My Boy Goes in for Surgery Tomorrow

[M.D. Holloway]

I have been told that it is no big deal, but I am still getting a bit nervous. Max is going in for an Adenoidectomy tomorrow. I have read about the procedure and it looks so easy I think I could do it in the gargage!

This is the first time he has ever been put under - can't stop thinking about that. The wifes been snappy so I know she is a little stressed as well.

Just think, some little guy in Texas is going to have a pretty sore throut for the Super Bowl. Anyway, I'm sure all will be fine, right?

[mattdavis11]

He'll do fine. Prayers of comfort are with you and your family during these rough times. If he's a Cowboys (aka. Clownboys) fan, be glad he won't have need to yell at the tv. May a speedy recovery ensue.

[VINMAN]

It's normal to be nervous. especially when your child is involved. dont worry, things will go well.!

[kach22i]

Seems to be no big deal from what little web research I've just done. Even more simple than getting Tonsilles out.

Found this:

http://www.entcolumbia.org/t-aproc.htm
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy


Preparing for Surgery

For at least two weeks before surgical procedures, children should refrain from taking NSAIDs such as Motrin or Advil. These may cause post-operative bleeding.

If your child or family has had any problems with anesthesia, the surgeon should be informed. If your child is taking any other medications, has sickle cell anemia, has a bleeding disorder, is pregnant, has concerns about the transfusion of blood, or has used steroids in the past year, the surgeon should be informed.

* Blood testing is not routinely done in children before surgery unless there are special medical circumstances.
* Generally, after midnight prior to the operation, no food or liquids may be taken by mouth, including chewing gum, mouthwashes, throat lozenges, toothpaste, water. Anything in the stomach may be vomited when anesthesia is induced, and this is dangerous. Depending on the age of your child, a clear liquid such as water or apple juice may be taken until 4 am. A nurse from the hospital will call the night before surgery to go over these guidelines.


Talking to Your Child about Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Talk to your child about his/her feelings and provide strong reassurance and support throughout the process. Encourage the idea that the procedure will make him/her healthier. Be with your child as much as possible before and after the surgery. Tell him/her to expect a sore throat after surgery. Reassure your child that the operation does not remove any important parts of the body, and that he/she will not look any different afterward. If your child has a friend who has had this surgery, it may be helpful to talk about it with that friend.

The Day of Surgery

When your child arrives, the anesthesiologist or nursing staff will meet with your family to review the patient's history. Your child and one or both parents will then be taken to the operating room, and your child will be given an anesthetic. Intravenous fluids are usually given during and after surgery.

After the operation, your child will be taken to the recovery area and you will join your child shortly thereafter. Recovery room staff will observe your child until discharged. Every patient is special, and recovery times vary for each individual. Many patients are released after 2–6 hours. Others are kept overnight. Intensive care may be needed for select cases.

We will provide you with the details of pre-operative and postoperative care and answer any questions you may have.
After Tonsillectomy or Adenoidectomy

There are several postoperative symptoms that may arise. These include (but are not limited to) swallowing problems, vomiting, fever, throat pain, and ear pain. Occasionally, bleeding may occur after surgery. This may be a life threatening problem and your surgeon should be notified immediately.

[Oh Haha]

My boy is having the ear tubes on Feb. 24.
I am not too worried about it as it is a routine procedure. If I think too much about it, I will let it get to me.

Hope and prayers for your son's speedy recovery.
Wayne

[Superman]

He'll be fine, Mike. And just to make sure, he'll be in my prayers.

[azasadny]

Make sure he gets his ice cream after the surgery!! He'll be fine!!

[speeder]

Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as well, what a month you've had!

Look at it this way: How great is it that you have something on this earth that you love and care about that much as your family? I'm confident that all will be fine.

[Peter T.]

My wife works pediatrics at the Outpatient Surgery Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I asked for her guidance and got the following -

Questions to ask your doctor:

Will they provide an anti-emetic drug during surgery or post surgery to prevent vomiting?

Can your son get pre-medication to relax him in pre-op? (Based on his age)

Ask to be with your son as he is put under with the anesthetic.

Can the IV be started once your son is asleep? (reduces trauma for younger patients)

Take his favorite toy/blanket or comfort item(s) with you to the hospital.

Post surgery your son will likely still be under the influence of the anesthetic and should be allowed to sleep for as long as possible. Do not disturb him as it takes time to wear off.

When younger patients (ages 2-7) come out from under the influence of the anesthetic there is a possibility they will suffer from emergence delirium, which results in irrational behavior. This is normal and will subside in time. Don't be alarmed by their seemingly bizarre behaviour.

When discharged, have puke basins and Kleenex for the ride home

Soft diet for at least 3 days – fruit, soup, ice cream...

No citrus juices – irritates the throat. Also no milk for 24 hours – causes vomiting.

Spittle with blood no big deal, but watch for bright red/heavy bleeding

Take Tylenol for pain.. do not take meds on empty stomach... should go home with an Rx for antibiotics
Lots of Popsicles and ice cream at home. His throat will be sore for several days, and cold items will alleviate pain.

Hope this helps you guys. Keep us posted on his progress.

[North Coast Cab]

Be positive my man. They handle issues like this today as quickly and easily as they change the oil in your car. I've been through over 15 surgeries with my sone who is now 7 and you learn to be positive, have faith and be strong. If you're comfortable with the hospital and the doctor, all you can do is hope and pray. You're in our thoughts! Remember, he's the one dealing with this not you, so think about how he feels and not how you feel. Please make sure to post afterwards.

John

[JavaBrewer]

Yeah Mike let us all know how he does. I'm sure it will all be fine. I had mine out at 14 and was back in school in 2 days. Let him know that we're thinking of him in wishing him the best.

[speeder]

Please forgive my ignorance folks, but what exactly are the adenoids and how do they relate to the tonsils, etc..? TIA.

[M.D. Holloway]

From waht I understand, they are like the tonsils in that for the first few years of life they help the immune system but as you get older they have the potential to swell and harbor infections. They are located right behind the uvula (sp) which is that the danglly thing in your throut that you see in cartoons when they show you someone yelling. The adenoids are located in the passge that jouins your nasel passge to the throut. In Maxes case, they are enlarged and won't shrink down so they are inhibiting his breathing - makes him has sleep apneia (sp) and also makes him snore like a bear!

[Rot 911]

Damn, what a timely thread! My little 4 year daughter goes in next Thursday for the tonsils and adenoids. Thanks for all the good info!

[djmcmath]

Wow, rough couple of weeks for ya, eh Lube? I'll just keep praying, I suppose. This one should be easy, though.

[dtw]

God Bless, Lube. I'll pray for a smooth procedure and a speedy recovery featuring loads of ice-cream ...

[cstreit]

Good luck lube77. I'm sure it will be fine. I'll be anxious during my sons first haircut, let alone ANY surgery. Sounds like it's straight-forward though. Let us know how it goes!

[RoninLB]

I don't trust hospitals. They screw up the meds, maybe continuing with original when the Doc changed them + +.

best shot is to actively read and manage everything.

[magilla]

I had a tube put in and adnoids removed when I was around 9. No pain, and it was pretty quick recovery.

My 15 month old is likely going to get 2 tubes on 22 Feb. I am very nervous, even though I have been through it without issue.

Good luck, and let know how it goes. Hopefully you can allay others' fears.

[Mike(dat's me)]

I have already had that procedure done. It's cake.

I have also been put under several times... no worries, it will be fine.