I'm getting my tonsils taken out and I'm really scared. Any advice?!
Question: I'm losing my mind thinking about surgery. Mostly because my cousin had an alergic reaction to the anestetic and he almost died. It really shook me up yesterday when I found out I needed to have them and my adenoids out. I'm not the average sized 15 year old and my weight might cause complications in the surgery. I'm flipping out right not. I keep thinking that I might not wake up after surgery. Also, I'm afraid of needles. I feel like im being a big baby and I need some reassurance. There are three good things about this though. I get to stay out of school for 2 weeks, I'm getting a rubix cube to occupy my time, and I'll sleep a whole lot better. You see, the whole reason for the surgery is to get rid of my sleep abnea. My doctor isnt sure if it'll help yet but I'm crossing my fingers :). If anyone can give me advice on this subject, give me a bit of condolance, or tell me how the operation went for them I would really appreciate it.
Answers: I'm losing my mind thinking about surgery. Mostly because my cousin had an alergic reaction to the anestetic and he almost died. It really shook me up yesterday when I found out I needed to have them and my adenoids out. I'm not the average sized 15 year old and my weight might cause complications in the surgery. I'm flipping out right not. I keep thinking that I might not wake up after surgery. Also, I'm afraid of needles. I feel like im being a big baby and I need some reassurance. There are three good things about this though. I get to stay out of school for 2 weeks, I'm getting a rubix cube to occupy my time, and I'll sleep a whole lot better. You see, the whole reason for the surgery is to get rid of my sleep abnea. My doctor isnt sure if it'll help yet but I'm crossing my fingers :). If anyone can give me advice on this subject, give me a bit of condolance, or tell me how the operation went for them I would really appreciate it.
I know this is a big step, and a bit scary. I am not going to tell you not to be scared, you can't help it. What I will say is this....
Try to relax. These people that will be taking care of you are professionals. Let them know your concerns, this will help a bit. Tell them you are nervous, and a bit aprehensive. Ask them to take slow steps, and guide you through it.
I have been through 5 surgeries, trust me, I still get butterflies. It is normal. I remember the first time I had surgery. I was sheduled to go in that afternoon. I had my day spelled out to me by the nurse, and everything was good. Then around 10:00 the doc came in, and told me surgery was bumped up to 11:30, and that I had to start getting ready... I freaked! This is not how it was supposed to go! My stomach was upside down, I was sweating, and about to puke, or so I thought.... Then this really cool guy grabbed the gurney, and started wheeling me out of the room down the hall. He must have sensed I was freaking out, and satarted talking to me in a really calm low voice, and he told me everything would be fine, to just relax, and enjoy the sedative, get ready for the "good stuff" and soon it will be all over. I asked him to let me know when he was injecting the "good stuuf" into the I.V. so I could count backwards from 100 like in the movies. He said OK, and when he hit me with that stuff, I thionk I got to 98, and that was it! I woke up several hours later in a morphine haze, and the rest is history......
You will be alright, just try not to think of anything bad, it only mucks things up..... Good thoughts, and enjoy the drugs......
Stevo.
I've had mine done, no problem. I was 4. My dad was your age and my boyfriend 13. They were both big but had no problems. It's normal to have a sore throat and jaw for a couple day, but it's not major.
I had my tonsils out as an Adult a few years back and they say the older you get the harder the recovery. It is always easier for children I guess(usually) but that doesn't mean all surgeries are. I think it's because we remember the pain and we are more aware of what is happening.
First off, don't look at the needle or I.V. they put in and it won't be so bad. Try to think of something else when they do it. Complications are not that common and if you are worried about an allergic reaction talk to your Doctor to see if it is genetic since your cousin had one. I am pretty sure that is rare to happen too. Don't worry about it so much. You will just drive yourself crazy over it.
The recovery is long and painful so you will need the two weeks off. at least it was painful for me since I couldn't eat really anything the first week and barely the second because mine were still really sore. I could have had a worse case then others though. Keep taking the pain medication to help and get as many fluids and anything else you can swallow to stay hydrated and give you energy. I'm sure you will get through it all fine. Just remind yourself that you can do it and there will be an end to all the discomfort.
Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are very quick procedures. You won't be under anesthesia very long. Before surgery the anesthesiologist will come in and go over everything and ask you questions. Tell him/her then about your cousin. Don't worry about your weight because the amount/level of anesthesia is based on your weight. I can't help you with the needles - they are a fact of life for most of us. You're not being a baby - you're having surgery and you're afraid. It'll be okay. Good luck.