Question for STM+

bensmommy518 · May 2014

So DS needs surgery again

We are scheduled for next week.

Nearly a year ago he had tubes placed in his ears because of chronic, undetected ear infections. Well one of the tubes fell out and already he has so much thick fluid built up behind that ear drum that it is actually pulling the eardrum in - not good.

His speech therapist has also been suggesting I have his adenoids and tonsils checked because of his chronic ear infections, mouth breathing, excessive drooling, etc. At the ENTs today he said the tonsils look fine but he needs to have the tube replaced again and the adenoids need to come out. This is an ENT who has a reputation for NOT being surgery happy yet both times I have taken DS to him (not including follow up visits) he has said he definitely needs surgery.

I am not questioning the need for surgery, and I know what to expect with the tube surgery. And I saw a big difference in his speech after the surgery - much more words and clarity in the words since he was now actually hearing properly. My questions are about the adenoids surgery. Doctor said it is a little harder on the kids and takes a bit longer for them to recover.

1. What have other peoples experiences been with this type of surgery? what kind of results did you see?
2. How long should I expect to keep him out of daycare - it is on a Thursday and I am planning for that day and Friday. Should I also expect to keep him home Monday?
3. What types of foods/beverages do people suggest for following the surgery. Any I should avoid from your experiences?

Thanks in advance to all!

Unknown · May 2014

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Jmattis · May 2014

I had my tonsils out a year ago, at 29 years old. Its a tough recovery for adults, but I heard it's really not too bad for children. It took me a full 2 weeks to be able to speak again and feel better. Days 3-7 are the worst as a scab begins to form and it feels like razor blades when you swallow. Popcicles, jello, and foods that aren't hot or spice are best. Also, be sure to have him drink water around the clock and have a humidifier on at all times.

Eta: spelling

jhjocelyn · May 2014

So, I'm not a stm, but I did work with a family that did this for thier 2 yo girl. The results were amazing, she's non-verbal still (for other reasons) but she began responding to us more. She used tone of voice and volume and articulated vowels sounds, all of which she had not done well before. She also became in-tune to conversations around her... You tell a story about what she did last week to someone and she would reenact it, or get embarrased etc.
She had her adenoids out and tubes in at the same time. So it's hard to know which helped what. It did dry up the drool and constant colds, making her much more pleasant to be around. Her family definitely was glad they did it, and wished they had done it sooner, her case was pretty severe.
Forgive any grammar/typing errors, I'm on my 2nd motn feed.

MrsW062610 · May 2014

Not a STM but I had my adenoids out when I was 10. It does hurt after but I don't remember being in pain for too long. That's all I can add...good luck!

worleygirl · May 2014

No experience w my own children but I had tubes, adenoids, and tonsils done when I was 4. I had complete hearing loss in one ear and I was reading lips. I remember the surgery and recovery and the only bad thing I remember was having to stay in the hospital until I could eat a bowl of cornflakes. This was in England in the early 80s, lol. My mom swears it changed my life! Just wanted to share a positive story!

bensmommy518 · May 2014

JGjocelyn said:

So, I'm not a stm, but I did work with a family that did this for thier 2 yo girl. The results were amazing, she's non-verbal still (for other reasons) but she began responding to us more. She used tone of voice and volume and articulated vowels sounds, all of which she had not done well before. She also became in-tune to conversations around her... You tell a story about what she did last week to someone and she would reenact it, or get embarrased etc. She had her adenoids out and tubes in at the same time. So it's hard to know which helped what. It did dry up the drool and constant colds, making her much more pleasant to be around. Her family definitely was glad they did it, and wished they had done it sooner, her case was pretty severe. Forgive any grammar/typing errors, I'm on my 2nd motn feed.

This is great to hear! The first set of tubes helped him a lot and I am hoping this second set has the same results - we have seen a bit of a plateau in his speech sessions lately. The drooling is crazy but he has always been a drooler. Maybe having the adenoids removed will help this as well. Did the little girl also always have her tongue hanging out and did the surgery help with that at all?

cja06 · May 2014

Both of my sons had tubes, but for DS1, his tubes fell out within a year and he started to have constant ear infections again, so he had a second set put in and had his adenoids removed at the same time. I'm trying to remember all the specifics, but the adenoid surgery wasn't much worse than the tubes. As I recall, the surgery was on Wednesday and he was back to daycare on Monday. His pain was very minimal. He ate softer, bland foods the first day, but then was back to a regular diet. He bounced back really quickly. It's the tonsil removal that is painful.

The good news is he never had another ear infection since (this was about 4 years ago) and he was much healthier for a couple of years...like never got sick. Until this year, when he started having recurrent strep infections, so we are discussing with an ENT on tonsil removal, but that is completely unrelated to the tubes/adenoids. It was totally worth it.

MiaMyPuggle · May 2014

I had tonsils and adenoids done when I was in 4th grade. Just had a sore throat and was allowed to eat popcicles, pudding, jello, etc for a few days. I just remember having a sore throat. I was out of school for a week. Before I got the surgery, I had a rough time breathing and couldn't catch my breath a lot. I wasn't overweight, it was the tonsils. My cousin's 3 year old just had it done and she said he didn't miss a step at all. She said she's not even sure if he had a sore throat bc he wasn't acting any differently. The earlier the better. They won't remember.

BEAUNAL · May 2014

No advice just hugs. Sorry he has to have another surgery. Hope his recovery is quick and with fantastic results.

jhjocelyn · May 2014

Oops sorry for the delayed response! I'm mobile and forgot to check back. She always had her mouth open, not necessarily tongue out. She's learning to close it now to form sounds in speech. She had other issues though, never developed the ability to babble, or anything more than coo or screech. She was also a little delayed in getting services.

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