Tonsillectomy Adult – What to Expect
Tonsillectomy as an adult is quite different than tonsillectomy for children. The methods employed for tonsillectomy in adults and children are generally the same, (See Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Methods page), and the risks for adults are similar to the risks for children, (See The Tonsillectomy Risks
Tonsillectomy – Adult Recovery and Risks
Most studies indicate a two to four percent risk of delayed hemorrhage [severe bleeding]. Where tonsillectomy in adults differs most from tonsillectomy in children is in the recovery. Recovery from childhood tonsillectomy generally takes five to seven days. Recovery from tonsillectomy in adults usually requires at least ten days and more often two weeks.
Before deciding to get an adult tonsillectomy, it’s important to choose a time frame in which you have the time and the support. Recovering over your favorite Holiday might be a good choice in terms of time, (eg holiday leave from work or school), but it may not be a time that people will be available to help you.
The pain associated with adult tonsillectomy recovery, by almost all accounts, is more intense than that experienced by children. Some theorize that children haven’t had as much time without pain as adults and thus their frame of reference is different than adult tonsillectomy patients. Others assume that children may be less able to articulate their discomfort. Having read the accounts of THOUSANDS of adult tonsillectomies in the forum,(See Tonsillectomy Forum page), I can say with some confidence that generally, the younger the patient, the easier the tonsillectomy recovery. There are of course exceptions. I’ve read from many middle aged adults who had a fairly smooth recovery. Perhaps they read up on this website and prepared well. Perhaps they had good genes. In any case, many time an adult tonsillectomy recovery is better than the horror stories we hear about.
“If I could recommend one item to buy before tonsillectomy, it would be a humidifier. My readers know how important moist air is to a healing throat. I bought one of these years ago and still use it daily” -Greg
I’d like to take a moment here to make a suggestion. As you read through the people’s accounts in the various chat rooms, message boards, and adult tonsillectomy forums, consider this: People having a harder time, may be more prone to seek out information and share their experience in these venues. Adults experiencing milder tonsillectomy recoveries, might be less apt to be posting. I don’t want to drag Richard Nixon into my website, but this silent majority may be quietly recovering and you’ll never hear from them.
My advice is to research as much as you can, talk with your doctor, talk with your family and friends, and talk with your employer before scheduling your adult tonsillectomy. I wish you all the best.
I’ve put together a collection of items that I think would be helpful, if not essential, to making tonsillectomy recovery a little more pleasant. Check out the Tonsillectomy General Store.
Ok so I am 23 and am supposed to get mine taken out next month on the 14 th because I have had the tonsil stones I’m so freaked out. I have never been put under,I need to get them removed cause its so annoying and uncomfortable,but debating on if its worth it… Help??!!
Hi I got mine out on mon 10th sept for the same reason it was uncomfortable for few days make sure you take your pain meds every 4 hours . Eat as soon as you can i had toast that night it helps the stiffness in your throat you won’t feel like eating but it does help chewing gum helps and cool pops good luck
Tricia
I’m 23 as well and have an appt in 2 weeks to talk about taking mine out due to tonsil stones. I know it might be a crappy two weeks of recovery but mine have gotten so bad it freaks me out! I pulled more than 10 stones out of one tonsil yesterday and I can’t mentally deal with knowing those things are just sitting in my head. So, even though 2 or 3 weeks might be bad, it seems better than a life time of weekly sore throats and gross stone extractions.
Any tips for my ENT appointment?
Bre,
I’m 18 and I got mine out on Tuesday the 25. It’s been 6 days and the pain has gotten really bad. Even though I’m in a lot of pain I know it’s worth it because in a couple days (when the scabs fall off) the pain will be over and so will the constant sore throats and abscesses. Being put under is nothing to be scared of. There’s rarely a risk of anything happening. A week of pain to stop a lifetime of pain is worth it.
Wow the week from hell, done, am hoping next week will be easier….am really taking rx on time and am anal about gargling and using the various mouth sprays… I am also gargling listerine and a homemade gargle I made, with a tiny bit of clorox in it, that really seems to help. My cna helper baled on me so am alone. Hungry and am tired of just sitting, havent been out of house. Hope all my new friends are doing well and healing. Everyone helps. Be well susan
I am here to post a few of my “tips” I learned, each case may be different but I have come across unique ways to help that I haven’t read online. First off I am 20 years old, I live alone so I endured most of this alone. Something I did to make taking medicine easier (All liquids for me) I pre-measured and put them in dixie cups and wrapped the top of them, easy to grab and go when I wasn’t feeling well, also worry free on dishes. I suggest applesauce, it has diffrent flavors/sugar levels, plus it is great frozen. I also had a form of pain killer that was chewable, I smashed it and put it in the applesauce. I avoided all dairy. I also really enjoyed having “Puffcorn by Frito Lays” it litterally melts in your mouth so it doesnt hurt a bit swallowing. I tried soup, mac n cheese, and mashed potatoes. The mashed went alright, but for noodles I had a problem with them sticking to the back of my throat, and they took forever to get unstuck. I am going on day 6, and I am still in a ton of pain. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the tips! Im debating about doing this or not
Making plans… I live alone, I’ll be recovering alone any tips on survival? Thank. You,
Sleep on your couch. Props you up better.
I am 30 years old and dibetic and I am having this surgery done Friday August 17. I have been reading everybody’s post but still nervous about the surgery cause I’m dibetic I just wanted to know if anybody that had the surgery if they were a debitic how long did it take for u to recover and what’s a good list for soft and cold food items that will not caused high blood sugar.