Undergoing surgery is often a daunting experience, especially for children. As a parent, witnessing your child go through such a challenging medical procedure can be overwhelming. This narrative explores the journey my two young daughters took as they underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries, each facing unique challenges and recovering in their distinct ways. Despite common reassurances of a straightforward recovery, our reality was much more complex and fraught with unexpected difficulties. This account not only highlights their courageous battle but also sheds light on the intricacies of post-surgical recovery.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Surgeries
I had two daughters undergo tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries within a three-month span. The second daughter, having witnessed her sister’s recovery, was quite apprehensive. While many people assured us of an easy recovery, our experience was quite the opposite. It was an incredibly difficult recovery, and even a nurse who had undergone the same procedure described it as horrific, noting that her hospital stay was lengthy and required pain medication.
First Daughter’s Sleep Study:
My first daughter, who was four years old, needed the surgery due to sleep apnea, which was confirmed by a sleep study. During the check-in for the sleep study, she was connected to multiple tubes and immediately became upset upon seeing her reflection in the mirror, trying to pull off the nasal devices. To soothe her, I played her favorite movie, Rapunzel, which helped her sit still and eventually fall asleep despite the uncomfortable situation.
The doctor determined from the sleep study that her airways needed to be opened, as her tonsils had become enlarged, restricting airflow, and her adenoids were equally problematic, making it difficult for her to breathe.
First Daughter’s Surgery:
We arrived at the hospital by 6:00 am for her 7:00 am tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery. She was allowed to bring a toy or stuffed animal and wear comfortable, loose clothing like two-piece pajamas and socks. She couldn’t eat or drink anything after 11:00 pm the night before. Upon arrival, they provided a teddy bear, and she was cheerful until it was time to change into her hospital gown, which she resisted. We had to turn on Rapunzel again to encourage her. After taking her Tylenol mixed with a medication to help her forget, they wheeled her away. She remained calm as she sat in bed, but once the surgery started, which lasted about 45 minutes, I could hear her crying as soon as the doors opened.
When I found her, she was closing her eyes and crying heavily. After sitting with her, I realized they hadn’t given her any pain medication, and her cry was a sign of her pain, reminiscent of her first surgery at five months old. Once they provided her with the medicine, she eventually ate a red popsicle, realizing that she couldn’t go home until she did. I had to carry her to the car afterward. Once home, she was thrilled to see her sisters and received the presents they had for her, proudly showing off her new bear.
First Daughter’s Recovery:
She managed to eat a bit of eggs before going to bed but refused oral medication, opting instead for suppositories, which helped alleviate her pain. The recovery was excruciating, with her requiring around-the-clock medication for pain relief. This surgery proved to be a tougher recovery than her craniosynostosis surgery.
Her sisters joined her for popsicles, turning it into a popsicle party, much to their delight. They enjoyed treats like pudding, ice cream, jello, and apple juice together. The following day, she developed a runny nose, a cough, and slight pink eye from the nasal discharge. Her food intake included cheese quesadillas, pumpkin muffins, scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, white bread, popsicles, yogurt, shredded cheese, Top Ramen, mochi, marshmallows, and chocolate cake.
She took Tylenol but still experienced significant discomfort and difficulty eating. The doctors advised us to go to the ER if she bled more than a teaspoon or showed signs of dehydration.
Second Daughter’s Diagnosis :
My second daughter underwent a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy at the age of six due to a persistent sinus infection that lasted six months, leaving her constantly congested. She also suffered from sleep apnea and had significant sinus issues, often sounding like she had a cold, even though she wasn’t actually sick. Despite trying various medications and frequent doctor visits, nothing seemed to help, so we consulted an ENT specialist.
Second Daughter’s Surgery :
We arrived for check-in at 7:00 AM for her 8:00-9:00 AM surgery, and she was discharged around noon. The night before, she needed to bathe, wear a two-piece pajama set, keep her socks on, and avoid food or drink after midnight. She was allowed to bring her bear for comfort.
We were warned that she wouldn’t wake up in a good mood and might be quite upset. When she did wake up, she instinctively curled up in a fetal position, which was difficult for her. She enjoyed a few servings of vanilla ice cream and kept asking for more until later that night when her ear began to hurt, causing her to refuse food and drink due to the pain in both her ear and throat.
Second Daughter’s Recovery :
The following day, she showed little interest in eating or drinking and didn’t sleep at all the first night. She experienced ear pain while trying to eat. She developed a fever, and since she was having difficulty eating and drinking because of her severe ear and throat pain, we called the doctor, who advised us to visit the ER. Her fever was 101.7, even with Tylenol, and she had a cough with mucus. Upon arriving at the ER, she was admitted to the hospital for two nights for hydration and nutrition support. While there, she developed pink eye in both eyes and reported ear pain, which was causing her reluctance to eat. On her last day in the hospital, she was diagnosed with a double ear infection.
She was prescribed Tylenol and ibuprofen every six hours, antibiotics twice a day, nasal spray three times a day, and eye drops every four hours. She was in significant discomfort, spending her time crying and holding her ears while asking for medication. During her hospital stay, she received some antibiotics through her IV for the ear infection. However, even at home, the infection persisted despite the antibiotics. She had to return to the pediatrician for shots on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for the ear infection. Two weeks later, during a follow-up appointment, she still had the ear infection and was prescribed a stronger antibiotic.
Recovery Diet
Foods She Enjoyed While Recovering: Vanilla ice cream, Mochi (the outer layer), Butter noodles, Gatorade, and Popsicles (eventually).
What We Tried: Soft tortillas, cupcake icing, marshmallows, yogurt, red and orange Jell-O, Gatorade, popsicles, ice cream, Pediasure, smoothies, mac and cheese, white bread, Top Ramen, bananas, mochi, pumpkin bread, oatmeal, eggs, cheese, protein milkshake, scrambled eggs, white rice, mashed potatoes, banana, Jell-O, pudding, applesauce, ice cream, Gatorade, Liquid IV, and water.
Hard Recoveries
In conclusion, the journey through my daughters’ surgeries was challenging. While the path was fraught with unexpected hurdles and significant discomfort, it also revealed the resilience of my children and the importance of tailored post-operative care. Although the initial assurance of an easy recovery was quickly dispelled by the harsh realities we faced, this experience underscored the necessity of vigilance and adaptability in addressing each child’s unique needs.