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 November 28th. Lets say it has been complete hell!! Today (day 4) I dont have much pain but I am spitting up alot of thick yellow mucous and it is making me very nausous. When will this end? It takes so bad and I seriously want to vomit from it.
I am 39 and I have tonsils that apparently do not work, from what I understand I am a carrier. Most recent was strep pneumonia found in my tonsils. My mother begged them to take mine out while i was a child and they told her they did not do that anymore.
Now at 39 my PCP thinks I need mine out. And my adenoids, he said he has never seen any hang down like mine that you can just see with the naked eye. My son had his out at 6 due to making him have sleep apnea his were bigger than mine even. His recovery was great besides the horrid smell of his breath. Now I am looking for a DR in my area that has done adult surgeries.
I like most, I can take the pain, but scared of the hemorrage part.
I am going to do this and take a week vacation and get at least 10 days of recovery before going back to work.
Nervous about the surgery can anyone give me any tips on what to look for in a Dr. I am tired of being the one who gets sick all
the time, so i am deciding to go through with the surgery.
Any help, opinions would be appreciated. I am home today from work with strep pneumonia. SO I am researching all I can.
Thanks
Amy in Arkansas
My name is Kevin and I am43 and had my surgery on the 28 ofNov. My surgery went well and it has been almost a week the pain has everything the Dr said but with the meds and the comfort and support. Of my wife as my care giver it has been manageable make sure you research the Dr. Minds has over 35years experience in this area gave me confidence as well the only thing Ididn’t expect was a few stitches but I have been very careful not to aggravate my throat. Take the meds and relax if you are in good physical you will do fine don’t rush follow doctors orders.
I just had my tonsils out last week on nov 21st. I asked everyone I know how bad the pain was and I was convinced that my pain wouldn’t be as bad. That however is not the case I have extremely bad pain in my ears when I swallow something which the nurses and doctors tell you to expect. Milk products are hard to eat due to the milky after feeling I’m your mouth. I have however made boost my main intake of food as it is a meal supplement and I got the one with the highest protein. Staying hydrated is hard but I know it is SO important. Overall I do not regret getting the surgery done when I am all healed I will no longer have to worry about strep throat or build up in cryptic tonsils.
Im 24 yrs old and i just had my tonsils taken out yesterday..how long did it take u to start feeling better?
i am 45 yrs.old.had tonsillectomy on nov.8,2012 for recurrent earaches,sore throats,and tosil stones.the first week was a breeze,i read everthing about this surgery i could,and thought i was prepared.right after surgery i ate 1 1/2 cups ice chips,and ate them all the way home.continued to do so for next 5 days.i was able to tolerate any liquid or soft foods.i was only taking 1 pain pill every 6 hours or so,and i thought “if this is all there is to it,i’ve got it made.day 8 of recovery,began with increasing pain,and some nausea.could tolerate no milk products(these make secretions,thick,and increase coughing)or sweet products(these increased the pain at this point)since day 8 i take pain pills every 3-4 hours,and now am having more problems with nausea.am supposed to return to work at 2 week point(THANKSGIVING)I work night shift as an RN.I barely have the energy to get out of the recliner to go to bathroom.If you are considering this surgery and are over 30,you may want to be prepared to be out of work 3 weeks.I consider myself to be very healthy,i eat right,and exercise.BE PREPARED,THIS IS ONE TOUGH RECOVERY!
Hi, I’ve just had my tonsils out yesterday 27th November and I didn’t realise how bad it would be. My nose is blocked, my mouth is bruised and sore, I can’t sleep. I’m on co-codamol 30/500 for pain relief. I’m 35 and just keep thinking is there light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m having a tonsillectomy and turbinate reduction on the 14th. Although i’m extremely scared, this forum reasured me. Maybe because now i know what to expect… wish me luck!