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.
Hi guys! Katie again,
I had my tonsillectomy done today at about 12pm and its now 9pm. Before i go into details about my day, i feel fine! i expect there to be a lot of pain in the coming days but today…the only pain i have is from my uvula (dangly thing) as its about 10 times the size! other than that…no pain!
After reading all these horror stories i had worked myself up into such a panic when they were about the put me to sleep i was about to scream and back out. If you have a crazy fear of needles like me, tell them, they put numbing cream on my hands about an hour before which helped a lot, as it didn’t feel like they were doing anything when they put it in! I woke up in recovery and after my checks and obvs i went back up to my room where i was eager for a drink! whilst being in there i had drank 4 cups of water (small sips at a time), a whole chicken sandwich and some orange jelly (jell-o for the US). The jelly stung a little as it was citrus but it wasn’t much and it felt so good to eat something!
I’m now at home and I’ve had some noodle soup and a whole pizza! (greedy i know!) I’m just so hungry today, it really takes it out of you! I’m talking funny and it aches a little to swallow but its just like having tonsillitis at the moment! As soon as i got home i had an ice bag on my throat which i think helped a lot, and my drink of water hasn’t left my hand yet! I hope it doesn’t get much worse than this but I’m doubtful!
Im currently on 2 lots of antibiotics, paracetamol and ibuprofen, these seen to be working…for now!
I hope you all have a good first day like I’ve had and ill keep you posted in the coming days hopefully!
Katie
P.S DO NOT LOOK AT YOUR THROAT IF YOU’RE SQUEAMISH.
Hi, I am on day 13 and scabs are still there with no sign of coming off. Is this normal? Also really tired all the time – how long does the exhaustion last? Wondering if I’m recovering abnormally slowly. Thanks.
Hi, I am day 7 after left tonsillectomy/biopsy and 6 teeth removed in preparation for radiotherapy. All I can say is OUCH!!!! Getting pain relief for about 2 hours at a time, meds wear off way to quickly. Alternating ibuprofen and co-codomol. The only way to describe it is your worst toothache/earache and sore throat in one. Eating and talking sets the pain off, sipping water, eating runny porridge and chicken noodle soup. All I want to do is cry. Everything is white at the back of my throat, including my tongue. Can’t see when this will start to ease. Doing everything that people have suggested, feel yuk ? Anybody else experienced it this way? How long until a bit of releif????
Hi Lorraine- sorry you’re having a rough time. Things should start to improve in the next day or so. White scabs are common- white tongue may be oral thrush. (read more:
Your experience sounds pretty “normal”.
Hang in there!
2 questions – is your pain med in pill form? If so, how do u swollow or take it? Also, did your doctor give u an rx for antibiotic? I’m on day 2 after surgery…tonselectomy and styloidectomy. Was not given antibiotic. Was give liquid acetaminophen with codein and pill form ocycontin.
Hello, I am a 21 year old that had my tonsils out exactly a week ago. I was scared and anxious the day the surgery came. They put my IV in and I started feeling lightheaded so they laid me down with an ice pack on my neck. The doctors came over and explained everything I needed to know. They made me feel safe. When I went into the surgery room I only remember going through the doors. I woke up and they gave me a freeze pop, ice water and jello. I was so glad my mom was in the room when I woke up. I wasn’t in so much pain just yet. I left about 2 hrs later and I felt weak the whole drive home and nauseous. Right when I got home I laid down and my boyfriend came over and I fell asleep for hours. He had to wake me up to take my medicine. I was in so much pain, but I slept so much Wednesday-Saturday. The pain was only unbearable in the mornings but thank god for oxycodone and tylenol. By Sunday I was miserable and balling my eyes out because my family and boyfriend were eating Panera Bread in my face. All I could think of is when can I eat normal foods instead of popsicles, jello, freeze pops, mashed potatoes and soup again. I broke down crying on day 5 and 6 because of the pain and because of hunger. I have also had the stomach bug. Day 7 I got to leave my house for a few hrs which was nice and I even ate Ice Cream Cake without the little cake pieces. I’m on day 8 today and was able to eat Orange Leaf, but haven’t eaten anything else. The pain isn’t bad at all. I just want to eat regular food so badly like a burger or something. Does anyone know when it’s okay to try and eat again and what’s normal on how the throat is suppose to look like now on day 8? My follow up isn’t until the 23rd 🙁 I can’t wait that long to eat something good. Thanks!
Oh yeah when your scabs are falling off is the worst pain ever. As day 8 is almost till the end my whole right side and scab is like a dark red but it hasn’t fallen out yet. SO not ready for this part, but it’s almost the end right?
Oh yeah when your scabs are falling off is the worst pain ever. As day 8 is almost till the end my whole right side and scab is like a dark red but it hasn’t fallen out yet. SO not ready for this part, but it’s almost the end right?