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!
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.