4 Year Old's Tonsillectomy

Her throat might just be drying out from lack of swallowing while she sleeps. Have her sip water when she wakes up in the night.

This is the approximate time the scabs fall off, and the 2nd most dangerous time for bleeding. As the scabs come off, she will still have quite a sore throat. But should continue to get better now.

Hi Racheal,
Has the Dr seen her since she she started this not just the follow up,but another time since the operation,if not take her back to the DR againn to ease yoir mind there ,then you'll know the lil seety just liked being spoiked for that week but dont we all
L.

My 8 year old just had the same thing on June 9th. Nine days later he was still saying it hurt and I was giving him the medicine for pain every 4 hours. I called to get his refill and the pharmacist told me that I shouldn't need the refill yet. That was too much medicine for a 8 year old. The Dr. Said give it to him if he needs it. Well I told my son that he was taking to much medicine and the Pharmacist said it was dangerous for him to be taking it so much. After I told him that and also that the medicine was addictive (Hydrocodone) he never took it again. So he went from crying when he woke up to being just fine. Later I found out that he liked taking the pain med. because it made him sleepy. So between all the attention and the medicine, he was making it last as long as possible for the attention. That's my experience just a coulple of weeks ago. Just remember that every childs pain tolorance level is different so just because my son was faking it your daughter may still be in pain. It's a hard spot to be in. Good luck

Hi R.,

My daughter was dramatic when it came to little injuries (falls, etc.) but a real trooper with major stuff (stitches, ear tubes, etc.). A couple of things come to mind. First, always take pain seriously and have her checked out (has she been to a follow-up dr. appt? Has the pediatric ENT looked down her throat with a scope?) Maybe the doctor needs to check her out, and if all looks well, needs to tell HER that--maybe even let her look down HIS/HER throat, etc.).

Check with your community or school librarian and the ENT nurse re. appropriate books for this kind of thing. Go to Amazon.com; books; children; tonsillectomy. Also, since you have an 18 mo. old, look for books about sibling rivalry/jealousy. My guess is she may be feeling sad that she’s not the baby anymore, and when she had her tonsils out she enjoyed that extra attention again—feeling special.

At this age, "magic" works wonders. Maybe, if the doc says all is OK, he/she/you need to perform a magic ritual with a magic wand (flashlight, baton, etc.),--say "Abra-cadabra...etc" and let her have some "creative control" by using her own imagination. Perhaps you and she could pick out a "magic necklace" to wear on her throat that will help absorb the pain.

We are all wired up differently neurologically, and we all have varying pain thresholds for different things. I consider myself a wimp, but when I had a baby, I thought it was a lot easier than others. Our pain needs to be ACKNOWLEDGED. When she tells you it hurts, look her straight in the eye, give her a hug, and say, "tell me about it." Kiss her throat to "make it better." Blow her kisses to her throat from across the room (this could be your and her “secret language” that no one else understands). One of my fondest memories of my mother (who was not a real touchy-feely type, and I’m one of 5 kids) is this: once, when I had an awful stomach ache, she put a Band Aid on my navel and I remember being able to instantly go to sleep and feeling cured.

Can you give her something harmless, like a popsicle or ice chips in her “favorite cup” when she complains of pain? If there is no medical basis, and she wants to do something or go someplace special, you could suggest that maybe she shouldn't go because her throat hurts too much... or you can just wait it out and see if she is complains less as time goes on.

And, always look beyond the complaints of pain to see what she might be trying to tell you. Discuss/share her dreams & fears. Tell her stories about when you were her age. Make sure she has enough playmates, creative pursuits (playing "doctor"; drawing her tonsils; singing a song about tonsils, etc.), and outside physical play to distract her. Give her some responsibility for her little sister and tell her how important she is, that you just don’t know how you’d get along without her help. Set a tranquil mood, lower the lights, turn on a lava lamp, and take her on a "guided meditation" that empowers her. Reward her with a special privilege since she was such a good trooper during her surgery ordeal. Good luck! jenifer

Hello R.,
My 13 yo daughter finally had her tonsils removed in January after a long time of seeking the doctors to remove them. When they did, the doctors commented on how large they were. Anyway, she complained for a few days about the discomfort, but being older, I guess, she was able to tolerate it alittle more, maybe. But, still, over the past few weeks, as we begin to us the airconditioner more to ward off this Texas summer heat, she's complained several times about her throat hurting more and feeling raw and irritated. So, maybe some cool popsickles and reasuring TLC will do the trick. Good luck! God Bless you and your family.

I am not sure if she is saying her throat hurts because she wants attention or not. However, I had my tonsils removed when I was in my 20's, I know sooooo late. Nevertheless, I have a high tolerance of pain and took the advice of everyone before the surgery so my freezer was full of popsicles. Man, please about a week and a half later, I was complaining to my mother that I was still in pain and could not understand why. And forget about popsicles, I could not even swallow those things. The cold brought tears to my eyes and it was not a go!!!! The only thing that soothed me and I could tolerate was room temperature mashed potatos. As a result of the pain not going away, I returned to the doctor and was informed that I was dehydrated and that I should drink water, water, water. I was amazed that after drinking water for the remainder of that day (I went to the dr in the morning), how much better my throat felt as I prepared for bed that night. So the next couple of days, my mashed potato and water diet was the perfect answer for me!!!

My son had his tonsils taken out, and his adenoids removed at the same time. It takes about 3-4 wks. to fully recover. You need to be careful, and not let her eat anything solid for the first 2 wks. Stay away from chips, crackers, etc.

Our ENT put our son on Hydrocodone, for pain. We gave him 1/2 teaspoon every 6 hrs. as needed. The first week is the hardest, but it gets better with time.

Good Luck.

Rosie

My daughter went through the exact same thing. (although she was 12 when she had her tonsils removed) She was not in as much pain the first week but the 2nd and 3rd week, she scared me. I took her to the doctor 3 times just to make sure she was healing properly. Everyone recovers differently. I agree with the other moms, call the doctor. Hang in there!

I would talk to the Dr. (or even take her in for a post op check up).
She needs something for the pain.
If she hasn't healed properly, look into her diet.
NO dairy(it makes mucus secretions and will be harder for her to swallow).
No hard foods.
But definately take her back to the ENT or if he won't see her go to her pediatrician
Good LUck

It's harder to recover if you are in pain. She might be one of those children who feel more deeply then most, or there could be something wrong with her.

I needed my wisdom teeth removed and they were going to make me wait a couple of months. I was in so much pain I was suicidal! And then after I started healing from the surgery a bone was sticking out into my mouth and it hurt so bad (getting worse and worse, scraping up my tongue like a knife) I had to stop eating all together. They wanted me to wait and see if I improved. This was WEEKS after surgery. It only got worse.

So, she could really have a problem the dr needs to see or she could just be more sensitive, but I suggest getting her some pain meds if she isn't on anything and have the DR look at her.

S., mom to four girls ages 1-5!

I was 18 years old when I had my tonsils removed which is quite a bit older than your 4 yo but I thought I'd still respond since I remember everything very well. It was incredibly painful for me and I have a high threshold for pain. I ended up with an infection days after the tonsillectomy. I had large white, gooey, spots where my tonsils had been removed, that were basically scabs, and were not falling off or healing. My throat was very sore and hurt a lot when I swallowed. I had to go in and the doctor sat me in a chair, gave me shots in my throat and with large tweezers, removed the white spots. The shots and removal were both very painful but after that I quickly healed. My situation may have been unusual but that's what I went through. Overall I'm very glad I had the tonsillectomy b/c I seldom get strep throat whereas before I would get sore throats and strep constantly. Again, my situation may have been completely out of the ordinary but perhaps your daughter has an infection? Best of luck and I hope your little one feels better soon.
B

My son got thrush after his t&a -- very far back in his mouth so it felt like his throat was hurting. Doctor said it was very common -- might be worth checking into.

Hi R.-

My 6 year old had his taken out on 5/13 and he continued to complaining quite regularly for about 2 1/2 weeks. Just like your daughter, he was fine as long as he was playing but would say his throat hurt when he was told to do something that was not as much fun or when he just needed a little attention. Even now, if he's mad about something he'll say his throat hurts just to get some attention.

Good Luck,
K.

R.,
That is a tuff one, but pain is what the person (in this case, your child) says it is. Has the doctor taken a really good look at her throat since the surgery? She may have a sore that is present and causing the discomfort. Monitor what triggers the pain and google "images of pain scales" and ask her what her pain feels like by pointing at the picture. It will make sense once you see the pictures. In the meantime, Be Encouraged!

I would like to share that I had my tonsils removed at about age 9 or 10. My sister had hers out also, and she felt fine after a couple of days, while I was in pain for a couple of weeks. I can still remember the doctor telling my mom that it was "psychological" and even at that age I knew they thought I was crazy. That hurt, because I truly was still in pain. Some people heal faster than others, and it isn't a hypochondriac kind of thing, as I normally have very fast healing times (I was up and around right after I had both of my sons who were both HUGE by the way, lol). So take her seriously and give her things that sooth her throat, baby her a little, etc.. But I'd tell her she has to "take it easy" (no running around or playing outside) until she's "all better" that way she'll be easier to read.

Now I have my own child who has all kinds of aches and pains and I never know when to take him seriously - I am SO glad he has not needed this procedure - he'd probably be bed-ridden for months :) !.

I had my tonsils taken out when I was 18 and it hurt for 2 or 3 weeks afterwards even when the doctor said it shouldn't! I went for check-ups a couple times just to make sure but everything looked fine.
She may just want to keep getting the extra TLC but I'd go ahead and give it to her because it is a sharp pain back there!

R.,

It took me 3 weeks before I could even function after my tonsillectomy a few years ago. Of course I was 28 years old and they say it's harder on older people than it is on kids, but I don't buy that because I was miserable so I can only imagine how bad it must hurt for your little one. Hang in there and continue giving her the TLC she needs. You're almost over this!

My 5 year old had his out last year. The doctor told us to expect him to feel bad the first couple days, then he would feel better, then be hurting again. The reason being, the first couple days, scabs would be forming so there would still be raw skin. Then once the scabs were in place, the child would feel better. After 7-10 days, the scabs fall off and the child's throat would start hurting again. Your daughter should feel relief in the next couple days. Hope this helps.

Sorry to hear that your little one is still hurting. I wish I could have told you this before, but hopefully this will help someone else. I am a Wellness Consultant with 16 years of experience and my 19 year old daughter just had her tonsiles out. The DR told her that she was going to be in a lot of pain for at least two maybe three weeks because of how bad her tonsils were. Well as a mother I wanted to help as much as I could. As soon as she came back to her recovery room I put liquid Arnica on her neck and gave her homoepatic Arnica every 15 min. I will tell you now the nurse did not like that but this is daughter. Just to let you know she took pain med for only two days after her surgery and was back to herself eating what she wanted 5 days after her surgery. Arnica is used to take the shock out. I have seen it work on preventing shock, which causes swelling and bruising. You can buy homeopathic Arnica at any local health food store even HEB has it. I buy mine on line because I buy 5 bottles at a time for my house. Liquid Arnica is harder to find. I have been purchasing mine for 12 years from Pure Herbs. They are the only ones I trust. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. By the way the Dr was so impressed he asked for may info to had out to his other patients because he has never seen this type of recovery, most of all in an adult.
As for your daughter I would give her Arnica 15 before she eats and 15 after she eats.

I wouldn't know how a 4 year old feels, but I was in my early 20's when mine were taken out. I didn't even want to eat icecream! Everything hurt, I was constantly freezing, and I cried at night a lot for a week.

Has your dr. re-examined her? Adnoid removal is also painful according to my husband.

Have you tried a sugarless popsickle before she goes to bed to cool her throat and "freeze" the sore spots? You could also spray her throat with the sore throat spray, but it might taste terrible.
Best wishes, it will take some time!

Hi R.,

It took my son almost 3 weeks to completely recover (get past the soreness and pain). If you've not taken her back in yet to let the doctor check her, then you really should. She may have developed an infection even since the surgery.

The other thing it could be - is that the scab hasn't fallen off yet. Those scabs are huge and very painful on the throat until they come off. You'll know when it does because she will cough it up.

Otherwise, I'd just be as patient as possible with her. She's been through a lot, and she probably still doesn't feel completely well yet. A good indicator of that is that she's still crying out during the night in her sleep.

If she can tolerate warm tea, (warm liquids that are not acidic like fruit juices) and soft foods, that's what I'd continue to feed her. The doctors tell you to feed them cold foods at first (because of the bleeding), but if she's advanced to warm foods now, that's good because the warmer foods are much more soothing on her throat.

If your doctor has allowed you to give her tempra or liquid tylenol then that may help as well, especially at night.

I remember how trying this time was for me and my son. It's tough especially when you have another little one to look after.

Good luck to you and your little ones.

J.,
Austin

My five year old was the same way. I thought she was just crying for the attention until she went in for her check up. Her throat was so swollen she ended up having two shots of cortisone within three days to take the swelling down. Her ENT said in some kids it takes longer for the swelling to go down and yes the swelling it painful. I would look in her throat if I was you and see if there is a lot of visable swelling. If there is call the ENT and he will probably have her come in for a shot of cortisone. I can say after the shot she was a totally different kid and finally quit crying about it hurting.

Hi. My son had this when he was 3. After a week he was fine and he had his tonsils and adnoids taken.

I would say she is probably in the habit of complaining..

Next time she complains try distracting her and see what happens. If she says Mommy my throat hurts, ignore her and say hey you want to go do this??

My daughter had the same procedure done at the same age, she is now six. She was still complaining a little around 9-10 days post op but then once she got hungry for really good food again it stopped. She is the youngest out of my 2 girls, my older one is 10 now. You know it could have something to do with trying to get attention like your 18 month old gets. Right after the procedure my older daughter was much more clingy and whiny for a few days. On another note I've been in the medical field for 9 years now, if she seems to be truly hurting still then I would recommend taking her to the doctor just to make sure.