4 Year Old Son Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy Recovery Tips?

I think my daughter was 11 when she had hers out (maybe a little younger - I forget), and it was much harder on her as an older kid with anxiety than I think it would be on a younger child. Since having them out several years ago, she is hardly ever sick - it's amazing. And believe it or not - potato chips. It helps with recovery, oddly enough. Don't wait for pain to set in to give the next dose of pain medicine. Have lots of movies on hand. Lots of fluids. And I bought my daughter special lounge clothes/pajamas - it made her feel special, and because they were fleece sweats, we could go out if she was feeling up to it, but she also could just sleep if she wanted.
Good luck.

stay calm, mama! this is a very standard procedure, he'll be fine.
don't freak out if he comes out of the anesthesia a little wild. both of my boys were screaming banshees as the anesthesia wore off- very distressing for mom! but it's important that you stay calm. (IF it even happens, that is. it probably won't.) they will totally not remember it, and all they'll need is your calm, quiet, reassuring presence while they move through it.
after one minor operation (ear tubes) my older barfed in the car on the way home. might not be a bad idea to put a bucket and some wet wipes in your back seat, just in case.
and the ice cream and freezie pops during the recovery period, not to mention the extra attention and snuggles, will turn this into a no-biggie.
just remember- calm, smiling, strong and confident as you send him in. bawl if you must while he's in (we're human, after all) but then dry your eyes and drape yourself in your Awesome Mama cape when you go into recovery.
you got this!
:) khairete
S.

Our son had tonsils and adenoids out right after his 4th birthday.
It was the best thing we ever did!
His tonsils were not infected but they had swelled up until they were almost an obstruction and were interfering with his breathing, swallowing and sleeping (he snored something awful).
Once they were out - he slept so much better (no more dark circles under his eyes all the time) and since he could eat and sleep he was a lot less cranky and paid better attention in preschool.
They are a little dazed after the surgery.
Stay on top of the pain meds and he'll be fine.
Within a few days they want to jump around and play but you have to keep them from doing that so they heal up properly (about a week) - get lots of his favorite videos.
Follow the instructions they give you for diet - liquids first few days and then soft foods - scrambled eggs, ice-cream, popsicles, etc.
He'll be fine!

Ask the surgeon to give your child "giggle juice" (versaid). It will help him relax and be happy. ALSO ask the doctor if he or she is going to use a gas mask. If so, ask for the IV to be given AFTER the gas mask.. That way your child doesn't know that he or she is having an IV put in.

Ask one mom said, keep on top of the meds. Write it down - set an alarm. You don't want your child to feel desperate about the pain, and I promise you that it will happen if you don't keep on top of it.

The first 3 days are hard, but it gets better after that.

We had an adenoidectomy and tubes, etc. I agree with Suz below - they can come out a little off - but that's pretty typical. Usually just groggy and if they are in pain, they will give them some medication. I find we just comforted them and they were fine.

One of mine threw up his popsicle on way home. We were prepared, they gave us a bucket to take with us. My kids bounced back fine. Recovered much more quickly than I had anticipated. My nephew had a tonsillectomy and it was similar to our experience. Nothing major. Try not to freak out - they take their cues from us. Us moms worry but he will be in good hands. This is very routine for them. Good luck :)

One of my girls had hers out about a month after her 4th birthday. She did fine at the hospital. The nurses were really great with her to make sure she was not afraid. She had a "special" mask that smelled like strawberries that they used to relax her before giving the IV. When she came out, I was waiting for her with a small stuffed elephant. she slept a long time but came out of it fine. She was a bit groggy and wasn't sure where she was. I just reassured her I was right there. At home, she was okay but did have throat pain. Lots of popsicles helped. Night time was the worst for it because when she was't doing something is when it hurt the most. But after a week she was fine. She returned to school right on time (it was done during spring break).

Just stay on top of pain meds. My daughter did fine with it. Came home from surgery and had eggs for lunch. She had small bites of chicken that night and never needed the narcotic. They will act completely fine and feel close to normal, but around day 8, pain will set in again (when the scabs are falling off).

Someone just posted on this yesterday. You could send her a private message if she doesn't see your post on her own: http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/14848676407319789569

Mine had hers out at three.
Tylenol for pain, and cold and/or soft foods for a few days after - popsicles, ice cream. mashed potatoes,. soup.