UPDATE: Tell me your "My teen had his tonsils removed" stories

[TranquilMind]

Cautiously optimistic mother here, but I'm a bit put off that this is now an outpatient procedure and you leave in 3 hours.  I was admitted to the hospital for a few days, receiving the good IV drugs for days back in my teens. 

 

I'm hoping this resolves issues and I know it did for me.

 

Tell me your stories!

 

 

 

UPDATE:

Well, we are on Day 2, post-op now. So far, so good. Staying on top of the pain with the liquid medication is very important they said, so we have been setting alarms and making sure no dose is missed. About 2/3 of maximum dose of combined hydrocodone/tylenol mix is being consumed and seems to be enough. My teen is certainly eating soft stuff and drinking a lot, because of the multiple lectures from everyone along the way to not allow dehydration to happen, as that would require hospitalization!

 

A recliner was used last night because they said to elevate the head and keep ice on the throat, and I stayed right nearby all night. We are giving daily Dulcolax too, so no bathroom issues, as is common with narcotics.

 

They said Days 3-8 were the hardest. So hoping it won't be bad.

 

But here is the excellent news that virtually had me breaking into a dance before the Lord. As soon as this one awakened in the recovery room right after the procedure,I heard, "Wow. I have SO MUCH airflow now. I haven't been able to breathe this easily since 2014!" I almost cried. That has been an ongoing symptom, a perceived inability to get enough air, even though a pulse ox indicated that airflow was 100%.

 

Apparently, the adenoids were huge and they are supposed to shrink up almost to nothing by near-adulthood. This didn't happen and apparently they have been a reservoir for ongoing nastiness fought repeatedly (various infections/tonsillitis/strep).

 

So -there's some good news so far! In a week, we will be on the downside of this and I will let you know how it went. If my teen gets energy back, it was certainly worth every penny!

Edited February 18, 2016 by TranquilMind

[goldberry]

Just found out a week ago DD will have to have hers out this summer...  Listening!

[deerforest]

DD had them removed when she was 6, so not a teen. But, she had surgery first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. She didn't remember coming home or much of that day because she was so groggy. But, she was fine other than some pain. She has never liked medicines so I can't even recall if we used anything once the IV drugs wore off. She's a trooper!

[TranquilMind]

DD had them removed when she was 6, so not a teen. But, she had surgery first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. She didn't remember coming home or much of that day because she was so groggy. But, she was fine other than some pain. She has never liked medicines so I can't even recall if we used anything once the IV drugs wore off. She's a trooper!

They say it is much, much easier when you are young like that.  That's great for your daughter!  Hoping and praying it works that way for my kid! 

 

Removal should still be a standard thing for kids who have a lot of tonsillitis, as it was when I was young.  Today you have to fight for it.

 

We have the super-crap insurance so it won't be paying.  Thanks so much for taking my tens of thousands of dollars a year over all these years, and not coming through in the rare cases we try to use you, insurance!  I even gave birth at home.  I've sure done my part to keep your costs down.  Ugh.  But that's another story.  I just want to have us get through this quickly and easily. 

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[TranquilMind]

Just found out a week ago DD will have to have hers out this summer...  Listening!

Praying it goes well for you too.

[AprilTN]

My dd had hers removed when she was 12, so almost a teen.  I was so torn about her having them removed that I almost cancelled, and I couldn't sleep the night before, just wondering if I had done the right thing by pushing to have them removed.  However, the ENT surgeon said that once he started the removal, that they were some of the worst tonsils and adenoids he'd ever seen and that they were infected and had been for a long time.  

 

Her recovery was not terrible but longer than I had expected.  I do not regret it one bit.  She has only been sick once or twice in the last few years, and neither time was serious and lasted just a day or two, compared to the constant throat infections she would get prior to removal.

 

I would schedule the surgery when there is ample time to recover.  But don't let the recovery keep you from doing it, because it really wasn't bad.  It was so worth it for us.

[3 ladybugs]

Wow! If that is all it is, I might consider removing mine. I have enlarged tonsils and every time I go to the doctor for anything minor they think I have cancer. ((rolleyes)) My tonsils have been this big for years. I also get tonsil stones. But I thought it was a big deal to remove them so I just left them. 

 

Anxious to hear other's stories. 

[TranquilMind]

My dd had hers removed when she was 12, so almost a teen.  I was so torn about her having them removed that I almost cancelled, and I couldn't sleep the night before, just wondering if I had done the right thing by pushing to have them removed.  However, the ENT surgeon said that once he started the removal, that they were some of the worst tonsils and adenoids he'd ever seen and that they were infected and had been for a long time.  

 

Her recovery was not terrible but longer than I had expected.  I do not regret it one bit.  She has only been sick once or twice in the last few years, and neither time was serious and lasted just a day or two, compared to the constant throat infections she would get prior to removal.

 

I would schedule the surgery when there is ample time to recover.  But don't let the recovery keep you from doing it, because it really wasn't bad.  It was so worth it for us.

That's great.  My whole life changed after mine were removed and I've rarely been ill in the decades since. 

 

Praying it works this way for my kid too, and yours as well!  

 

Yep, we are in a position to allow recovery time.

 

Did your daughter have to take much liquid pain medicine and how hard was it to swallow on days 3-8, when I'm told that it is the worst?

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[TranquilMind]

Wow! If that is all it is, I might consider removing mine. I have enlarged tonsils and every time I go to the doctor for anything minor they think I have cancer. ((rolleyes)) My tonsils have been this big for years. I also get tonsil stones. But I thought it was a big deal to remove them so I just left them. 

 

Anxious to hear other's stories. 

My dentist (a high-faluting expensive guy that I just happened to end up with in the "rich" area of town) last week just recommended a local surgeon for us to check out.  He said he sent a SIXTY year old patient there and her experience was perfect and nearly painless!   That sure was encouraging, because I know it is harder on you the older you get.  But then, so is constant sickness. 

 

Maybe there is someone like that around you.

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[AmandaVT]

I had mine removed in my early 20's. Not quite a teen, but close. It wasn't bad. I went in first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. I actually went over to my grandma's that night to visit her. I just remember being really thirsty and having small sips of water almost constantly really soothed my throat. So my piece of advice is to make sure there's a water bottle handy for the car ride home. 

 

The first few days I lived on cream of wheat, popsicles, water and not much else. Gradually added in mashed potatoes and I think after a week, I was feeling back to 100% and didn't need anything special or any advil. 

 

Since then, I get sick way less. And 3 ladybugs, I used to get the same cancer scares from the dr. Quite terrifying at first!! I have had few throat issues since and rarely get sick now.

[goldberry]

TM, I'll be paying out of pocket also.  

 

I'm worried too, because a friend had them out as an adult a year or so ago and had a terrible time.  She had lots of pain and vomiting, and was down a good two weeks.  I know some people have it easier, I'm worried about DD because she always has vomited easily, and I'm hoping that won't be a problem.

 

ETA, have you got any price quotes yet?

Edited February 10, 2016 by goldberry

[3 ladybugs]

My dentist (a high-faluting expensive guy that I just happened to end up with in the "rich" area of town) last week just recommended a local surgeon for us to check out.  He said he sent a SIXTY year old patient there and her experience was perfect and nearly painless!   That sure was encouraging, because I know it is harder on you the older you get.  But then, so is constant sickness. 

 

Maybe there is someone like that around you.

I live in NJ so there is a doctor for every budget. I will talk to my oncologist about it when I see her in June. I am actually a bit surprised she didn't want them removed when I was done with treatment, just for me to have a clean slate. But I don't want to have them removed and have her say that I shouldn't have. I do get more colds then the rest of my family (I have a 2 year old and a 7 year old). My dentist has said something to me, but he knows I have a history of Lymphoma so he refers to my oncologist about all of that. 

[TranquilMind]

I had mine removed in my early 20's. Not quite a teen, but close. It wasn't bad. I went in first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. I actually went over to my grandma's that night to visit her. I just remember being really thirsty and having small sips of water almost constantly really soothed my throat. So my piece of advice is to make sure there's a water bottle handy for the car ride home. 

 

The first few days I lived on cream of wheat, popsicles, water and not much else. Gradually added in mashed potatoes and I think after a week, I was feeling back to 100% and didn't need anything special or any advil. 

 

Since then, I get sick way less. And 3 ladybugs, I used to get the same cancer scares from the dr. Quite terrifying at first!! I have had few throat issues since and rarely get sick now.

That's an awesome story!  Thanks. 

[TranquilMind]

I live in NJ so there is a doctor for every budget. I will talk to my oncologist about it when I see her in June. I am actually a bit surprised she didn't want them removed when I was done with treatment, just for me to have a clean slate. But I don't want to have them removed and have her say that I shouldn't have. I do get more colds then the rest of my family (I have a 2 year old and a 7 year old). My dentist has said something to me, but he knows I have a history of Lymphoma so he refers to my oncologist about all of that. 

I don't think you will find anyone who regrets tonsil removal (assuming all went well).  I've never seen anyone say they felt worse after, so I can't imagine your oncologist would say you should not do this.  But it would be interesting to know.  I hope all goes well for you. 

[TranquilMind]

TM, I'll be paying out of pocket also.  

 

I'm worried too, because a friend had them out as an adult a year or so ago and had a terrible time.  She had lots of pain and vomiting, and was down a good two weeks.  I know some people have it easier, I'm worried about DD because she always has vomited easily, and I'm hoping that won't be a problem.

 

ETA, have you got any price quotes yet?

Still waiting on one but it looks like around 5K. 

 

Wow, sorry for your friend!  My kid never vomits, but I'm concerned of course as this one has never had ANYTHING done at all, except blood draws, from which unconsciousness resulted! 

Let's keep telling ourselves that it is easier for young people...

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[goldberry]

I don't think you will find anyone who regrets tonsil removal (assuming all went well). 

 

We are regretting NOT having them removed earlier, when she was small and we had decent insurance.  :glare:

[goldberry]

Still waiting on one but it looks like around 5K. 

 

 

 

That's about what I'm hearing here also.

[TranquilMind]

We are regretting NOT having them removed earlier, when she was small and we had decent insurance.  :glare:

Yeah,  I hear you. 

A few years ago, it would have cost us a couple hundred out of pocket.  And it would have been easier, I presume.

 

But I just didn't know that it was causing so many issues, which is kind of stupid actually, as I had a lot of the same issues.  Ugh. 

 

And of course none of us knew what would happen to insurance. 

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[TranquilMind]

That's about what I'm hearing here also.

That's good to know. 

The doctor is actually the cheapest part.  It is the facility charge that is ridiculous. 

[3 ladybugs]

I don't think you will find anyone who regrets tonsil removal (assuming all went well).  I've never seen anyone say they felt worse after, so I can't imagine your oncologist would say you should not do this.  But it would be interesting to know.  I hope all goes well for you. 

I would have never thought a doctor would tell me NOT to get a vaccine but she did. I was told my chicken pox immunity was low when I was doing testing to get my baby (frozen embryo). I was just about to go and get the vaccine when I had an oncologist appointment. So I went there and almost as an afterthought, I told her that I planned to get this vaccine. She told me "NO! People with a history of Lymphoma are dying from this vaccine and there is clinical trials happening right now to figure out why!" Shocked, I walked out of there figuring she saved my life yet again. Since then I don't do much without talking to her. 

[TranquilMind]

I would have never thought a doctor would tell me NOT to get a vaccine but she did. I was told my chicken pox immunity was low when I was doing testing to get my baby (frozen embryo). I was just about to go and get the vaccine when I had an oncologist appointment. So I went there and almost as an afterthought, I told her that I planned to get this vaccine. She told me "NO! People with a history of Lymphoma are dying from this vaccine and there is clinical trials happening right now to figure out why!" Shocked, I walked out of there figuring she saved my life yet again. Since then I don't do much without talking to her. 

Then do ask her.  But hopefully, it would help you feel better. 

[Stratford]

My brother had his out while he was in college, so an older teen.  Spent two nights in the hospital and was a mess for about a week (when he went off of the narcotic pain meds.  He felt much better just taking liquid tylenol for pain.)  

 

My DH had his out as an 30-something year old adult.  His surgery was outpatient.  His recovery was a breeze and at five days post-op, he snuck out of the house for a cheeseburger.  (Worst patient ever.)   He only used the liquid oxycontin they gave him for the first day and at night for days 2-3.  Otherwise he just used liquid tylenol.

[SLT]

I had mine out as a 23 year old nurse. My husband took great care of me, and we thought it would be much worse. I had two weeks off of work for recovery and was eating out at restaurants the next day. The worst day was day ten when the "scabs" very obviously came off- I was feeling very sore and raw.

It wasn't bad at all though and after having strep and viral tonsillitis 5-10 times a year since I became a nurse at 19 (so, four years of the issue) and I haven't had a single sore throat or case of strep since. Miracle operation for me! It's been 6 years.

 

Eta: we did it in our ENT's large surgery center and it cost me about 2k with our insurance. It was worth every penny.

Edited February 10, 2016 by SLT

[deerforest]

They say it is much, much easier when you are young like that.  That's great for your daughter!  Hoping and praying it works that way for my kid! 

 

Removal should still be a standard thing for kids who have a lot of tonsillitis, as it was when I was young.  Today you have to fight for it.

 

We have the super-crap insurance so it won't be paying.  Thanks so much for taking my tens of thousands of dollars a year over all these years, and not coming through in the rare cases we try to use you, insurance!  I even gave birth at home.  I've sure done my part to keep your costs down.  Ugh.  But that's another story.  I just want to have us get through this quickly and easily. 

 

My daughter actually never had tonsillitis and was rarely sick. However, her tonsils were extremely enlarged and were causing severe sleep apnea, and he made the decision to remove the adenoids too when he inspected them during surgery. We didn't have any trouble getting it covered by insurance under those particular conditions back in 2010.

[TranquilMind]

My daughter actually never had tonsillitis and was rarely sick. However, her tonsils were extremely enlarged and were causing severe sleep apnea, and he made the decision to remove the adenoids too when he inspected them during surgery. We didn't have any trouble getting it covered by insurance under those particular conditions back in 2010.

Same issue here.  Still a problem.  It is all coming out, thank God. 

 

Oh well, you must have better insurance. 

[TranquilMind]

I had mine out as a 23 year old nurse. My husband took great care of me, and we thought it would be much worse. I had two weeks off of work for recovery and was eating out at restaurants the next day. The worst day was day ten when the "scabs" very obviously came off- I was feeling very sore and raw.

It wasn't bad at all though and after having strep and viral tonsillitis 5-10 times a year since I became a nurse at 19 (so, four years of the issue) and I haven't had a single sore throat or case of strep since. Miracle operation for me! It's been 6 years.

 

Eta: we did it in our ENT's large surgery center and it cost me about 2k with our insurance. It was worth every penny.

That's an encouraging story!  Thank you!  Yes, we have had all the issues + sleep issues and can't wait for that to be over. 

[TranquilMind]

My brother had his out while he was in college, so an older teen.  Spent two nights in the hospital and was a mess for about a week (when he went off of the narcotic pain meds.  He felt much better just taking liquid tylenol for pain.)  

 

My DH had his out as an 30-something year old adult.  His surgery was outpatient.  His recovery was a breeze and at five days post-op, he snuck out of the house for a cheeseburger.  (Worst patient ever.)   He only used the liquid oxycontin they gave him for the first day and at night for days 2-3.  Otherwise he just used liquid tylenol.

That's great!

Why was your brother a mess...from the narcotics?  Is that what you mean?  Hmm.  Will keep that in mind.

I know that stuff does a number on the bowels and makes it impossible to go.  I hated it, after surgery and got to Advil within a couple of days. 

[TranquilMind]

I would have never thought a doctor would tell me NOT to get a vaccine but she did. I was told my chicken pox immunity was low when I was doing testing to get my baby (frozen embryo). I was just about to go and get the vaccine when I had an oncologist appointment. So I went there and almost as an afterthought, I told her that I planned to get this vaccine. She told me "NO! People with a history of Lymphoma are dying from this vaccine and there is clinical trials happening right now to figure out why!" Shocked, I walked out of there figuring she saved my life yet again. Since then I don't do much without talking to her. 

Hmm.  that turned out to be a nonissue as my kids got it early from someone in co-op.  So glad too now, as they are now immune for life, as I am (and my mom was, even though neither of us ever had chicken pox, but just were exposed to others who did). 

 

I completely understand why you would run stuff by her!  Hope you get the right answers and on the way back to full health soon! 

Edited February 10, 2016 by TranquilMind

[3 ladybugs]

Hmm.  that turned out to be a nonissue as my kids got it early from someone in co-op.  So glad too now, as they are now immune for life, as I am (and my mom was, even though neither of us ever had chicken pox, but just were exposed to others who did). 

 

I completely understand why you would run stuff by her!  Hope you get the right answers and on the way back to full health soon! 

I had bad chicken pox 30 years ago (I think I was sick with them when Challenger exploded). So I thought I would never need the vaccine. When I refused it, I was nervous. However I have since been tested and my immunity is WAY over the minimum now. So who knows what happened with the testing right before I got pregnant. 

 

Oh and I should point out that I didn't think twice about giving the vaccine to my children. If for some reason I am not immune anymore, I need them to be. I have never heard if the study results are out or not. I was told this in 2012. 

[Tap]

DD9 had hers out as an outpatient procedure almost 2 years ago. I refused to leave the hospital until she could stand on her own.  They kept trying to get me to leave, but I refused. She is special needs so I was able to use that in my favor. She had tonsils and adenoids.  She was outside playing the same day. 

 

I see lots of patients who get this procedure done as teens and adults.  Most seem to do fine afterward, but I do know of a few who had complications.  I think all of the complications were dealt with at the hospital before they left. The pain is pretty severe.  Some use liquid pain meds, some use tablets. Some people get nauseous after the procedure and have a hard time keeping meds down.  It seems to be a patient preference for tab vs liquid, but if they throw up after a liquid it is much worse than a tablet.  The tablet, you can see and then you know they didn't get any of the dose.  A liquid is bright red (so it stains) and you have no idea if they got any of the medicine absorbed or not. 

Edited February 10, 2016 by Tap

[goldberry]

I wonder if they can give anti-nausea meds if they think that might be a problem?  That was the problem for my adult friend, she threw up so much she couldn't keep meds down.

[sbgrace]

My son was an older child, not teen (11 I think or close to if still 10). I do know of some teens who had rough recoveries and some easy. While it may be rougher generally when older, it varies by the person.

 

My son had additional surgery in that they did laser for floppiness around the voice box in addition to the tonsils and adenoids. That may have added to his recovery, but I'm replying because we were one who had a rougher than expected recovery in terms of pain.

 

The doctor said that studies have shown that tylenol alternated with ibuprofen did just as well with pain as the narcotic with fewer side effects. We did start with the narcotic anyway, my choice. I switched to the tylenol/ibuprofen before long. The ibuprofen alternation did better than anything else for pain control. They did bump closer the doses when he started struggling. I wish I had known that was possible from the start.

 

Nights were hardest. Adding a cool mist humidifier helped. I gave meds by timer around the clock and had him drink or have ice chips with every night med administration. The goal is to keep the throat moist. The hardest parts are later than I expected in the process, though I can't remember how many days in. It's when things are healing up if I recall.

 

It took two weeks to get back to normal eating. Even rough recoveries end in time! It did cure my son's sleep apnea.

 

 

Edited February 10, 2016 by sbgrace

[AK_Mom4]

I had my tonsils out a million years ago when I was 18 and it was done out-patient way back then.

 

Recovery as an 18yo was about a week before I was up and feeling good.

Edited February 10, 2016 by AK_Mom4

[Barb_]

The first three days or so were pretty bad. Lots of moaning and general misery. I provided a bell so she didn't have to try to talk. But she didn't have any real complications, just the usual after surgery-anesthesia pain and exhaustion. Oh! Actually the penicillin caused her to swell up like balloon. We didn't know she was allergic.

 

Real recovery began around day 4 and after a week she was pretty much back to normal if I recall correctly

Edited February 10, 2016 by Barb_

[Katy]

The old fashioned version with the stitches involves more pain and complications.  The new version with laser cauterization means the bleeding is over before they're out of the operating room.  If you can at all opt, opt for the laser.  If there are complications, they go back in and fix with the laser.  I know some HMO's insist on non-laser first, but the laser is less painful.

[TranquilMind]

The old fashioned version with the stitches involves more pain and complications.  The new version with laser cauterization means the bleeding is over before they're out of the operating room.  If you can at all opt, opt for the laser.  If there are complications, they go back in and fix with the laser.  I know some HMO's insist on non-laser first, but the laser is less painful.

Wow, really?  This ENT said the laser cauterization is all they do. 

 

I had the old-fashioned stitches and I don't remember it as particularly bad, but it has been awhile. 

[mamiof5]

I had mine removed in my early 20's. Not quite a teen, but close. It wasn't bad. I went in first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. I actually went over to my grandma's that night to visit her. I just remember being really thirsty and having small sips of water almost constantly really soothed my throat. So my piece of advice is to make sure there's a water bottle handy for the car ride home.

 

The first few days I lived on cream of wheat, popsicles, water and not much else. Gradually added in mashed potatoes and I think after a week, I was feeling back to 100% and didn't need anything special or any advil.

 

Since then, I get sick way less. And 3 ladybugs, I used to get the same cancer scares from the dr. Quite terrifying at first!! I have had few throat issues since and rarely get sick now.

You were really lucky!! Dd just had hers done, and recovery was bad

[mamiof5]

We just got over this with oldest dd (turning 20 this Spring). I was trying to be positive, but I have never seen her so sick. Strong meds really messed her up, but needed them for a couple days. Things got a bit better once we switched to Tylenol/ibuprofen. She got sick and threw up a couple times, which didn't help (and she was taking nausea meds). Ice chips helped, mashed fruit popsicles, jamba juice. The 3rd day after surgery I made her some soup with carrots, chicken and potatoes, and cut them SO tiny. She was able to eat that. Also instant oatmeal (very cooked and more milk than what it calls for). Pills were solid, for her to swallow them we had to give her apple sauce at the same time, and break pills in half. First week was really hard, got a bit better afterwards. She went back to work 12 days after surgery. She dropped like 15 lbs in 4-5 days. It was hard :(

[nd293]

I had mine out 30 years ago, aged 13, and was only in overnight, and I don't think there were IV drugs involved. I'm sure I had soft foods but I also remember eating toast very early on because my throat was itchy. I have a vague memory that eating toast was actually recommended, but I'm not sure. Best thing ever for me, as I was regularly sick with sore throats before.

[TranquilMind]

We just got over this with oldest dd (turning 20 this Spring). I was trying to be positive, but I have never seen her so sick. Strong meds really messed her up, but needed them for a couple days. Things got a bit better once we switched to Tylenol/ibuprofen. She got sick and threw up a couple times, which didn't help (and she was taking nausea meds). Ice chips helped, mashed fruit popsicles, jamba juice. The 3rd day after surgery I made her some soup with carrots, chicken and potatoes, and cut them SO tiny. She was able to eat that. Also instant oatmeal (very cooked and more milk than what it calls for). Pills were solid, for her to swallow them we had to give her apple sauce at the same time, and break pills in half. First week was really hard, got a bit better afterwards. She went back to work 12 days after surgery. She dropped like 15 lbs in 4-5 days. It was hard :(

I'm concerned about weight loss. This one has not a spare ounce.

[mamiof5]

I'm concerned about weight loss. This one has not a spare ounce.

:( I really wish her the best!! When's the surgery? Will pray for you all. Ohh! I also mashed avocado (and that's healthy, maybe the fat in it could help?)

[goldberry]

We just got over this with oldest dd (turning 20 this Spring). I was trying to be positive, but I have never seen her so sick. Strong meds really messed her up, but needed them for a couple days. Things got a bit better once we switched to Tylenol/ibuprofen. She got sick and threw up a couple times, which didn't help (and she was taking nausea meds). Ice chips helped, mashed fruit popsicles, jamba juice. The 3rd day after surgery I made her some soup with carrots, chicken and potatoes, and cut them SO tiny. She was able to eat that. Also instant oatmeal (very cooked and more milk than what it calls for). Pills were solid, for her to swallow them we had to give her apple sauce at the same time, and break pills in half. First week was really hard, got a bit better afterwards. She went back to work 12 days after surgery. She dropped like 15 lbs in 4-5 days. It was hard :(

 

I'm sorry, that sounds awful!  It seems like experiences vary widely.  

[Tess in the Burbs]

My dd had hers out at age 11.  IT WAS AWFUL.  I agree, an overnight would be way better.  They do rush you out of there. And that first day isn't the worst.  But whoa, her throat hurt so bad we were both crying.  She lost 10 pounds over the 2 weeks recovery.  But the pain, it was awful for her.  She sucked on popsicles nonstop.  She couldn't sleep.  It was just an awful 2 weeks for both of us.  I won't lie...if my son had to do it I would hire someone else...it was just hard to watch your kid be in that agony.  I was not prepared for how hard it would be.  

 

I will say this...my dd had a sore throat this summer and a Dr prescribed a numbing gel....I wish I had that when she had her tonsils out!!!  Ask about pain management....I hope they have a better plan that we did.  Nothing helped her. 

 

[Ottakee]

We did 4 sets with kids though. My advice....stay AHEAD of the pain. Give the paineds as prescribed for several days. Dont wait to see if they "need" them as then it is harder to get ahead of the pain again. The second thing is to drink, drink, drink. Whatever they want. Food doesn't really matter but hydration does.

[mamiof5]

I'm sorry, that sounds awful! It seems like experiences vary widely.

Thanks! I looked up a lot of comments and information...didn't find many good stories :(

[mamiof5]

My dd had hers out at age 11. IT WAS AWFUL. I agree, an overnight would be way better. They do rush you out of there. And that first day isn't the worst. But whoa, her throat hurt so bad we were both crying. She lost 10 pounds over the 2 weeks recovery. But the pain, it was awful for her. She sucked on popsicles nonstop. She couldn't sleep. It was just an awful 2 weeks for both of us. I won't lie...if my son had to do it I would hire someone else...it was just hard to watch your kid be in that agony. I was not prepared for how hard it would be.

 

I will say this...my dd had a sore throat this summer and a Dr prescribed a numbing gel....I wish I had that when she had her tonsils out!!! Ask about pain management....I hope they have a better plan that we did. Nothing helped her.

We just went through it about a month ago. I also ended in tears. Really hoping we don't have to go through it again with any of our other kids. Hope you don't have to either.

[Tsuga]

Different perspective: my cousin had his tonsils removed, and he remembered the popsicles and skipping school!

 

It was probably way worse for his mom, but taking the long view, it all worked out. Hugs to all you mamas. This could be me someday. I have quite the snorer.

[TranquilMind]

I had mine removed in my early 20's. Not quite a teen, but close. It wasn't bad. I went in first thing in the morning and was home by lunch. I actually went over to my grandma's that night to visit her. I just remember being really thirsty and having small sips of water almost constantly really soothed my throat. So my piece of advice is to make sure there's a water bottle handy for the car ride home. 

 

The first few days I lived on cream of wheat, popsicles, water and not much else. Gradually added in mashed potatoes and I think after a week, I was feeling back to 100% and didn't need anything special or any advil. 

 

Since then, I get sick way less. And 3 ladybugs, I used to get the same cancer scares from the dr. Quite terrifying at first!! I have had few throat issues since and rarely get sick now.

This is great!  Hoping it works that way as well! 

[TranquilMind]

We just went through it about a month ago. I also ended in tears. Really hoping we don't have to go through it again with any of our other kids. Hope you don't have to either.

Ah, I'm sorry!  Hope she at least is better now!!  I'm sure everyone is different. 

[TranquilMind]

I'm sorry, that sounds awful!  It seems like experiences vary widely.  

UPDATE:  I remember you said that this is happening for you soon, so I thought I would update. 

 

Well, we are on Day 2, post-op now.   So far, so good.  Staying on top of the pain with the liquid medication is very important they said, so we have been setting alarms and making sure no dose is missed. About 2/3 of maximum dose of combined hydrocodone/tylenol mix is being consumed and seems to be enough.  My teen is certainly eating soft stuff and drinking a lot, because of the multiple lectures from everyone along the way to not allow dehydration to happen, as that would require hospitalization!

 

A recliner was used last night because they said to elevate the head and keep ice on the throat, and I stayed right nearby all night.   We are giving daily Dulcolax too, so no bathroom issues, as is common with narcotics. 

 

They said Days 3-8 were the hardest.  So hoping it won't be bad.

 

But here is the excellent news that virtually had me breaking into a dance before the Lord.  As soon as this one awakened in the recovery room right after the procedure,I heard, "Wow.  I have SO MUCH airflow now.  I haven't been able to breathe this easily since 2014!"  I almost cried. That has been an ongoing symptom, a perceived inability to get enough air, even though a pulse ox indicated that airflow was 100%. 

 

Apparently, the adenoids were huge and they are supposed to shrink up almost to nothing by near-adulthood.  This didn't happen and apparently they have been a reservoir for ongoing nastiness fought repeatedly (various infections/tonsillitis/strep). 

 

So -there's some good news so far!  In a week, we will be on the downside of this and I will let you know how it went. If my teen gets energy back, it was certainly worth every penny! 

Edited February 18, 2016 by TranquilMind