Post Tonsil and Adnoid Surgery

Wow.... Timely question here. My 5 year old will have the same surgery (plus tubes) in the fall at Children's. I, too, am worried about the "after" care. This is her second experience at Children's. Her kidneys were "replumbed" when she was 1 1/2 years and we spent three nights in the hospital together and two weeks at home with her in my arms - very squirmy and uncomfortable because of the stent. I have delayed the tonsil/adnoid/tube thing because of this so I will be reading your responses avidly! I agree with you, though, that Children's Hospital is awesome!

My son loves puzzles, helping me bake, pbs go, board games, books w/ cds, museums, story hour, arts and crafts, coloring. His asthma is bad in this humidity so I know how hard it can be to keep them occupied instead of outside running, biking, climbing etc. He's been asking to go on his bike the last few days and its just been to muggy to be out of the ac.

We did the same surgery over Christmas vacation when my little one was turning five. Our doctor said to keep the throat moist, we just pushed fluids. We kept him involved in low-key activities when we could, but being a triplet, it was hard... Just watch for bleeding--that is the sign that they're doing too much. It really wasn't a bad recovery, in fact, I got my tonsils out at 22 and think that age 5 is a better way to go!

My daugther was 9 when she had hers out and she had the same weird wake-up from anesthesia: she was flailing and not really awake. She was fine about 5 minutes later. They kept her overnight in the hospital and I stayed with her in Waltham Children's Hospital. Back at home she took the Tylenol with codeine a few days which kept her sort of sleepy. She hated the taste so we went to regular Tylenol (no ibuprofin or aspirin allowed due to bleeding). She mostly watched tv, got up to draw or read or play with dolls or play doh, etc. They can be walking around the house but just not jumping and running, etc. The main issues are bleeding from the tonsil beds right after the surgery and bleeding about 2 weeks later when the scabs fall off. My daughter loved being home but got bored toward the end. Perhaps some never before seen toys, or books-on-CD? Good luck.

My son had his tonsils & adenoids out when he was 8 and he was also bored though in more pain than it seems that your daughter is in (I'm happy for you!). TV, DVDs, computer, books, puzzles, music (keyboards, or anything that makes music) entertained my son. After a few days we also had friends or cousins visit. He enjoyed the company and the regular things he did that bored him alone were more fun with kids his age. I'd say give her a conducive environment to be play until she is bored and then nod off! That's what my son did.

I am surprised that your MD told you that outtings to the mall or things like that are OK. We tried a few short ones for errands only about five or six days into my son's recovery and although he was grateful for the change of scenery, he was utterly WIPED OUT. He came home grouchy and in a lot of pain. So I'd plan for short trips close to home and not out for too long. Good luck!

My son had this surgery when he was 2 or 3. Needless to say, it wasn't possible to explain to him that he had to rest, lol. I found "quiet" activities as much as possible, pushed the fluids and tried to be creative with soft foods. Other than that, I let him go at his own pace and he was fine.

Good luck!