Preschooler Pain Management

This month we had to face the inevitable - the dreaded tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy procedure for Jordan. Our primary care doc made the recommendation almost a year ago to see an ENT specialist about Jordan's extra large tonsils and adenoids. He had sleep issues that were worrisome, snored like a sailor and always breathed through his mouth. As a result, he never got restful sleep at night, not to mention he would wake up gasping for air or worse, stop breathing altogether for several moments at night!

John and I drag our feet for several months on this until finally we were ready. The verdict came in, Dr. Ochi ("Dr. Ouchee" as Jordan likes to call him) made the recommendation to have it done as soon as possible. We did our research on the procedure but didn't focus on the after-care pain management. For those parents out there who are considering this procedure for their preschooler, be warned - this is considered major surgery. Jordan did very well for the procedure itself, he cooperated, remained calm, did was he was asked to do and when he woke up, he simply said "Where's my mom?"

After we came home for the hospital, Jordan managed to inhale a whole cheeseburger and fries. It went downhill from there, and it remained challenging for a good 7 days. The pain was unbearable, the only relief came after forcing down a dose of liquid vicodin which took an act of God to administer on a screaming preschooler. It got downright ugly at times, with many sleepness nights spent on the roll-away bed in Jordan's room. It is now day 8 post-surgery and we seem to have turned the corner finally.

Thank you to everyone who checked in on us when we were sleep deprived and living in a fog these last few days. Your well wishes, cards and tokens of love and concern are truly appreciated. We are so blessed to have such loving friends and family around during trying times like this.