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 everyone
I had surgery on 4th June 2014 and currently on day 8 of recovery. I had Coblation of the lingual tonsils to reduce the size as one had grown quite large, and the surgeon also removed my normal tonsils to get rid of as much tissue as possible.
In the run up to my surgery I had browsed the internet looking for peoples experience’s on a tonsillectomy and advice. I found plenty of sites that gave peoples accounts, but there was no advice or what may or may not help in the healing process. I gave up, up until today coming back on to find what may help me in the recovery although I am hoping I am near the end of this journey.
I would like to say to Greg a massive thank you for setting this site up and to everyone that has been commenting and not just putting negative stuff on here and leaving it at that.
I think where I went wrong, was believing that every day after surgery, things would get easier. Oh how wrong I was, it does get worse after the first few days. I would say for myself the biggest help in all of this is the Iced water, I only started doing this a few days ago and wish I had of tried it sooner. It makes swallowing a little easier and refreshing to the throat. I also took dioralyte as I had got to the point and still am at times struggling to swallow even water and knew I wasn’t having as much as I should have so I thought anything may help and know this adds salts and that back into your system.
I do have a question for you though and would appreciated other people’s views on it :
The hospital had prescribed Dihydrocodeine, Diclofenac and paracetomal then a throat spray was given by my doctor. I found the Dihydrocodeine too much for me and making me feel dizzy all the time so I have resorted to going between the Diclofenac and paracetomal. After taking these I am sometimes still in a lot of pain, and therefore wondering if anyone has any advice on what else can be tried that is not too strong? Plus there needs to be 3 – 4 hour gaps between so I don’t go over the recommended dosage but the pain is always back in full force when approaching the due time.
To everyone on this site, and who comes on in the future, I wish you well in your recovery.
I’m 31 on Day 6 after surgery.pain has not been more than the strep throat pain I’ve had in the past. Strep throat made me cry. The pain I’ve felt since surgery hasn’t made me cry, yet. I drank A LOT of pineapple juice for a couple days before surgery. (advice from my coworkers so I wouldnt swell up) It must have worked because I’ve had zero swelling. Drink LOTS of icy water & eat! Drinking water hurts, so u might as well be in pain & eat some food. I liquefied my soups in the blender for the first 3 days.By day 4 I ate 1/2 a bean burrito from Taco Bell, & by Day 5 I ate a grilled cheese sandwich, a slice of lemon berry cake & a baked potato. AND i ate a Big Mac for dinner. Took me about 1 hour to eat it but I finished. Chew chew chew & drink some water after u swallow ur food. I used Ice packs A LOT. slipped those blue freezer thingies thru a looong thin sock & tied it around my neck. Looked silly but felt sooooo good. I used vicks vapor rub on neck, chest, & outter cheeks by ears. I liked the cooling sensation. I didnt like the feeling of the ice cream til day 5.. Otter pops worked best for me!! Set ur alarm every 15-20 min when u plan to sleep. keep ur throat moist because it is painful if it dries up. gradually extend the time. I didnt get much sleep the first 4 nights.. 1-2 hours tops. Sleep whenever u can even if its 5 min.Take a stool softener.I watched We’re The Millers today… It kinda hurt to laugh so u might want to hold off on funny movies for now. i recommend that movie by the way. Hilarious!! Oh!! Halls cough drops helped me. A LOT.
I am 11 days post op. My current pain is manageable and feels like a minor case of strep. Now that I am able to cautiously delve back into eating foods beyond applesauce, I am struggling with a feeling that the food (in this case soft cereal) is caught at the back of my throat. Every bite has to be followed with a giant gulp of water to wash it down. I’m hoping this will pass but am concerned I may be stuck with this choking feeling the rest of my life. Is this typical or unique?
My mother is 70and is getting her tonsils removed due to having cancer found in nearby lymph node. Any suggestions? I’m worried.
Hi Sasha. Best of luck to you and Mom. Read over the material on this site. The tips would benefit a patient of any age.
Rebecca, thanks for the advice. In the past 24 hours I agree that tylenol extra strength actually does seem to work better than the liquid perc they gave me. I have been taking my anti nausea meds too…I will try the food/supplements you suggested. Thank you. day 2 is underway.