We went to the ENT today to review my son's sleep study results. The doc said he has severe sleep apnea - an average of 42 apneas an hour. It didn't surprise me, we already knew it was bad. He is tentatively set for a tonsil/adenoidectomy in a couple weeks. Monday we go for a hearing test which will determine whether they put tubes in his ears, too. I was freaking out about the apnea, now I'm freaking out about the surgery. Neither of my children have ever been operated on before. I'm scared.

Any advice? Any thing I should look out for or request. One thing that's bugging me is that they are going to do it at a regular hospital, I would have preferred the children's hospital.

Kimisita,

My son had his tonsils and adenoids taken out on July 26, 07.  While he did fail his hearing test the ENT wanted to see if taking his adenoids out would fix the problem, as his adenoids were hugh and sitting on his eustachian tubes.  We went back for our one month check up on Monday and unfortunately he still has fluid in his ears.  So we go back in three weeks and will have another hearing test.  We also will be going for another sleep study in two weeks.  He had his surgery in a regular hospital and I have to say they were just excellent with him.  His ENT decided to keep him in the hospital for 23 hours observation just in case.  You might ask if they will give him what they called a kiddie $!@#.  It helps kids to relax before going into the O.R.  My son had it and it really helped him to be at ease and he didn't seem to mind that I wasn't going with him.  When the surgery was done the dr came out and talked with me and explained everything that happened.  I was told that they would come get me when he made it out of the recovery room into a step down room, but they had to come get me before that because he just would not calm down.  As soon as I got back there he immediately calmed down and went back to sleep.  He was not interested in drinking anything and was pretty grouchy.  But overall it was good.  I do know that if you son is doing this on an outpatient surgery they will want him to drink a certain amount of fluids before he can leave.  Being that we stayed in the hospital overnight he was able to go to his room and wake up more and then we started on the drinking thing.  Make sure your son wears cotton clothing that is easy to take off and put on.  Something like sweatpants and tshirt.  I went out and bought a shirt that was a size bigger than he would normally wear just to make it easier to get on after surgery.  You son will be put under general anesthesia which for anyone is a frightening thing.  Make sure to ask how long the surgery should take and things of that nature.  If you have a family history of someone not doing well with anesthesia make sure to mention that also.  As for yourself, every surgery waiting room I have every been in is freezing cold so make sure to take a jacket or blanket to cover up with.  Let us know how things are going.

Jennifer

Thanks jgiles, I apreciate the tips. I hope they will give him something to calm him down before surgery, too. They said he will stay for 24 hours. Let me ask you, what kind of needles are involved? Did they have to put in an iv or anything? If there are needles involved do they do all that after they are drugged up? Caden hates needles (don't blame him.)

Those are great tips about the clothes, it's all the little things you don't think about that can make it more pleasant.


Thanks again.

Kim

Kim,
  
They did put in a regular iv, but it was done in the o.r. after he was givin the gas to help him fall asleep.  He never even knew that they put it in.  The only time he complained about it was when they were trying to take it out and then he didn't like that at all.  I know what you mean about not liking shots my son has to be almost strapped down when he is givin his childhood shots.  HE HATES THEM.  Also I am not sure if they will do this with your son but they had mine on clear liquids for the rest of the day and he was starving. Finally the next morning they allowed him to start eating ice cream and pudding but still no solid foods.  So that is something else to think about.  Also you might mention to him about the nurses coming in to check temperature, respiratory to check oxygen levels and things like that.  My son who is 6 did not like being bothered by the nurses and did not like his pain medicine but we got thru it.  I will hope for the best and I am sure everything will be ok.

Jennifer