My 2 yr old son was recently diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, after a sleep study.  We saw the ENT today and he scheduled my son for a T & A on Monday.  I'm kinda freaking... I'm so worried about him being so young and going under!  This is kind of scary!  But he is miserable... he never has slept through the night since he was born and has started snoring horribly in the past 4 mths.  He stays so tired (as do I) during the day because he wakes up so much at night.  I know this is probably the best thing... RIGHT?  I'd love to hear some good things to ease my mind!!  Thanks!

I am so sorry to hear about your child. It can be scary, but as far as surgies go its really not that bad.   I honestly do not know anything about pediatric apnea, although I have OSA and my son had a tonsilectonomy (sp?) back in 2004.  It  significantly decreased his asthma attacks and he doesn't snore nearly as much as he did. But  then again HE was never diagnosed as having OSA.
I can say however,  that he'll probably be pretty out of it the day of surgery-will they keep him overnight? My son went home 3 hours after surgery! And he will have one heck of a sore throat for a couple of days. Most kids  bounce back pretty quickly from this type of surgery. It seems as though its harder on those are older-and of course worried moms!. IMO, better to get done while you're young. For example, there was a student in our school who had it done last week and she was back eating lunch with her freinds the next day. She couldn't talk very well, but felt well enough to come eat some of our scrumptious cafeteria food.
Best wishes for your son and I do hope that all goes well!!!

Hi Ashw32 and Welcome!

While all surgeries have risks, a pediatric tonsillectomy is probably very low on the risk scale.  It has been performed routinely for decades.  And, it is much easier on children than adults.  I had it done as a six year old and I remember a really sore throat for a couple of days.  But the thing I remember most is all of the ice cream I got to eat.  Someone said popsicles, rather than ice cream, is recommended but check with your pediatrician.

Also, unlike a T & A in adults, a T & A in children has a high success rate in curing and decreasing apnea.  Your son (and you) will so much better when he has the ability to sleep.

Keep us posted!!

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Hi Ashw32

Your son is very blessed to have a mom who recognized that what he was doing was not normal and did not wait years and years to find out why.  

My 7yo Chris had her adenoids out in November, not much fun but necessary.   I know how hard it is to hand a child over to the OR team (Chris had serious surgery at 3) but sometimes you just have to.  Being a mom is not easy, some things are very hard to do and this is one of them, but you have to look at the big picture.  A short amount of discomfort now will allow him to have a bright future.

Have you checked out the "son having a T&A in 4 days" thread?  There is a lot of comforting/helpful information in there.  

Best wishes for you and your son, let us know how it goes,

tatamom

Thanks so much you guys!  I am feeling a little better!  He will be spending at least one night in the hospital due to his age.  I know that this is what he needs.. and he can't continue to be miserable.  I don't sleep well either and I know the toll it takes on me.  I don't want him suffering any more.  Thanks and I will keep you all updated on his surgery and recovery!

My daugter had T&A surgery when she was four. The surgery itself was a piece of cake, she was eating ice cream a few hours later. I think the hardest part was just keeping her comfortable for about a week after. She did fine as long as she was kept on painkillers at a constant level.Any surgery is scary but I think you will find that he will be so much better after the surgery. Hang in there, this will all be behind you soon.


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

Can any of you tell me what I need to have for him to eat afterwards?  I want to make sure I have something he might can eat.

Hannah pretty much was back to eating normally in a few days. It might be a good idea to get some softer foods in the house. Things like pudding, ice cream, jello, soup. It really depends on the child. Hannah started wanting cheerieos within like two days and it scared me but her DR said it was ok. Maybe just ask your DR what they think. I am sure they will give you post op instructions that will help with this. Don't be suprised if your little one does not eat much for awhile too- the biggest thing is staying hydrated.


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

Hi.  My son had a T&A done at 14 months old because of his OSA.  We were also scheduled to stay overnight because of his age.  We ended up staying 3 nights because he refused to drink anything and needed the IV to stay hydrated.  I know it's scary to have a child go through surgery and be put under.  Emerson had his first major surgery at 3 days old and has now had 5 subsequent surgeries so I can certainly relate.  

He will probably be very cranky when he wakes up from the surgery so be prepared for that.  The sooner you can get him to drink something, the better.  The hospital should provide everything he can eat and drink while you are there.  

I know the T&A is today so please let us know how it goes.  Also, remember to give him the pain medication as scheduled - the longer you wait, the harder it is to control the pain.  Good luck!

Sara

Sorry it has taken me so long to get online and let you guys know how everything went.  The surgery was Monday morning and we ended up staying 2 days.  He would not drink ANYTHING!  It was surprising, he wanted to eat but not drink!  He is doing better but is still VERY cranky.  He is still complaining of the pain and I am still giving his pain med as scheduled.  He is not eating very much now.. and his little tummy is growling.  It just breaks my heart!  He is drooling excessively and doesn't want to talk much.  I'm hoping we are getting on the tail end of this thing.  This has been a rough week!  I am exhausted!!!!

I am glad the surgery went well but sorry it the recovery is  so rough on the little guy. Hopefully he will be past to the worst of it soon.


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

Hi - glad to hear the surgery went well.  You should start to see big improvements within the next few days.  It took about 10 days for Emerson to stop being cranky and to really start eating again.  So hang in there - I know it's rough but totally worth it!!

Sara