Hi there just after some advice from other mamas in the same boat or have had experience with their wee ones. My son is 17 months he’s only a wee guy around 11kg. he’s constantly unwell with ear infections huge tonsils runny nose constantly and suffers from pretty chronic sleep apnea. He basically has no language which is so different to my other children so he’s clearly having trouble hearing. We have been to see ear nose and throat after being referred by our gp. The surgeon has suggested he needs his tonsils removed adenoids removed and gromits also. He has put us near the top of the list as he felt it was urgent. I’m in the medical profession myself so I do know the scary risks involved etc. I’m having second thoughts about doing the tonsillectomy due to the risks, my question to you mamas is has anyone’s little one of similar age had their tonsils done? Would you do it again or hold off until they’re older? Thanks In advance sorry for the Novel!
11 Replies
There are also risks in not having the surgery and it sounds like the small chance of something going wrong in surgery is far outweighed by the large risks your child is facing now.
Sleep apnoea is a serious condition in a child where his little brain is not receiving oxygen that it needs.
His condition, is so serious that the surgeon is bumping your son up the list. Surgeons almost NEVER do that. Your little boys immune system is taking an enormous hit constantly and he is in pain ALL of the TIME.
I’d be running for that surgery.
My son had surgery at that age, and honestly, I’m glad we did. Of course I was nervous, but it’s what he needed.
My cousins two children had this surgery. They had it at the same time so one was the age of your child and the other was 4. She said by far and away her eldest dealt with the surgery so much worse than her youngest and she wishes they'd picked up the problems so much sooner in their eldest. As the other commentor has said look at the risks of NOT getting it done.
A lot of the risks increase as they get older not decrease so I would consider getting this done sooner rather than later. I am also a health professional and in my experience the younger the child the quicker the recovery. Of course there is exceptions but as a previous poster said the fact that the surgeon is rushing this through speaks volumes! Good luck hope little man is on the mend soon!
Even with adults there are risks of surgeries no matter what. The outcome for me outweighs the very minuscule chance of something going wrong.
Hey, I’m in the industry too. I’ve been plagued with tonsillitis for well over 27years. I’ve been on waiting lists, tried the private system, ALMOST got surgery 4 times, but each time got hit with illness.
The risks now far outweighs the risks later. Trust me. I’m stuck in hell with my tonsils and my ears.
My boy had this at 3 and it made a wonderful difference. He's over 25 now :) Hasn't had an ear infection since - seriously!
My now 16 year old had his done at 17 months. The only negative was he needed another set of grommets about 20 months later as his head had still not developed adequately enough for the tubes to drain properly. Don’t over think it. You know the risks both ways. I know it is frightening- big hugs for you mumma
My son had his done at 2 it was similar and effecting his sleep speach and behaviour they minute they came out he was a different child and is now the happiest child I know I am a nurse too do it it's very unlikely there will be side effects but you will have more if you do not
Both of my kids have had their tonsils and adenoids out one at 2 1/2 the other at 4. It was the best decision we’ve made. My son was like yours sick all the time and always on medication. He had 9-10 bouts in a 6 month period. My daughter had no noticeable symptoms but then something changed and we were at the hospital at least twice a week because she stopped breathing in her sleep. My son was in hospital for 2 nights (7 years ago) and my daughter had day surgery and we had to stay near the hospital for one night (last year)
The improvement was almost instant, eating properly, drinking more and sleeping soundly. It’s your choice but it’s one decision I’ve never regretted.
No I wouldn’t hold off if the professionals have put him up in the wait list.
I would go with their professional opinion as I have done with my child.
My youngest got his first grommet in his left ear at about 9 months (microtia of right ear so unable to have one inserted in that ear). He had a new one inserted every 9-12 months until he was about 4 or 5 to keep the ear clear to ensure fluid build up didn’t affect his speech and language development. He aspirated from birth and was tube fed with minimal oral intake until he was 5. He spent his fourth birthday in hospital with severe tonsillitis and a flu-like virus (can’t remember what it was called). After that we were told his tonsils and adenoids needed to come out because they were large. He was 4 years 8 months. After surgery his aspiration was greatly reduced. 12 months later he was diagnosed with bronchiectasis (chronic lung disease). If I could rewind time I would go back and get his tonsils removed sooner. Maybe if his tonsils were removed sooner his lungs wouldn’t have ended up as bad as they have.
I know it’s scary, but I think for your son the benefits far outweigh the risks. My son is now 12 and has had over a dozen anaesthetics. It’s horrible every time! In saying that though, it was easier for me when he was younger because he didn’t fight it and didn’t remember it afterwards. As he got older and was aware of what was happening, the more upset he would be and the more he would fight the mask.