What can I expect with my toddler's tonsillectomy?

I can answer this partially based on what I know. My son had his adenoids removed at the age of 2.5. He woke up from the surgery and was delirious. He cried for about an hour and refused ot eat or drink anything while there. We had to practically beg him to drink some Sprite. He was given Lortab for the pain and it made him too hyper (he has the same reaction to Benadryl) so we only gave him Motrin. He was out of daycare for 48 hours. And the pain lasted for about 4 days. It seemed worse in the mornings when he woke up. Try to stay on top of the pain medication and give it in the increments listed (i.e. ever 4-6 hours) to keep the pain down to a minimum instead of trying to decrease the pain. Also, make sure you have a humidifier to keep the mouth and throat moist during sleep and have cup of water or some liquid by the bed for him. Applesauce is fine to eat during recovery.

Also just to be be honest, the cauterization that is performed during the surgery can leave them with terribly bad breath for the first couple of days. The thought of the way my son's breath smelled still makes my stomach turn.

Best of luck to you.

For the first three questions, call your doctor. Just let them know that you want more detail on some things, and they can help you.

My son has not had any surgery (he's 2), but my nephew had tubes in his ears. I know this is not the same, but here is what my sister told him:

We are going to visit some people in the hospital. That is a place where you go when you need to feel better. They are going to be looking at your ears and asking us some questions. Then they are going to make you sleepy. When you wake up, mommy will be there holding you. You can cry if you need to. I know you might be scared, but it will make you fell better.

Maybe tell your son that his throat will hurt when he wakes up, but that he will get a treat after wards, like ice cream or pudding. Tell him that you will try everything you know to make him feel better, and that he can snuggle with mommy as much as he wants. Also, that you and he will get a little time away from daycare, but when he is feeling better he can go back and play with all of his friends.

Hope this helps.

My son had the same surgery when he was 5. You can expand on the list of what he can eat, just make sure whatever you give him has no salt in it (just for the fact that the salt will make his throat hurt!). He might not feel like eating anything for a few days. I know my son didnt. Im not gonna lie, he felt pretty awful those first few days. We kept him home for a week & a half I think it was. I cant remember what the pain medication is, but it helped. The only hard part about the meds was it has to be liquid form at that age & if hes not wanting to eat or drink anything its a battle!

Good Luck! I hope he feels better & is back to himself soon!!!!