The death rate is very low, 1 in 250,000.
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/HealthAZ/Tonsil-and-Adenoid-Surgery.aspx?articleID=9053&categoryID=

The biggest problem will be communication. He may resist the initial anesthetic. You & the MDs will just have to be extra alert to how hes feeling.
Start looking for bed-bound stimmy toys to sooth him.

Good Luck. Ill keep you both in my prayers.

Sean had this done and his adnoids done too. He went through the surgery fine just a little sore afterwards. It has helped Sean so much no more ear infections or sinus infections. It will be ok, you will just need some support with you when he goes into surgery. That is when I had my breakdown anyway. Have your mom go with you that is what I did. My husband had to work and truthfully my mom made everything feel better. Hugs and don't worry. Your son will be so much better off without all of that stuff and he will be so much healthier. If you need me I am here... Hugs and Love ya. Denise

Well I know what you feel, I am scared to get Oliver to the dentist and the thought to put him under is stopping be dead in the tracks. Especially after the story of the kid who died last year. I knew a classmate of my older son had her tonsils out the same day as her sister, the one sis did fine but the other had after surgery bleeding and the emergency at the hospitol didn't realize until it was almost too late. Make sure the hospitol is a good rated center, even if you have to drive a hundred miles before you put your kid with a dufus surgeon. I would worry so that make energy to get the tinker going on getting the information and make a good choice. Good Luck,

You might end up plesantly surprised. My BIL has an uncle roughly the same age as himself who has an ADHD child who is also borderline ASD. Anyway... he was not verbal for years. When he did speak no one could understand him. But buddy, when get got his tonsils and adenoids out and tubes put in his ears, he began to talk up a storm - anecdotal yes, co-incidence maybe, but wow, maybe a possibility. Hope for the best!

One thing a speech person evaluates is if the body is able to talk. Good for him!! I know the kids I see that need to have treatment always feel better and most often affected is the hearing, which can cause a person to react like ASD

I know it's tough. My son recently had to be put under for major dentistry. Up 'til then, we had used the nitrous and even that made me a little nervous. He ended up coming out with flying colors. I also had the upmost confidence in our dentist as his practice specializes in children with special needs. He really does a great job. I wonder about your anastesiologist (sp?) with the question he asked you. Like you said, how are you to know?? He's the expert. But, I really like the other Mom's suggestions. For my son, we brought along his sensory blanket that helps sooth him whenever he's feeling out of sorts. He also sleeps with it every night. So, we laid it across him while he laid down in the chair. I discussed this with the dentist and he was totally fine with it.

On another note, I know I was an extremely sick child before they removed my tonsils and adnoid. Once they removed them, I was never sick. I never played outside before the surgery. Afterwards, you never caught me indoors. You could see a difference in my coloring and my hair texture and shininess. It truly was amazing. My mother said it was the best thing that happened to me as a child. I seemed to blossom and wasn't as introverted. I would really look on the positive side of this!! No matter what, it will certainly work in his best interests.

My 5 yr old had her tonsils and adnoids out last year. I remember feeling the same way! It was tough, we scheduled first thing in the morning before alot of people were there because i knew she would fight. (hates doctors and doctors offices, even if they are not for her) But i told everyone in the hospital before i went how she was going to react and they (thank god) were prepared. It was still tough. They gave her some medicine before the surgery so when they carted her away from me on the stretcher she was already on her way to LaLa land, and didnt notice that she was not being taken away from me. That alone was a godsend because that what i was worried about. Her knowing that mommy was letting these people take her away, the image scared me enough to think of canceling numerous times. But in the end it was the best for her and she hasnt had an ear infection in almost a year!

You have NOTHING to worry about. I took mine out and know many others. Never heard of anyone dying from that operation. My son also had tubes from 2 1/2 till 3 yrs ago, he's 9 now.( they fall off, but you never see them ). That operation is a breeze too. Don't be worried hun he'll be fine.

thanks guys for the encouragement. it means a lot. i think i will be fine until they wheel him away. then ill fall apart. lol... love you guys and thanks again so much