Tonsillitis,Tonsil Stones,and Tonsillectomy Recovery
Tonsillectomy recovery can be a long dark tunnel. With all the anxiety leading up to tonsillectomy surgery, and all the challenges of recovering from a tonsillectomy, a patient can easily become overwhelmed. The best weapon a tonsillectomy patient can arm them self with is information. Knowledge is truly power. Going into surgery unprepared is the most common mistake made. Your doctor, while trained in treating tonsil problems like tonsillitis, strep throat, and tonsil stones is an excellent resource. If you and your doctor decide that a tonsillectomy is the right choice, your job is to arm yourself with the best information you can about tonsillectomy and, perhaps more importantly, tonsillectomy recovery. I’ve maintained a forum for patients recovering from tonsillectomy for several years. Most patients report that their Doctor’s attention quickly wanes after surgery. Many people complain that after their tonsillectomy, their doctor was pretty hard to get a hold of. The key to successful tonsillectomy planning is self advocacy. Planning for tonsillectomy must begin weeks before surgery. Get support from your health care provider, your job, your family, your friends, and other tonsillectomy patients. We’ve built an amazing community of adults considering, anticipating and experiencing tonsillectomy recovery.
Don’t travel this path it alone. Join Tonsillectomy Recovery Forum.
Tonsillectomy for me was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After a lifetime of chronic tonsillitis, strep throat, tonsil stones, and sleep apnea, a couple weeks of pain and anxiety were a small price to pay. Three years ago, when I finally made the decision, there wasn’t much support for patients considering a tonsillectomy, much less for tonsillectomy recovery. The internet was like an ugly landscape of random horror stories and snake oil salesmen with cures for tonsil stones, bad breath, and belly fat. I decided to create a one stop resource for adults considering or recovering from tonsillectomy.
Tonsillectomy Recovery Resources is a place you can research topics relating to tonsils and tonsillectomy. I’ve experienced and researched topics like tonsil stones, tonsillitis, strep throat, tonsillectomy methods, oral thrush, and tonsillectomy recovery time.
I learned a great deal about tonsillectomy as an adult. In particular I learned that it would have been better to undergo tonsillectomy surgery as a child. Tonsillectomy recovery as an adult is much tougher. There are however numerous tonsillectomy recovery tips that can make the experience a little easier. Simple practices like drinking and drinking and drinking can have profound positive impact upon your tonsillectomy recovery.
Tonsillectomy recovery tips like chewing gum to alleviate referred ear pain are not obvious or intuitively logical, but can make all the difference when nothing else seems to help. I’ve collected, researched and shared many of these morsels of wisdom and published them all here in one place to help others in their tonsillectomy recovery.
Tonsillectomy recovery questions like yours may have already been asked and answered. Try searching the site using the Google search box at the right side of the page. Type in a term like, “tonsil stones, ” or, “tonsils,” and see what you find. Feel free to comment on any of the pages of the site. Open and active communication is what makes this community such a valuable resource for everyone considering tonsillectomy or in the middle of tonsillectomy recovery.
Relax and be yourself. Ask questions, share concerns, and offer support. It’s our community. Thank you for joining Tonsillectomy Recovery Resources!.
-Greg Tooke
Greg Tooke, Author
If you don’t have one yet, buy a humidifier. You won’t regret it. The Honeywell Humidifier featured here is the one I own. It rocks! ~Greg
Hi all! I’m 37 and having surgery on the Feb. 21st for cryptic tonsils/tonsil stones. I am extremely anxious about the surgery, as I am a nurse, and my mind goes to all of the things I know that can go wrong! Nurses truly make the worst patients
I think I have a handle on what I will need to do for a quick recovery, all of the tips listed here are in my artillery of known nursing interventions. I guess I just want to get logged in for support from others who have been there. I think I am more concerned that I will go through this surgery, and my symptoms will be unresolved. I always feel like there is something stuck in my throat, (like a hard popcorn hull) which was initially my only symptom, along with always have the nastiest taste/ smell combination in the back of my throat. I found my first tonsil stone a little over 6 months ago (those little things are vicious!) In the last 6 months, the the symptoms are getting worse. The pain comes when I yawn,and is only on one side, which is weird, and my ears are starting to hurt. I think the pain may be due to an abcessed area farther down where I am unable to visualize. My husband says I snore like a 500 lb. drunken sailor. Anyone else have this done for the same reason, or have the same symptoms? Two days and counting!!!!
Hi Tracy- I snored that way too- I don’t anymore- It’s great. Best of luck to you!
Day 6 – 21/F
Today the pain is starting to get better. I think this is mainly because I finally started taking my medicine! I could not eat enough before so that the codone did not make me sick.
That is probably my only advice – try not to puke! I’m a “powerpuker” so getting sick really stresses my throat. The first day or two I got sick several times which made my throat raw, and made taking the medicine agony.
On the upside I have been drinking lots of ice water (painful but helpful) and eating regular food the past couple of days (carrots, chips, hashbrowns) as long as I take a little medicine before hand. I agree with other people – try and use sugar free ice cream/popsicles because it will stick to your throat, as well as dairy.
I have two young boys (5 months and 2 years) who are coming home today from their grandparents:). Excited to see them but not sure if I should pick them up yet. The nurses told me not to for two weeks but whats a mom to do?
I have a question – has anyone experienced tongue numbness and lack of taste? I can’t feel one side of my tongue and its looks greyish white. I’m kind of worried about that.
Hi Taylor- Good luck with the boys. Yes, tongue numbness is pretty common- Probaly bruising from surgery. The discolor though…hmm Could be thrush- read more: http://tonsillectomyrecovery.com/oral-thrush-candida/
Thanks Greg, this blog is really helpful!
Have you heard of excessive saliva being common also? That’s probably the most annoying of the problems…
I will definetely second the saliva part. WTH?! I had surgery @ 10am 2/20/12 and cannot swallow or spit out the constant saliva!
Day 10 – 55/F feeling much better, still low stamina and mild to moderate throat pain, but alot better than 10 days ago. Turns out the right side of my nose had entirely collapsed against my cheekbone, therefore I had never been breathing out of that side and the left was overcompensating. Plus a slightly deviated and perforated septum. Doc finally understood how bad I had felt all my life because the sinuses were not draining, causing repeat sinus & strep infections plus year round allergy symptoms. You might say I was a mess in there but he fixed and now it looks like I got a nose job for free! I must say so far it is worth it! I’m not use to this much oxygen, look out world here I come!
Go Eva!
I’m 49 years old and debating about whether to have a tonsillectomy. I’ve had sore throats off an on throughout my adult life, when I’m sick (which isn’t too often), it hits my throat. However, I developed a sore throat in early December. Antibiotics knock it back a little but it returns as soon as I’m done. Should I do this?
Hi Karen, I’m 43 and having a tonsillectomy on Feb 24th. I have been scared but now my throat and neck are getting worse to the point it feels like someone has hit me in the side of my neck. Even though I know it’s going to be rough I’m willing to do it and deal with it so I can have some relief. My tonsils now look like they have little ant bites on them behind my tongue and the pain is getting worse. So to answer your question if you want to get well then you need to do it. If the dr says you need it then you need it. I also get out of breath real easy now and at night have to sleep inclined because my breath gets cut off from the swelling. I wish you luck and hope you will make the right decision for your health. I don’t like pain but I have fibromyalgia as well and deal with severe pain every day so I know this will be no picnic. Still if I want to get well I have to do it. Last year I was in the hospital for a week with double pneumonia and don’t want to go through that again if I can help it.
Good luck and God bless!
if i could go back i probably would, i don’t recommend this surgery. if you can’t tolerate pain and literally don’t have someone next to you supporting you and helping you dont do it.
Day 1 and I felt like everything was going well. Ate two Popsicles and two cups of ice before I left the hospital. Ate apple sauce when home, more Popsicles, and jello. I took my second round of pain meds with some apple sauce and jello and an hour later I vomited.
. What do i do? I guess it’s from the meds? I’m on percocet. What should I do?
Hi Karen- yeah, that’s rough, but common- could be the anesthesia. Did you get an anti-nausea medicine? Ask about it. Otherwise, try to take something with med’s- even jell-o or ensure. It helps. Take care.
I just scheduled my turbinoplasty and tonsillectomy for April 6th. When the doc told me that I’d be out for two weeks I was shocked. I am 30 years old and have never had surgery. I didn’t realize this is more difficult as an adult. I had no idea how painful this is going to be. I am really glad i found this site because it calmed me down a little. Thanks Greg.
I’m 30 also and have never had any surgery. Mine is 2 wks from today. I’ll let u know how it goes!
Hi Lauren- yeah, two weeks= pretty standard. Glad you found us dear. Best of luck to you!
Hi All,
My surgery was at 9:30am ET this morning and I was home by 1:30pm which included a 20 minute drive home. I had a tonsillectomy and he just trimmed a little of my extremely long uvula. I woke right up from the surgery with no problems at all. The pain I had was a 1or 2 on a scale of 10. hardly any pain after the surgery and I was able to eat apple sauce, ice and water immediately after waking. No side effects from the surgery meds. They did give me some anti-nasea drugs. I still feel like I have just a mild sorethroat. The nurses and doctors were very suprised by my lack of pain. They did use a procedure call “tissue weld” which minimizes surrounding tissue damage. I think most of my pain is the small trimming of my uvula. My wife is still out getting pain meds, but it isn’t too bad yet. I can do with out for now. Going to try some noodles later tonight. I hope the rest of my recovery is as easy as this…My mindset prior to surgery was “it doesnt bother me” I was more worried about the recovery pain than the surgery. But so far no worries about the recovery either not much pain at all. When I went into surgery the nurses were surprised to see me smiling… They didn’t even give m a relaxation drug to boot. So for all the people that are worried about their surgery. Don’t waste time about worrying about it…I guess this is more a success or happy story than the nightmares….
I hope to report more positive news.. Be happy.. Back to watch some TV.. Oh ya if this matters, my tonsils were not infected, just very large and this could be a factor in the lack of pain as well.
@Sarah… stay positive and you will get through it.
Talk to you later
ok Eric- stay ready. It can get harder after the first day or two- drink, take meds, run humidifier, sleep upright…
just got back from first post op appt – that white stuff on my tongue and mouth is called thrush. If you have this., call your doctor for a swish and rinse prescription. The ladies will also need something for the yeast infection.
Quite common- I wrote a bit about it: http://tonsillectomyrecovery.com/oral-thrush-candida/
Thanks for sharing Eva- hope your tonsillectomy recovery continues well.
26 F T&A scheduled for tomorrow at 6:30am and I am terrified of the recovery. I’m stocked up on popsicles, pudding, apple sauce, broth, fruit juice, mashed potatoes, etc. I just hope I don’t have a lot of post nasal drip afterwards. I hope to be able to manage swollowing liquids, but thick mucus…I don’t think so! I’ve gathered most important to ice ice ice, drink drink drink. Repeat. My ears and throat already hurt…thus why I am having the surgery…although I’m sure it will be more severe. Please let me know if you have anymore great tips!
Hi Karen- I think you’re ready! Good luck. We’ll be here waiting.
Day 7 and the pain as intensified as everyone said it would on this day, actually began late yesterday. Does anyone use a non narcotic pain relief besides Tylenol & Advil? I have severe reactions to the codones (hydro & oxci).
Please post if you have any suggestions.
I would suggest aggressive icing. Best of luck, keep drinking!!!!
Greg’s right you guys, keep that ice pack handy and keep pushing liquids. Actually when all is said and done. the T & A has not been that bad. Most of my supplies are still in the pantry. They key is to stay hydrated and stay on time with your meds. Remember you are not sick, you are recovering from surgery. You are having surgery so that you won;t get sick in the future ( or at least not as bad or as often) Keep repeating that to yourself; it will do wonders for your self esteem. I am well, I am recuperating…drink, ice, repeat ….
End of Day 7 and I feel tons better. I have used the lidocaine rinse, ask for it if you don’t have it, today instead of even Tylenol. Tomorrow is post op appt, can’t wait for the doc to get those crispy critters out of my nose (ethmoid sinus surgery) and get back to work next week.
My son is 9 and just had his tonsils and adenoids removed yesterday. Nothing seems to be helping the pain even though I am giving him the max dose of his lortab elixir around the clock. We have tried popsicles, ice cream, warm chicken broth. I am at a loss. Any ideas?? Hate seeing my baby hurting!!
Hi Misty- Sorry your guy’s having a rough time. I have four boys of my own- I understand the helpless feeling. The good news is that as a child, he’ll heal much more quickly than us old-timers. Do you have a humidifier running in his room? You should. Make sure he continues to drink, even if he hates doing it. Dehydration would make him even more miserable. Try icing his throat. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas or corn works nicely. I’d keep up with the pain med’s too, making sure to get a little something in his tummy to avoid nausea.
Hang in there Mom, and keep up the good work!
I had my tonsillectomy a week ago now. Have had similar experiences (fluctuating pain, trouble sleeping, etc.) and actually ended up in the ER on the first night after not being able to stop vomiting.
After a week of eating very little and drinking lots of water – the one thing I was looking forward to was losing weight. I weighed in today and have lost HALF a pound.
What???
It’s not like I don’t have plenty of weight (a good 30 pounds) to lose. Anyone have any ideas as to why I haven’t lost weight like everyone else? The first few days I was pretty stationary, but the last few I’ve gone up and down the stairs a number of times, done light chores around the house, etc. I even took a 30 min walk on Sunday.
Please please help!
Hi Jmichelle- I hate to say it but, there are better weight loss plans than having a tonsillectomy. Usually the weight loss that occurs after tonsillectomy is not the healthy kind, and is seldom life changing. Once people regain the ability to eat, their previous lifestyle resumes. This is how it went for me. I’d suggest just staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and taking good care of yourself. Once you’re fully recovered, go after those extra pounds. Take care, and best of luck! greg
I agree with your comments. I’m just stumped as to how a person can go a week with little to no calories (maybe 500 a day IF that) and not lose weight. I thought it was calories in vs calories out? I’ve been expending more than 500 cals a day.
i had mine out on wed so I’m on day 6…. Does the pain get any better??? The taste in my mouth is horriable. I also have alot of drainage in the back of my throat I dont know what’s worse the pain or that? Please tell me this gets easier?
Hi Jessica- you are in the thick of it, the worst part. Unfortunately, you’ll probably have another couple tough days, but then it WILL get better. Keep using all those tonsillectomy recovery Tips! http://tonsillectomyrecovery.com/quick-tonsillectomy-recovery-tips/
okay u r right it is getting better!
but question my right side just seems more swollen and i really dont want to take the hydrocodein u think that iboubprofen will take some of the swelling down cause its only that side which seems to be a bother ?
I does get better. For me days 4-6 were horrible. 7-10 were better. Days 11-14 I started to be human again
. I am now 1 month and two days out and feel great 
It will be worth it. Try not to get frustrated and keep doing all the right things….lots of water, take your pain meds, watch funny movies, sleep when you can. Good luck 
Just had mine out Feb 16, 2012. I am on day four. My uvula was soooo swellen and the mucus was soooo bad it was hard to swallow anything. Still taking pain meds every four hours. Breath is rotten. I am still waiting for the day I wake up and feel better. Pain in both ears is horrible.
I am on day 4 on my tonsilectomy recovery. I thought I was prepared but the pain is much more intense than I expected. I am trying to stay hydrated but it is tourture. the only food I have been able to get down is jello and broth. I had a terrible headache for the first two days after surgery on top of the throat pain. It was relentless and even the slightest movement caused excruciating pain. I can hardly open my mouth at all and my ears ache as well from all the swelling. The taste in the back of my throat is making me sick. tried sucking on a sucker but that left its own bad taste. I haven’t seen where anyone else talked about not being able to open their mouth or having headache that wont go away. I am wondering if I need to be doing something else. I cant imagine chewing gum to releive the pain because I cant even open my mouth enough to do that. Any sugestions? I am 40/F
Hi Cheryl- Have you tried icing? I would. Also, I’d make a real effort to dink ice cold fluids or slushies. The gum is more for ear pain, which some people experience around days 6 to 9. Take care,
ICE ICE ICE. I ice packed my neck alot. Really helped the pain. I also used tons of crushed ice. I would just hold in my mouth and let melt. My headaches were caffine related. I managed to get down a few sips of iced coffee and it made me feel better. Good luck
I’m on day 5. I am 52. Day 1 was good till pain meds made me sick and I went back to the hospital. Days 2 & 3 mostly slept, managed pain with childrens tylenol. Could barely open my mouth. Teaspoons of broth, a little yogurt, a few spoons of jello but fruity flavors are gross to me. Days 4 & 5 earaches,headaches, but up and doing more than sleeping. Tongue still swollen. Eating more. Tried juicing some healthy veggies and took a shot, also yogurt and a spoon of minced tuna with finely chopped egg white and mayo. Wound up with diarreah, yesterday was the opposite! Had some ensure in evening, not much appetite. Have lost 6 pounds. Had gatoraide, still lots of ice.
Carrie:
Hi I am 55/F on Day 6. I had to stop the codones, they were making me paranoid, claustraphobic, anxious, so since Day 3 I have been alternating Tylenol & Advil 2-3 caps every 2-3 hours. Icepacks, iced water and Ice chips are the best. warm tea with natural honey, gargle with the Listerine Total care, rinse with Chloroseptic, and if you have some Lidocaine-use a stick sponge to squeeze it near your tonsil beds. You might need just advil for the inflammation ( reduce the swelling). I have been able to eat grits, soupy oatmeal, soft scrambled eggs, jello, activa is good for the digestive system, if I drink milk, ensure, etc, I have to drink water afterwards to rinse the phlegm.
I have still lost 5 lbs. My post op is this Friday. I hope I have been some help. I have to work to manage my pain every 2 hours to stay off the narcs. good luck!
This is Carrie again. Now on day 11. I can eat more and carry on with normal life, but ear pain and throat pain have stayed the same for about 6days now. Still have scabs in my throat, looks like they are slowly slooughing off. Still eating soft foods but that improves each day. I am mostly frustrated with ear pain and am wondering how much longer this will go on for?
Hi, I was operated on Tuesday but this pain seems to be getting worse, I know the Dr. Did tell me but I honestly can’t even drink water and forget the ice cream because it is burning me. Is there anything that I can eat because I am hungry but due to the pain I rather not eat. How long will this pain last? Please help
so far room temp to warm chicken broth has been the easiest for me to eat and being warm makes it feel more like a meal.
I’m in the recovery stages of a tonsillectomy, I had mine done on February 8th. I’m almost 17yrs old. I was wondering what can you do to get the pain in the ears to go down. The first day in a half after my surgery it was just my throat hurting but now my ears hurt worse than my throat does.
Everyone has told me that ice cream and pop icicles will help greatly but when i tried eating them all they did was burn my throat my family says that it’s the sugar, is that normal for it to burn.
Also, is it normal not to be able to swallow anything and to have a lot of saliva built up in the mouth. The only thing U can tolerate going down is water and my pain medication.
If you can help me that would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Michelle, and welcome to Tonsillectomy Recovery Resources! One trick for ear pain is to chew gum, believe it or not. I recommend a sugarless, minty gum. As for Popsicles, are you eating the good quality ones, with real fruit? DON’T. Buy the cheapo brand and, if possible, find banana or root beer flavor, Mmmm.
I know it’s hard to swallow, but you MUST! It’s one of the most important things to do to speed tonsillectomy recovery. Keep drinking!!
Finally, read up on the other pages of this site- I put together quite a few tonsillectomy tips. Hang in there Michelle, my bell.
Ice pack on your neck will help your ears alot. I had horrible ear pain and this really helped me. Good luck
I am scheduled for this Monday, the 13th, along with my 5yr old son! I am 30yrs old. I am scared to say the least! I do not do very well with pain medication anymore due to having to take it for ten years for a chronic condition I have. I have since made the decision to stop taking and I’m taking a medication called Suboxone to taper down and manage the pain I already have. If anyone has been in a similar situation I would love to know how the regular pain meds worked after having this done or how effective were they in controlling the pain?
Hi Lisa- Best of luck to you, There was a lady- Amber, who had issues with pain meds. Shhe was posting on another page: http://tonsillectomyrecovery.com/tonsillectomy-recovery-forum/ I’ll ask on Facebook too. There are other pain management techniques like icing, OTC pain relievers, and LOTS of drinking of cold fluids….
Here’s one comment from facebook: “The pain medicine really doesn’t stop the pain, it just makes it a bit more tolerable and also knocks you out so that you can sleep for a little bit. Drinking constantly is about the only thing that gave me relief.”
Here’s another: “Antibiotic shots from the dr. is what got me through.. the pain meds made my skin itch so I couldnt really take them but I got shots every other day, used an ice pack on my neck and ate ice chips.”
I’m having mine in 3 weeks and I am terrified for afterwards
Hi Tonya. Read up on all the tips, be prepared. It probably won’t be as bad as you fear. Either way, we’ll be here for you.
Ok I need help. I’ve been trying to take a nap all day but every time I doze off I have this weird sensation in the back of my throat. I wouldnt call it gagging, I’m not sure even how to describe it- which I’m sure makes it hard to give me any suggestions on how to fix it. I also had a turbinate reduction in my nose so I guess it could be related to that. I have got to get some sleep!
I also had a turbinate reduction and had the same problem. I slept in my recliner for two weeks
I gradually was able to sleep on couch with lots of pillows and then back to bed. I think that the drainage from your nose and the issues with the scar tissue just makes it tough. It does get better 
I am back to working out and can tell a HUGE difference in how well I can breathe now
All I posted the below on another blog but wanted to share because my experience has been so positive. I hope there are actual merits to my approach and it helps somebody.
I got a tonsillectomy because they were asymmetrical. My doctor wanted to do a biopsy to ensure there was no cancer. When advised that I would require 2 weeks off from work, I laughed. My doctor advised me the surgery could be painful. That night, I did my research and was horrified by the painful experiences described online. Instead of worrying, I took the approach of looking at this as a personal challenge and doing research to identifying the best practices used to minimize pain.
I am at the end of day 5. I have not had any pain yet. There have been a few times upon waking up when I had what could be best described as a moderate sore throat. However, the symptoms were quickly eliminated. I hope this lasts.
Here is my approach:
Hydration and Icing. In the days leading up to the surgery, I focused a lot on ensuring my body was very well hydrated. When waking up from surgery, I immediately had a popsicle and also drank three glasses of ice water. I also iced my neck. It wasn’t easy at first but it got easier, very quickly. This practice continues. To put it simply, all waking moments are focused on drinking water and icing my neck. I place ice bags on the area at the base of my neck to my ears. When I cannot drink water, I suck on ice chips. This gets boring. However, I’d rather undertake this boring routine than experience the pain that I’ve read about on these websites. Drink, Drink, Drink, Ice, Ice, Ice Repeat!
Hydration (cont): I put a cool mist humidifier in my bedroom. It is on at all times when I am in my room (on high)
Pain Meds: I advised my doctor that I was a big baby when it comes to pain and expressed concern over my recovery progress if it was painful. Basically, I asked my doctor to prescribe the strongest painkiller that was appropriate. She prescribed Oxycodone Hydrochloride liquid. This is strong stuff let me tell you. My brother filled the Rx at hospital. I take 5ml every 4 hours. I began treatment before even sitting down when I got home. I do not miss any doses, even if I am not in pain. Pain is easier to keep in check then to get controlled from uncontrolled. My wife and I both have our cell phone alarms set to ensure I am not even 1 minute late. My Doctor also prescribed something called Carafate suspension. It is a coating for ulcers. I was advised to use to control break through pain. The bottle is unopened. I have not needed it.
Diet: I drink 2 Nestle Boost per day. I use the Chocolate Glucose control as I am a type 2 diabetic. In the months leading up to my surgery, I was dieting in my pursuit of achieving my ideal weight. So my curtailed diet was not a shock. I have lost 7 pounds in 5 days. This is not healthy but I do not seem to have an energy issue. I will ensure I am well nourished when all is back to normal
Rest. I spend my time reading, playing video games, and relaxing in bed. I work a little on the laptop but overall I relax and stay positive.
So far I am nothing short of amazed on the results. My goal was to make the whole thing tolerable. However, I am not exaggerating when I say that I have not felt any true pain. Is my throat normal? No. Does it hurt?, No. I hope somebody benefits from my experience. If I had to identify one key thing that led to these results it would be taking quick action after the surgery. I immediately implemented my hydration/icing therapy. I never hit the point I had any pain. Again – I hope this lasts. Good luck
Forgot to mention that when waking up in the night for my meds, my throat would be a little stiff/dry from mouth breathing. I make a point to drink water, suck ice until it gets back to being hydrated. Then I resume my sleep. I do this at all times when waking. .Do not let your scabs begin drying. Good luck.
Thank you Simon- Great advice. Thanks for sharing. I hope things continue this way!
simon – I so much appreciate your post! I am having the surgery in one month, and of course every person that has had the surgery as an adult has shared their horror story with me! I am going to follow your advice to the “t”! thank u so much!
Hi I’m having surgery done next Friday and am 43 years old with Fibromyalgia. I deal with pain on a daily basis so I’ve gotten pretty good at dealing with it. I have been really nervous reading all these different experiences and needless to say have been scared. After reading your comments tho I feel confident I will do ok with this. I have an ice pack from my chiropractor and may need to invest in another one and will stock up on popsicles, icecream, jello, puddings, broth, gatorade and boost. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I pray for good results and healing. I’ve been sick far too long. Last time, this past May, I was in the hospital for a week with double pneumonia and it started out like allergies, bronchitis and my throat started hurting bad. I don’t want to go through that again. This time it’s effecting my breathing especially at night when I try to sleep. Have to sleep on 3-6 pillows. I’m glad you are doing great!
I thought it was a good idea to drink some emergen-c……it was not. 30/f surgery on 1/26. Starting to wonder if I will ever be able to stop these pain meds :-/
Wahhhh. My two weeks off work is almost up and I’ve committed to go back on Wednesday. Im dreading it because I’m still having a fair amount of pain, especially in my ears and talking. Originally I wasn’t gonna go back until next Monday but they are itching for me to come back, I hate it when people try to rush my recovery. I really hope my body’s ready on Wednesday! Also, won’t be able to take pain meds while at work so that’s a major concern as well.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you Amber- You’ve done an amazing job thus far. KEEP DRINKING!
Had the surgery Thursday. I can’t seem to get comfortable. Can anyone help…
Hi Mara- read through the site for tonsillectomy recovery tips. A few that come to mind are sleeping short periods in a recliner, running a humidifier, and DRINKING – ALOT! Hang in there!
Yeah, run cool air humidifier 24/7, use those chloraseptic numbing lozenges, don’t talk too much. I drank miralax everyday I was home from the hospital but wasn’t able to have a movement until day 4 I think, as long as I’m on the pain meds I’m still drinking miralax everyday. I got these freeze and eat sorbet pops by del monte called fruit chillers, got them at Walmart and they were so good. Don’t go too far in between pain med doses cause then it’s hard to get the pain back under control.
Thanks for the words of encouragement! BTW< I am 55/F!!!
I went shopping yesterday for the first aid essentials, drinks, rinse, jello, broth, aloe vera juice and a humidifier. Tomorrow, I plan to confirm Thursday's appt for the surgery. WOW 50 years of feeling bad, hopefully this pays off, if so it will be well worth it. I remember one year I had strept throat 6 times, yuk, really sick years, soon to be behind me.
In addition, the surgeon will be removing some obstructions in my ethmoid sinuses, does anyone have comments on that procedure?
Hi Eva- Welcome aboard! Best of luck to you. I did not have the procedure to remove those obstructions, but my tonsillectomy made my life MUCH BETTER.
Thanks Greg! This website ROCKS!
The pre op shopping list was full of good choices.
My post op appt is this Friday, I will keep you guys posted. I had 5 procedures done at once and I am very anxxious to hear what the Doc has to say. He told us after surgery that the ethmoid sinuses were so clogged (polyps?) that he couldn’t even thread an instrument into them. So my nose has been plugged for a week with a substance that resembles a cigarette filter, but it dissolves as it heals.
DAy 6 and counting down. Thanks Forum!
Please let me know how you do with your surgery!!! I am 48 and very worried about this procedure at my age. I watched all my children got thru this and the older the harder it was I can only imagine at our age!
Don’t be alarmed- I’ve changed the theme on the website. I’m trouble shooting some search engine “problems.” Let me know if things don’t work properly. thank you, greg
Hope your tonsillectomy recovery is going well…