Opinions needed

[Jmom1010]

Here's a little history, my son is 3 yrs old and has had repeated ear infections since he was 4 months old. He's had two sets of tubes put in and his adinoids out last year. Now the doctor wants to put in a 3rd set of tubes and take out his tonsils. I've heard conflicting things about whether it is good or bad to take them out. There is a growing group of people that feel that tonsils do play an important role in the immune system. And I also heard from many frustrated parents that they no longer take tonsils out so quickly and their children just continue to suffer infection after infection (my world as well).

Anyone out there have any experiences to share?

Thanks.

[KerryS]

If my child had repeated tonsillitis/strep throat, I'd consider a tonsillectomy. I don't think I'd do it for repeated ear infections.

[Nipple_nectar]

I agree with Kerry. If the tubes work while they are in place then it is important to have the surgery to keep the tubes in place.

My DS had chronic ear infections and had to have a myringotomy ( tubes put in) three times. It did keep the incidence of infection low, while they were in place. Kids grow at a fast rate, so they do fall out eventually.

[madelsmama]

Has he had recurrent strep infections? If not, what is the rationale for taking the tonsils out?

[Jmom1010]

Nope no strep ever. The rationale is that DS's tonsils are so chronically inflammed (almost touching) that they are blocking his ability to drain. We are going to get a second opinion out of town and away from the doc's here since all the ENT's here work together under one umbrella.

[KerryS]

So the tonsil removal is because he has chronic tonsillitis?

[Jmom1010]

No chronic ear infections/sinus infections.

[dimplesx3]

My dd had her tonsils and adnoids taken out when she was 3. Best thing in the world for her. She had had 9 throat infections (no strep) starting at 9 months til 3 years. She has not had to go to the ped. for anything since that operation. She's now 8, almost 9 years old. After the operation we went home a few hours later. She never complained about her throat hurting again. I'd do it over again anyday. HTH, Terie

[madelsmama]

I think that makes sense, in theory, Karen, but I'd still get a second opinion. If his tonsiles can be salvaged, that would be preferable.

DH had his removed as an adult related to relapsing strep infections and seems so susceptible to post-nasal drip/sore throat/fever stuff, (unrelated to strep).

[Jmom1010]

I'll get that second opinion and if it is still recommended I'm going to do it. It's an aweful hard recovery time when you do it later in life, I had mine out at 20 and was down for a month trying to recover. And I'm afraid if it does not get done now and he continues to have problems they won't be willing to do it later. I have to wait and see what the other doc says.

[trylyn5]

I've heard stories of children whose ear infections cleared up with chiropractic care. I know I've gone in with a cold and had it seem to clear up by the time I left the office. Some chiropractors do pediatric care.

That being said, my dh is terrified of chiropractic and will not allow dd to be adjusted. At this point it is not an issue for us as she has no issues but if she started having chronic problems, I would push for an adjustment.