Brian * Jamie Eliza * Simon: Eliza's Tonsillectomy

Just over a year ago Eliza had surgery to remove her adenoids and to place ear tubes to help remedy some breathing issues and regular ear infections. Her ENT didn't want to remove her tonsils because it wasn't absolutely necessary since he thought taking out the adenoids would solve most of her problems and he didn't want to add in the recovery time that goes with a tonsillectomy. We went along with the plan and saw an improvement in Eliza after the procedure. However, her tonsils have always been enlarged and every pediatrician who has seen her has commented on their size. As the year progressed Eliza seemed to be developing more breathing issues (mainly snoring where she seemed to have some apnea issues with her adenoids) and she started to have problems with strep throat. When the ENT here saw her, he commented that she should have her tonsils out since she was having obstructive and infectious issues. So we scheduled the surgery during one of Brian's visits home. The night before we read "Curious George Goes to the Hospital" and tried to prepare Eliza for the new things that she'd experience the next morning. We told her about the funny mask they'd put on her face, and how the nurses and doctors would help her. She did very well at the hospital and smiled the whole way to the OR while they pulled her in a wagon. The nurse told us that she fell right to sleep and didn't fight the anesthesia mask (which she got to bring home) at all. She has recovered very well since she came home. She hasn't had any problems eating, drinking or sleeping. She has been great about taking her medicine and wants to play all the time. I have to keep reminding her to take it easy. She has been a little more grumpy than usual, but that usually coincides with the timing of her pain medicine wearing off. Hopefully she'll continue to recover without any issues and she won't need any more surgeries any time soon!