Need some reassurance.

[Phteven]

When my little guy had a GA they used the gas to put him under and they didn't do anything until he was under.
They go to sleep very fast once they start breathing the gas. Be warned that he will suddenly feel very heavy and floppy in your arms - it is a bit of a shock to feel your child so limp and I started crying. I think that most Mums cry.
They let me into recovery so when he came round I was right beside him.

[Eenee]

just my opinion, but i'd exhaust all options before surgery (alll surgery contains risk-even death). So i'd be looking at seeing a naturopath to see if they can do anything first. But that's just my opinion- I've seen things go really wrong with tonsillectomies (sp?), so would want to try all options before I let my child have a GA and surgery. But having said that you are the mother and it's your decision either way, i didn't want to alarm you just give you another option.

Hope your DS is feeling better soon.

[Nelle]

I'd be scared too Spring. I think it sounds like you've thought about this, and you need to do something if the doctors are worried about how it will affect his hearing. I'm sure they don't go into surgery with little ones too lightly. xo And he will feel so good after it's all done and the hardest of recovery is over.

Maybe start to do some planning and preparing of helping him cope with hospital and recovery, I'm sure there are many mums on here with good experience.

[Willow]

Em - While you are entitled to your opinion of course, Spring posted looking for reassurance.

i'd exhaust all options before surgery (alll surgery contains risk-even death)

That aint very reassuring!

[LaDolceVita]

I had my tonsils and adenoids taken out when I was about 5, and was up in my hospital room bouncing from bed to bed 4 hours after the operation with a very big smile on my face, loving the attention... Apparently my Mum actually turned to the Doc and asked if I had even been in yet.

I do remember having the mask on my face and being told to count backwards from 10, I don't think I even got to 7... I don't remember much else about the whole surgery but I do know how lucky I felt when every kid in schoolw as coming down with Tonsilitis except me... It seems a horrible thing to go through! Much more painful and longer lasting than the surgery.

I agree with BG I don't think you'll feel ok about it all until after it is done. I can't imagine any parent being thrilled about the idea of their little angel going through surgery, or being sick either... It's completely natural to be worried, I do believe however that you will be very grateful 6 months down the track when you haven't had to nurse the poor little man through another bout of illness... I think he will be too. I know I am to my parents

Best wishes!

Alicia xx

[Schmickers]

With that kind of frequency, I agree, your best course of action would be to get them removed as soon as possible.

The only advice I'd give is to be really confident with your surgeon. If you don't feel confident, then shop around. Tonsillectomies carry with them a significant risk of bleeding post-operatively, a risk that a good surgeon will take steps to minimise. We made the trip to Newcastle from here to see an ENT that specialised in children for that reason - our local ENT surgeon is an adult surgeon.

[Spring Angel]

Schmickers: Thanks for your advice, it is very wise. Thankfully we are happy with our surgeon. We asked if he does children and he actually is quite experienced in doing children. The youngest was 6 months (I think the infection the bubba had was very serious). He explains everything fully (including the risk of post-op bleeding), is happy to answer all our questions fully. I trust him.

Alicia: To hear that you were feeling so great so shortly after the operation is very encouraging. You are right, we just have to look forward to 6 months down the track and a happy healthy bub.

Well the good news is, DS is almost all better. I have a phone call with the surgeon tomorrow to discuss whether DS will be well enough for the op.

I'm feeling more comfortable with our decision, all your posts have been very helpful.

Spring xx

[Spring Angel]

Just though I'd update. DS has his operation yesterday and I'm pleased to say it all went well. It was upsetting whilst he was going under and in recovery but I am actually quite surprised how quickly he was back to his normal happy self.

Thankfully we have some strong pain relief for him so I'm hoping I can manage the pain over the next week or to.

I'm so happy the operation is over and I can get my happy healthy baby boy back. I was so very impressed with all the surgical staff and ward staff, they went out of their way to help make it easy on him and comfort a sooky la la mumma.

Once again thank you for all your advice and support.

Spring xx

[LaDolceVita]

Fantastic News Spring!!! So glad to hear it! The worst is over now and you can look forward to a happier little man with no more sore throats Wishing him a speedy recovery! Sounds like he is doing marvellously though!! xx

[Nettie]

So glad it went well for you! Hospital staff are so underrated, aren't they? They were fabbo with this sooky sooky la la mumma too!

I hope our words were of use when the time came..

Hope it all goes well for the next week or two while he recovers.