About 2 weeks ago Daniel’s tonsils flared up for the third time this year, which of course meant a course of antibiotics and Etienne and I decided that it was time for Daniel’s (and our) first visit to the ENT. It’s not just the tonsils though, his allergies are really really bad this year and his eczema has flared up in a big way. I also realised that I should stop shouting at him for eating with his mouth open as his nose is probably too blocked to eat any other way.
We have also been worried about his hearing, although to be honest, we wrote it off to him just not listening and have been insisting that he look at us when we speak to him.
But the cherry on top was a weird thing started happening to him: his eyes would swell shut completely for no apparent reason. It only happened 2 or 3 times, but we figured out this week that he is probably allergic/intolerant to eggs. He hates eggs, has never eaten them and won’t even sit next to you when you eat them, but lately he has taken to eating baby potatoes with mayonnaise. That contains egg. (the potato/mayo thing is of course ALL Etienne’s fault)
So, off we went to see the ENT yesterday, fully expecting to have his tonsils removed. As it turns out, we are going for the whole hog (I would have said trifecta, if it weren’t for the fact that there are 4 things) : sinus flush, adenoids, tonsils and grommets. His ears are so full of gunk that he actually cannot hear us; it’s not just that he isn’t listening to us. Aren’t we just awesome parents? I know, you’re just dying to give us an award, aren’t you!
While he is under the doctor will also draw blood and do a comprehensive allergy test. I shudder to think what the results are going to be, he is already so limited in what he can have. But, we will do what we always do: we will adapt, come what may.
We are booked to go in on the 19th and he is only getting done in the afternoon, so I’m looking at a long day with a hungry and grumpy child. Apparently I’m also meant to go into theatre with him when they put him under, which I was going to try and do anyway, but I would honestly rather stick pens in my eyes. The ENT himself is very cool and really good with Daniel, so at least that’s not something I have to be too worried about.
I’m very nervous as this is the first time one of our kids has to have an anesthetic, so I need some advice please, any advice is welcome!
What advice could you give me about what to do in hospital and afterwards? What should they eat and not eat? How long are you meant to keep them home? Anything else I need to look out for?