Info on Having Tonsils Taken Out

Updated on February 29, 2008
A.R. asks from Creston, WV
31 answers

Hello, my name is A. and I have custody of my nephew, almost 8 yrs old. he has to have his tonsils out next month. Is there anyone out there who has gone through this and has words of wisdom for us?
thanks
A

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So What Happened?

Hello to everyone who responded to me:
I wanted to let you know that Austin had his surgery yesterday morning and all went well. I want to thank you all for all the ideas you gave me on what to expect and what to feed him. They have been a great help. I feel that I went in with a great knowledge and that helped more than anything. My only bad point was when they wheeled him away!! He's doing real well and I look for him to be his normal self in a few days.

Once again, thanks to all that responded. I really appreciate all the help you gave!! It was GREAT to have support and ideas.

A.

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L.A.

answers from Greenville on

I have a 10 year old son who actually had his tonsils out when he was 5, it actually wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. The first and second day was probably the worst, but as long as you give the pain meds on time he should'nt be too uncomfortable and he will probably sleep quite a bit. Popsicles were the best, thats pretty much all he would and could eat for the first couple of days. And he's only had strep throat once since he had them out!! Best of luck

L.

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B.A.

answers from Hickory on

Had my done at age eight. My youngest son at age three. Neither of us got sick or threw up. Ate tons of ice cream.
Even though I'm 54, I don't remember it as being bad, and neither does my son.
It's not as bad as it sounds.
Good Luck,
Peace,
B.

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K.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

A., My 15 year old had his tonsils out when he was in 1st grade. Have plenty of popcicles on hand! They will feel good on his throat. What they told me back then, was no milk products including ice cream (it leaves a coating on the throat), no red popcicles (if the throat were to start bleeding, the red popcicles can be mistaken for blood), no running/jumping around (it can cause the incision site to start bleeding. Have plenty of movies on hand. Put him on the couch or make him a pallet on the floor. Have puzzles and books sitting beside him. Hope this helps, but it has been awhile since my son had his out.

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S.D.

answers from Nashville on

Both of my boys had surgeries when they were little. One of my sons was taken away from me screaming for his mommy and brought back to me screaming for this mommy. It was a horrible experience for my child and for me.

The other son was made drousy in the room with both his parents present, taken from me laughing as he drifted off to sleep, and he woke up in a rocking chair with me rocking him while he came out from under the anesthesia. That was the difference between a regular hospital and a children's hospital. Ask questions about their procedures prior to the surgery.

Have plenty of ice cream, popscicles, yogurt, pudding, smoothies, juices on hand for after the surgery. My oldest son lost 1/5 of his body weight after the surgery. He looked like a concentration camp victim. Your nephew's throat is really going to be sore. Stock up on books, videos, play station games etc so that he has something quiet to do while he recovers.

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L.O.

answers from Charlotte on

Both my boys had T&As done--one at 28 months, one at 8 years. They came through it FABULOUSLY and the sleep issues evaporated overnight with our son who had it done at 8 and the sinus infection issues went away immediately with our son who had it done at 28 months.

Best advice after the actual procedure:
Get an anti-emetic administered via IV before they wake him up. If the anesthesiologist gives you push-back, then get the surgeon to put it in the orders for the nurse to push prior to them waking him. I have met VERY few anesthesiologists who will give an anti-emetic until the patient wakes and is nauseated. That is just cruel, IMO.

Why make a child wake, disoriented and in extreme pain, only to vomit and really hurt their throat? When our younger son (who was 8 at the time) had it done the anesthesiologist actually laughed in my face when I told him that I wanted my son to have the meds pushed just before waking and we got a different one assigned and wrote a letter to the hospital board, the senior partners in his practice and the licensing board.

No, I do not have a medical degree, but I am well educated and informed. Sometimes doctors can be pains!

At home the warm broth was preferred to cold items and neither child wanted any ice cream at all. Popcicles, yogurt and pudding were the only cold things they wanted. Chik-fil-a soup was what they liked best after the plain, warm broth.

Our younger child was back in school the next week (he had it done on a Thursday).

HTH!
LA :)

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R.J.

answers from Raleigh on

My daughter had her tonsils and adenoids out the summer after kindergarten. A few things I remember most vividly: your nephew may be really out-of-sorts after the surgery. My daughter was trying to pull out the IV, confused and uncooperative. It's REALLY upsetting-- prepare yourself-- but the nurses said it's the medicine and extremely common. The other thing I remember is how incredibly much pain she was in for the first 24- 36 hours. But after that, it really does get better. And also, it makes your child's voice a little high pitched and funny for several weeks-- but don't worry, it will go back to normal. Honestly, the first week will pretty much suck. But after that, it improves pretty quickly. Good luck! (And it was worth it-- we haven't had another ear infection or episode of strep throat in the last 2 1/2 years!)

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J.W.

answers from Greensboro on

Hello A. B,

Both of my children had their tonsils removed. If your child has been instructed by your family physician that he needs his tonsils out then you probably need to schedule the surgery. Both of my kids handled the procedure really well. They had a very sore throat for about a weeks but the ice cream and popsicles helped them out a lot. Make sure that they drink alot mainly water and clear juices, my physician advised me to stay away from colored drinks for a while. They don't like to drink because when they swallow it hurts but the swallowing is part of their recovery. I hope my words helped you out.

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C.H.

answers from Knoxville on

NO MILK PRODUCTS for the recovery time. My youngest had her tonsils removed at about that age, and it was a little harder on her than I expected. According to the Doc's, everything she experienced was completely normal, but just be prepared. It is still surgery, even if considered minor. I hope all goes well.

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L.L.

answers from Austin on

Hi A.,
My daughter is almost 20 yrs old, but she had her tonsils and adenoids out in the 4th grade after much sickness and antibiotics for years. It was the best thing that ever happened to her. She woke up in a very grouchy mood, but went right into eating a popsickle, came home and slept a lot that day. Eating popsickles and ice thru out the day. She had pain medication that first day and didn't require it after that at all. I would offer it, but she would say no. She said her throat just felt like a sore throat and she had been used to that for so long. By the second day, she was eating soups and soft stuff, 3rd day was like it had never happened. She started eating so well it was hard to believe the change in her. Overnight she became a healthy child, eating well, sleeping well, something she had never been before the surgery.
I think from other kids I have seen have the surgery, it just depends on the kid and how well they do. Some are whiney, achey and just don't do well, while others like my own came thru like a breeze. It is surgery regardless of minor/major so you will have to follow some protocol which they will tell you from the hospital, such as soft or cool stuff to eat, no running or getting hot, so on. They will give you all the directions to follow and it will just depend on how he handles it all. I wish you luck, and hope it will go thru like my daughters did. He should do fine though! Just kind of follow his lead and what he needs most.

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C.P.

answers from Memphis on

Hi, A.,
My name is C.. I'm a single mom of three; boys, 11 & 14, and a little girl, 2. My sons both had their tonsils and annoids taken out at the same time, my oldest also having tubes put in his ears. Yes, both boys, both tonsils and annoids, and both at the same time & in the same hospital, one right after the other. I'm thankful my mom was there because between the time one kid got out of surgery, the other one was going in. I couldn't be with both of them at the same time. At least after the surgeries they were put in the same room. Thirty-seven years ago I had the same surgery myself. I wouldn't worry about the surgery itself. It's fairly routine now. The only exception being if there are other medical issues your nephew may have that might complicate the procedure, but I'm sure you've already covered the medical side of it. As for the rest, you can encourage him by showing confidence yourself in the doctors and nurses. You can encourage him to be brave. He'll drink a little medicine and go to sleep. He'll dream about all the wonderful things he'll enjoy when he wakes up. And then, the next thing he'll know he will wake up to unlimited jello, ice cream, and all the soft, cool goodies he can eat! Of course, you'll have a different experience. Try for his sake not to show the worry that will gnaw at you with every second that passes. Don't let him see the separation anxiety that will hit you as he is wheeled away for surgery. Have faith. Know that he is in good, capable, and loving hands. When he comes out, possibly still sleeping but definately groggy, don't get scared when he can't seem to drink much and doesn't want to eat. Encourage him to sip and the colder the better. My boys got unlimited Sprite. He might can get some Jello down, but the doctors and nurses will be there to help ease your fears as they won't let him leave the hospital until he eats well. At home, don't worry about him not wanting to eat or eating very little. My youngest didn't eat a good solid meal for two days. You might stock up on Jello, Ice Cream, Sprite, Gatorade, Pedisure (for extra nutrition and to ease those worries that come with his recovery) and be ready for that request for Micky D's Quarter Pounder Combo. He may want a big meal. Give it to him, but don't be surprised if he takes one bite and turns down the rest, saying it hurts too much. Don't fret about the amount or time (days) of pain medication you will have to give him. Chances are, like my kids, you'll have left overs. It will be tough for about a week. Have patience and no fear (at least none that he will see). Before you know it, he will be running around and eating you "out of house and home".
God bless you and be with you all,
C., "Been There, Done That"

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A.S.

answers from Raleigh on

Have plenty of popsicles!

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K.B.

answers from Raleigh on

Hello there.

My son had his tonsils taken out when he was 4. It is a bit scary for all of us. He will get through it just fine. I found that cold watermelon after the surgery really helped. Most children love it, it is soothing and nourishing.
Don't worry, he will be rumming around in not ime following the surgery.

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M.W.

answers from Fayetteville on

My son had to have his tonsils and adenoid glands removed when he was 4 years old. The operation is a simple procedure. I would recommend having a cup of icy-slushy liquid for him to sip on for the ride home and stock up on popsicles as these will ease the pain. After my son's operation, all he wanted to do was talk, talk, and talk because he was hearing his voice clear for the first time, but make sure that your nephew keeps talking to a minimum for the first two days.

Hope this helps.

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C.B.

answers from Louisville on

My son was 7 when he started getting strep throat. He would get it, take antibiotics,then get it again a month later. This went on for 7 months. Finally the doctor said he needed to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. I wish at the time i knew more about alternative treatments other than antibiotics, like herbs, homeopathy, etc. Today I probably would try that first before I got his tonsils out. But the surgery went fine and he recovered quickly, and hasn't had strep since. (He is now almost 21 years old). So don't worry about it. I hope all goes as smoothly for your nephew it did for my son. Good luck.

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E.T.

answers from Raleigh on

My 13 year old had her tonsils out during Christmas break when she was 9 yrs. old. I was very apprehensive, but she was a trooper. It was mostly discomfort and not much pain the first couple of days and she couldn't talk, but she enjoyed the extra attention and loved the popcicles and icecream.

She also had her adnoids taken out at the same time. Since that time...no more severe sore throat problems.

Hope this helps.

EDIE

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M.F.

answers from Memphis on

My daughter had hers out in 2006 when she was 4. She woke up peacful and serene. She sat up and said "mommy my throat feels better".. then went back to sleep.

She was so peaceful the nurses thought she was annoyed by the screaming combative kids waking up, and they moved her to a private room for the remainder of her recovery time.

The following days she "milked" the pain and her grandparents for all the sympathy and comfort gifts they could provide.

It took a total of about 2 weeks to get her 100% on her speech and stuff again. But overall it was fine.

BTW: she ate ice cream and popsicles with no difficulty the day it was completed. And gradually got back to solid foods over a couple days.

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B.S.

answers from Charlotte on

hi A., that is great of you to take care of your nephew like that. My 6 yr old daughter just had her tonsils and adnoids out in October, it as a quick procedure, the worst part was her waking up from the anesthesia - it is heartbreaking, she looks and sounded so miserable, but she slept a lot that day when we got home (it was outpatient) and she ate very little for a couple of days but she loved the milkshakes and jello and such...no hard or scratchy foods. No hard physical activity for ten days either. She was fine after that, really before that, but we did not want to tear any stitches or wear her out too much. Her voice is a bit high still as they said it would be, but it will return to usual they promised. The best part is she is asthmatic and she has only had one episode since the surgery, that was the whole reason we had it done, so she could get well and stay well and removing adnoids helped with allergies and teh asthma. It was worth it, she will admit it too. The whole precedure was overall pretty easy. You both will do fine. One more piece of advice, Neil's compounding pharmacy in Huntersville (a specialty place) made lollipops with throat numbing meds in them, my daughter said they tasted bad so she was not into them, but it did work, I tried a few licks to taste and it worked!

B.M.

answers from Charlotte on

When one of my sons had his tonsils out, he went right back to regular foods (not average though) but the thing i really wanted you to know is that some people awake from anesthesia badly. Combative.
I wanted to tell you this because it happened with my son, and it is not something that is normally mentioned. I just didn't want you to panic if it happened with your nephew.

BTW, It is a highly commendable thing you are doing in raising your nephew! Good Luck to the both of you.

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T.W.

answers from Charleston on

Both of my girls who are now 6 and 7 had them taken out at ages 3 and 4. I was scared for them both, I couldnt help it and it wasnt easy, thankfully they had a wonderful Dr who did a great job and they both came through it GREAT!
My oldest she took a little longer to heal than my youngest but she was 3 when she had it done and all kids are different, after about a week she was really doing well. My now 6 yr old did just great she came out of the operating room talking and laughing and really didnt have any trouble at all, her biggest problem was the pain meds they gave her made her very very irritable so they had me take her off of it and just give her Motrin because she really wasnt in that much pain. With my oldest they came and gave her something before taking her in to make her relax and it did make her a bit sleepy but didnt knock her out, they didnt do this with my youngest (2 different hospitals) they just took her from the room after me getting her ready and she was wide awake all the way up until they took her to the operating room then they put her to sleep. They dont let you see them until they are awake. It took around 45 minutes or so with them both. Well I dont know if this will help but I wish you the best of luck and God Bless!

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K.H.

answers from Knoxville on

My daughter is 6 years old and she had her tonsils taken out 4 months ago. The biggest thing to remember is have plenty of ice cream whether it be fruit bars or whatever he likes. She slept alot the first couple of days which was best because she would fight to get out of bed and everything. We ended up having to switch her pain medication, so watch out for that. Overall plenty of rest and ice cream, don't force anything on him though we tried and she threw up. Good Luck!

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S.H.

answers from Raleigh on

My 7 year old son, had his tonsil and adnoids taken out last year. The actual surgery is about 45mins. and my son came through it GREAT. The first three days, I gave him the pain medicine as instructed by the doctor. The fourth day is when the pain really starts for them, because it is healing. Also, from the fourth through the tenth day their breath will be TERRIBLE!!!!!! I really only have one suggestions, just make sure to give him the pain medicine like the doctor recommends. I learned the hard way with my son. I skipped a dosage because he was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him. I thought I would just give it to him when he woke up, but instead he woke up with soooooo much pain. From that point on, I started waking him up to give him his meds. I even gave it too him an hour early, so that the pain med. would not get a chance to wear off.

The ten(+) days are a really good time for you and him to bond. Lounge around, watch movies, read and play games. Don't forget to stock up on popsicles, and Jello!
Good Luck
~S.

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S.K.

answers from Goldsboro on

Hi, A.!
I would request the laser surgery if at all possible. With laser, there is much less pain, almost no bleeding, and very fast recovery. Expect some sore throat but not terrible and short term. Liquids and ice cream are a given =). The kids count on the ice cream "medicine!" My daughters had this procedure when teens and it was nothing compared to the old fashioned surgery style. And of course, an 8 year old is going to heal even faster!
Best wishes and many blessings.
Suzanne

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S.O.

answers from Nashville on

My father and brother are ENT surgeons, and I had my tonsils and adenoids out at age 4; still remember some of it. (Especially all the ice cream that I got to eat afterward!) Pretty simple and routine procedure with a quick recovery. For me, it GREATLY reduced the number of ear infections that I used to be horribly prone to, so I thought that it was terrific. Good luck!

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M.B.

answers from Greensboro on

Hi A..
I had mine taken out 6 months ago at the age of 39. They say child recuperate much faster than adults and I was ready to go back to work in ten days. My best suggestion is to be sure that you keep hi throat moist. Lots of water and other kinds of liquids that he will allow. This will keep his throat from drying up and it lessons the pain. Even if you can only get him to take little sips, it is a great help. This is the advise that was passed to me before my surgery and it truly was a help. My 11 yr old niece was given the same advise when she had hers done, but of course the information fell on death ears when I passed it to her mother. She ended up back in the doctors office within a couple of days of suregery with bleeding. The doctor confirmed what I had already told her. Moisture would have prevented this.
Rigth after surgery I would not have recommended that anyone have their tonsils taken out, but now I would not have it any other way. I feel so much better. I hope my info helps you.
M.

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A.S.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi A.,
My kids have not had this done, but I did when I was in highschool. My advice, have the house stocked with a variety of food for him. I couldn't even eat ice cream in the beginning b/c it burned my throat - so maybe some bland, cool stuff - they should give you a list of suggestions at the hospital. I remember someone at the office recommending sweet iced tea, and it was great for me. Also, all I ate for a while was popcorn shrimp b/c I liked the way the breading scratched my throat as it went down. Just let him try out different foods and let him tell you what he wants. Lots of rest and TLC always helps, too. Hopefully it won't be too bad for him, I think the older you are the more painful, so he might not be too bad off.

Best of luck!
A.

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L.J.

answers from Charlotte on

My son had his tonsils out last year and he did really well. Make sure that you have drink like apple juice no citrus juices and jello. They all love to eat ice cream too. Just remember that it is harder on us that it is them.. Because we love them so much. But truely it should go well.

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C.B.

answers from Charlotte on

My 5 year old son just had it done 4 weeks ago. He did great!! Waking up after the surgery was the worst part for us. They are in a little pain and not sure what is going on. So I guess it is a little scary. They did send us home with pain medication and he will need it most likely. But my son only needed it for the first 3 days. After about a week he had really bad breath. And then it went away.
My son has been so sick this year with strep throat, ear infections and everything else he came in contact with. And he was always congested. He has never been a good sleeper or a good eater. Now all of that has changed. He is sleeping so much better and eating types of food he would not eat before. His tonsils had gotten so big, they were touching each other.
They also to his adenoids out. He can breath so much better.
Anyway, good luck.

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P.L.

answers from Clarksville on

Hi there A.
My daughter was in the 5th grade and she had her tonsils and adnoids removed, she was scared but she pulled though just fine, the hardest part is not to show your worried, just tell him things will be ok and you will be there when he comes out, it only takes about 15 min if tonsils and if they remove adnoids to it another 10/15 minutes and they come out pretty fast, the hardest part is keeping them down cause they recover so fast and you just remember the Dr. saying no running around for about 5 to 7 days.. but your nephew will be GREAT and so will you
God Bless
P.

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S.G.

answers from Fayetteville on

Hi my name is S.. And I actually work in the operating room and do those procedures often. They are very safe. I have a 3 and a 13 year old and they both have had their adenoids out. He will be sore for a couple days after but nothing some ice cream and TLC wont take care of. Where is he having his procedure at?

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N.A.

answers from Charleston on

I have not gone through this with my child but I had to have my tonsils taken out and I remember one thing I got to eat alot of jell-o not ice cream or pudding cause it has milk in it and milk makes you want to swallow more and that hurts, but it will be ok tell him to be brave and the pain will not last for to many days about three if I remember right, I hope thing go good.

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J.S.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi A., My name is J. my son had to get his tonsils and adnoids taken out when he was five. He has a metabolic condition which made him have to stay in the hospital with a glucose drip until he was able to eat. The surgery went well, but he was freaking out when he woke up and in a lot of pain. The only thing I can tell you to do is to be patient and try to keep your nephew entertained with whatever makes him happy. (with Arthur it was video games) Make sure the doctor gives you good pain reliever and offer your nephew mashed potatos, jello, icecream, soup, pudding, popcicles. Anything that feels good on his throat. Good luck and don't worry, the pain only lasts a couple of days and he'll be good as new.

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