BLEEDING?
There is usually not too much bleeding during the
operation, but there is always a chance of bleeding after your child
comes home after the operation. The most common time for a child to bleed
after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is 4 to 8 days after surgery.
Sometimes bleeding may occur in the first 24 hours after the operation.
Usually this early bleeding occurs within the first 2 hours. However,
bleeding can occur at any time, until everything is healed, which takes about
two to three weeks. Most children do not bleed afterwards, but every year
a few do. If this occurs, have the child swallow some ice water. If
the bleeding persists, you should bring your child to the Emergency Room for
evaluation. Sometimes, the child may have to return to the operating room
to control the bleeding.
HOW MUCH WILL IT HURT?
Everyone is different and everyone has a different amount of pain. It may
also depend on how much infection there was before the operation. Most children
are nearly fully recovered after 7 to 10 days. Some bounce back after 4 or 5
days. A sore throat is very common after a tonsillectomy, but the ears sometimes
hurt as well because the tonsils in the mouth are so close to the ears. As the
mouth heals, the ear pain will go away. Adenoidectomy does not cause as much
pain and a child usually recovers in 3 to 4 days.
Adults are much slower to recover after a tonsillectomy. It is not uncommon
for an adult to be off of work for 2 to 3 weeks and not eating solids for at
least 2 weeks.
WHAT HELPS THE PAIN?
The two things that make pain go away are taking liquid Tylenol with Codeine
(you will get a prescription to take home with you) and swallowing lots of
liquids. Encourage your child to speak, clear his or her throat, and swallow.
Chewing gum may also be helpful.
FEVER?
A small fever (100 or 101 degrees) is common after surgery. If it goes above
102, call and we will discuss it. Often, fever goes away in a few days.
You may give Tylenol to decrease the fever but DO NOT overdose this medication
if you have given Tylenol with Codeine pain medications. Stay away
from aspirin, Advil and other non-steroidal pain relievers since they can
increase bleeding.
Make sure you are giving the pain medicine often. The other thing to do is
give your child more liquids to drink. These tricks usually work and will keep
your child comfortable.
WHAT ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS?
Antibiotics after surgery will help the healing process. It will also prevent
infection after the surgery. It is very important that your child take both
antibiotics and pain medications.
ACTIVITIES?
Your child should rest for the first few days. They don't have to stay in
pajamas or in bed. Running around, playing, and jumping are not good, but your
child can go with you if you have to go somewhere. They can be in a car, and
they can go with you to the store but they will be tired for the first several
days. Your child can go back to school 7 days after surgery, but not to gym
class for another 3 weeks after returning to school. You should stay
in town for 21 days after surgery in case there is delayed bleeding.
CHECK UPS?
Ask your doctor when your child should come back for a check up, usually the
first visit should be made for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
If you have any questions, please call the office or answering service. The
doctor or a member of his staff will speak to you or return your call as quickly
as possible.
