2Year Old Having Tonsilectomy

Patience is all I can say & lots of it. I had 1 child that has this done when she was 2 1/2. The recovery was horrible. She cried & carried on for 2-3 weeks. We felt so bad for her as there was little we could do. She did not like ice & popsicles at the time & they say to stay away from milk products for the first few days. Good luck!

We had ours done at Children's Mercy in KC and they rocked! Sean also had tubes put in at the same time. Here's what happened with us...I took him into the hospital in his Pjs. They immediately took us back for prep where they wanted him in a gown (mine didn't like that so prep yours on this part of the procedure). Now, Children's Mercy had a TON of toys because they are kid based and my son was so interested in playing with them he didn't notice much about the inprocessing. They wanted him on the guerney when they administered the initial drugs but he wasn't too thrilled with it so I ended up rocking with him until the drugs kicked in. At that point they loaded him up on the guerney and took him off to surgery.

They didn't put in the IV until they were in OR because they didn't want him squirming around and he was already pretty out of it by that point anyway. The Doc we had was awesome...I think the surgery took maybe an hour and she was out in the waiting room giving us a progress report and telling us where they were moving him onto a floor.

Once he gets to the floor they will give him all the cold slushes, ice cream, etc. he wants to eat...you need to get him to take the stuff but not go like 60 through it...my son had like 3 icee's in 2 hours and ended up puking (which is NOT good) and they have to STOP puking before they will discharge them they also have to pee & poop before they will discharge them (to make sure the bowels are working properly since they were under anthestic). The goal is for them to keep the stuff down and minimize the swelling before they will discharge. Make sure you get the pain meds BEFORE you leave the hospital. If they don't fill them there or someone can't go pick them up before you leave, ask the Dr. to fill out the Rx BEFORE the surgery so you can go pick it up and have it ready...this was our biggest nightmare as we checked into the hospital at 7am and didn't leave until nearly 9pm...we didn't get home before midnight thanks to the Rx screw up and messing with Walgreens and CVS to get the drugs which at that point he REALLY needed and wanted.

You will rely HEAVILY on the drugs for about the first 72 hours and then start backing off. Take your guy to the grocery store and make it an adventure for him to pick out whatever he wants (popsicles, icees, jello, pudding, applesauce, whatever). ABSOLUTELY NO SODA. Carbonation makes the pain worse...guess it has something to do with the bubbles. Make sure you take whatever lovey or comfort item is your guys favorite thing...he may want you to sleep with him the first night or so... I did with my kiddo because he was in quite a bit of pain the first 2 nights and it was easier to just be on hand and give him the medicine right away so he could go right back to bed. The narcotic WILL knock him out so he will sleep quite a bit the first two days which is actually really good...just keep him hydrated.

Besides from that...welcome to the club...this isn't a procedure they do very often anymore but I tell you it's been a godsend since Sean had his done 2 years ago...we've been sick less, had less sore throats, less allergy effects, and less ear infections. Overall, we're thrilled! I hope things go well with you...if you have any questions or problems feel free to contact me.

Oh, BTW- since we were in a Children's hospital they had all kinds of distracting things for him to do in the room after his surgery (DVDs, Nintendo, coloring books, walkman, etc...you name it). You may want to contact your hospital as to what they will have for your kiddo...it really helped take my son's mind off the pain to have all those different things to do...if yours doesn't offer something like that you may want to take things to keep him occupied.

All I can say is be proactive and positive with your son. Let him know that although he's going to feel bad for a few days he's going to feel so much better in about a week that it'll make the surgery worth it. My son still remembers the surgery and the icees but he says that although it was horrible being in the hospital, he's glad he feels better than he used to. If you're little tyke sees you scared then he will be scared too...put your mom face on, be in charge and be positive. You'll all do great! :)

At three months old my son went in for surgery. I was sooooo nervous. I don't think anything that anyone can say will ease your fears. Unless you have faith in God. And even then our own fears sometimes take over. This surgery is done all the time. I'm sure he will be fine. You'll be feeding him ice cream by Friday evening. Just pray and know that many others are praying for him and you.

God Bless,
L.

M., The information you probably got from your doctor most likely tells you that the worst days are 3 or 4 days after the surgery. This is absolutely true! Make sure you are dilligent about keeping your son drinking on those first few days, because at about day 3 it will become a battle. For some reason the healing process really hurts, after the scabs have formed and the healing has begun. Lots of cold water, popcicls, slushes, whatever!

Good Luck, M.

our son went thru this at age 4 1/2. Here's my one & only regret: we had battled allergies, strep, ear infections for 18 months straight. We did the surgery, symptoms continued, & in the end (months later)....he was allergic to the mold allergens at the daycare. Within 2 weeks of leaving the daycare, all symptoms ended!!! & within another 2 weeks was off ALL meds. So was the surgery really necessary???

In the end, we're just thankful that he's healthy & off meds for 90% of the year (spring & fall mold issues still affect him). & he's only had one round of strep in the last 8 years!

As for the actual surgery/recovery, day 5 & 10 were the most difficult. The recovery period was traumatic for him, he spoke very little for the first week. With your son at age 2, please be prepared to soothe him nonstop. We had lots of special treats available, including new toys & activities stockpiled to help get thru this. At our dr's request, we were pretty much housebound for the duration.

As for words of encouragement, our son had a very positive attitude about the hospital. He was given a pre-op packet which helped immensely in prepping him! Upon arrival, the staff gave him a special hat for surgery & a stuffed bunny which he still has. In fact, when we came home....we actually added an IV to the bunny so he could show everybody what he'd had at the hospital. We also took our camera & took lots of photos, especially in that surgery hat!

Soooo, the actual surgery/hospital stay was a breeze. The team is geared toward providing a safe/pleasant environment for children...even our little bitty, small-town hospital! All invasive procedures (IV, bloodwork, etc) was done after sedation which made the process much smoother. Our son is now 12 & has zero memories of the process. He remembers the bunny & that's it! Good luck & we'll be burning up those prayer lines for you & your little one.

My daughter had hers out at 3 1/2. It was not as painful or bad as we had anticipated. Lots and lots of popsicles and ice cream, scrambled eggs, etc...softthings. The worst day for us was either day 3 or 4 after the surgery when the scabs that formed start coming off. Otherwise she was eating normal in a week and she hardly gets sick now! It was definitely worth it!

Our experience with this wasn't too bad. I think the worst part was actually for ME! They let me come to the recovery room with him when it was over. He was so disoriented and had a hard time breathing (everything inside was swollen). I almost passed out. They had to put me in a wheel chair with cold packs! How embarrassing! It just made me so sad to see him that way, I felt sick. He did good at home though. A lot of ice chips. For this surgery, and whenever they have a vomit issue going on, I freeze pedialyte or gatorade in ice cube trays and crush that for them to suck on. It did seem like it took him a long time before he could eat totally normal. Stick to the soft and easy foods for as long as you can. Keep him hydrated. Our favorite memory of this ordeal is when they gave him the "kiddy cocktail" of drugs to knock him out. He was soooo goofy and so funny as it took effect, then he just crashed. That makes us laugh every time we talk about it. Good luck! You will all do just fine.

My 6 year old daughter had her tonsils removed and it was suprisingly fast. They take it out with lasers now and they cauterize as they go. so there is very little blood and they heal quicker now a days. Ice pops and ice cream are always good, they heal up pretty fast.

I just had my tonsils out last May. I was 26 years old. I told myself that I would never do this to my children, but everyone has told me that children bounce back so much faster. I was sick, ran fever, and lost a lot of weight. I lost the weight, because I couldn't even eat broth, it hurt sooooo bad. I had a difficult time with water. Anthing that went down my throat, hurt. It felt as if my ears were being torn from my throat. That is the best way that I can describe the pain. I was an adult. I have seen children out playing at the park about a week after their surgery. I don't see how a child wouldn't feel the same pain that I felt, but maybe it is because they are still growing. Just remember to give him pain medication. I used Tylenol suppositories, because I couldn't swallow that well. I also would eat only yogurt, if I could get it down. The suppositories worked pretty well, but the first week or two, I had to have a stronger pain medication.

I have had tonsils out when I was young, about 4 and I remember the experience. I also have had a daughter had her tonsils out 2 years ago she was 6, As a mom the biggest fear was her waking her up after the general, she is doing so much better now and her throat hasn't been sore and she doesn't get as sick anymore. You have to just be loving and strong for your little one. The best medicene is ice pops, and lots of cold drinks, and lots of of TLC just sit and hold you baby and watch Elmo:-). Good luck and just know your not alone. C.

My daughter was around 3 years old when she had her tonsils and adenoids removed. I took off 3 days of work expecting her recovery to be a rough one since I had had the same thing done when I was around 11. I ended up going back to work within two days. A couple of hours after I got her home after her surgery she was up and playing just like normal. She never complained about a sore throat or anything. The hardest part is when they take them to recovery and they are starting to come off of the medication. My daughter was combative and it broke my heart to see her like that. I crawled in bed with her and had to help hold her arms down because she was trying to grab at the tubes still attached to her. Children are resilient though...they bounce back much faster than we do. :)

Good Morning M., Your little man will probably come through it all better then you Mama. Children are so resilient, bounce back better then we do.

Jell-o, puddings are soothing to the throat. Ice Cream they said years ago helped keep swelling down, but most kids poo pooed that idea, was to cold. Cool pops( frozen pops) might be better.

At least for a few days don't give him anything that can scratch his throat. Scrambled eggs yogurt's, etc..

When our youngest son was about 18 months old a coat hanger wire in a neighbors yard,was shot from his mower into his chest. they had to put Travis to sleep to reach it, it had hit his rib and slid to under his arm pit.
Several stitches to close the gaping wound. Next morning He was jumping off the Hospital bed and playing on the floor with the Dr. I HURT all over watching him, but he wouldn't stop running and playing.

He had a extra baby tooth found, then removed on his first Dentist visit age 3, it was growing left to right above his two front teeth.(out patient surgery) After that was done I stopped by my step moms to pick up our older son. He ATE a bologna sandwich, chips, oatmeal raisin cookie. ALL fiber stuff. I was cringing and hurting myself. He never flinched, just chowed down.

You just never know how a child will react to things.
They bounce back better then we do that is for sure.

God Bless you all, will keep you in my prayers

K. Nana of 5

My daughter had this when she was 6 and also tubes in her ears at the time. She was fine within a day. She had also had surgery when she was 19months old and it was harder on us then it was on her. I think he will be fine. It is just scary! Hang in there!

I babysat a 2 year old several years ago who had a tonsilectomy. A couple years after that, I had my own done, at age 14. In both cases, the surgery went fine..it was the healing process that was a pain. You can't talk, as any movement in the throat area is uncomfortable, to say the least. I thought I had it made, though, as I was on a milkshake diet...until about day 2 1/2...when the "side effects" of that kicked in. haha The parents of the 2 year old were a bit smarter and stuck to popsicles, yogurt, milk, juices, PediaSure, etc. Just make your lil guy gets lots of TLC, and he should be fine. The worst of it is when the scabs fall off...it's all good after that! :) Hope that helps!

Our son just had his Tonsils & Adenoids out on Halloween...same age as yours. He did really well, but never wanted to take the medicine. We had to slip it into things to get him to take it (that was miserable). I made sure he followed what the doctor said about soft foods, etc. Since, I am a working mother and have to use child care I did follow the doctor on how long to stay home with him. Everything went a lot better than I expected. My best advice is to prepare yourself for the worst and hope for the best and follow all the instructions the doctors give you (especially the fluids - very important). It did take my son a whole 2 months before the scabs went away (but that was due to the fact they had to cut so much tissue out - not a normal situation). Goodluck to you and your little guy! :)

I was 2 1/2 when I had my tonsils out...and all I remember is that I got to eat A LOT of ice-cream and jello!
Recovery for the little ones is much easier than it is when we get older in this surgery. Also, over the years, the techniques have become a lot better...so recovery is much easier. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well your little guy does!
I know, any surgery is scary when it comes to your children, but this one is certainly worthwhile for a child who needs it!

M., My oldest daughter had it done when she was 3 years old. The actual surgery went well for us. However, make sure your child drinks very frequently. My daughter wouldn't eat or drink anything once we got home after the surgery. I was forcing liquid down her with a syringe to get something in her. However, she started hemeraging (sp) & throwing up large amounts of blood. We ended up having to go back to the hospital and go back in for surgery to stop the bleeding. The dr. was going to send her home again and I made them keep her overnight for observation because I was scared of it happening again. Needless to say I'm so glad I did because she ended up getting phneomona (sp) on top of that. Not I'm not telling you this to scare you. Everything ended up ok in the end but just PLEASE make sure your child eats and drinks. I don't know 100% sure that's why we had so many issues but I really think it has a lot to do with it. My daughter is very very stubborn.

Good Luck with everything!

We waited until my son was 3 before removing his T & A. He wouldn't eat or drink the day of the surgery, but by the next day had not problem with anything. Just keep the foods soft...no chips... they could possibly rip the stiches out. That would be painful. My son did have a bowl of cereal the next morning. Going from eatting absolutely nothing (not even ice cream) to cereal, I was impressed. Just keep in mind, your child might know best on this one.

My oldest had one when she was 5...his throat will hurt something aweful but he won't be able to really talk much with out it hurting him to tell you it hurts. Lots of soft foods,like mashed potatoes, jello, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, etc. And lots of TLC from you. We had a tv in our daughters room and she got to watch movies all day for a couple of days. The less he talks the faster he'll heal. Good luck and God Bless.