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.
I had my tonsils out on Dec. 12, 2013 due to excessive strep throat and tonsillitis. I am a very healthy individual and can tolerate a great deal of pain. I must say this was the worst pain I have ever encountered. Staying hydrated is an important factor and the colder the beverage the better. Also, try to take the pain medication as scheduled , not just when you start feeling bad because you will see that a little pain turns quickly into terrible pain and it is best to stay ahead of it.
Ear aches are also something you do not hear much about but they come on quickly too. Try chewing gum to keep movement in that area. And yes, the uvula will swell, usually about 5 times its normal size. It will feel as if you have something stuck in the back of your throat but you don’t. There really is no cure for that just time (usually about 3 days ).
I am on day 8 and still really have not had much other than soup, mashed potatoes and eggs which started on day 4 . The first few days was only water and popsicles.
I wish anyone out there going through this or if you are thinking of doing this good luck, a speedy recovery and a healthier tomorrow.
By the way if you smoke (which i did for the past 25 or so years) and are thinking of quitting this makes the best time because you really have no desire to smoke plus you avoid those dreaded extra pounds that everyone tries to avoid when your able to eat !
I agree with you Sherri. I have had 3 children and this pain is worse. I had my surgery on 12/24/13 and right now my ears ache the pain is horrific in my throat and I just wish it would go away but it doesnt so I cry and that just makes it worse. How do you feel now that your 12 days post?
It has been 5 months since my coblation tonsillectomy and I still think about how grateful and happy I am to have gotten my tonsils out. I feel better every day of my life without those things! I highly suggest the coblation method, my recovery was fairly easy and almost pain free. I just stayed on the couch for a week, drank a ton of Gatorade and I was fine. Do yourself a favor, research the coblation method and find a doctor that performs it, you won’t regret it!
I had very bad sleep apnea and my sleep study showed me waking up on average of once every 60 seconds. I had my tonsils out on May 23rd. Most difficult two weeks of my life. I have had 9 surgeries in the last 10 years, including 3 for compartment syndrome, 3 for a broken back(with a double spinal fusion), an open appendicitis with sepsis…etc. like I said it was miserable but also the best thing I’ve ever done. My sleep apnea is gone and I can breathe well. Bite the bullet, stay hydrated, (very important!!!) And get through it. You’ll be glad you did. I am a critical care nurse and realized when I was severely dehydrated. I had access to IV fluids and gave myself a few liters. It helped tremendously. Stay hydrated. You’ll be ok..
I had my tonsils out 1 month ago, and I am 29 and in fair health. I agree with the post that those who have an easier recovery are less likely to discuss it so nearly all of the stories are worst case scenarios. I however had a normal recovery in terms of pain and swelling. It wasn’t fun by any means, and there were other issues no one really talks about. I think everyone complains about the pain so I prepared myself for the worst pain, then was surprised at other issues.
I had no idea my uvula would swell to about 5 times it’s size. It feels like there’s cotton stuck in your throat but it’s the uvula touching the back of your tongue. You will gag and snore because of this. Of course eating and drinking are nearly impossible. What no one told me was even after my throat healed, the hardest part with eating is not being able to move your tongue. The normal process of pushing food between your teeth is excruciating. I had to place small pieces of food between my teeth with my fingers.
I was lucky enough to eat soft foods by day 3. I would recommend you not eat anything with strong odors or flavors since the scabs trap food and bacteria and the taste is terrible. I had some BBQ meat and the smoky flavor was aweful since it lingered for days.
Doing a little research on what other adults are experiencing.
It seems that the most painful day is 4-6, my Sister in law had hers out earlier this year, she is 47 and was out about 2 weeks. My wife has similar issues and is looking to have hers out. My wife is almost 51 and doesn’t exercise but is in very good health. I am going to have mine out and I am 52 in excellent health, exercise daily. Most folks guess us 10 years younger. Thank you for creating this site. Will post back as we progress.
CT
Staying hydrated will make a huge difference in your recovery. Good luck!