Tonsilitis

J.,
A friend of mine had a similar issue. She took her daughter to Dr. Molter @ Children's Hospital ####-###-#### and loved him! Her daughter had wonderful results. I recently took my daughter to him for ear tubes and he was great with her. Give him a call! Good luck!

My 6 year old had to have his tonsils and adenoids removed when he was almost four and I have two year old twins that just had their tonsils and adenoids removed as well.
I just told my oldest son that his throat would hurt but he would start feeling better soon.
The twins on the other hand were young and didn't understand. The 1st day is fine, its the rest of the week that is hard. They are in pain and they are very cranky and irritable. Your daughterwill do fine just stay on top of the pain medicine. The worst time we had was making the boys take the medicine. It was hydrocodone and it tasted nasty.
Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Hi J.,
I'm right there with you on this one. My 6 yr. old son gets tonsilitis all the time. He is supposed to be scheduled for surgery on Thursday. He is very laid back and not nearly as concerned as I am as I believe a lot of children are. I plan on telling him that he will be going to the hospital so the Dr. can make him feel much much better. Reminding him that this surgery will also help him sleep so he'll have more energy (as he will see a plus on the soccer field) and also keep his ears from hurting anymore, which is common with tonsilitis. The big thing is to let them know that afterwards, they'll get lots and lots of ice cream and tons of attention.
Good luck. I hope she handles it well.

I agree with Jennifer. Leave out the details and don't mention the words "surgery" or "cut". Just say they are going to the doc so their throat won't hurt so much anymore. And don't forget to mention the perks of having ice cream afterwards.

I have a 6 year old daughter and a 3 year old daughter. They both have had their tonsils taken out already. My oldest was almost 4 and my youngest was almost 3 when they had them taken out. They were like new kids when it was over. My youngest was the most obvious. She always had dark circles under her eyes, very tired, just acted like she did not feel well ALL the time. After having them out she has had NO fevers, no dark circles, and she no longer takes naps in the afternoon (except on really busy days). It is very stressful to put them through this but worth it in the long run. I am an overprotective mother and lots of prayer (myself and others) helped calm my nerves!!!!!
There is a book about the Care Bears explaining what will happen at the hospital. It is a very old but very good book. My mother-in-law had it for her kids who are 30 & 34, so I have no idea where to tell you to look for it. I would try book store web sites or maybe e-bay, craigslist. I will see if I can find it also and let you know. I'm not sure what the name of the book is but I read it with my older daughter and at the end Funshine bear is waiting when they wake up, so we bought her a Funshine bear and had it waiting for her also.

My youngest daughter had her tonsils removed this January, she just turned 5 last week so sounds like about the same age as your daughter. And my oldest had her tonsils removed last January, 3 months before turning 6. They both did very well and they were excited because we told them they would get to eat lots of ice cream and pudding and watch lots of Disney Channel. The hospital was great - they had a "party" a week or so before the surgery to familiarize the child with the nurses and the hospital and explain what will happen. Both of my girls were pretty excited about it - and they recoved very well. They are fruit popsicles like crazy - it helped the pain and the recovery. And I'm happy to say that they have been so much healthier since we did it.

My daughter had her tonsils removed when she was almost 6 (in kindergarten). You really don't have to prepare them too much. Kids that age are really more curious than anxious. Hospital staff also does an excellent job of working with kids that age for surgery. They usually have things like coloring books and stuffed animals for them upon arrival. You should answer her questions definitely but I don't think you need to worry about too much prepping. Good luck, I hope things work out for you all. (By the way, this winter my daughter has been amazingly healthy, even when one or more of her five siblings have not)

My son (who is now 12) has his tonsilsand adnoids taken out and tubes placed in his ears when he was 5-6. Every kid is different I guess but it was a very simple procedure and his revoery time was very little. I would just tell her that they are going to take those "things" out of her throat that have been causing her to get sick so much!

My son is actually 3 and has just gotten his tonsils out last October. It is not a big deal. If you are taking them to children's mercy you will be fine. They made him so comfortable that he didn't even know what happened. I didn't tell him anything besides that he was going to see the doctor and that he could take bear (bear is his stuffed bear we let him build right before the surgery) and we told him to go and show all the doctors and nurses. He was excited. If you tell them much more then they will get scared. Leave out the surgery part.

Hope this helps

My son had tonsils and adnoids removed when he was 6. we went to children's mercy, they were great. they have a time when the child can come in before the surgery when they will explain the entire process, do a tour and make it easy for the child to be comfortable about the surgery. there were some complications afterwards because of his asthma but it was quickly resolved. you should aways be cautious about surgery and ask any questions you have regardless of how silly they may seem. always use a doctor that you have confidence in and who your kid likes and trusts. Good Luck.

J., I would highly recommend it. The younger the better. One of my sons had his taken out at 4 and it was a good experience. We waited with our older son, age 12 and it was 5 times more recovery time. They say the older the body the longer the recovery. Having said that, we have been pleased with the results on both of them and my kids have been healthier because of the operation. It's an outpatient surgery now and there is not much time spent at the Hospital. I would say go for it.

M. R

I was 3 when I had my tonsils removed, I was the youngest in our area and even made the paper........LOL!! My daughter had hers taken out this past summer and she was 9. She didn't have tonsilitis she had pits in her tonsils which caused food to get stuck and decay in the back of her throat and smell OMG I would rather smell a skunk or something that what was back there. She said she is so much happier since she got it done, they had told her that it wouldn't go away as she got older it would stay there. She said she would rather have it done when she was younger then older. Now like I said she had it done over the summer, they say it could take a few days of recovery to a few weeks, she was swimming within a week, but she also followed the docs directions the first couple of days. Oh and they love the fact that they get to eat ice cream, which they tell you to feed them cold things. She ate a lot of jello and ice cream. My daughter is also very small, she is maybe 65lbs and 4ft.

You said you didn't know how to tell her about it, let her know you know how your throat has been hurting so made so many times, well they would like to take the things out called tonsils that make it hurt. When they do this it will hurt for a few days but you get to have jello, pudding, ice cream and cold things like that, your choose. This is one time that you will be able to eat anything cold such as ice cream for breakfast.

Most kids are in awe that they get to have ice cream for breakfast when they are that age. If you have any other questions I can ask my daughter for her opinion. Make sure you let her know that you will be right outside the door and will be there as soon as they get done.

We had my son's tonsils and adenoids removed when he was 7, and I wish we would have done it sooner. He has been so much healthier since it was done. At that point, he was so tired of being sick, that when I told him that it would keep him from getting so sick so often, he was very ready to get it done. He of course was curious and a little anxious (as was I) but everything went well. I wish you good luck, and healthier days!

Hi J.
Both of my boys had their tonsils out at an early age. My oldest had a bit of a harder time, but nothing unusual. They have certianly been better since then. No more tonsillitis and the ear infections have improved. The had their adenoids out as well. It's scary to send your baby into surgery but I had complete confidence in my ENT doctor and it all worked out great. Just be up front with your daughter. It is scary, but she will feel so much better after recouping! Good Luck.

I am a 33 year old mom with two sons, who are now 9 and 11. I had my tonsils taken out 6 years ago, and my oldest son had his removed a year later, when he was 6.

We didn't talk about it with him until a few days before, so that he wouldn't worry. Then we told him that he was going to have a surgery to help get rid of all those sore throats, and that after it, his throat would be sore for a week or so, and then he wouldn't get sore throats anymore.

We talked lots about how he could eat as much ice cream and popsicles as he wanted afterwards. He was very calm about it, and his recovery went well. I know from my own experience, that when you are used to having tonsilitis all the time, you have a high tolerance for throat pain. Neither my son or I seemed to hurt as bad as the doctors warned we might.

And since our surgeries, we have been SO much healthier. I'm so grateful we both did it. Good luck!

Most hospitals have a program where the child can go and see the room where the surgery takes place and recovery and such. They talk to the kids about the surgery and you usually leave with a goody bag. My little girl went to NKC for her surgery and we went to the little class before hand. Check with your doctor and what hospital you'll be at and see what they offer. I remember being in Kindergarten myself and going thru the emergency room and and a similar class days before my surgery so I'd know what would happen. It is helpful.

I had my tonsils removed when I was about that age. I honestly don't remember much about it, but what I do remember is that my mom was by my side the whole time I was in the hospital and I got to eat jello and yummy stuff like that. I don't think there is a really "easy" way of telling her, but just let her know that once this is done her tonsils won't hurt anymore and she will be alright because you will be there with her all the way. Oh, and she gets to eat lots of yummy stuff for a while. I don't know if this helps much, but I hope all goes well for her.

I just went through this with my daughter. She had her tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in her ears and some allergy testing done. My DD is 6 years old though. I can honestly say it's easier on the child then it is on the parents! My ex husband and I were stressed out for days! We found out Monday Feb. 25th 2008 that she needed the surgery and she was scheduled for surgery on Feb. 28th!

Stock up on ice cream, popsicles, soups etc. you will go through them.

I wish I had some great motherly advice to pass on about talking to your child about it, but to be honest with you I don't. My daughter was old enough to listen to the Dr. and understand what he was saying. It also helps that her grandmother has worked in an operating room for 35 years and could answer any questions she might have had. Another thing I found to be really helpful without even knowing it, her peers at school who had been through it talked to her about the mask that gives you the "sleepy gas", and the fact that your mom spoils you and you get to eat ice cream all day long. Today is day three and my DD is doing better then me!

Try not to worry too much, I know that's easier said then done.

J.-

I would say, take your doctor's advice. I think at least before I was 5 I had had tubes in my ears twice and my tonsils and adenoids taken out. (I know I had all these performed, and I am pretty sure I was around 3 or 4 because I have no memory of it). None of my children have ever had tonsillitis but I would consider your pediatrician's recommendation. I guess if you are still uncertain, you could get a second opinion from another physician.

-R.

My daughter had her tonsils and adnoids out at a young age. I believe she was 3. She had already had tubes twice and she would get really sick and run fevers of 105, 106. We watched her like a hawk at night, as that is always when the fever seem to show up.
We did not tell her a complete detail of what was going to happen. We only explained that the Dr. thought it would help her to not get sick so often if he took out a thing that was yucky in the back of her throat out. She was a little nervous, and asked if it was going to hurt. We were very honest. "Yes, it will hurt", we told her "but we will be right with you until you are better".
It did hurt, her but we are so glad we did it. She has not been nearly as sick. She has never had another high fever like that again.
One thing we did is told the Anestitist(The person who ran the medication to put her to sleep for the surgery), that she was really nervous. He was very good, and gave us some "Happy Juice" to take home. It was really valum, and we gave it to her about a half hour before we left for the hospital. That helped us a lot. She was all smiles, and giggles until it was all over.
Our daughter is 12 now and she is really glad that she had them taken out. She remembers her throat hurting, and eating lots of popcicles, and ice cream. She views it more as positive then negative now. I think the older they get the harder it will become.
I am a 40 year old mother of 3. I am a stay at home Mom and I am married to my best friend. We have been together for 18+ years.

J.,
I work with three wonderful Ear Nose and Throat (ENT)doctors who all do a wonderful job with children. In listening to them direct their patients/parents, the parameters for tonsilitis is 3 times for 3 years in a row, 4 times in 2 years, or 5-6 times in a single years. Your child certainly fits in this category. You will need to consult an ENT. We do surgery on these little people all the time and the ones that do the best are the children who are aware what's going on. Talk to her. Tell her that if the tonsils come out, they can't get infected anymore (generally speaking). There are books for kids about surgery, more specifically tonsil surgery. My child had his out at age 4 and hasn't had a sore throat since. He's now 8! The doctors I work with are Randy Clary, James Forsen (both at ###-###-####) and James Benecke.
Good luck.
B. Harter -Arbonne Independent Consultant-

Both of my boys had their tonsils and adenoids out. Logan was just shy of being 4, and Aiden was 4. It went great for us. We had a great ENT and the surgery center was fantastic also. Aiden was really down for about 10 days total, but Logan came home took a two hour nap and was off and running. He didn't need any pain medication or anything. It was a blessing and a curse, I needed the sleep, but he wouldn't nap.

We went to the surgery center at Olathe Medical Center and they were great. They have a pre-surgery party where the kids get to see where they are and where they are going. They even take them into the Operating Room and show them everything. It helped because my boys were not afraid of going somewhere they had never been to, because they remember the party.

Your daughter will feed off you and your apprehension. If you act like it's going to be tramatic, then she will think and react the same way. Be positive and focus on all the good stuff, like all the rest and cartoons and popsicles she gets to have, Dr's. orders after all.

To help ease the burning in throat: Ice Cream! I suggest Ben and Jerry.

Hi J.,

2 of my grandsons had to have there tosil out at 5 years old. I was really worried about telling both of them. But children handle things differently than we do. We over worry about them. We told them you get alot of ice cream, and all the cartoons you can watch. Then it was ok with them

J.,

My twins had their tonsils out just before they were 3 1/2. We just told them that the Doctor was going to help them sleep and was going to take their tonsils out so that they wouldn't get sick anymore. They had the same problem of many of the same sickness as your daughters, but it went on for 2 years. Then the surgery center where they were going to have it done, had a kids orientation night the week before were they go and everything is explained to them for each step. I think that really helped. Maybe you should see if where you are going does anything like that. They also enjoyed buying the ice cream cups and popsicles for afterwords. Good Luck

My daughter is 4 and just had hers out. We told her (& her sisters) about 1 1/2 weeks before the surgery. We told her that it would help her to feel better, even though for awhile she would have to be very quiet. We answered any questions they had as simply & honestly as possible. We showed them pictures of tonsils on the internet so that they would know where they were located. I was honest with her about bloodwork and appointments. She did very well.

I just went through this with my 4 year old (tonsils, adnoids and tubes). I was very honest and upfront about what the surgery was going to be...I asked him if he remembered how sick he had been and when he said "yes" I asked him if he would be interested in a way that might help him not to get sick like that again. I told him the Dr. had a procedure that he could do that would take his "bad parts/tonsils" out and that although it might hurt for a few days he wouldn't get so sick anymore. It also helped to tell him about all the goodies he could eat...We went shopping together and I let him pick out whatever HE wanted...popsicles, yogurt, pudding, jello, juices (non-acidic), water, gatorade, etc.

We got to the hospital early and went to the gift shop. I let him pick out something that he could take into surgery (because we really don't have lovies like that at home) and I let him pick out his get well balloon. So when we went back to the room, they tagged him and his lovey, gave him Versed which I explained was going to make him sleepy. That it was ok because when he woke up, mommy would see him. That's when I gave him his balloon.

That was 2 1/2 weeks ago and I am pleased to tell you he is doing fine...still a little pain every now and then but he's been a real trooper. Still loves the popsicles so I have kept them on hand for if he overdoes it with his throat.

I wouldn't recommend going into the gorey details of it, but give her the straight facts and the benefits from the surgery. Let her know you will be by her side as much as they will let you and she can take her (teddy, blanket, binkie, etc.) with her to the operating room. I know Children's Mercy also had a Social Worker that was more than willing to sit down and talk with the kids about any concerns they might have. Answer her questions honestly and treat her like an adult...plenty of time to baby her after the surgery...and she'll appreciate that! Trust me...I'm now being told I'm the "best mom"....LOL

I'd say the worst part for my kid was the first 24-48 hours post surgically and missing school...he hates to miss school...but all his friends made cards and he made me read them to him at least once a day.

The only thing I can say is it's a very safe surgery, I'm 35 and I had mine out at about the age of 5 or 6 nad look how far things have come! Just tell her that there are yuckies in her throat that keep making her sick and the doctor is going to take them out, and the best part is she'll get to eat ice cream to make it feel better. Now days the doctors wait as long to remove them as possible, so if he thinks it is necessary then I'd do it, it'll help your daughter from continuing to get sick.

My son had his tonsils and adenoids removed when he was 3-1/2. He has "kissing tonsils", where his tonsils would squish each other in the back of his throat. He had multiple strep throats and tonsillitis and it was hard from his to eat anything. He knew there was something wrong and he was frstruated because he would choke on almost everything. When it came time for the surgery I told him that the doctors were going to take out his tonsils so he could eat and won't get sore throats anymore. He looked forward to it. The nurses at the hospital explained the mask and the sleeping gas and made him feel very comfortable. He did well and after the surgery he enjoyed playing in the pediatric ward. At home he ate lots of soft foods and popcicles. He talked funny at first and we all laughed, which made him feel special because he loves to entertain. I recommend just telling your daughter straight that the docs are gonna take out her tonsils and tell her why. The procedure should be explained by the nurse the day of, and that will help tremendously. Good luck!!

my son was almost 5 when he had his tonsils & adenoids removed. It was emotionally traumatic for all of us, physically debilitating for him. He did not speak (other than 1-2 words at a time) for almost 2 weeks, & normally he's quite the chatterbox. He is now 11 & does not remember the surgery or recovery, but does remember the stuffed bunny he received from the hospital!
On another note, when we agreed to surgery, it was because he had round after round of strep &/or tonsilitis...& many, many sinus & ear infections. These issues did not clear up after surgery. I also was sick more than I should have been. At that time, I was working at the daycare where he attended preschool. 4 months after surgery, we both left the daycare. Within 2 weeks, we noticed a definite improvement in his health. When we followed up with an allergist, our son tested positive for only mold......which I knew was an issue in the storerooms in the daycare.
In the end, I seriously question whether or not our son would have required surgery if I had known about the abundance of mold allegens as the root of his illnesses. The allergist said the strep came about because of the constant irritation of the daily exposure...allowing the strep a fertile field to land on. ???in many ways it makes sense.!!
So, what about checking with an allergist before agreeing to surgery? I wish you luck!

Our 5-year-old had his tonsils and adnoids removed about a year ago, just before he turned 5. We really didn't beat around the bush too much. After the consult with the doc we just explained that they would give him some medicine to help him sleep for just a few minutes while they removed his tonsils and then he would wake up. We went to the store the day before and bought some goodies together, popcicles, etc. We also bought a new little stuffed animal for him to take to surgery. (they suggested he bring a "friend" with him) He was able to take it with him and after surgery his animal came out with his leg wrapped up with a sucker tucked in it. Recovery was a little tough, but they don't remember it. That day and the next were a pain, but then its over and everyone is much better!!

HI, my daughter, 14, had her tonsils out when she was 5. about 1 month before she started Kindergarten. The doctor was really good and showed her what was going to happen when they put her to sleep. She was fine with it. The only time that she cried was when the doctor, who she felt comfortable with, took her away from us to go get her surgery done. She took a "special toy" and they put an arm band on it just like she had. To this day she still has that same toy with the name band still on it, with hers right next to it. She was back up and ready to go in just a few days also.

I had tonsilitis so many times when I was little they took my tonsils out when I was only 3. I say let them do the procedure. Your child will be better off. Make sure you have lots of popsicles and jellos for after! Good luck :)

Hi there J.! I have been there and done that. My son was 4 and had his tonsils and adenoids removed. They might go ahead and remove those as well. No biggie. He was in and out on the same day. The doctor told me to be prepared to feed him "junk". In better terms cold drinks, slushies, crushed ice with flavoring, popsicles, etc... My sons favorite was the slushies. All I did was put some ice in a bag, smashed it really well, put it in a cup with kool-aid, pop, juice. What ever his lil heart desired. Now to be honest with you that went on for almost 2 weeks. He didn't really get comfortable until the 3rd week. The only way I could prepare him was to be honest. Keep it easy for them to understand, but I didn't hide anything from him. I will admit he was a little scared, but he was a brave lil' man and walked back with the medicine doctor. Sorry don't know how to spell the other word (anasteth....something like that). LOL Now they did tell me that he did get scared and did start crying. The medicine doctor tried bribing him by giving him a couple of dollars. I was wondering why he had money in his hands when he came out. They told me the harder he cried the more medicine he breathed in the quicker he was out. I trusted them. Now I was kind of bummed because when he had oral surgery done when he was two they gave him some liquid medicine (couple of tablespoons) to drink. They called it giggle juice. IT made them instantly groggy so they would be carried on back without fighting and getting scared. I hope this helps you out in some way. If you want to talk some more send me a message. I hope this eases you in some way. Good luck!

~S.

My little girl was almost 4 when her tonsils came out. We reminded her of how often and bad her throat hurt and how the Dr. would make that stop. The hospital was also very good about comfort. She got to drive her own jeep into surgery. They allowed her a friend (stuffed animal) that was registered just like her with an i.d. bracelet and a hospital gown, that got to go into surgery with her. They allowed me to walk to the surgery doors with her and the nurse explained to her how mommy would have to leave at the doors because she had too many germs to come in, so it would just be the 2 of them. Basically, be honest, but not brutal-just so they understand what is happening and why. The buddy bear really made a difference for us.
Good luck to both of you!

Hey J., my daughter had her tonsils and adnoids removed shortly after she turned 5. We had it done at children's mercy. We just talked to her about how having them out would make her feel so much better and she wouldn't even know when they were doing it. Then after, she gets to have the popsicles and fun stuff like that. She really did great and so did everyone at the hospital. They're use to that so they know how to make them cozy. You just need to be okay too so she doesn't pick up and nervousness from you. Good luck!

L.

My son had to get his tonsils/adenoids removed at that age, and it is difficult to prepare them for that kind of experience. It was necessary for him because he had sleep apnea.
My best advise, as a mom, and a pediatric nurse, is to be as honest with him as you can. For this kind of surgery, it is important to talk to him about the importance of taking his medicine. It is important that he take his pain medicine, even though it is uncomfortable to swallow. You need to be loving and nurturing, but tough love is imperitive. Same goes with drinking fluids-encourage the importance of it! Let him bring a special toy or stuffed animal with him to comfort him after the procedure, or a special book.
Drinking fluids/popcicles, and tolerating pain meds will get you all home quicker. It's not easy to watch your kids go through difficult or painful experiences. Best of luck to you!! When we got home, I made my son lots of shaved ice with different flavors. It's not easy, but in the end, at least for us it was worth it.

I have some advice but you need to call me, tonight. My home number is ###-###-####. Please call, thanks!

Naomi