6 year old surgery

[cougar242]

hello, this is my first time posting on this thread and I wasnt real sure where to put this question. I was just told by the EnT that my 6 year old will need surgery to have his tubes taken out, adenoids out and his has to have a polyp removed from inside his ear. He did have tubes put in but he did not have an iv, it was pretty simple. The doctor was explaining he will have a breathing tube and an iv. He has been having many many problems with drainage that is nasty and smelly. The tubes have been in for almost 5 years. I would really like to hear any experiences with this type of surgery. How did you prepare your child// Any advice?/ Thank you so much!!
kim

 

[53offsuit]

Good luck and best wishes to your child. Our daughter had the same surgery at ~4 years. The preparation went well; the folks at the Childrens' Hospital obviously know how to handle the children well and get them ready.

After they gave her the knockout juice, she was pretty much incoherent after about 5 minutes. They took her back right away, and we saw her 90 minutes later.

The worst part was the first hour after she woke up. She was in some pain and confused. Mind you, it wasn't really that bad, but to an innocent 4yo, it seems that way. She cried her hoarse-voice cry and such, and it took a bit to get her settled down.

That evening, she was taking ice cream (the cold felt good on her throat). The next day, she slept a lot from the anesthesia hangover, but complained of little pain. The second day, she was almost 100%, except her diet was restricted for a few days.

The surgery is incredibly routine and complications are extremely rare. It's just that when it's YOUR kid back there, and you can do absolutely nothing for them, it's hard for the parent. Just be your normal strong, reassuring self, and it will all turn out fine.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

My kids were both born with a cleft lip and palate. They have had about 8 surgeries each. Gee, I did alot of different things. One thing I did was always reamain positive in front of them. I always got them something new for when they woke up. Our hospital let me go in the OR and stay with them until they fell asleep. Kids bounce back very quickly. I remember being so exhausted from the worry and lack of sleep and making sure they didn't fall down, and they acted like nothing had happened to them. The after care was so involved and I didn't want to do anything wrong. I am getting near the end. My oldest is done with surgery, my youngest needs 2 more. Hang in there! hugs and prayers. Your son will feel so much better after he has this done.

 

[cougar242]

thanks so much for your responses.. i am just really nervous, which I know is common.

I am just trying to figure out what to expect.

Thanks
Kim

 

[Goofyluver]

My son had 2 similar surgeries. I went through step by step exactly what was going to happen. Starting with, a nurse will come and get you from mommy and take you to the operating room. They will put a needle in your arm...they will put a mask on your face...etc, etc. He was fully prepared for everything, step by step. This way, when it happened, he wasn't surprised by anything. The doctors said he was one of the only kiddos who didn't freak when they left their mommy. Good luck, and I'm sure everything will work out fine!

 

[mom2grace]

Contact the hospital and see if they have child life specialists. You might also be able to do a tour, I suggest only 1 day before surgery as to not prolong any anxiety!

Good luck!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Please let us know how it works out for you.....I have not had experience with tubes but one of mine did have her adenoids and tonsils out.....it was not an easy surgery as my mind replays it.. hopefully it is easier now for the little ones..

 

[cougar242]

I definately do not plan on telling him this early. I just realized it is the Monday after Easter that he is havinghis surgery. I am hoping since he is not having his tonsils taken out it will not be as bad..

I am taking him to pick out a new stuffed animal that he will have with him, when he is without me.

The worst part is I know how terrified he is of needles. You can just mention the word and he is in tears. I just have not yet found a way to soothe him with that. We were at the doctors office a couple of days ago and the doctor thought he looked really pale and wanted to do a finger prick and he went to pieces so the doctor said he would spare him.

I really appreciate the responses.. Thank you!

 

[Makua]

My DD had to have a hernia repaired when she was 5. She took her favorite stuffed bunny with her and everything that they were going to do to her they did to the bunny first. They started out with the hair covering and the booties and worked up to the needles. She got such a kick out of that that it took some of the apprehension away, bunny didn't fuss so she wasn't going to either. I was very suprised at the time and attention they took with her because this was a military hospital. The nurses you have can make an enormous difference. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

 

[cougar242]

I thought I would give an update. My son had his surgery yesterday. The doctors and nurses at the hospital were wonderful. He took his favorite blanket and 3 stuffed animals and those were with him on the stretcher as the wheeled him to the OR. He even came out of the OR with an extra stuffed animal and lots and lots of stickers Everyone was so nice and always made sure we understand what was happening. He did end up having polyps in both ears instead of just one that are being sent off to be tested. Both tubes were still in so those were taken out and he also had his adenoids removed. Tomorrow he goes and has the packing removed from his ears and then has another follow up on Monday. The doctor said that his ear drums have taken a beating so I am not sure what that means for his hearing. We will know in a few weeks. I want to thank everyone who offered their kind words. I was a nervous wreck Sunday night, but everything went really well. His doctor has also actually called me at home last night and tonight to check on him. Now just keeping my fingers crossed that his hearing will be back to normal and the tests come back ok on the polyps.

 

[mommasita]

I thought I would give an update. My son had his surgery yesterday. The doctors and nurses at the hospital were wonderful. He took his favorite blanket and 3 stuffed animals and those were with him on the stretcher as the wheeled him to the OR. He even came out of the OR with an extra stuffed animal and lots and lots of stickers Everyone was so nice and always made sure we understand what was happening. He did end up having polyps in both ears instead of just one that are being sent off to be tested. Both tubes were still in so those were taken out and he also had his adenoids removed. Tomorrow he goes and has the packing removed from his ears and then has another follow up on Monday. The doctor said that his ear drums have taken a beating so I am not sure what that means for his hearing. We will know in a few weeks. I want to thank everyone who offered their kind words. I was a nervous wreck Sunday night, but everything went really well. His doctor has also actually called me at home last night and tonight to check on him. Now just keeping my fingers crossed that his hearing will be back to normal and the tests come back ok on the polyps.

You must feel so relieved now...I have been through this with DD..Hugs to you..I know the stress, and the relief afterward. Saying prayers for everything else..

PS..My DD had lost 60 % hearing in her right ear..She was tested, and regained it ALL back..

 

[cougar242]

Thank you so much for telling me that! I really hope that he regains all his hearing. He is having some speech problems that they are saying is related to his hearing so I am keeping my fingers crossed. He seemed ok this morning and he was up and wanting to run around and I couldnt keep him still and I think that it was a little much for him because he took a nap and went to bed early. Yesterday I had to get up at 5 am to get us to the hospital and the night before I did not sleep, I had so much anxiety. So today we have been so lazy, just laying around.