screamed a lot when he woke up. I don't think he was in pain: he was just confused. It didn't take too long for him to calm down. After that, one would never know he'd had anything done. His ear infections also diminished.
I reccommend the Childrens Hopsital as they are equipped to handle the kids and everything is set up for them. They brought a bear in his room before they put his hospital gown on and let my son dress the bear in a hospital gown. Really did a great job of putting him and us at ease.
Good luck !
K. P

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T. - My son had tubes put in both of his ears at Age 2, and then at age 4 his adnoids taken out on both sides and a tube put back in only 1 side. I wish the adnoids had been taken out the first time but the ENT didn't think it was necessary.

ASK THE DOCTOR if he takes out the adnoids, should he also take out the tonsils at the same time? Also, will they put in tubes on both sides, and how long will the tubes probably stay in? (Tim's stayed in about 20 months - fell out in the ear canal in the wax and the pediatrian removed them with tiny tweezers on a regular checkup; didn't hurt at bit).

Good Luck - and get lots of popsicles and pudding for the surgery.

E. F.

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I T.,
I feel your pain. It is so hard having a little one that is suffering. I highly suggest Chiropractic care. My son suffered with all the same issues your child has. We would end up in the ER time after time. Once we started seeing Dr. Eric @ Healthsprout he has been medication and medical dr and emergency room free for 2 years. I am not anti medical dr by any means. This has just solved his problems with out surgery and medications that cause a lot of side effects. Dr. Eric is located in Woodstock and can be ____@____.com free to let him know B. sent you. His rates are really reasonable too and he has some evening appointments
Best wishes!

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Been there, Done that, Loved the results! Our son was 3 with the same problems when we saw the ENT and had his surgery. They hospital wsa wonderful with him, carrying him to the operating room instead of wheeling him on a gurney, Letting him keep his security blanket until he was out and then making sure he had it to wake up with again. The precedure itself took about 45 minutes. The Dr. came out and told us it was successful and that his adenoids were about the size of shooter marbles and that was keeping his ears from draining properly. The tubes went in easily and stayed for about a year. They drop out by themselves usually. My son's were turquoise and looked like miniature bobbins for a doll house sewing machine.

My son's recovery the day of the surgery was easy, he awoke and wanted to be cuddled, but didn't scream when we put him in his car seat to go home. He did like going to Wendy's for a Frosty, even though he didn't drink it all. His long term recovery was probably easier since it was fall and we didn't have to try to keep him out of a swimming pool : ^ )

Now the long term good news. My son turns 11 at the end of the summer and we've had maybe 2 ear infections in all that time! The surgery. drainage and tubes improved his hearing and his speech.

As for questions: Can he take a security item with him for the procedure? Can you be with him in recovery? Can he have his favorite cool thing to sooth his throat? How Long should his throat hurt (so he doesn't "milk" the Frosties, etc.)? What's the best way to wsh his hair with the tubes? Can you still use an ear thermometer? I would tell you my answers to these questions, but our sugery was almost 8 years ago in possibly a different section of the country, so there may be better info than what I had at the time.

Blessings and best wishes,

K.

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Hi, my little sister had this done when she was two also. Two girlfriends of mine had daughters that had it done as well. Although you can never not worry about your child during any surgery, this is quite common and not a difficult procedure. Everyone rebounded very quickly and it was an outpatient visit for my friends kids, once they woke up and had a little to drink, we had to wait an hour to see if they kept it down and they were released. Please try not to worry, I know you will, but try your best so your son sees you calm and then he'll be calmer. Good luck and I hope he's all better real soon!

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T.,

I guess I'm the differing voice here. I had my tonsils and adenoids taken out as a child. I had a horrible time and still remember the aftermath (3 month recovery with several returns to the hospital). Though I had ear infections every two weeks, knowing what I know now, I wish my parents had quit smoking; had eliminated milk from my diet; had quit using pesticides on our garden; had improved my diet to include leafy green vegetables; etc., instead of putting me through the surgery.

I guess I'd recommend that you research the actual purpose of the adenoids and tonsils - they are part of the immune system. I would encourage you to see what you can do to build up your son's immune system first. For instance, get milk from a human milk bank; do an elimination diet to see if he is allergic to certain foods; if he is exposed to smoke, give him smoke-free air; increase the vitamin C-foods he gets (not vitamin-C added); investigate to see whether he is allergic to something in his environment that is causing such a strong immune response and look into doing things such as pulsing to help his lymph glands drain more effectively. Even chiropractic could help in this situation. In my mind, all of these are much less drastic than cutting off a part of his body because it's doing its job.

We're given our tonsils and adenoids for a reason.

Just food for thought,
D. S (mom to 5, granny to one)

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My son had the surgery and he is fine. He snored loudly and I don't believe it really interrupted his sleep. Nevertheless, they decided surgery was best because his adnoids were large. The only thing I can tell you is to be prepared when he comes out of the anesthesia after surgery. That was the saddest part. All I could do was comfort him and hold him and he cried the wierdest cry I have ever heard. He had to drink their juice before he could leave the hospital and we went home for recovery, so it wasn't too bad.

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All I can tell you is that my baby boy (3 yrs old) had both tonsils and adnoids removed in March and it has been WONDERFUL. He had gotten to the point of stopping breathing in his sleep - there is nothing like the experience of watching your baby sufficate every night over and over - since the surgery - he has had 2 minor colds that would have usually gotten really bad - and he breezed through them with no problems. He usually had a very sensitive gag reflex and that has even gotten better. We simply followed the directions the Dr gave us - except that my son refused to take any pain medicine afterward b/c he hates the taste - otherwise it was a GREAT decision for us - good luck!

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I know a lot of people's children have these procedures, and my own niece did and everything went well. However, my husband and I are strong believers that allergies are a large part of the problem with a lot of children and people just don't know it. My oldest child got bronchitis 2 or 3 times within 2 months when he was one, and our pediatrician said to us, "we're just treating the symptoms, he needs to go to an allergist." We've been going to one ever since (he has food and seasonal allergies), and at 8 this year he didn't miss a day of school. We found similar situations with our older children. I will say though that ear infections have never been a problem with any of our three children.

I would recommend talking to an allergist before you had the surgery, but I'm an accountant not a doctor :)...

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The process is tough, I will not lie to you. But it is SO worth it. My son is now almost 4 and he has not been sick ONE time since he had the adenoidectomy and ear tubes at 2 1/2.

His speech was delayed before because his hearing was constantly muffled and I don't have to tell you how sad he was during all of the infections.

WORST parts: 1- Seeing your baby go under anesthesia. It is relatively easy for them, but it may break your heart until you see him again. 2- When they wake up from the anesthesia they are really disoriented and scared. 3- The doctor will hyper-extend the neck while they are removing the adenoids which makes their necks REALLY achey for 10 days.

Days 1-3 weren't as bad as I expected. Days 4-7 were pretty good. Days 8-9 were decent. Day 10 was TERRIBLE. His temper was very short. Day 11 and every day since have been 100% better.

Oh, and he doesn't snore anymore which makes me want to get my adenoids removed!

When the ENT nurse explained the role of the adenoids and that they served a purpose for the first year or two but after that you can do without them, I felt much better about making the decision.

Good luck!

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My daughter had her adnoids out and tubes in her ears when she was two. I know any surgery is scary. Everthing will be fine. You will be surprised how well his language skills will improve. When you have all the fluid buildup in your ear it's like hearing under water! The surgery takes about half an hour and a soon as he wakes up and drinks something; you can take him home. you will probably only be at the hospital for a couple of hours.
Good Luck and try not to worry to much

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I know you are very worried, but they have been doing this surgery for so many years and it's time for your little one to feel better, and he "will" feel better for sure. All our prayers will help the both of you. Rest easy, mama.

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Hi, My little girl had her first set of tubes when she was about 2 and she had her adnoids taken out. I have to say it made a big difference. She did have to have another set of tubes put in when she was about 4. Those tubes have fallen out and she will be 8 in August. She hasn't had any problems with her ears since. She has some issues with allergies sometimes, but she feels much better. Hope this helps and good luck with the surgery. It is very quick and she was just as active as ever the day after she had it done.

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hugs to you and him!
my 3 yo daughter had her adnenoids taken out - it was BREEEEEEZE! she didn't slow down one bit except for the anesthesia delay. never a horrible sore throat, no bleeding, nothing. and it was only about 45 min procedure start to finish.

i, on the otherhand, was a mess LOL i sniveled when they took her. i'm better now :)

good luck!

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I agree, DO IT!!! It was worth the two weeks of miserable recovery we had. My daughter doesn't tolerate pain well at all, so it was especially rough for her, but so worth it! The key I found is to make sure and get the liquid they recommend down her every hour at the least. As much as my daughter faught it, it helped tremendously and sped up the recovery. They will be very upset at the time, but make sure it happens. My daughter hated the cold things like popsicles (which cold usually helps numb the pain... I know, she's backwards) so I told her if she didn't drink what was in the cup I'd give her a popsicle to eat. It worked great, much to her dismay. And the younger they are the quicker they recover. My daughter was 3 at the time. Good luck and if you need or want to talk about any of it I'm here for you!!

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There is nothing to having tube put in his ears,My grand daughter had to have that alot.It takes maybe 15 minutes and its all done and it keep the fluid off the ear drum.It really helped her.M.

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at your age I don't know that i would have listened to me either, but I have gotten older and wiser.

I heard a woman chiroprator in Gainesville talk about her son and he seemed to match pretty much what you are saying. Just before he had his 3rd set of tubes she took him to a chiropractor... and for the first time he slept the night. She didn't cuz she kept getting up to see if he was alive. We are talking the SAME age as yours. PLEASE before you submit him to a surgery that frankly I haven't seen such hot results even in adults, go to a trust chiroprator. oh by the way, the woman was a teacher and went back to school to become a chiroprator. I would be delighted to give you her name and number! PLEASE PLEASE before you submit him to surgery... try this.

or just call her and talk to her Dr. Amanda Watson ###-###-#### what would it hurt? first look-see is free mention K. from BNI

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My son had his adenoids and tonsils out when he was 17 months old. He did not have ear infections but he snored really bad and his adenoids were very large. My doctor recommended that I get both of them out because he said that we would be back in there in 6 months to remove the tonsils if we didn't. We went ahead and did it. I will tell you that he went through the surgery very good but the recovery was a little bit scary. He wouldn't drink anything for me. He was on pain medicine every 4 hours and that made him sleep. We did end up going to the ER one night because he had a 104.5 fever. They gave him some fluids and meds to get his fever down. He finally started drinking a little at a time. He didn't eat for days though. They recommend that you give them any kind of fluids, just not milk. I finally had to give him milk so that he would drink something. I will tell you that since he has had his adenoids and tonsils out he still is sick like he was before the surgery. He got croup all the time and we found out that he has asthma and that he has to take singular.
I would just ask the doctor what the recovery time would be for him. What kind of drinks that he recommends. What is the pain medicine going to do to him (make him sleep or not). Will this help with him getting sick.

Good luck on all this. Hope this helps.
T.

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My 3 year old son suffered from recurring sinus infections about every 2 months for a year and a half. I was tired of the rounds of antibiotics and insisted on finding out what was causing them. I was referred to an ENT and he said that it was most likely caused from an enlarged adenoid and suggested surgery to remove it. We choose to go with the surgery, which was very quick and after a nap in the car on the way home, was bouncing off the walls like normal by the time was got home, eating meals like normal. This was almost 6 months ago. To date, he has not even had an infection of any kind. When his allergies flair up, his nose gets a little runny, but it goes away quickly. It has been like a miracle the change in his health. The surgeon said that his adenoid was at about 80% blockage, which was causing mucus to back up and get infected. The surgeon, Dr. Garner with Carolina Ere, Ear, Nose & Throat was great with him. He prayed for us as a family before the surgery and afterwards described in detail everything he had done. If your child has similar problems, I would consider getting it done.

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I am going through the same thing with my son. For ever, he has snored and had sleep apnea. Especially when he was sick. I wouldn't say he had chronic ear infections just ones that the neds would not get rid of. Anyhow, at he PreSchool weel child visit, his pediatrician recommended him to the ENT. I have always questioned his tonsils as they are HUGE and look like cauliflower. As soon as the ENT had him open his mouth his said "Oh Yeah he is a prime candidate for a Adenoidectomy". I told him of the comment that my sons Dentist had made about it being a filter and that removing that filter is worse then the snoring and such. He disagreed and said that if the filter is too large it doesn't serve the purpose it was put there for. Soo he is sending him to a Audiologist and seeing if tubes would be needed as well. He explained that the tonsils and adenoids are connected in a ring like way and if the tonsils are that enlarged so are the adenoids. Therefor it is best to take the whole ring out rather than having to go back in. I am nervous about the anesticia but my son has been under 2 times before so I am praying all will go well. We will be having the surgery the beginning of August. Good Luck with your appointments.

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My daughter had her adenoids out & tubes put in last October. She was 6. She's doing very well since the surgery. And the surgery itself wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was an outpatient procedure. I understand your fears of having your little one have any kind of surgery. My son had a surgery done (also outpatient) just before his 1st birthday. I was a nervous wreck, but we used a surgeon affiliated with a children's hospital, just as I did with my daughter last year, and they were terrific!
Best of luck to you & your little one! Getting a good night's sleep & no more ear infections is a JOY! :)

~K.

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My son had an adenoidectomy at 18 mos and did great. It is a pretty simple procedure as long as they are not also taking out his tonsils. Tonsillectomy is a MUCH more difficult procedure for recovery.
It worked great for my son. He stopped snoring that first night.

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