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…I have been reading most of the information on the site and while I am feeling somewhat reassued about the whole process I have to admit I am scared to death1 I am about to turn 50 and next tuesday 10/30/12 will be having both tonsils and my adenoids taken out as well as having my uvula either decreased in size or totally removed. To make matters worse the following week I will be having carpal tunnel surgery on yes, again both wrists! what has me most concerned is it sounds like th middle days can be the worst! I hope not!!!!!!!
We had our tonsillectomy the same day! 🙂 How cool! I’m recovering very well, I speak clearly but I still cannot eat solids. I’ve been eating potato puree, chicken noodle soup, ice cream, jello and popsicles. The scams look really disgusting, but my ENT told me yesterday it was normal. Good luck on your recovery!
I am confused, Eric, I thought adults don ‘t have adenoids? I. Am having my surgery Dec 3,2012.
Hi Jackie, all I can say is be prepared. I had my operation yesterday 27/11/12 and it isn’t very pleasant at all, like the doctors and nurses say it hurts more in adults than children and the recovery time is slightly longer. I got no sleep at all on the first night and my nose feels blocked and my mouth feels all bruised. Plz let me know how you get on x
Eric, I am 43 and had tonsils and uvala trimmed on the 28 of Nov. With the management of the pain and someone to care for you you will do fine the pain may be intense at time but don’t wait to feel the pain before taking the meds rest and do nothing stay hydrated you will have to force liquids and try not to get aggravated there is light at the end of the tunnel
I am 37 years old and I am having a tonsillectomy tomorrow morning because of tonsil stones. I sure wish that I would have known what those white things were in the back of my throat back when I first noticed them when I was a teenager. I am worried about my age and the impact that will have on my recovery. Oddly enough, I am not afraid of the pain. My concern is with the chance of post-op bleeding. I am a redhead and I hear that we are more prone to hemorrhaging. My pre-op nurse told me that is just a myth, but I have been told that many times and it was definitely the case when I gave birth. With the pain, I know it is going to hurt and I know that it is supposed to hurt. I can deal with that. I just have these horrible visions in my head of bleeding and spitting out loads of blood. I sure hope that is not the case! I am glad I found this site. I will post my experiences as I make it through this journey!
ON CONSTIPATION: Just yesterday I was joking with my mother in law about the fact that I hadn’t had a bowel movement in 7 days. Today I started to feel nauseated. I couldn’t see any blood, so I assumed constipation. My hubby went to the pharmacy and got some over the counter suppositories. My body was full of ROCKS! Don’t wait 7 days! Go get an over the counter suppository and take care of it earlier!!
I had my Tonsillectomy on the 27th Sep at half 1, at the age of 19. I was fine when i came round and the surgery went great! 🙂 I could drink water fine and ate 2 rounds of toast with no discomfort. However between having the toast and then having my tea at 6 my throat had swollen so much that I was in agony and therefore unable to eat. For the past 2 days all ive had to eat is of toast and half a cup of blended soup. I am now on day 3 and the pain is worse than ever! I am struggling to swallow my liquid meds, i am having to spit out my saliva as i cannot swallow it due to the immense pain it causes and i am now in so much pain i am unable to talk. Ive tried ice lollies, ice creams, fluids, cold fluids and many other things but my uvula and tonsil bed are so swollen that i am choking on everything if i do try to swallow. I have had 5 hours sleep since my operation as i keep waking up due to choking on my uvula. I just want to know when it gets better because im really struggling now 🙁
Could it be infection? Maybe it was too soon for food?
I’m 27 & I had my tonsillectomy and anoidectomy on Thursday, today is now Saturday. Its really not as bad as I thought (yet) I’ve been able to eat chicken noodle soup, applesauce, nd lots of frozen treats. Chloraseptic sore throat lozenges hadn’t helped out a ton, and I have used Listerine to gargle with. Been pushing tons of fluids and taking my medication on time. I’m worried about what’s to come though. I do feel it getting worse (the pain). IM glad I got this done though, I had a severe infection in my tonsils when doc removed them. He also put me on a Zpack. I’m not sure what’s next to come, but will blog about it later.
I know it sounds weird but I have just had mine out too and I am living off of toast, this was advice from my surgeon as it helps to get scabs off and therefore reduces recovery time, however it’s painful to eat but will be worth it