My Childs Tonsilectomy

Just let her know that she'll be asleep for the whole thing and will have medicine to make her feel better afterward. Also tell her that she'll be on a special diet afterward. VERY special in fact, meaning ice-cream, jello, mashed potatos etc...

I don't know if she's the type that this works well with, but my son always feels better once he has all of the details of something and if I can give him the pros and cons and do it all in a matter-of-fact way that makes it something normal and yes maybe annoying, but necessary. He usually agrees that it's the right thing and I made the right decision. So you might try telling her why it's necessary, and why it should be done sooner rather than later. I had mine out when I was 18 and it was HORRIBLE, but my mom said it barely bothered my brother to have his out when he was about 8. The doctor agreed that the older they get, the harder it is. Kids heal so much faster, so the earlier you get this done, the easier her recovery will be.

Anyways, I know this wasn't too much help, but maybe there's something useful in here. :) Best of luck!

BTW: I agree with the other mom that said that the recovery pain after the surgery isn't anywhere near as bad as tonsilitis, so it's this manageable recovery pain once, or keep getting tonsilitis a few times a year forever.

Our ENT gave our kids a little book about it. Then we made sure to tell everyone when they each had theirs, so everyone told them when they had their tonsils out and how old they were. Their friends even brought them ice cream. While they were in surgery I ran to the gift shop and got them a new stuffed animal. I think the more people she know have their out the better they'll feel because they're great and not telling her not to do it. Good luck!

K.:
My son was about 8 when he had a tonsilectomy. The ENT's office gave us a great litte book about what would happen, it was like a comic book. If you didn't get something like this, talk to your ENT to see what they have. I also just talked to him to let him know what he would expect. He was also allowed to take 1 stuffed animal/toy in during surgery and that helped also. I told him about how he would be asleep during the procedure and how when he would wake up he would have an iv in his arm and have to wear it. I let him know it would be painful, but it would be worth it as no more sore throats, etc. ONe thing I didn't fully prepare him for was eating. He had to fast for 12 hrs and then could only eat ice chips when he came out of recovery. By the time we were released he was starving and couldn't eat . He was upset about that for a while. Good luck. Just let your daughter know you will be there for her and as soon as she wakes up, they will get you and you can be there with her.
A.

Have you considered checking for books at your
local library? Even if it's below their reading level it might
be a good book to explain what they are going to do. What
about having the doctor explain what he or she will be doing.

I just did a general search: talking to kids about a tonsilectomy
on google and a ton of stuff came up if I may suggest
look over a few and then share with your child.

All children are terrified about having an operation. Tell her of all the good stuff she can have after her surgery. She gets to eat lots of ice cream, popsicles, freezies' etc. Don't try and tell her that she's not going to feel pain, but it will go away with all this cool stuff she can have. Puddings and everything like that. Maybe once she knows that she won't be away for long from mommy, she will feel that much more better. I think other children have told her how much it hurts and stuff. Ask her if this is so and reassure her if that were the case you wouldn't let her have it done. She just needs some reassurance that she's going to be okay. Let her know that they will bring her ice cream and everything to make any pain go away and that you will be right there when she comes out of surgery. As well let her know that she isn't going to have the pain that she gets now with a sore throat, thats' worse than the surgery itself. Hopefully she will understand. Let her gain your trust and she will be fine. I know in Ontario they are only in and out the same day, I don't know about where you are. Good luck mom, she will be fine. She is just scared. Tell her not to listen to her friends. Every child is different.

When my son had his tonsils taken out when he was 7, he was scared too. I explained at age level what was going to happen and how much it would help him in the long run. I took him to the store to pick out his food choices, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soup, etc. My family loves Sonic ice, I took him to get his own bag. I bought coloring books and something little he could play with while recovery along with movies to watch.
I pray everything goes smoothly for yall. She will be up and at 'em quickly. Kids are amazing when it comes to recovering

My son had his tonsils and adenoids out at the same age. It was a breeze for him. Just downplay the whole thing and try not to act worried around her. Treat it like it's no big deal. She will feed off of your fears, so don't show them. Tell her you love her and tell her how much better she is going to feel when this is all over. No more tonsilitis! YAY! Oh, and all the ice cream she wants during recovery!

Poor baby, the anxiety before is probably going to be worse than the experience! Mine was up eating a PB&J by noon that day. Comfort her the best you can, and the nurses have dealt with this many times before, so once you get there, it will go smoothly!

M.

I had my tonsils out at 5 years old. The most awful part was waking up after the surgery and no parents around and your throat is killing you. If you can find out from the hospital how soon they will let you in to see your child and let them know, that might help with the wake up factor. Try to come up with a list of your child's favorite soft foods and talk about what you will have waiting at home for them. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, baby food and chocolate pudding were my favorites. Kids are smart so if you set the expectation as to what is going to happen, it may help -- but I read somewhere not to tell them too far in advance to avoid extra worrying about it. I think a few days notice was recommended. If you believe, also set a plan together to pray for your child's surgery right before you leave home, then when you arrive at the hospital and right before they go into surgery. Hope that helps and good luck.