Tonsils and Adenoids

My daughter had the same surgury for sleep apnea just after she turned 3 (she is now 5). Where are you having the surgery done? We went to Children's Hospital of NJ at Newark Beth Israel. No the best location, but they are totally focused on what is best for the child. They allowed me to go into the operating room until they put her under - so I held her while they gave her the ether mask to go to sleep. They inserted the IV after she was already asleep from ether. The surgery itself took only about 20 minutes. I barely had time to worry before someone was taking me and my husband to the recovery room so we would be there when she woke up. -- Most hospitals do not allow anyone in the recovery room either. If possible, I would rethink hospitals so you know that you are somewhere competely kid focused.

My daughter's recovery was not too bad. In fact, I had a very hard time keeping her still, as had been advised to avoid post-op bleeding. Once the swelling from the surgery susided her breathing was completely normal and she started sleeping through the night for the first time in her life!

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.,
My son had his tonsils and adnoids out last year, when he was 6, for sleep apnea. Me and my husband were both with him until he went into the O.R. Then only I was brought with him to the O.R. until he was asleep. Right after he fell asleep, someone escorted me out and kept talking to me, which kept me from crying. They also called me into the recovery room after he was settled, so I was there when he woke up and went to sleep. They did give him versed before he went into the O.R. so I don't think that he really remembers going in.
His recovery was great too. He never complained of pain at all. Although he didn't talk for about 2 weeks, but he wrote me lots of cute notes. Anyway, I think that the whole experience was much worse for me than it was for him. What you can do is ask the Doctor where he plans to perform the surgey and call to ask what will happen. If you don't like it, you don't have to have it done there. You may have to switch doctors if the one you chose only goes to one place, but you need to be comfortable with where you go. I would think that any ENT who does children would understand your concerns. Same with the place that does the procedure. I had a choice of 2 places and when I called them both they were very heplful in answering all of my questions (and I had lots of them).
Good luck and by the way, my son sleeps great now, so it's well worth it.
S.

Hi C.,
It might be a little rough for your son to go to the O.R. without you but staff is generally very caring and understanding. And your son will be put to sleep very quickly. I don't know where he is having the surgery but most pediatric patients get to ride in a wagon and choose a stuffed toy or they can bring their own. It seems like fun for them.
The post op can be hard but just for a couple of days. I can tell you that you will see much improvement in your son's health in the long run.
Get some popsicles, sherbert and keep ginger - ale in the house. Stir out most of the fizz before giving it to him. Stay away from dairy as that will make mucous and you don't need that. Some vomiting may occur as he will no doubt swallow blood. Usually once and that will be it.
Hope all goes well.
M. - pediatric nurse

My son was 4 when he had his second surgery for tubes and to remove his adenoids. I too was terrified about the whole ordeal being he was old enough to understand, unlike the first surgery.
They gave him a "kiddie cocktail" that made him very loopy!! When the time came he jumped into the surgeons arms and off they went. There was no drama at all. I was very relieved! I found it to be more stressful when we went into the OR with him and stayed while they sedated him. There was something about that that seemed very unsettling to me.
I too noticed that it was harder for him to come out of it then when he was a baby. But after a few hours we were home and everything was fine.
The scariest part is the waiting. Just try to keep your mind busy.
I am sure everything will go well for you!
Good Luck!

When our daughter had hers taken out when she was 8 yo she asked that my husband go to the OR w/her - they allowed my husband to stay w/her until she went under the anesthesia. Prior to doing that they did give her a cocktail to get her a little sleepy. Although the procedure was over in no time at all, it did feel like an eternity so try to stay busy. I think I must've read every magazine in the waiting room! Afterwards just try to find every flavor jello (except for red) and type of popsickle on hand. Another thing that my daughter wanted just afterwards was sherbert - I know that was one of my favorites when I had mine out at the ripe age of 19. It's nerve wracking & all, but definitely worth it. All my best to you! She also had tubes put in when she was 18 months and they basically did the same thing. I think they are more understanding w/the little ones and realize the concern.

Hi C., I think it's normal that you are worrying so much, it's your job as a mom. I actually worked with an ENT for a couple of years so I have that point of view. And my daughter had both her tonsils and adenoids removed two summers ago when she was 4, so I can speak about that experience as well. I don't know which hospital you are going to but we were at Our Lady of Mercy here in the Bronx. And my experience is pretty much the same as the few responses I read. After I changed her into her little gown, I also had to put on some paper scrubs and hat and shoes. Then I was allowed to go into the OR with her until they put her to sleep. She wasn't really scared, I was standing there next to her while the mask was just placed in front of her face, talking to her. After the procedure they came to get me and told me she was waking up. This was the hard part because she was groggy but crying a lot. All she kept saying was that her throat hurt :( The only battle I don't wish on anybody, was the fact that she didn't want to eat ANYTHING. No milkshakes, ice cream, jell-o, soup. Nothing. She actually lost weight, even though I was making her milkshakes with pediasure and ice cream. Anyway, I wish you and your child the best of luck. I do suggest though, that when you go to the hospital for the labwork and prescreening stuff, stop by ambulatory surgery. Ask the nurses there any questions you might have, maybe even take you on a little tour of things you will see/experience. This way both you and your son will be more prepared. Best of luck, everything will turn out okay.

My son had the same procedure done and it went remarkably well! This was one procedure that I was not allowed to see him into the O/R until he was put under. I was with him up until the very point when he went into the O/R.

The recovery was extremely quick afterwards and he didn't have any problems eating soft foods. It was amazing how quickly he was breathing better and how he didn't have that "drawn" look on his face (from breathing thru his mouth for so long)

I am VERY big into the natural approach but unfortunately, adnoids and tonsils HAD to be surgically removed. I use the Neti pot for me and my kids sinus', soap for restless leg syndrome, vics vapor for eczyma/dry skin/psoriasis and home made chicken soup with lots of herbs for illnesses!! So, I totally understand!!

I hope I was helpful!

Both my sons have under gone this surgery of course the first time my son was 1yr old with severely swollen adenoids. They did not give him anything before hand but they let me carry him into the OR and hold him until he went to "sleep" as another mom said that was the worst thing ever. I would not choose to do that again. My 3 yr old was given a "kiddie cocktail" before he went in and was off in La La land when they took him so going in was not a problem. I found that the 3 yr old had a harder time coming out of if than the baby. But it was quick and but the time we got home they were both back to normal.

Good Luck

My son had his adenoids out when he was 6. The procedure was done at NYPresbyterian-Cornell Weill hospital. It went very smoothly. The waiting area is kid/family friendly. I was with him all the way up until the anesthesia took affect, which was really quick (no time to really freak out). The scariest part for him was when they put the mask on his face (anesthesia) so maybe you can find a little oxygen mask and play that part out with him for fun so he'll be ready. The surgeon and her team were very good, gentle and reassuring with us both. You should be able to stay with your son until he is "out". Afterwards, my son had a lot less pain than I had expected, but probably because his tonsils were not removed. Good luck!

My son had this done at 3yrs old. I went in with him until he went under and then left the room. They will/should let you go in for that part. My son was afraid, but I was there to hold him until he was asleep. It is still going to break your heart to see him frightened and slipping under so brace your self. The procedure did not last long and he healed very quickly.

Hi my son who is now 7 had the same problem. He was 2 1/2 and I was 6 months prego with my twins. It was very scarry for me and if it wasn't for my husband who always know to be calm when I'm not I don't know if I would have been able to handle it. Anyway, we had it done at Monmouth Medical in LB, NJ. As I remember the procedure was very fast. I was told it would lake an hour and they were done in 20 minutes. I was able to be with my son until the monment they were taking him in for the procedure. They did give him laughing gas and he almost look like he was drunk. In recovery, they called us in to be with him when he woke up. We were there first and within minutes he was awake. That's when he started to cry out of control because the anastia hurt his belly and felt funny. The doctor told us it was a normal reaction. We had to stay with him in recovery for about 2 hours and we went home. He slept most of the day and I given Tylonal Codine to help him with the pain. He was horse for a few days but the very next day we were at the park with him.

I know it's a scarry thing when a child has to go thru something like this. But it has to be done and it will make him feel better.

Please if you have any other questions e-mail me at ____@____.com

Good luck,
D.

I work in an OR myself; I wcan tell you that we usually will allow you or dad to walk into the OR with him to help to keep him comfortable. They nurses will bring you out just as they begin anesthesia. This way you are with him until he goes to sleep. They should also get you into the recovery room right away as soon as he is stable. We take very good care of kids as we know it can be very scary....its usually worse on the parents than it is on them!!! :-)

My daughter didn't have this procedure but did have to have a general anasthetic for an eye op. She was put out in an anteroom before going into the OR, and we were allowed to come in there and stay with her while they did the anasthetic, so she was unconscious before she was taken away.
I tell you it is such a shock when you are reading to your child and she just suddenly goes unconscious as the drugs go into her hand! I cried.
Then we went away for coffee and the nursing staff called us to tell us when she was out of OR and when to come back, so we were beside her bed as she woke up.
So even though we were not allowed in the OR, we were with her when she went to sleep and when she woke up again.
I don't know if something similar is possible in the hospital where you are going, but it does reduce stress if you don't leave until they are already out cold.
I hope it all goes well

My daughter had hers out at 2 1/2, and I had ALL the same worries. But she did really well. They might let you go back with the anesthesiologist if you politely insist. If not, they are usually VERY child-friendly at this age. Ours was joking with my DD, picked her up and had her laughing in just a minute. It was ME who was sobbing to watch her go :(

My son had major surgery at 6 weeks cant compare but I think its worse for the parent then the child. DR and nurse know how to handle it it should go ok but need to make him understand it will all be ok good luck.

Hi,
My son had surgery for a hernia about 8 years ago when he was 18 months. They gave him a sedative which took effect within a few minutes and by the time they took him, he was so out of it, he didn't care at all. I am assuming all surgeons would do this.
My second son had surgery last summer for a dislocated elbow. They actually allowed me to suit up and go into the OR and once he was out, I left.
Good luck with everything

My first son has had a hernia operation, a set of ear tubes and then a 2nd set of ear tubes and adenoids removed.
My younger son has had a hernia operation and two sets of ear tubes.
They both still hane their tonsils. My 11 yr olds tonsils have always been enlarged but are getting smaller now I believe. He doesnt really have the apnea any longer like he use to when he was smaller.
When he had his adenoids and 2nd set of ear tubes put in the Dr. DID give him a sedative beforehand.This was the only time though he was given a sedative.
My younger son was given a sedative when he had the ear tubes put in. (Same Dr. did both 2nd sets of ear tubes)
I dont know if it was the different doctors or if it was because he was older then, like maybe 5 yrs old. From what I hear some doctors do and some do not. I am sure you could request it... It is so hard to hand over your child before any type of procedure like that but they do go pretty quick and you know it is something that is going to help them out. Good luck and I wish you guys the best.

Actually two co-workers are having or have had the same problem. The one who had it done already said it was so fast and her daughter recovered in a few hours. The other one was very happy to hear that and she will be having her daughter go in next week. I hope this ease your mind a little. Good Luck! :) Tell us how it goes.

M. :)

Hi C., I can understand your concern. No mom wants to see her little one have surgery.I had my tonsils and adenoids removed at about the same age. This was 58 years ago and I saw my mom as soon as I woke up. I'm sure your son will be fine. I remember that I could have all the ice water and Ice cream I wanted. Try not to worry too much. Ask your doctor how the procedure goes. You have a right to know. Also, try not to let your son know how worried you are, it could make him afraid. My best wishes, Grandma Mary

My daughter (6 1/2 months) just had ear tubes put in (they didn't remove her adenoids or tonsils, because she is too little yet) and the procedure went extremely well. Our doctor let one of us go into the room with the baby as they put the mask on her to put her to sleep and then we had to leave the room (my husband went in, because I was too emotional) and as soon as it was over, we were taken over to the recovery room to meet her and comfort her. It took not even 10 minutes, but your child's procedure will probably not take more than 40 minutes. Perhaps you can ask if one of you can go in to be with your child as they put the mask on and then ask if you can be there in the recovery room for when your child comes out.

Children are very resilient and you will be amazed at how much better your little one will feel!

Good luck.

I just went through this surgery with my 3.5 year old son. He also had sleep apneia and he was constantly getting croup. The surgery is not fun and I am not going to sugar coat anything for you below. BUT I want for you to know that I have seen tremendous improvement in my sons development in the past few weeks - he is eating more, sleeping more and talking more. You will just have a rough 2-3 weeks after the surgery to get through. Stay strong and he will recover :)

When you get to the hospital they should give your son a sedative about 30 minutes before they bring him back into the OR. PLEASE call the anesthesiologist BEFORE you go to the hospital and tell him/her that you want to be able to be in the OR until they put him under. They will wheel him back and allow you to go in (if you are pregnant send his father as you cannot breathe in the gas that puts them under). My husband was literally in the OR for 2 minutes and my son went out. Then they do the procedure which is about an hour long.

Now the hard part - watching your child wake up from anesthesia is HORRIBLE!!! He will not know who you are and he will be moaning. My son's face was extremely swollen and he had to get 2 shots of morphine for the pain. He may be kicking and screaming but try to hold him and rock him and say words that you know comfort him. It will be a very rough hour for you to have to watch your son in such a bad state. I hate to say I still have nightmares about this. No one told me how bad it would be so I want you to know what to expect - hopefully it will be easier on you to handle.

My son was also very mad at my husband and I and only wanted his Nana for the first 4 days - I stayed with him and my mother in the hospital but he freaked if she left the room. Heck I would be mad at me too if I were him. Not to say that your son will be mad at you but it is a possibility.

Good luck - I am here if you have any further questions. Like I said you will have a couple of rough weeks but the payoff is worth it!!

We just went through this with our daughter too. The best thing you can do is to be positive and calm about this around your son. He needs you to be a rock. ( you can be nervous when he's asleep) The next thing you need to do is schedule a visit to the hospital or surgical center prior to the day of the surgery so he can go and have a look around. The nurses are great about familiarizing children to the suroundings so they aren't as nervous the day of the surgery. I've never been allowed in the operating room with my kids, but they've always let me stay with them up until the very last moment. It is an anxious time for you, good luck!

Hi C.,

Oh geez, I am so with you on your e-mail. My little girl also had to have her adenoids taken out - she was, I think, 4 years old (if that - my memory fails).

The hospital we had it at allowed ONE of us to go into the operating room right before the surgery. Well, I too was very concerned and I don't think there is any way around this. In my situation, I was totally freaked out and forced myself to go in with her. When they took her away from me, SHE of course went hysterical. There were a bunch of people around her in a cold operating room. They actually had to hold her down to put a mask on her to put her out. I am telling you this only to prepare you, my friend - you are probably better off with them (I am sure someone nice and kind with a sweet voice will be the one to carry your little guy in) going in without you seeing your boy get upset. It is a memory that stays with me to this day (she is 6 years old now)

But, let me tell you, that once this procedure is done, what a difference in his life it will make. My girl didn't have sleep apnea but had a lot of problems with her breathing - like croup cough etc. They also found that she had a slight abnormality in the shape of one of the flaps. You know once she slept better she was a new little girl.

Your little guy will be fine, it will be very stressful - just stay close by so that when the operation is over - you will be there by his side right away in the recovery room.

I wish you well,
C.

My son had his tonsils out at age 6. We played around in the waiting room and I pushed down my own anxiety and tried to treat it like no big deal. When it was time for the anesthetic, I went with him to the OR and didn't leave till after he was asleep.

They were really nice, just sat him on the table till it was time, then firmly and quickly held both his arms and put the mask over his face. He struggled a bit when he smelled the anesthetic but I was right there with him and he went to sleep within seconds. After it was over they brought him right to me in the recovery room, he was agitated but calmed down when I held him. The one thing he remembers that he didn't like was the IV in his arm which they put there in case they need to give them fluid intravenously. They took it out as soon as he was able to drink a glass of water and keep it down.

He threw up on the way home, but they gave us a bag in the hospital, expecting that would happen. He went to sleep right away at home. After that it was just a bad sore throat.

The good thing is, as soon as he healed there was a huge improvement in his quality of life. He didn't have apnea, but he had constant fevers with his tonsils getting infected and was missing a lot of school. That all stopped.

Sorry you have to go through it. I think it's harder on us than on them in some ways. I think it's worth it. Hope this helps. You can call the hospital if you want to confirm that you can stay till he's asleep, but I can't imagine that they would not want you to be there to keep him calm. Good luck!

Hi C.,
Our son had the same thing. I can tell you what all was done, but don't feel it would be beneficial because hospitals and doctors are all different. My suggestion is to contact the doctor and tell him or her of your fears. Get understanding from them. Please be sure to keep a very close eye on him and don't be afraid to call the doctor. Everything should be just fine. L.

my 4 year daughter had surgery last year to snip her frenulum (the piece attaching the tongue) and they let me walk with her into the OR until they started to put her to sleep. Hope this helps

Hi C.,
I work at an out patient surgical center and we do give our children over 1 year of age a sedative before surgery...Its called Midazolam (Versed) and has great results...our children usually lay on a stretcher and watch TV after they receive the premed and then just get wheeled directly into the OR on the stretcher...My daughter had tubes put in her ears at my job and unfortunately was only 8 months old so she didnt qualify for the premed...Her doctor and one of the nurses took her and played/distracted her while my hubby and I walked away...it actually worked out fine and Im not saying that just because I work there...LOL....Im not sure that all places offer the premed but if I were you I would certainly ask...it makes a huge difference even when they come out of the OR...surgery usually takes about an hour and the time you will be in the recovery room is about 2 hours...just make sure he takes his pain meds when he should and he will be fine...If you want any more info Ill be happy to give it!! :) Oh and it helps if you bring his favorite toy with him too..we allow our patients to bring it into the OR with them!!
Meg

our daughter is going in for ear tubes next week. We have been told that one parent can accompany her into the OR and when she is asleep leaves. This is all from friends so I am not sure. These friends have all used the same doctor in the same hospital. We are doing this in NYC. I do not know about whether it is just the mask first or something to drink to make them woozy. Our dentist mentioned that when they take kids to the OR they give them something to drink first to make them woozy and then before they can count to 3 with the mask they are out. Also I know our hospital gives tours if the children are old enough to get anything out of it.

Dear C.,

Not sure where you are going for surgery. But most surgeries for children they let the mom or dad walk the child into surgery. You give your angel a kiss and from behind him they pull out the mask to put him under. True he might struggle but it's literally 2 seconds. When he comes out of surgery the second he stirs the nurse will call you in to be with him. I know it's scary I went through it but the kids remember NOTHING. Best of luck. And peaceful sleep for your son after surgery, he will be a new boy!

A. B.

Hi there,
My 3 and 1/2 year old son just had the surgery in February to remove his tonsils and adenoids. I was very worried, but don't worry it was the right decision. They give him a sedative that makes him sleepy and you get to hold him until he's really relaxed and our doctor just carried him away hugging him with his blanky over his arm. Recovery was long, he woke up real groggy moaning and we had to stay for at least an hour and had him have a popsicle and some medication until we were ready to leave. He took his first silent nap that day, so peaceful. The first week after he had lots of popsicles and said it hurt but my son wouldn't take medicine, so he was just kind of grumpy for a week. His voice instantly changed though which was kind of weird to get used to, it seemed like his voice jumped an octave higher. Best thing I ever did for him though.

My sons ages 7 and 8 both had their tonsils and adenoids out. I expected the same reaction you did, but was really surprised at how brave they were. I told them in detail what each room would have in detail, and what was going to happen there. I brought gameboys, puzzles, books, to keep them busy while we waited. They wanted nothing. They were scared and nervous, but very calm. No sedation was necessary. However, it was available if they needed it. While other children came some, a few needed the sedation, but were fine. I was allowed into the OR with them as they went under. It was hard to watch, but it was nice to be able to talk to them during that time. When they came out of the OR, they were foggy at first, but quickly wanted something to drink. Their throats were alittle sore, but were fine otherwise. The week at home after the procedure was incredible as well. They drank when I asked, and recovered nicely. I saw remarkable improvements with their sleeping and eating habits within the first week, it was incredible! It's been about 2 months now, and both of them are doing wonderful! Sleeping through the night, no more screaming, and I even have to check to see if they are breathing, because they never slept with their mouths closed before. I wish you both the best of luck.

Hi C.,

I had my tonsils taken out when I was 5, so I can give you the perspective from a child's point of view. I was told that, because I always had sore throats, I was going to the hospital and that the doctor was going to wait until I went to sleep & then perform something magical on me so that I wouldn't have the sore throats anymore. And, when I wake up, I'll be allowed to have as much ice cream & jello as I want (something I wasn't allowed normally). My mother also told me that I could also watch anything on tv that I wanted for as long as I wanted (something else that wasn't allowed) and, when I get home, they'll be presents waiting for me. I cannot tell you how excited I was about this. Anyway, I remember that they gave me a needle while I was still in the hospital room, which I assume was a sedative; it was around 8:00 am. The next thing I remember was waking up late at night with a sore throat which I was told would be the last sore throat that I would have. Anyway, this was 40 years ago, so I am sure that things have gotten advanced since then & your child will not sleep all day. Mother's always worry because that's what they're there for, but...rest assured that he'll be fine as it is probably the simplest procedure that could be done on a child. In my day, it was almost a standard procedure to take tonsils out as it was believed that they were the cause of a sore throat. Anyway, insist on the sedative before he goes into OR. They will definitely give it to him if you insist.

Hi C., My 4 year old daughter just had her adnoids removed and tubes put it her ears just 3 weeks ago. I know exactly how you feel. I was soo worried about the anestesia and not being able to be in the operating room. I thought she was going to be so scared when we had to leave the room, and I felt bad for her. They did give her a sedative beforehand, and we were actually aloud to go down into the recovery room before they brought her into the OR. She was really out of it though, and by the time that they had to take her away she barely realized it. The doctor actually carried her into the OR. I was panicked and crying of course and I made the doctor promise me they would take care of my baby. I think the whole thing was worse for me than it was my daughter. I think anytime your child has to go under, its extremely scarey, but I wish you the best, I know exactly how you feel. She was up and playing later that night, and feeling great. Her throat was a little sore, but she had lots of icecream, so she was happy. She was telling everybody she got a new nose and ears LOL. Take Care

Hi C., I understand your worries, all 3 of my kids have had to have surgery. Some had the sedative, some did not, they all responded and recovered differently, each hospital had a different policy (I like when they can have a lovey with them). When they ask you to take them home and you think they are crazy, they aren't. The first time I had a kid in recovery I thought it was too soon to go home, but did as they asked, they were right, she was 100% better once in a familiar environment, with familiar noises and smells. With the next surgery once my son did all that he needed to (pee, drink, etc) I pushed for him to come home...same thing, he improved alot once home. Bottom line, every kid responds differently to medications and recovers differently. What you can control is YOU. Be calm, do not show your nervousness, they can sense it and then they are more nervous too. If you need to, fall apart once they are out. Your reassurance when they wake up will certainly be genuine!

Hi C. -

I went through the same thing with my son right on his 3rd birthday! They had to wait until he was at least 3 so..

They explain things to him as they go to each step, walk him around, he gets to meet the nurses, doctors, see them in the mask (and get to try one himself) so he isnt scared when they put them on, like a field trip kind of thing. You do get to go in when the are using the anatetic, I have to tell you, that was the hardest part for me. Watching him go to "sleep". Then you leave and they start.

In recovery once he is awake they let you come right in. They had a nurse that had the same color hair and cut as mine, so as he was groggy, he thought it was me. His aunt bought him a special toy (dinasor that walked and made noise) that we gave him when we woke up. He got lots of attention cause everyone was coming to see what the noise was when the dinosor squeeked.

The whole proceedure was fine. The tough part is after. He didnt want to swallow the asprin so be prepared to get some of the saposatories. Wasnt pleasant, but it helped him sleep. Sippy cups of water and freeze pops were a big help. Trust me, they dont even remember a few weeks later. You will remember long after they stop!

My son had two such operations. One to put in tubes and a second to take out his adenoids and put in a new set of tubes. He handled like a champ. They do give them a sedative prior to bringing them in. I was allowed into the operating room until they put him under. He actually did better the second time around when he was older. He didn't cry or fight the mask. My advice is to be positive, not show your fears or concerns and let him see it as an adventure. If he knows that you are scared then he will sense this is something to cry about. His recovery was easy. The hardest part was when he woke up and was cold and disoriented. Again, be a comfort and not overly worried. He will do just fine.

Hi C....while I wish you all the luck in the world with your son's issues, I have to ask you what made you take him to the doctors initally and what the steps were to finding out the problem and solution. I have a 4 year old boy who snores rather loudly and is very nasally and is always stuffy. His pediatrican also referred him to an ENT. They apparently didn't think it was his allergies. I don't know if I compeletly agree with that so I'm going to take him to an allergist first and then see where that leads me. Any input you may have will help me tremendously...thanx!

every single time i had ANYTHING done, they gave me the sedative/anesthetic with my mother there (including after i turned 18) and then brought me into the OR. i've had this procedure done, and it was excruciating! not that it made me feel any better, but EVERY dr and nurse told me that if they had done the procedure the 1st time someone suggested it instead of pushing off until the next time (over and over again until i was nearly 19) that i would have come through with so much LESS pain and would have healed SO MUCH FASTER! just think about the fact that they're getting to this NOW and not when he's older and going to suffer....for some reason it just goes smoother the younger you are for something like this. it's definitely for the best, and they will give whatever sedative or anesthetic that they're going to give him while you're there in the "prep room" (not sure of the real name of the room). but good luck, and remember, he'll be fine (though yes, any mother would be worried all about this)