The most important thing is to drink liquids, otherwise dehydration can sometimes occur. Solid foods are not as important to take as are liquids for this reason. Also, there may be too much soreness to swallow solids. Stay away from foods which are sour, salty, sharp or hot since this may cause pain and discomfort.
Suggested liquids: Apple juice, grape juice, Hi-C, Gator Aid, sodas (you may want to let the "fizz" out first), popsicles, sherbet, apple sauce, Jell-O, pudding.
Not Recommended: Solids, orange juice (any citric drink), spicy foods. These are only guides. The important thing is to have your child swallow liquids. Whatever works is the best thing to give. Milk products may increase mucus secretions but if the child will only drink a milk shake and eat ice cream then it is OK to give them.
There is usually not too much bleeding during the operation, but there is always a chance of bleeding when you come home after the operation. The most common time for bleeding 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. If this occurs, have the child swallow some ice water. If the bleeding persists, you should go to the Emergency Room for evaluation.
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.
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 been 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.
Antibiotics after surgery will help the healing process. It will also prevent infection after the surgery. It is very important that you take both antibiotics and pain medications.
You should rest for the first few days. You can be in a car, and they can go with to the store but they will be tired for the first several days. Avoid strenuous activity. You should stay in town for 21 days after surgery in case there is delayed bleeding.
Ask your doctor when you should come back for a checkup; usually the first visit should be made for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 612-465-0123