Hi, I am new to the forum. My son, who is 5 (will be 6 in Nov.), snores (not every night or always loudly), has behavior issues (negative toward others, aggressive, irritable),  sleepy often in the afternoons and falls asleep often in the car. His doctor noticed large tonsils and referred us to an Otolaryngologist. He also had an x-ray done. The otolaryngologist suggests the surgery and it is scheduled for Sept. 26. He said his tonsils and adenoids were a 3 out of 4 for size, 4 being when they touch.

My concern is that after the surgery we will not see much improvement. I don't want to get my hopes up that his behavior will change and then be disappointed and feel like the surgery wasn't worth. The doctor said the odds were in our favor. Since he hasn't had a sleep study how can I be sure that it is the root of the problem?

I would like to hear from anyone who has had a similar circumstance or any advice!

Thank you

Hello and welcome!!!!  Most people believe in kids, that if sleep apnea is suspected that tonsils and adnoids are usually the first thing to look at.If your son is a 3 out of 4 for size and he snores I would strongly suspect that he does have some degree of apnea. Surgery is scary and not much fun but it usually takes care of the problem. My daughter is eight and had hers out when she was five. It did solve her sleep apnea for a while but she is now on CPAP but I believe it is due to having low muscle tone creating "floppy" airways.If it were me, I would go ahead with the surgery. There is a chance that your son's issues are unrelated to the tonsils and adnoids but I would really give it a shot. If he is still snoring and having behaviour issues after the surgery then I would push for a sleep study.


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Heather-Mom to Hannah(8-hose head) and Logan(4), wife to Paul (also a hose head)

I am going through the same thing right now. I just wanted to say good luck and let us know how it goes!!!! My son is scheduled for Oct 17th. His tonsils are both a 4. He is almost 3 so we are waiting till after his birthday.

Hi!

I can so relate to your concerns. My son is 5, had severe sleep apnea, and just had a T&A about 3-4 weeks ago.

My son has always been a handful.  I wish that those of us here, whose children have behavior quirks, could meet face to face and really discuss all the issues. It's hard to discribe in a post all the emotions, triumphs, and heartbreaks we go through on a daily basis. I've always said one day, I'm going to write a book  .

I was very aprehensive about getting my hopes up, too. But, for the first time....I felt in my heart.....that we had finally discovered the root of the problem, but I internally cautioned myself to not expect a 360 in his behavior.  

Here is what we've experienced so far since the surgery, keep in mind it's only been a few weeks.
First, and foremost, he is sleeping so peacefully now....I can not tell you, as a parent, what it's like to watch your child struggle for breath...suffocating every single night..and then suddenly see them sleep so quietly and restfully...it's amazing.

Second, his voice has completely changed. His speech is much more clear, and I have- within weeks- seen a dramatic improvement in his vocabulary.

Thirdly, his behavior has improved. It's subtle, but there is an improvement. He's more....happy...seems more easy going, and is comunicating his needs better. It's not a 360, but it's definately noticeable. It's like he's still himself, still the spunky little boy he is, still wants what he wants when he wants it, but is less panicky about it. I think he is less irratible and demanding now -because he is communicating better. It's like he's taking the time to talk, rather than throw down into a fit of rage first.  

My advice to you is, that you continue to approach it with the same attitude you have...with a little bit of scepticism. Don't expect miracles, but try to weigh all the pros and cons. If your son has OSA, besides the risks of surgery itself....you really have nothing to loose by going forward with the T&A. It can't make matters any worse...your either going to see an improvement behaviorally...or not. Odds are, that you will very likely see an improvement in his sleep, and that alone (from my own experience) is worth it. If you think that a sleep study will help ease your mind.....then I would ask for one. It is a tough dicission to make, it is surgery after all and shouldn't be taken lightly, so do whatever it takes to help you feel comfortable with whatever dicission you make.  

I hope this helps you.

please, please, please keep us posted.

kim

Let us know how the surgery goes!  Our doc has said all along that the majority of children's sleep apnea can be resolved with T&A surgery, so hopefully this will help your son.  Generally, they try to remove the obstruction before proceeding onto other treatments, since those pesky adenoids & tonsils can be quite obstructive!   If you're still not convinced afterwards, have your doc scheduled a sleep study.  Doing the study after the obstruction has been removed will give you a much clearer idea of his sleep requirements.

Thanks Everyone! I appreciate your advice. I will let you know how it goes.
Laura