Operating Room

Joe was having his tonsils out. He had suffered from tonsillitis continuously for the past year. The ear, nose, and throat doctor/surgeon felt this was the best way for Joe to stay healthy.

Today was the day of his surgery. Joe came to the hospital very early in the morning. He tried to stay calm as he thought about his last visit here. A few days ago, the surgeon recommended that he come for an early visit so he wouldn't be so scared. He got to meet the nurses, tour the hospital rooms, and ask questions.

Joe knew that he was not the first child to have surgery. He knew kids had operations all the time. Some had tonsils out to prevent more infections like he had been suffering from. He knew some children had tubes put in their eardrums to prevent infections, too. Some had surgery to repair a cleft palate, which is a gap in the roof of the mouth. These are some common reasons children have surgeries. Sometimes children have surgeries for emergencies, such as appendicitis. Joe tried to keep in mind that this happens all the time as he clutched his favorite stuffed animal from home, hoping to get rid of the fear in the pit of his stomach.