My 4yr.old son just had an adenotonsillectomy...any post-op advice?

Kristi - posted on 03/22/2009

Quoting Shanie:

How is he doing so far?  My son is set to have that in April and they want to do tubes in his ears, adnoids and tonsils removed.  They said that with the laser surgery, it is much easier recovery now (then it was when my 12 year old had it) and that everything being done at once is OK.  Do you agree?  Is he in horrible pain? 

 

I have been surprised at how well he is doing. Day 2 was the worst, and the doctor said it may be a little worse in a few days when the scabs start to come off.  But overall it has been going really well.  The pain is worst in the mornings, but someone recommended I use a cool mist vaporizor at night.  I did last night, and he seemed much better this morning.  I would recommend waking him up at medicine time, instead of waiting until he wakes up to give it to him.  As for the type of surgery: I've heard that you shouldn't worry so much about which type of surgery, only that the surgeon is very experienced and comfortable with the type that he chooses to perform.  The tubes is a minor procedure with very little pain, but you do have to go under anesthesia, so I would say it would be best to do them at the same time as the tonsils and adenoids.  My neice and nephew had there's done on the same day a few weeks ago, and they went to school the next day.  But my sister-in-law said that her 18 month old didn't do too well w/coming off  the anesthesia.  For me that was the ABSOLUTELY WORST PART of this whole thing.  The nurse warned me that I might 'freak out' when I first saw him, and even though she warned me I still was taken aback b/c he seemed so helpless and so not himself.  The first 30 min. were the worst b/c he didn't know where he was, why he was hurting, etc. but then he took a nap and he hasn't cried since. Good luck with yours! I will be praying for him and you!

Kristi - posted on 03/22/2009

Thanks for all the posts!  I have already realized that giving the pain medicine a little earlier has helped alot. I've been giving it to him a slightly smaller dose everyone 5 hours, instead of six.  It is tylenol w/codeine...no problems yet but I'll be sure to add extra fiber in his diet.  Thx. for that advice, i didn't know codeine could cause constipation.  I will say that it has really helped with the pain & fever, and hasn't made him too drowsy.  But it must taste awful b/c he hates taking it, it has been a battle a few times esp. if he is really hurting.  Our doctor said that he could pretty much eat anything that he feels up to., just for me to use my best judgement on really crunchy foods.  The first day he got into a bag of popcorn but only got one bite in before I caught him.  He also ate a piece of pizza on the night of day 1.  Days 2 & 3 were the toughest to get him to eat or drink (day 2 esp.). Today is day 4 and he has had cereal, strawberries, and potato chips - I just told him he had to chew them until they were 'super soft'.  He's doing incredibly well in my opinion.  He's a tough little guy!

Michele - posted on 03/22/2009

I have been through this twice with both my sons and getting ready for my daughters turn. The recovery actually is not that bad. As mentioned below the biggest thing is to keep him plenty hydrated and watch the scab in the throat. Also with the pain meds, I don't know what your doctor put your son on, but if it is condine, just be careful. It can be very constipating for a child and cause a whole new set of problems there. I didn't know this the first time and my son ended up with a horrible stomach ache that I couldn't seem to fix with just fluids. Hope all goes well and he gets better soon! :)

Shanie - posted on 03/22/2009

How is he doing so far?  My son is set to have that in April and they want to do tubes in his ears, adnoids and tonsils removed.  They said that with the laser surgery, it is much easier recovery now (then it was when my 12 year old had it) and that everything being done at once is OK.  Do you agree?  Is he in horrible pain? 

Anne - posted on 03/22/2009

Our daughter had just the adenoids removed when she had tubs inserted in her ears, about the only thing I could add is maybe popsicles would help also. I too will be Praying for your son and for you.

Kimberly - posted on 03/22/2009

My son had the same thing when he was 5.  The most important thing is making sure he is drinking plenty of fluids.  If he has pain medication, make sure he gets his next dose before the pain returns to full strength(within Dr. prescribed guidelines, of course.).  It will take less medicine if the pain isn't full blown when he recieves it.  Also, make sure he doesn't sneak off with food before his doctor says he can.  The biggest post-op complication is bleeding because the child snuck something to eat and it removed the scabbing from the surgical site in the back of the throat.  This can be VERY DANGEROUS!!!  As long as he is getting plenty of fluids (chicken broth is great, too) don't be overly concerned if it takes a week before he eats solid foods.  It was seven days before my son ate a solid bite of anything.  Good luck and I am sure all will go well!!  I will pray for a speedy recovery for him!!!