Enlarged tonsils / Speech

kianew

So Dylan has been seeing a speech therapist because he is having some issues with the articulation of words - mainly ones that are formed on the lips, like "B", "P" etc.  At our last visit, the speech therapist recommended that we go see the pediatrician and see about allergies and/or enlarged tonsils/adenoids.  We went this morning and he definitely has very enlarged tonsils and we were referred to an ENT (appt. is next week).  Now I'm feeling very anxious about what will happen.  I'm just not sure what the recommendation/criteria is for taking tonsils out.  I worry about if they do want to do surgery and take them out.  I worry about if they don't want to take them out and his speech getting even more delayed.  Ugh.  Anyone have any experience with this? 

fallbride110406

I did.  I had strep throat so many times (at least 4-5 times a year) when I was little that my tonsils and adenoids were extremely enlarged.  It was interfering with my speech (mostly B's and P's like you said) so they removed them.  I did speech therapy for about a month after the surgery and was fine.  I do form my words differently than most people (someone reading my lips has a hard time distinguishing words) but I can speak just fine now.  

I was maybe 6 when I had them out although it was brought up as early as 3 or 4.  I remember the surgery and recovery and it wasn't bad.  They let me take a stuffed animal with me and gave it it's own wrist band and everything.  My mom said it was nerve wracking for her but that it was the best decision she could have made.  

howleyshell

My now 16 yr old had his tonsils and adnoids out.

Stressful for the parents.

Unfun for the kid.

Made a WORLD of difference.  

Does Dylan get sick often?

We were sent due to repeat illness but I do think it made a difference with his speech. 

 

And can I say I'm a bit jealous?  Jace struggles with "th" sounds and my pedi told me not to worry about it until his next appt in December.

I'm thrilled you're getting services and are being encouraged to investigate these things and get to the bottom of it all!

Oh... and who's your ENT (if you're comfortable sharing)?

 

kianew

howleyshell:

My now 16 yr old had his tonsils and adnoids out.

Stressful for the parents.

Unfun for the kid.

Made a WORLD of difference.  

Does Dylan get sick often?

We were sent due to repeat illness but I do think it made a difference with his speech. 

 

And can I say I'm a bit jealous?  Jace struggles with "th" sounds and my pedi told me not to worry about it until his next appt in December.

I'm thrilled you're getting services and are being encouraged to investigate these things and get to the bottom of it all!

Oh... and who's your ENT (if you're comfortable sharing)?

He gets quite a few colds, but I always think that's just normal going to daycare part-time.  He does ALWAYS get coughs with them, too, that seem to last forever. 

He also breathes through his mouth and snores at night. 

Dr. Friedman at Children's is our ENT.  We've seen him once before to clean the ginormous amount of wax buildup out of Dylan's ears

1CINCYGIRL

I am a pediatric recovery room nurse, and we see TONS of kids having tonsils taken out for speech, snoring, or infections.  Adnoids are no biggie when taken out, the tonsils are another story.  "our" kids are not allowed to go back to school or daycare for 7-10 days (may be an issue if you work).  If you end up having tonsils taken out invest in some cool looking sippie cups or cups with crazy straws.  Is is really important that they drink afterwards to help keep scabs in back of throat moist to avoid any bleeding while healing.  Good luck!