I have zero faith in the medical community anymore, and less faith in any online resources spewing 'medical advice'. My 11yo son is going in for surgery soon, for removal of tonsils and adenoids. I know this is routine procedure nowadays so I am not at all worried, But I am curious, have any of you had this procedure done recently or know someone who has? Especially someone young. I had it done 30 years ago and I was too young to remember anything. I'm sure its much different today. Because of the surgery, he'll be out of school for a week but my hope is he'll be recovered enough in a few days. He's active and involved in sports and want to make sure he can resume his normal lifestyle in 4-5 days, but no idea what to expect in terms of recovery.
Any thoughts based on recent experiences greatly appreciated!
I’m 70 and still have both tonsils and adenoids— my dad was a pediatrician— actually taught med school in the 60’s and 70’s and said he thought the surgery was over rated after my sister ( 1 year younger underwent both) FYI I have both tonsils and adenoids and am never ill— sister without had constant sinus/colds etc— neither of my kids have had the surgery and son is type 1 diabetic but he had his tonsils and adenoids at 45 and is healthy
Agree with JJ10, tonsils and adenoids are part of your God given immune system.
Agree. God gave us everything for a reason and I'd prefer not to do it, but fighting a bit of an uphill battle w/ my wife on this, and my son does struggle with "congested" breathing esp at night. No other remedy has resolved it unfortunately.
I totally agree !
Thanks for sharing. Interesting that my experience seems to be the opposite of yours. I had my tonsils removed in my early teens. After that, I don't think I ever got sick with flu, cold, strep throat, whatever. My wife however, never had tonsils removed, and she gets all those illnesses annually. We're both in our late 40s.
My sister who had tonsils removed at 4/5 years old has had constant sinus infections and is sick with something(low grade) all the time— I haven’t had even a “ cold “ since 2015
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsil
“The tonsils are immunocompetent organs which serve as the immune system's first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens, and as such frequently engorge with blood to assist in immune responses to common illnesses such as the common cold. The tonsils have on their surface specialized antigen capture cells called microfold cells (M cells) that allow for the uptake of antigens produced by pathogens. These M cells then alert the B cells and T cells in the tonsil that a pathogen is present and an immune response is stimulated.[6] B cells are activated and proliferate in areas called germinal centers in the tonsil. These germinal centers are places where B memory cells are created and secretory antibody (IgA) is produced.”
DO NOT DO IT....
Let the Child grow Up into an Adult before it happens, it will be Much Better for the Child....
I supposedly needed a Tonsillectomy at like age 11 or 12, Dad Refused it....
I had to have one so I could breathe in the Army at age 19 or 20, and things went well after that....
The Tonsils are a level f Protection, Natural Protection, so leave them be....
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsil
“The tonsils are immunocompetent organs which serve as the immune system's first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens, and as such frequently engorge with blood to assist in immune responses to common illnesses such as the common cold. The tonsils have on their surface specialized antigen capture cells called microfold cells (M cells) that allow for the uptake of antigens produced by pathogens. These M cells then alert the B cells and T cells in the tonsil that a pathogen is present and an immune response is stimulated.[6] B cells are activated and proliferate in areas called germinal centers in the tonsil. These germinal centers are places where B memory cells are created and secretory antibody (IgA) is produced.”
Well I think genetics play a much larger plan as well as geographics - where you grew up and if you moved at an early age to change new allergies etc - - it’s a weird thing
Very true.
When I was 3 years old, I started having major infections and problems with my tonsils and adenoids. Back in those days, many doctors (including mine) didn't like to take them out until the child was at least 5 years old, so they tried to control my infections with antibiotics and other medications.
When I was 4 years old, all of the tonsil and adenoid problems caused me to lose my hearing. I went completely deaf. So the doctors immediately removed them, and luckily for me my hearing returned over the next few weeks with only a tiny bit of permanent damage.
For the rest of my childhood, I suffered from constant ear infections, constant severe sinus and nasal problems, and my share of colds and flus. As an adult, the sinus problems have continued for decades, although the ear problems stopped when I was a teenager. As an adult, I virtually never get the flu (haven't had the flu in over 20 years now), although I get plenty of colds, sinus infections, and bronchitis.
I have no idea if any of the respiratory problems throughout my life have/had anything to do with leaving the tonsils and adenoids in too long and/or taking them out at all. I do know that all the medications they gave me as a child to try and control the tonsil and adenoid problems (in sweet syrups to be spoon fed to a toddler) rotted almost every one of my baby and adult teeth before they ever even erupted, so nearly every time I got a new tooth I had to go to the dentist for fillings and crowns. I don't know if any of this helps your decisions, but take it for what it's worth. Research and make your decisions carefully.
Thank you very much for sharing. With my son, I almost feel like the adenoids is a bigger issue bc of his "congested"-sounding breathing, esp at night. And now that you mention it, I do think all of this might be affecting his hearing as he plays the radio in the car at a higher volume than is comfortable for my own ears. Thx again for sharing.