Its often helpful to hear from someone who has been through what you're about to experience. Let's meet some parents whose children have had tonsils and adenoids removed.

Meet MRS. NIERSTHEIMER whose daughter MELISSA had her tonsils removed. Also meet MR. ARNOLD whose son TRACEY had his tonsils and adenoids removed.

Mrs. Nierstheimer, before the procedure, what symptoms did Melissa have?
She has been ill with ear, nose and throat infections ever since she was an infant. And she even had very bad breath as a toddler. She missed a lot of school. It was affecting her grades and it got to the point where it was affecting her personality. She was sick so often that she was grumpy a lot and even when she was well she'd keep in the grumpy mode. The whole family was affected by it. We'd always have the little pink liquid of Amoxicillin in the refrigerator. It was hard on the whole family. And so we decided to go ahead and do the tonsillectomy.

Mr. Arnold, before the procedure, what kind of symptoms did Tracey have?
Well, he seemed to get quite frequent sore throats that led to severe complications. He wouldn't take his antibiotic. He doesn't take liquids very well. The pills were very difficult, of course, with the sore throat, to get down him. He also wouldn't take his seizure medicine, which led to a real concern about having a grand mal or very serious seizures.

How did Melissa do after the surgery?
Well, she felt pretty sick to her stomach and she looked real pale and drawn. She was…"Mommy, I don't feel good and it hurts." Her blood pressure was just fine. When she was stable they took her back upstairs and within an hour she was hungry. And she ate a meal. I couldn't believe it! But then the next day, the anesthetic wore off and she was hurting for certain, but she was still eating Jell-O.

What was her condition postoperatively?
She is a different child. She has a better complexion. She has a rosiness in her cheeks. She has not missed any school because of her nose and throat. Her breath is sweet and fresh. Her teeth are cleaner. I had no idea that the bacteria was affecting the plaque buildup in her mouth, so you know, when she smiles now she has a real pretty smile. And she's not grumpy! She's not as grumpy as she use to be. I'm not taking time off of work and coming to see you and we're not having to find someone to watch her when she's ill. So, it's been really good.

Mr. Arnold, how has Tracey done since his surgery?
So far, it's been about two months since the operation. I haven't had any indication of a sore throat whatsoever. It's about time now. He was getting a sore throat about every two months or so. He's doing fine. It's a little too early to tell yet but I'm really hopeful that this will really cut down on the problems which we have had with him in the past.