Getting stressed about dd's up coming operation to remove tonsils and adenoids

[Bomper]

What should I expect/be prepared for? Any advice greatly received.

[runnervt]

Ds1 had this done a few months ago it was fine. One thing I wasn't prepared for was that he was more sore in the second week post-op. He was fine in the first week.

[Bomper]

Really?! Bit of a bummer having it done in the summer hols, don't know what I'll do with other two dc's!!

[Elibean]

How old is she? dd2 had hers out in january, aged 2.5. Best thing we ever did for her

There are loads of threads dating from around then, with tips and advice, if you do a search you'll get heaps more - but meantime:

Take change of clothes for you, and her, into hospital. She may throw up after coming round, and will get hot and sweaty even if not, so fresh t-shirts good idea. Also, some drinks and snacks for you, and for her - they recommend toast, crips, 'rough' foods rather than ice cream these days - promotes healing. Though dd did have a lot of ice lollies as her throat was soo sore, and at least it hydrated her.

Do stay on top of pain relief for at least a week, if not 10 days, post-op...some kids have more pain than others, but its best not to let pain get the upper hand, iyswim, or they won't swallow the next spoonful of calpol/nurofen. dd did have a lot of pain, and we needed paracetamol suppositories as she wouldnt' swallow a thing some days.

Lots more I could say, but am so sleepy that I can't remember or type straight - will try and come back with more tomorrow! When is her op?

[Bomper]

DD is 9, her op is on 12th August. I am going to be rubbish as I just get so upset about things like this. What will her first night be like? Would it be worth having her in with me? She is so little (always been small for her age) and not very robust, not looking forward to this!!

[Bomper]

Thanks. I know, I must stay calm!! Will take heed of all your advice!!

[Elibean]

totally understand the worry beforehand, I was petrified (dd was very thin, and most of that was from not being able to eat properly with huge tonsils). Honestly, the worrying beforehand is far far worse than coping with the reality - though of course its hard handing them over, when they go to theatre. Try and have someone with you, go for coffee/cake while she's in surgery even if its for ten minutes...passes the time.

I had dd in with me for the first few nights, and gave pain relief every four hours round the clock. She needed it, so woke anyway - others don't, it does vary.

Lots of DVDs, lots of TV, and sips of water...no juice, esp. orange, it will burn. Do expect pain to get worse again after a few days (5-7 post op) as the scabs fall off (ugh, I know, but its good!) and don't ease off on pain meds till you're past that stage...she may have ear pain at the same time, thats normal. If she develops a fever, or bleeds, contact the ward or go back to A&E: its rare, but infection or small bleeds can happen.

Take a book to read to her post-op in hospital, even if its for an hour or two (dd was in HDU for a night, as she was so little and had a floppy larynx which made her high risk for anaesthesia) or a comic...though she may not feel like it, she might want distracting. Loads of kids are up and about within a v short time, but make sure she rests and doesn't do anything to active for a few days, while the wounds heal - helps minimize risk of bleeds/infection.

Thats all the things to look out for, but honestly - you'll cope with it beautifully when it happens. Take it an hour at a time (like she will - kids are great at living in the moment!) and come back here to be reminded what a good mum you are for helping her improve her quality of life. Its made a huge difference to dd, am sure it will for yours

[Bomper]

Thanks so much for all your helpful advice/links and words of encouragement. We went for a pre-operation assessment this afternoon which seems to have calmed Dd down a lot (which in turn has calmed me down too!!) She has been told that as long as she is eating and drinking she will be allowed home the same day, so she told me she will eat even if it's agony!!!!

[Elibean]

Good

We felt better after the pre-op apt too - the nurse was lovely, and very informative. Good luck with the op, let us know how it all goes!