Ear Tubes & Adenoid Removal

Updated on June 25, 2008
S.N. asks from Jonesboro, GA
8 answers

I've posted various times on Mamasource pertaining my child's sleep patterns...and I'm wondering if, hopefully, what I am about to ask has any correlation to sleep and/or its behavioral. I've posted various times how my son, who is 15 months now, doesn't sleep through the night. Well, the past 2 months has gotten worse. He'll wake up every 1 1/2 hr - 2 hours screaming his head off, tossing all around the bed, I would try to give him his pacifier, he throws it to the side, a bottle, he throws it to the side too. He was just irritable during the day. Well, to sum it - my husband and I are EXHAUSTED. I took him to the ENT, I was told his adenoids were large, and also he's on Zyrtec b/c he has allergies. Last month we had a little incident. I noticed that for 3 consecutive days his drinking pattern was excessive. I took him to his pediatrician, she did blood & urine work. Well, his sugar was elevated. She thinks it was attributed to the steroids he was put on for an ear infection he had for over 2 months. Well, the test was repeated, and there was no sugar. The pattern stopped. He had tubes put in and his adenoids taken out this past Friday, June 20. I noticed he was drinking ALOT and hardly eating after the surgery. Well, it would be expected as he just came out of surgery and I'm sure his throat was a little sore b/c they had to intubate him. The sleeping issues still continues w/ the waking up every 2 hours. My question - is it too soon to tell if the tubes/adenoid removal helped his sleeping? Is he going to be sore for awhile? Did anyone's child drink alot after the surgery? I don't want to sound neurotic about the drinking, its just I'm scared since the last time it happened, the pediatrician found sugar in his blood/urine.

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So What Happened?

Hello everyone. Thanks all for your advice, but its with great sadness that I commumicate my child has been diagnosed w/ Type 1 juvenile diabetes. My husband and I are emotionally destroyed.

More Answers

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

Hi S.,
Wow, your little guy sure has been through a lot for his age. Have you ever thought of taking him to a chiropractor? It is extremly safe and non invasive, especailly with what he has already been through. It sounds like he is in a lot of pain... Getting his body in its correct alignment would absolutly help him. I am a chiropractor and would love to answer any questions you may have. Best of luck to you guys!

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B.M.

answers from Atlanta on

my son had his removed and did drink a decent amount but I would be concerned with the potential sugar. Think about taking him to a specialist that deals with juvenile diabetes. We have a friend whose son has it and still lives a very normal life but it could be bad if not caught. And the sleeping pattern doesn;t sound right either. Trust your instincts and find him a new pediatrician. I use Dr. T. Gearhard near Cobb Hospital. He is a family doctor but if there is a problem, he refers you to a specialist somewhat quickly which helps with insurance approval, etc.

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C.D.

answers from Sumter on

I can't add any better advice than what you've gotten, but my son had his adenoids removed and tubes put in at 2 3/4 yrs old and he was absolutely fine the next day. I only say this part as a little reassurance, he still doesn't sleep through the night, I think he is just an active boy and doesn't require alot of sleep (takes after his daddy) and he drinks alot of water to keep up. I haven't had him tested for diabetes because no doctor has said this was abnormal, as long as it's water and not all juice or coke, due to the hot climate we live in most of the year. hope this helped a little, good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to do!

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P.L.

answers from Charleston on

Hey S.,

My daughter had her adnoids and tonsils out in October (she was 4), and the only thing she would do afterward was drink, and lots of it! They say that the cold helps with the soreness and the healing process. So we kept her a constant supply of cold beverages at all times. If I remember correctly, she didn't take solids for 2 days after the surgery, and then it was only mashed potatoes, mac & cheese & soup for the next week. In our case, the removal of these tremendously helped her sleep, but it took about a week to notice, which I think is the basic recovery period. Can you ask your pediatrician to repeat the sugar test? It would probably help to ease your mind, and if it is normal, then maybe his fussiness and non-sleeping is just surgery related. Did the ENT give your son the prescription for the numbing drops for his ears? (can't remember what the name of it, but I can find out if you like) That worked awesome with both my kids after their tubes were in. Hope this helps. Good luck and keep us posted on what happens!
P.

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D.T.

answers from Atlanta on

My daughter had her adenoids and tonsils out at age 3. It took her a good 2 -3 weeks before she would eat normal again. All she had was sugar in liquids. She was in quite a bit of pain. I've heard it's not too bad with just the adenoids, but I can't tell you that for sure. What I do know is that around 3 months is when we really started to notice the difference. She'd start sleeping through the night, she didn't fight us to go to bed, she wasn't a beast during the day anymore. It was amazing to see the difference, but it did take a little bit. Be patient and let this work through your son. It's going to take just a bit for your son's body to realize things are okay now. Good luck!!

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C.U.

answers from Atlanta on

S., I am sorry to hear your son is having all this trouble! The first thing that popped into my mind was the symptoms sound very much like diabetes (extreme thirst, sugar in the urine etc). Now I am not a doctor or in the medical field or anything, so take my post with a grain of salt, but if you have a history of diabetes in your family...it may be worth checking into getting him tested. Has your pediatrician already tested for this with a blood or urine test? Good luck!

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D.P.

answers from Atlanta on

Yeah, the drinking a lot would worry me too, I think. Just make sure that what he drinks is not juice or soda -- mostly water. How 'bout Ensure or Pediasure or even milk with Ovaltine or Carnation Instant Breakfast -- if you're worried about nutrition... (not that those things aren't loaded with sugar)

Is your son sleeping better? I hope so!

The sore throat after intubation from surgery should only really last for the next day -- MAYBE two... But sore from the adenoids would last longer. What did you get from the surgeon? I would assume you got a bunch of post-op care info. Read up and there's always the nurse's line...

I hope by the time you are getting all your responses, the problem has resolved itself.

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K.R.

answers from Charleston on

My oldest daughter had her tonsiles romoved at 3 she also tubs put in, her sleep, well, she snored tossed and turned, then after she healed she started sleeping better. The drinking thing right now, I wouldn't worry to much yet, just give lots of water and avoid sugary drinks like tea and cool aid, even 100% fruit juice has alot of natural sugars in it that can cause the sugar levals to climb. I would talk to the doc. as much as possable about the drinking issue. The sore throat may last alittle while because the adnoids are in the throat and they had to be cut out so he has stitches in there. Good luck and I hope it gets better.

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