What to Expect??? (My Son Is Having His Tonsils Removed).

I've heard the younger - the quicker the recovery. My son had it done when he was 6 and that afternoon wanted to eat Fruit Loops! Just keep the COLD fluids going for a day or two and I'll bet your son does just fine.

Just remember - they feed off of your energy, try to be positive. :-)

As a dad of two boys who have already had this procedure along with their adnodes being removed, the same day, eating will be slow. They will be clinging on to you and won't want dad. Give plenty of fluids to help soothe,not coat (no milk). they will also want to sleep, based on their age (mine were 3)almost all day. let them, they will need plenty of recooperation. Don't worry they will be fine.

M.,
Hello, my son had his tonsils out when he was 17months old. He was the youngest they had ever done. He had sleep apnea and enlarged tonsils.
We spent 3 days in the hospital, but only because he was so young.
The most important thing to know is that the medicine is needed after surgery. the pain medicine will help him to eat and drink, which is key to him feeling better.
If you let him go with out it, it will only make him feel worse and take longer to get better.
Offer popsicles, ice, icee, ice cream, jello, what ever he wants for the first few days. Just make sure there is no RED, it makes it difficult to tell if there is bleeding. No sharp foods, pizza, pretzels, toast with crust. Lots of soft stuff.
Something that really works well is an ice pack on his throat, that makes them feel alot better.
Depending on his age, he will go home a couple hours after surgery and probably be back at school in a week or so, depending on his doctor.
Good Luck,
It is scary, but they usually do pretty well.
K.

Two of my three boys had their tonsils and adenoids out when they were just 18 months old. My oldest had complications so he had to stay for awhile but my youngest came home within hours of surgery. They just want to be sure they eat a little something (popsicles) and pee before they leave to make sure there are no complications from the anestesia. Neither of my boys really needed any pain meds and were back to their old selves within a few days of leaving the hospital. I wouldn't worry about it. The more at ease you are with the proceedure the quicker your little one will recover. Have lots of movies ready and some video games or coloring if he likes as well as clear cold liquids and plenty of popcicles. Anything to keep him calm, quiet and entertained for a few days. You can probably safely start solid foods again the day after surgery. Let your little one guide you as to what sounds good so his appetite will come back quicker. Good luck and God bless - S.

We did this last year. My son wanted to hunt easter eggs the next morning! Doc gave him Codeine but I only gave it to him when he asked for it (4 times I think)...then just tylenol. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT go back with him during anesthesia if you are given the option (seriously...even if you are a nurse...you are a mommy first and it's tough) My son was sitting up talking to the nurses when we went back to see him post op.

I, on the other hand, had mine out at 28...it took two solid weeks of heavy painkillers and then the oh so wonderful detox from those painkillers! It was horribly painful! My point is that you are doing him a favor by doing this early. It's not that bad, I promise!!!

~L.

Expect pain when swallowing. Expect plenty of liquids, ice,...no not ice, but those flavored icy sticks. Or popsicles.

If you use alternative products, get some colloidal silver spray for the throat. Otherwise Chloaspetic spray.

Hi M.,

My daughter had her tonsils out when she just turned 4. My kids have gotten colds that went immediately to their ears and throats. After many tubes and adenoids removed, they removed her tonsils. She snored since she was a baby and not longer does. She does not get as many ear infections or throat infections either. I had my tonsils out at the age of 30 and what a difference for me. I did not get as sick as much and didn't need to miss work or go to the doctor as often. I wish they had done this when I was a kid. Swollen tonsils have got to be the worst feeling. I think I would rather have had strep throat.

Anyway, the healing process is slow. The first few days is not so bad. When it is healing, the throat will look white. That means it is healing. After the 3rd or 4th day, the worst pain will occur. They need lots of snuggling and comforting since they do not feel well. Figure a week to 10 days to be back to normal.

The hospitals are absolutely wonderful with kids. They handle them well. I think it is tougher for the parents. The first time I had to hand my older son over for his first set of tubes, I cried. It was the first time he was not really with me. The procedure was done in less than 15 minutes and I hardly had time to go to the bathroom or get a cup of coffee before he was done. I remember the tonsils taking a little longer but not much. I don' think I finished one suduko puzzle while she was gone.

I hope that all these responses put you more at ease. If you are calm, your son will be calm. Good luck to you.\
K. B.

The best I can tell you is that this is going to be harder on you than it will on him. Get ready to keep a stiff upper lip as they say. He will bounce back quickly, but the whole time you will be feeling guilty for any pain!

I'll never forget when I had to have my son have surgery for something. I thought I would die of guilt for putting him through it! But, it was necessary and he doesn't even remember! God has a way of looking out for the children that way!

S.

My daughter had hers out when she was 5, she was scared when she woke up but we were there and she was fine, i had had mine out 2 weeks befor her and i didnt eat for 3 weeks her on the other hand was eating in no time she was back to school in just a few days if i were you get it sone on a friday(less time off school) or thursday.

Hi M.,

After months of enlarged tonsils and a non-stop case of strep throat, we had my son's tonsils and adnoids taken out this summer. He was almost 3 at the time.

Our ENT operated at Children's Hospital - and they are wonderful with kids there... and parents.

They started us in a pre-op area where a thousand nurses and doctors took his temp and asked us the same questions. Then, we changed him into his hospital jammies, I put on a hairnet and cloak and walked him into the operating room. They let me stay while they gave him laughing gas and then the anastesia (I'm sure I spelled that wrong!) to put him under.

It was REALLY weird watching him go under and then having to leave him alone in the room full of strangers. So, be ready for that!

He woke up very groggy and confused and didn't want to talk much the first day. We stayed the night because he's young and they wanted to watch for bleeding through the night.

He was hooked up to IVs while we were there, so it was a little difficult getting him to the potty and keeping him comfortable in his bed. AND - since it was just a stay-over for observation, we really didn't have our own room, there was just a curtain seperating us from the nurses station and the 15 other kids and their parents in the same area. So, we didn't have a great, restful night. (So, I hope you don't have to spend the night!)

Expect your son's voice to be very different for the first few weeks - you'll miss HIS voice. But, it will come back.

Also, expect him to get sick of ice cream and popsicles by the third day - hard to believe, but he will! We did chilled applesauce, jello, flavor-ice and frozen Gogurts to break it up.

We didn't have school to contend with, but you'll probably not feel he's ready to go back for at least a week. It took our son about 5 days to sleep all the way through the night without waking up with a dry sore throat. It's kinda like having a newborn back for a week!

On the good side, expect no more snoring and restless sleeping. If your son is like mine, his tonsils were preventing him from getting decent sleep.

Our little guy gets in a full, quality night of rest every day and we can tell that he's happier and more energized throughout the day.

Good luck!

Two things I haven't seen in the advice column yet - your child might vomit thick blood sometime within the first day of the operation - this is perfectly normal.

A VERY IMPORTANT TIP we learned the hard way. Your child is used to having those big tonsils blocking his throat, so watch him carefully when he gets back on solid food and NO CHEWING GUM until you are absolutely certain he is used to the tonsils being gone - serious choking hazard. Good Luck.

M.

After reading some of the (well-meaning) responses, you may be more nervous at all the possible 'ways' the procedure could go. I think I responded to your original question and suggested trying to get rid of dairy to see if it helps reduce the size of his tonsils. I also said we had to get my son's out when he was 5.
I will tell you that while I was a nervous wreck, everything went fine. I believe that the "differences" in how this procedure goes from child-to-child, is based on the way the surgeon performs/stops the bleeding. Some use cautery (i have NO idea if i spelled that right)and that can be done at higher or lowere temperatures, some use a "sealant"/glue, some old-timers have actually just let them bleed/clot naturally! Every surgeon has his preference, and every one of those methods will result in a different procedure/recovery. Even the the "number" the cautery-surgeons set the dial at can make a difference. Age of child also matters, and the younger is 'typically' the better/easier recovery. I had mine out at 23 and would rather recover from chidbirth!!!
Ask your surgeon what procedure he prefers and tell him you are concerned (obviously) about his recovery. My son had a cautery surgeon (left the setting low) and was eating scrambled eggs when he got home that day.
A couple things to keep in mind...
Nighttime is the worst part of recovery because his mouth will get dry and the pain will wake him. I had my son sleep in my room and kept a large cup of ice chips in the room, along with his liquid tylenol prescription. i just knew that it was something we had to get through each time he woke (1-2 times a night). Also, remember that the pain-killer may make him feel nauseous. Keeping food (if possible) in his tummy will help. If possible, make sure he has something more than popsicles.
I'm sure he will be fine. You've exhausted every option and researched the "opinions". So pray on it and then "Let go, let God" :)

The hardest part for me was when I carried her to the room where the surgery was performed(she wanted me to go with her she was terrified so I did. WOW that was so hard to see them put her to sleep she looked so sad!Then they quickly walked me out of the room I was crying my head off.
Im a big baby I know but heres the great thing...2 days after the surgery she was back to her normal self..the first day was rough they sent us home a few hours after surgery she got sick(made it to the toilet)but pretty much that was it she was very sleepy still. Posicles mushed up with sprite helped her alot along with her favorite rainbow sherbert.Keep up with the pain meds and everything will be fine and dont worry its normal to be scared Just be prepared to cuddle until recovery.Best of Luck
P.S Our disney trip was 2 weeks later, there where no problems!!

I had mine out at the age of 26 and I was in a lot of pain for a week. I ate a lot of soft things (scrambled eggs with cheese, etc.) and was told to avoid ice cream, because of the milk content possibly contributing to extra mucous (bummer!). I did throw up once the first day home, and there was blood in the vomit. They hadn't mentioned this, so we called the doctor. They said it was common for some blood to go down the throat into the stomach during the procedure, and usually you throw it up rather than digest it. Don't know why they didn't tell us this beforehand to avoid a panicked call to the doctor. You may want to ask what to expect in terms of things like that.

By the second week I was resuming normal activity for the most part, but still wasn't feeling 100% and was still taking some pain medication.

I've heard that it's worse for adults, so I would think you could expect your child to bounce back sooner. I was also very nervous, but I really didn't have any complications, and it's a lot "easier" on a child than an adult, for whatever reason.

Hi M.,
I really wouldn't worry about the surgery but can't blame you to be worried. I'm also a big worrier:) My son had his tonsils & adnoids removed at the same time when he was 5 years old. We had the surgery done on a Friday so that way he had the weekend to recooperate so he only missed one day of school. Of course after they won't be able to talk but keep the jello, soup broths, juices,....handy especially that first couple of days cause he won't be able to eat much of anything else. Hope this helps:)
Take Care!
M.

Hi M. - I'm pretty sure that I responded to your original question, so here's my two cents on this questions. First, two of my sons have had their tonsils removed and the recovery was complete opposite for both. When our oldest had his removed, he was 5. The procedure went well, doctor was pleased. He came home and we immediately noticed no more snoring. He ate popsicles and actually played later in the evening. He needed no pain meds whatsoever and acted as if never had his tonsils out. We were amazed. The procedure was done on a Thursday, and so he missed Thurs and Fri school.

Our second son's recovery was completely opposite. He was 2 when the procedure was done and we immediately noticed a change in the snoring, but his voice was also quite odd. His tonsils were stage 4 size, so quite large - the tonsils were so large they had affected his speech. Anyways, he moped around for about 10 days - he just didn't seem himself. He was on Tylenol for that long and just when we thought about taking him back to the doctor he was fine. I did speak with the doctor and was told that every child is different and that his recovery was pretty much normal. His surgery was on Thursday as well and he missed Thursday and Friday childcare, went back on Monday and we thought that was probably pushing it.

Every child is different, but I will tell you that you will be amazed at how much better your child will feel and he won't be sick all of the time anymore either!

Good luck! K.

My son got his removed when he was about 7. During the procedure he did swallow alot of blood, which upset his stomach so the poor thing threw up in recovery...and since it was blood...he panicked! The poor baby said "OMG I'm dying!" It about broke my heart! But he was all loopy from the anestesia and didn't feel good, so he doesn't even remember that. They told me that most kids get released within a few hours, once they go to the bathroom, and eat a little something. Since my son was throwing up, he got to stay the night.
Have plenty of popsicles on hand (no red ones...you want to know if he is bleeding).
Soft foods, like mashed potatoes, pudding, yogurt, soggy cereal, smoothies, etc.
It took about a week or so to heal...you'll be able to see "scabs" in his throat.
We got it done on a Friday...and If I remember right, he was back to school by Wednesday.

my daughter was eight when she had her done and they say one in ten heal slow like a adult she was the one in ten not to scare you it was along recoverey forher trying to keep her laying down was a pice of work the doctor on the other hand were great we went with mid michigan ent they called once a day to check on her great group once she started to eat and drink for me she started to get better i think she was of school for about four days total good like hope all gose well

Hi M.!
My son has his out when he was in 1st grade (2yrs ago). He was very groggy coming out of anesthesia and all he wanted to do was drink. So, what went in, came back up! Poor thing. He was off school at least a week/week and a half. The 1st couple days were tough but mostly on me. He pretty much stayed on the couch and I gave him Motrin around the clock. He ate mac and cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner as it felt really good. They also told us no red colored food for the first couple of days so we would be able to tell if he was bleeding. He had another rough spot around day 5ish when the scabs fell off. His voice was really high but this did not last. I was SO nervous about this entire procedure but he has not had strep throat since. Just give him lots of love, cold food and you will be fine. IF you have any questions, please let me know...L.

I like another mom had metioned took it really bad after walking out of the surgical room. I wasn't prepared for what i had seen. Both of my daughters had their tonsils and adenoids taken out in April so i had double the work. The ent told me it would be easier having them done together since I was already taking care of the one. We started off the morning of the surgery going 2 hours before the first surgery. They took the girls vitals and had them get in their gowns. I walked back with my youngest and as i said it was horrible walking away from my baby girl. But i put it in Gods hands that she would be okay. I was told that after the surgery i would beable to see her in recovery, but it was 45 mins after surgery when they brought her back to her room that i got to see her. Her first question to me was "Did i get my tonsils out" and the second was "how is my sister?" It was so cute but she looked horrible. Their voices change also she sounded so squeaky. I don't know if it because shes younger but it was 1 1/2 days before she went to the bathroom or really ate anything she just continued throwing up. My older daughter didn't eat much but she was doing as expected just having surgery. After about 4 hours at the hospital they let the girl go home. As for the school i kept them home for a week. and kept them out of gym for 2 weeks just so that they weren't jumping around. Lots of popsicles, applesause. Good luck

Hi M.

I was exactly in your shoes last year at this time. My son was a month shy of 4 years old and had his tonsils removed.

The first day he was groggy and threw up once from the anethesia. He was sore and groggy and in pain for a week. We stocked up on Yougurt (Gogurt) as they impressed on us how important it was to get him to eat and stay hydrated. My son didn't want to eat or drink - we would put the gogurt in his mouth and just squeeze it quickly to get some food in him. We also stocked up on popsicles and made smoothies.

Within 3-4 days, you'll notice your son's throat has white patches or stripes on it - I was told to expect it but it was weird to see. It's healing and right on track.

Let me tell you, M. - having them removed has changed his life for the better. He sleeps GREAT now and doesn't struggle and avoid certain foods that are hard to swallow. It's been an incredible transformation.

If you have ANY OTHER questions - don't hesitate to email me - okay?

It'll be a hard week - 10 days - but well worth it. Stock up on movies and snuggle in with him.

A.

My son had his out when he was about 6, it was outpatient at Motts/UofM.
Jacob was fine really... the hardest thing was watching him go under the anethesia in the OR. Have the doc explain that to you.. or the anethesiologist. It'll be easier if you know what to expect prior. The procedure didn't take to long and they came and got us when he woke up in the PACU. They gave him morophine <which he now hates and refused for his 5th surgery> and popsicles <which went over much better than the morophine>.
He had to chill in the PACU and couldn't leave until he peed. He finally left, where given some peripads in case he threw up <which he didn't> and encouraged him to eat something substantial, like a hamburger. He ate a happy meal from Wendy's.
He was prescribed a painkiller called Capital with Codiene. He did very well on that and was back to himself in about a week.
They will also tell you, no red foods, red pop, red anything.
We also proped him up in bed to sleep so if he did throw up, he wouldn't make himself sicker by aspirating.

Good luck!