Tonsils Smonsils

We have a new pediatrician and Sprout had his first appointment a few weeks ago. Even before she looked in his throat she could tell that his tonsils were enlarged- because of the "way" he talked, she said. I politely reminded her that he receives speech therapy for articulation delays. She said, "I remember you telling me that, but this is different, he talks like he's got a potato stuck in his throat!"

So she asked him to open up and say ahhhh.

"Good Lord" she said, they are huge. The poor kid's got 2 potatoes stuck in his throat! Come look Mom." Apparently, Sprout is sprouting potatoes in his throat!

She went on to ask questions about his sleeping patterns and habits. After hearing that he snores, has frequent chapped lips and is groggy and hard to get going in the morning she was convinced that the tonsils were a big concern and recommended that we go to an ENT for an evaluation.

Today was our appointment with the ENT and he too was concerned about the size of Sprout's tonsils. He was especially concerned after talking with us that Sprout may be suffering from sleep apnea as his tonsils are so large that they most likely obstruct his airway when the tissue relaxes in the back of his throat at night. This explains why he is so groggy and hard to get moving in the morning- he is not getting restful sleep. So, Sprout is having his tonsils and adenoids removed next Thursday!!!!

The doctor asked Sprout if he had any questions. Sprout wanted to know if tonsils were muscles. Gotta love his curiosity! The Doctor explained that they were not muscles but clumps of tissue. "Like tissue paper?" Sprout asked! ;)

He will be out of school for 2 weeks and on a strict diet of ice cream, popsicles, jello, pudding and yogurt. This is the only part of the deal that had Sprout smiling today.

I have been really impressed, possibly for the first time, with Sprout's new pediatrician and pediatrician's office in general. The entire staff is warm and caring and goes above and beyond to help. I can't tell you how many doctors we have been to that not only overlooked the enlarged tonsils but overlooked everything, including their bedside manners. This doctor could tell that his tonsils were enlarged simply by the way he talked-and she has a great personality-amazing!It is a huge relief to have found a doctor that we are comfortable with. It's been a long time coming.

While I am not looking forward to the surgery or recovery, I am looking forward to the weeks after when Sprout will be able to breath, speak and sleep better. Who knew that two clumps of tissue could cause so much trouble for a little guy. I suspect his behavior and/or mood may improve a bit too once he starts sleeping better and experiences less frustration regarding his speech and the ability of people to understand him. I'm not expecting a miracle here but I'll take whatever benefits that may come from this. ;)