Removal of Adenoids

My two year old just had this done on Tuesday- as well as tonsil removal. He is doing great except for being a little cranky. He was VERY cranky when he woke up and cried for 45 minutes, then fell asleep. His adenoids were so big that he wasn't breathing through his nose at all.

I think if he hadn't had his tonsils out, he'd be back to almost 100% by now. It's his throat that has him out of sorts. He DOES however have a stinky mucus discharge coming out of his nose. I don't know if it's just been blocked up there from the adenoids or what. I'm waiting for his Dr. to call me about that one. Yuck.

Good luck next week. Four of my five have tubes now, and I don't regret any of them.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi there! I know it is stressful when you worry about the surgery. My daughter had same issues. She had her FIRST set of tubes put in when she was in kindergarten as well as had her adenoids out. She had to have a second set put in a year 1/2 later because they fell out and the problems started all over again. The drs put in a larger pair. Now she is 11 and doing fine. The second set fell out months ago but so far no ear infections. She actually had her adenoids and tonsils removed BEFORE the first set of tubes were put in. The anesthesia will make him groggy at first but they recover quickly!

1 mom found this helpful

My 2 sons both went through it and it is a piece of cake they both had tonsild and adenoids out and my ildest had tubes put in 3 years before and the are a little sore but they bounce back fine
Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi! Two of my children have been put under anesthesia (for ear tubes) -- they were both under two the first time and then my daughter had to have hers surgically removed a few months ago (at 6 yrs!). So I've seen the anesthesia part three times and it IS really scary to think about. But the nurse will give your son a sedative and he will be all silly and laughing when they take him to the operating room. The hardest part is the 15 minutes after they wake up. They are usually disoriented and crying but it goes away and they are back to normal pretty fast. As far as the adenoid removal, I imagine that will be a little more painful than ear tubes -- I would ask if they will be giving him pain reliever right away. Good luck to you and your little boy -- I hope it's quick and easy for him. 3 year olds are quite resilient!

1 mom found this helpful

My 19 year old son had the same surgery done when he was 5 years old, for sleep apnea. Like your son, he was healthy in every other way. My second son had tonsils and adnoids removed a few years later because of chronic tonsilitis. I was very nervous both times. I chalk it up to being a mom. They both came through the surgery wonderfully and after that we all slept much better at night (especially because the sleep apnea problem had been taken care of). I know they both are better off because of it. Your son son will be feeling back to normal in about week running and playing like he normally does and you won't be dealing with those ear infections all the time. You will be thankful that you had it taken care of.

1 mom found this helpful

one of my friend's son had this done last week at children's memorial. he is nearly 2 yrs old and he was having this done for the second time as his adenoids grew back and the ear tubes dissolved. He did great. he was 80% his self day of surgery and completely fine the next day.

1 mom found this helpful

My little guy has just gotten his third set of tubes and had his adnoid removed (he is only 2)It is really scary as a parent, but each time his hearing and health have increased. All of the surgeries have gone smoothly. The worst part will be your child's breath! They don't actually remove the adnoid anymore (too much scary bleeding after the children are released to go home) They actually burn it and it dies inside and is absorbed into the body, creating the HORRIBLE breath. But hey, if that is the worst part... that is really easy! So don't sweat it. All will be fine! Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed when she was 4. It is nerve wrecking at first but there was such an improvement that I know it was worth it. A child recovers much more easily than an adult. My daughter was given an oxygen mask to "color" with a berry smelling scent before going into the hospital. It took about 1 1'2 hours for the surgery. Then in recovery, I really just watched her sleep and was there for her when she woke up. When we went home, she was a little sore from the tonsilectomy for a couple of days. This was hard since nothing realy seemed to help except popsicles or anything else cold. She would wake up crying because her throat hurt. But it was so worth it. Not sure what to expect from the tubes though as we've never had ear infections.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter has had this done. Usually they have bad breath and sore throat. Dr told me to let her have popcicles to help sooth it. Also that she might throw up during the first 24 hrs but that is only due to the anestesia. Other than that they are usally back to normal within one or two days. Good luck

1 mom found this helpful

Hi M., my son is 5 and he had his adenoids removed last year due to chronic sinus infections. The surgery is very routine and hopefully you trust the ent doing the operation. Ours was great, very caring. My son was groggy upon waking, but went home after a few hours. We gave him the medication that was prescribed, plus if needed, tylenol for the pain. Just make sure he gets plenty of rest after, no running aound. He was back to normal in a few days. Since the operation, he has not had one sinus infection. It is definitely worth it. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi M., 3 years ago, my then 5 year old son had his tonsils and adnoids taken out because of sleep apnea. The surgery went smoothly but then everything went down hill after that. A week after the first surgery, his throat started bleeding (the scabs came off too early) My son had to have an emergancy second surgery. About 5 days later, my son started throwing up blood again, this time he had been bleeding for a while and when we rushed him to the er, he was so pale and had lost so much blood that they had to give him a blood transfusion before he went for a third and last surgery to recauterize them again. This time he spent 2 days in ICU.
I wanted to write this so as to let everyone know that this could happen even though they said what my son went through is a 2% chance that it would happen. Even after going through what felt like hell that month, I dont regret it now at all. My son sleeps 100% better and is doing wonderfully.
Good Luck M. and your son will be in my prayers.

Mom of three great kids, Ryan 12, Troy 8, and Audrey 3. Wife to an awesome husband of 18 years.

1 mom found this helpful

My son had this done when he was 7 or 8 and everything went very smoothly. He still has one of the tubes in. He also had his adenoides out. He had no problems at all. I will admit him having surgery scared me and I think that's very normal.

1 mom found this helpful

Hello ,
My son was also 3 when he needed his adnoids out. He also had his tonsils out and ear tubes put in. I was nervous also, but the Doctors and Nurses were very caring and reassured us that everything would go fine; which it did. /we were with him until he received the antestitic (sp?) He was wheeled off, and before you knew it, they were calling us into the recovery room. He stayed in recovery for about 1/2 hour. They checked his blood pressure and made him comfortable. They did keep him overnight due to his condition; Cp and seizures, actually it was 23 hour supervision, they did not admit him. He was able to have ice cream and popsicles. He has not had any sore throats or ear infections since the operation in October. He was at Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Good Luck to you! P.

1 mom found this helpful

My son underwent a full adenoidecomy/partial tonsilectomy when he was three. He was also a healthy, happy child except for the sleep apnea. I was also a bit frantic about him having surgey. We lives in Tampa at the time and the Children's Hospital in St Pete was excellent. I was allowed to go with him all the way to the operating room, which while not being necessarily calming for ME had a noticeable effect on my son's demeanor and the ease in getting him through all of the pre-op stuff. The only real negative I remember about the experience was that his was given morphene in recovery. Even though it was a very small amount, we did notice some mild withdrawl-type symptoms once he came home. That didn't last long though (about a day and a half) and he is now a very happy, athletic, and healthy 15 year old.
If your doctor prescribes a pain medication afterward, make sure it's one that won't "sting" your son's throat when he swallows!

1 mom found this helpful

My son and daughter both had to have their adnoids removed and we had very little problems.The one piece of advice i would give though is to make sure to keep the water out of his ears. My son also had to have tubes when he was younger and he jumped into the swimming pool without his earplugs and ended up the next day with an ear infection.The tubes did their job but it was messy. The surgery helped both of my kids Hang in there and Good luck ps my kids are now 18 and 20 and very little health issues

1 mom found this helpful

When I was 4, in 1962, I had my tonsils and adnoids removed. I went home from the hospital directly to a kid birthday party where I hemorhaged. I think that docs and parents are a whole lot more knowledgeable now than they were then! I have never had a moments trouble since then so I think that says a lot. A couple years ago my 4th grade at the time son came home with a tummy ache. When it proceeded to worsen over the next couple hours and he spiked a fever I ran him to the doc (knowing what it was) where he was diagnosed with appendicitis. The doc called the er and ped surgeon who met us in the er. My son was in the o.r. in a matter of a couple hours. I was totally terrified with him going under (and I even have a friend that's an anesthesiologist). Of course he came out of it perfectly fine and as active as ever. Best wishes to you and your son.

1 mom found this helpful

My son had his tonsils/adenoids removed when he was 2 years, 5 months old. I know how scary the procedure can be, but it will help so much in the end. My son spent a little while in the pediatric section after surgery, but we went home the same day. He did pretty well right away, and I was told that the younger the patient is, the easier it is on them. So, at three, your son will probably do just fine! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

1 mom found this helpful

My son underwent the exact same surgery. The worst part of it was him coming out of the anesthesia. When we got him home he was just fine, you would never know that he had surgery. It was well worth it. We have had no ear or sinus infections since !! Good luck to you and your little guy.

1 mom found this helpful

My son went thru the same thing when he was 3- i was also scared to death-but it ended up being the best thing i could have done for him. He used to get so sick and after it was done he hardly ever got sick. It will be o.k.

1 mom found this helpful

Hey, M.. I have been through the tonsil, adenoid surgery with two of my children. It can be quite daunting when you are prepared and absolutely a nightmare when it comes in the form of an emergency operation. My oldest, who is now eleven, underwent the surgery when she was 5. She was diagnosed with sleep apnea and had many ear infections when she was a baby. She was hearing like she was underwater and as a result, went through speech classes until 3rd grade. 6 weeks prior to her surgery, she had fluid in her ears and they told me if it was still there when they went to do the operation, she would need tubes in her ears, as well. Thank goodness it was gone, but then you ask yourself if it will come back and she should've had the tubes. Anyway, at our hospital, prior to the surgery, she was given a little juice with something in it to make her feel sleepy. This she drank while out with her father and I, and once it took effect, they wheeled her in the back and put her out for the surgery. We were not allowed to go back with her. The surgery went smoothly and she came back out to us groggy. I think she may have cried when she woke up and saw us. It was the effects of the anesthesia. We had to remain in the hospital with her for several hours while they observed her and she had to use the washroom while we were there. It takes a while for this because after they've been put under, everything has to get working again. Once home, there is a lot of rest and trying to keep them quiet, which you may or may not have with just the adenoids and ear tubes. A week later, we were back in for an infection with a 106 temperature which resulted in antibiotics. (This stuff only happens if your husband is out of town on business). All in all it was a very straighforward surgery and she is so much better. As I mentioned, she is 11 now, and way back when, I did notice that she was sick alot less and obviously, her speech improved. If your son is having the tubes, the speech thing is most likely an issue for him as well. His hearing is probably somewhat compromised. It will help him tremendously. My 3 year old, however, had to have this done in an emergency surgery last May. She had an abcess form behind one of her tonsils from a bout with strep throat. That was not as easy. She was miserable and we had an overnight stay at the hospital that almost turned into 2. She was a little like Linda Blaire in The Exorcist. I think the big differnce is that she was really sick, unprepared for what was happening and she was so young. Since you know ahead of time, did you get to go in and watch a film about the surgery? We went in with our 5 year old and they had a cartoon for her to watch at the hospital that explained everthing. At your sons age, he may be too young to understand, but this seemed to help my daughter and me, as well. I know there is always a chance that something may happen in a surgery, but these are performed all of the time. I think you will find that the benefits far outway the risk and you will be surprised at how quickly he will bounce back. He may even have benefits that you never expected. My daughter who was quiet and timid was like a new person. Was it the fact that she had been hearing like she was underwater? I don't know, but I started to get complaints from teachers that she was a little too social now. Is that a bad thing?

1 mom found this helpful

Hi Im a mom of 4 and I had all my kids done 2 years ago. I had my 5 6 and 8 year old done on the same day at childrens memorial. It ended up being the best thing. I to was really scared having all 3 done on the same day. there adenoids were really large and had a hard time breathing especially at night we could hear them breath. They also had sleep apnia. Your child probably has this too. After the surgery they did very well it has helped them a lot. and they get a betters night sleep. Its much quieter in the house now. I would say to do it. Only 1 of my children needed a ear tube also and it worked out fine. Make sure afterwards you have a lot of soft foods, pudding,jello, ice cream, etc. Good luck hope this helps.

Pattie

1 mom found this helpful

Two of my children had tubes put in their ears and I, too, was nervous each time. Who wouldn't be? However, the surgeries are so quick, you won't believe how fast the time goes. Before the nurse takes your child from you, they should give a medicine to calm him so it's not so traumatic to leave mom and dad. Then he will come out of the surgery quite out of sorts. My children cried off and on for about a half an hour. They say that this is normal after being under anesthesia. My son only wanted to be consoled by my husband...I could do nothing to settle him. After the car ride home and a little nap, both my kids were their happy crazy selves again! Good luck with the surgery and you will be happy witht the results! It will be worth it!

1 mom found this helpful

Yes, I know it's scary!!! My son has undergone 4 surgeries: the first was tubes put in and adnoid removal, the last three were tubes. It is a really, really simple procedure and the nurses were great with him. They gave him a sedative a little bit before the procedure so he was relaxed. I highly recommend this; if your hospital doesn't give your son one, please ask for one. My son was the same age as yours when he had his first surgery; and it helped tremendously.

I don't know about your hospital, but with ours, we had a tv in our room that he could position wherever he wanted; so he was content waiting for the surgery to begin watching cartoons. After the surgery, they will let you go back to see him pretty quickly and then after a little while the two of you can leave. It goes by pretty quick.

Good luck; my thoughts are with you. It will go easier than you think (I hope, anyway!!).

1 mom found this helpful

Hi there - I have not gone through this with my son, but I was a child who got her adnoids taken out. I was 4 when it happened. I had chronic ear infections and apparently I would snore very loud!! From what my mother tells me (I remmeber only a small amount) I had a rough time just after the surgery - the anesthesia gave me a sick stomach, but once I got home I bounced right back. And, the snoring stopped!!!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

I know how you feel. My daughter was 17 months old and had to go in for the same thing. She was not under anesthesia long at all. However, she did not want to wake up very quickly. The nurses were laughing because she just kept pushing them away. Even when I was holding her she would just lay her head down and go back to sleep. In the long run it was the best thing for her.
So what to expect: tiredness at first- can last a good part of the day, sometimes a scratchy throat so have plenty of frozen juice pops on hand! Don't push food right away unless its soft. Jello pudding applesauce even soup that is not hot along with frozen juice pops help alot to keep them fed.

1 mom found this helpful

My son had this surgery in 2004. He had his adenoids removed and tubes put in. The surgery went really well. The anesthesiologist gave him a liquid drink that made him "silly", it made it so much easier to have him taken into surgery, of course I still cried! After the surgery he did really well. By the next day he was back to normal! Best of luck, I'm sure he'll be great! My son had speech problems afterwards so make sure you have him tested on hearing & speech. He is now in 1st grade and is doing as well as anyone else in his class.

1 mom found this helpful

Good morning M., my daughter had her adnoids and tonsils removed when she was 6 years old and my son had tubes put in his ears when he was 3 years old. Both procedures were done by the same doctor on the same day. I figured I should just get it all out of the way at once. Some people said I was crazy and I was a complete wreck. But I have to tell you, both procedures were quite easy. My sons procedure was over in like 10 minutes and he woke up 25 minutes later. You'd never realize he'd had anything done. My daughter's procedure took a little longer and when she finally woke up they got my husband and they met me and my son in recovery. Sh really did great. I had to keep her calm and quiet for a few days so that the scab wouldn't fall of. That is one thing that they stress, no major screaming because if the scab falls off before it's time she would have end up in the hospital. Four days after the surgery I allowed her to go outside for a little while because she was doing so well and before you knew it, she was running around like a normal child again, without any problems. It's scary to think about your children being put under but I'm glad I did it because they're both doing so well now. My son hasn't had an ear infection in 2.5 years and my daughter hasn't gotten as sick as she always did (seems like every other month she was sick, had high fevers and her throat always hurt), plus she sleeps better. Children are amazing, they bounce back in no time. Your son will be fine, don't worry.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi M.,

I am a respiratory therapist and a mom too. As a therapist I can tell you that the surgery is a minor out patient surgery and the benefits far outweight the risks. Having apnic episodes affects the major organs in many way. The biggest isues with sleep apnea is the lack of oxygenation due to closed airways. The lowering of oxygen levels over a long term basis when it goes untreated affect the brain, heart, and other organs. The surgery is a good choice if the problem has gotten to the point of having apnea.

As a mom I can tell you my daughter had her tonsils and adnoids removed last year for the same basic reasons. She did great right out of surgery but then had some increased pain after the first week. This is normal. It is due to the fact that the area is healing and the scabs have fallen off. After 2 weeks she was total back to her normal self. The big changes were she sleeps through the night without snoring or any apnea. She sleeps sound and is less tired or crabby during the day. She no longer gets sinus infections or strep throat.

Hang in there! You're going to get through this just fine!

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter had her adnoids removed when she was 2. It was her third ear tube surgery and the doctor noticed that her adnoids were swollen and infected. he suggested that we remove them at the same time as the ear tube surgery. The surgery went fine, but there were a couple of things I'd say I was unprepared for. First, it was difficult for me to see my two year old daughter after they gave her the drug to anestetize her. She was totally out of it and it was weird to see. then, when she came back from the surgery, and as she was coming out of the anesthesia, she was screaming uncontrollably which was unusual for her. I understand that it is perfectly normal for this to happen, but at the time it was a little scary. then she also threw up (all over me!!!) and that too, is common I now know. After we went home and got her on her medication, I also wasn't totally prepared for the recovery period. It took about 4 days for her to be back to her normal self. she woke up a lot in the night, and her breath was absolutely horrible to the point that I called the doctor at midnight thinking that something was wrong. but he said to give it a day or so and if it wasn't better to bring her in, but of course it got better. Now that it is over, she's just fine (she's 5 now) and we haven't had any medical issues from her since. She even rarely gets colds anymore since the surgery. So, I think I'd probably make the decision do it again. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

It is very scary to have your child be put under anesthesia. My daughter has an immune deficiency disease and was under several times during her younger years.

My daughter had surgeries at Children's Memorial Hospital and everyone was great. You need to talk to your surgean and the anestheasiologist. They usually are very informative with all of your concerns.

At Children's they let me go right into the operating room until they put my child to sleep. My daughter was very relaxed and so was I to see her all the way to the operating room.

You need to be comfortable with the surgery so that your son doesn't feel your anxiety. I know easier said than done. I would pray the morning of the surgery and during the surgery to help me relax. You stop thinking of the worse and concentrate on your prayers.

1 mom found this helpful

Hello M.,
My son went through the ear tubes around the age of three or so he is now thirteen so it has been a while since they been done but i am glad i had them done he was always sick fever wouldn't eat then when i had the tubes inserted yes i was scared but i wanted to do what ever it took for my son not to be sick day in day out. The tubes fell out on there own you just have to be careful with getting water in the ears while they are in what i did was got some cotton balls put some vasiline on a little peice of cotton ball and put them in his ears when he took a bath or would be in water. The surgery for his ears took only 20mins for the doctors to do the procedure he was a little grogey but it wasn't bad. well good luck to you and your precios little son. everything will be just fine but beleive me i know how you feel that wasn't the only surgery my son had to go through but it was the most easist one he went through.

1 mom found this helpful

My daughter had tubes put in when she was 3 as well. It is scarey. It did take her some time to come out of the anastesia. Keep that in mind. Also, don't be shocked if the adinoids grow back. Because they do. Just hopefuly not as big ect.. Have Faith in your Dr's and GOD.
Keeping you in my prayers.
B.

1 mom found this helpful

My Son had tubes put in when he was 9 months old and again at 3 years he had his anoids and tonsils removed when he was either 5 or 6 (he is now 8). It was like a miracle happened. He was able to breath much better play longer and rest easier. He was always getting tired and winded. The surgery was done out patient and besides him being a bit groggy that day and a sore throat for a few days he did well. He won't be interested in eating but be sure to keep him hydrated our son had to go back in for fluids because he became dehydrated. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

My dauter had her tubes put in 2 weeks before her 1st birthday and her adenoids out 2 weeks before she was 3. SHe did great! They gave her some medicine to relax her and that helped alot. The worst part is the waiting. After she woke up my husband and I were able to go back there. She was crying a lot and just wanted to go home. After her IV was taken out she started to relax. I was told she would probably sleep once she got home. She napped in the car and didn't go back to sleep until that evening. I think it was harder on me than her. Having your tonsils out is worse. There is pain for about 2 weeks. There is just a little soreness after having the adenoids out. My daughter's throat was fine the next day. Good luck! Michelle B

1 mom found this helpful