Brooke's Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy & Ear Tubes

Brooke has had sleep apnea since she was two. We noticed it when she was first hospitalized for Pneumonia. Her Oxygen saturation would dip and alarms would sound every time she was sleeping. It has gradually gotten worse with age. She slept so restless that we sometimes found her sleeping sitting up or folded halfway over. These are common sleep apnea signs. She would also gasp for air, stop breathing and her tummy would sink in as if she were trying so hard to breathe, but couldn't. Of course this frightened us! I checked on her periodically through the night, waking around 12 (if I'm wasn't already up), 2 and 4. This made for one tired momma! About a year ago I looked in her mouth while she was crying and saw huge tonsils. They were so large, that they almost touched. I brought this to our pediatrician's attention at her 4 year check up and she referred us to an ENT. We waited two months for her initial appointment. She also had an ABR hearing exam done at that time. The test was inconclusive due to fluid in Brooke's ears. This was a shock, as she didn't complain of ear pain, nor was she sick. Brooke's ear canals are so tiny and are set too low on her head that it is very difficult to get an accurate exam. Most doctors cannot see in her ears to check for infections or fluid. I met with the ENT and she told me that Brooke's sleeping patterns were classic signs of obstructive sleep apnea, and she needed to have her tonsils and adenoids removed. She stated that Brooke may also need ear tubes. The doctor told me to be prepared to stay in the hospital for a week. Children with Down Syndrome tend to be stubborn, and don't want to drink. Which is a requirement for going home. We went in for surgery on Monday and stayed over night and all day Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon she was discharged. Brooke has done well. No problems coming off Oxygen, and no sleep apnea! She has fought hard not to drink or eat. We were told to be very aggressive with her and make her eat and drink. This has been one tough week and a half, but she is slowly returning to herself.

On the way to the hospital.


After surgery

After telling 15 doctors she had a tape allergy, they still taped her eyes during surgery.

She wanted to hold a fry



Day 2 drinking!

Day 3...home!



Happy to be home and playing!