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Children's health

Preparing 4 yo for tonsillectomy

9 replies

stacysmom · 11/11/2013 10:04

After a disastrous trip to the ENT consultant (DD hiding in corner, having to be restrained to be examined) we have been told she needs to have both adenoids and tonsils removed. She's a very bright 4.9 yo and despite our best efforts at introducing the subject gently and emphasising the positive outcomes she is absolutely terrified at the thought. Can anyone recommend any books to help us prepare together and help explain what's involved? I am going to get the Usborne Going To Hospital book and there is an American one called 'Good-Bye Tonsils!' but it doesn't have great reviews. Has anyone found an alternative or indeed have any wonderful ideas? I could create a tonsil fairy, but I'm not sure that one will get past her anymore.

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Jiltedjohnsjulie · 11/11/2013 20:51

Bribery might work. We bought DS a new toy that he could have after the operation,we also let him sleep in our bed when he got home.

The Usborne book is good and I think Topsy and Tim might do one too Smile

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stacysmom · 11/11/2013 21:52

I predict that bribery is going to feature heavily! She's just got into Star Wars so there's a whole load of avenues to go down there. Funnily enough, I got a Princess Leia doll when I had mine out. I will check out Topsy & Tim too, thanks JJJ.

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Jiltedjohnsjulie · 11/11/2013 22:12

Good luck with the OP. If its any consolation my DS has been like a different child since he had his tonsils out.

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stacysmom · 11/11/2013 22:49

That's really encouraging, thank you. That's the best outcome we're hoping for.

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katharinehepburn · 14/11/2013 21:55

I works suggest you also look at the Royal College of Anaesthetists website. They do some good leaflets for kids about anaesthetics - the age appropriate one is about Reece Bear. (Am an anaesthetist and very used to terrified kids!)

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stacysmom · 15/11/2013 10:08

Thank you so much Katharine - what a wonderful resource. I shall add it to my pile of materials which we'll bring out as and when the mood/questions are right. The consultants' letter arrived yesterday and he mentioned what a challenge the patient is Hmm

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KZNGirl1 · 16/11/2013 12:14

My little boy is having his tonsils out on Wednesday and the hospital has invited us to visit the unit beforehand and talk with one of the play specialists who will explain what will happen and show him around so it's not all so scary. Perhaps your hospital does something similar?

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dreamingbohemian · 16/11/2013 12:20

I had my tonsils out around this age, maybe a little older. I seem to remember nothing really worked to console me and I just screamed my way into the operating room (my poor mum). But afterwards the recovery was not bad at all (lots of ice lollies are good!) and I liked all the cuddling and attention. So in a way, worst case scenario, you may have to just grit your teeth through it, but know that it will be okay afterward.

Also I went from having constant ear and throat infections to literally never having an ear infection again, so I'm really glad I had it done.

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stacysmom · 18/11/2013 11:02

KZNGirl1 that's a great thing your hospital is doing, I will definitely check to see if ours does anything similar.

dreamingbohemian I shall take earplugs, it probably will be loud! It's the sleep apnoea and choking on food which really concerns us. The tonsils are constantly huge.

We seem to have turned a small corner this weekend with her working things out in her own time, although she's still not keen on someone taking out a piece of her, my memories of getting a Princess Leia doll as a present have fired her up a bit and she's very hopeful for a Star Wars toy of her own!

Thank you for all your suggestions.

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