2 Year Old with down Who Won't Eat After Surgery

Hi B.,

While I don't have specific advice on your son's lack of food intake post-surgery... I did want to write and say I have a Down syndrome son so I can relate to your frustration and concerns in that regard. I do want to tell you that you should post your questions/concerns to the NADS website's discussion board (www.NADS.org). The parents who use that site are very helpful and it's likely someone will be going through this as well and can help you. Another place to turn is Gigi's playhouse, a resource center for DS. They opened one in Chicago...I don't know where exactly (www.gigisplayhouse.com). Good luck! S.

I don't have experience with Down's children or with the surgery you mentioned, but couldn't help mentioning a food idea that works with my sometimes picky 2 year-old. We make smoothies in a blender, to which you can add everything he likes (fruit, yogurt, juice) and maybe add a couple extra things to get more nutrition into him- like small amounts of spinach or carrots that he won't even notice is there, or even a powdered vitamin (Shaklee makes an infant/toddler one- you can get it through me if you don't know anyone who sells Shaklee). Also, have you thought of trying juicing? My son loves a combo of carrot/apple/lemon put through a juicer, if you have one.
I wish you the best in his recovery!

Dear B.,

My daughter's adenoids and tonsils were so big that she would not eat, only drink. She was not thriving. I took her to a specialist and we decided that once she made 20 lbs she would have the surgery. It took nearly a year and by her third birthday she was 20 lbs. We had the surgery. It was a rough but not rougher than it had been. She was scared to eat I think because she was afraid of choking. Anyway, it took a few months but she gained 10 lbs in 6 months. At 6 years, she is still not a good eater but I have lightened a bit. She is very healthy and never sick. She eats what she likes. I would feed him whatever he likes, ice cream, yogurt, etc. I made sure to give her the liquid vitamins in her milkshake. He will start to eat other things when he is more comfortable. I am sure he is still sore. He will be back to normal in no time. Kids heal so much faster that adults. I know a 60 year old man that had the t & a surgery and he was not right for months. It was the best thing we could have done for her. Good luck! He will be fine. Give him some time and then consult the doctor. Did your son have his surgery at Loyola? That is where we did.

Has he ever had a scope? Does he have food allergies? is that why he had adenoids and tonsils removed? I am wondering if he has Eosnophilic Esophagitis? Doe she have GERD too?
Please call the dr and tell them about all the new adversions. Good luck
J.

Hello,

I have a 2 year old with Down Syndrom also. She was having some eating issues a while back and through Early Intervention a Nutritionist came out completed an evaluation and gave some suggestions. It might be a good idea to get their advice. Let me know if you need any contact info!

Good luck!
P.

Hi B.,
I also have a child with Down syndrome(almost 8 yrs old) and he had tonsils and adnoids removed at age two also. I remember hearing and experienceing that days 6 and 7 are the worst when it comes to recovery. Our ENT told us to expect the worst days to be around that time. Maybe he is still just healing. Hopefully:) Sorry not a lot of help, just wanted to share our experience. Good Luck