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.
Jodi thank you for your response. I will be looking for some cepacal logenzes today!
I am a 23 year old female. Have been reading this blog for the past month trying to prepare mentally and physically for my tonsillectomy+ adenoidectomy: have been having problems with tonsil stones, giant ones at that, cryptic tonsils and snoring. Today was the day. The procedure was done with a CO2 lazer. Woke up feeling dehydrated and in pain. The hospital gave me some fentanyl and 5mg oxy but my ENT prescribed Tylenol3, which is not doing anything it feels. I could barely eat today all I had was two cups of applesauce and a smoothie. I have no appetite. Tried to have a pudding but it just didnt feel right. I have no idea what is going on in the back of my throat, as I am scared to look. I am also scared to sleep; i have been drinking water for hours straight now, and any time I stop it automatically feels dry and then I have to keep drinking which is painful. I can’t bare to imagine what it will feel like after a couple hours no water. I am expecting that the worst is still yet to come, but I am oping for the best. I bought a humidifier, and I like to think it is helping somewhat. Will try and get some chewing gum tomorrow; i’ve read that helps.
Thanks for all the help.
Mine is on Friday June 23rd, Im in the same boat (tonsils and adenoids). Typically I am very pain tolerant – so we will see what happens!
I’ve planned on rinsing with coconut oil as often as I can as it’s an anti-bacterial and has helped heal so many of my other problems over the last year or so. Has anyone tried that before?
I have horses – so I just want to be able to be up and walking around (in the barn yard, not the barn as it’s too duty) in a few days. Here’s to hoping 🙂
Hi everyone!
After spending 2 days and 1 night in the hospital my doctor sent me home with 2 tablets of dafalgan 500mg and a prescription to get me some more.
Last night I was so hungry I mashed up a banana… never again, it was very painful.
Today is day 3, I just got out of bed to take my medication and it hurts so much to swallow.
My tongue is swollen and my mouth is sticky.
Brushed my teeth without toothpaste and rinsed my mouth with the perio-aid (mouthwash given by the hospital)
Food wise I suck a lot of popsicle and drink soup without any seasoning.
My boyfriend put pepper in it and it hurt.
He did well mash patotos in it to make it more thick.
I also try not to speak to much because I have noticed that when I do I start losing my voice and I have more mucus.
To everyone going through this I wish you all the best!!
Hey….so I’m I’m the UK…bit of a long one…..
I’m on day 7 post op…..I was supposed to be a day case but suffered with low BP and dizziness and sickness so they kept me in for observations and fluids.
I agree wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy…I’m 40years old and find now each side of my tongue at the back at times during the day especially at night and mornings….feels like I’m trying to chew glass…the pain then shoots straight to my ears. On top of being so painful just swallowing. I lay flat and cover my ears…try not to swallow much for a bit and it subsides.
I didn’t want to know what they do in the op jut a friend had it done said it’s where the tonsils attached to the tongue so there’s a cut made…..makes sense now.
I can’t take tables so all my pain killers are soluble…like paracetamol….(like advil maybe?)….I find it works faster and also directly hits the areas and makes you drink more….this really helps.
Foods I found I could eat (slowly) even after 4 days post op….fresh egg pasta with cheese sauce…..chicken chow main noodles……as they are so soft not much chewing and easy to swallow.
Some soup burned due to herbs that were in them and tomatoes based things also not great.
Warm soft waffles not toasted (microwaved) for breakfast pull off tiny chunks and I can dip in maple syrup.
I was only given meds for first week and managed to drive for the first time yesterday to get another weeks supply after consulting the hospital.
Oh a friend also recommended chewing gum to gently keep the jaw moving and mouth moist.
I and getting really upset with the pain at night and the 2 hours it takes after waking to try and feel normal.
I would like to give everyone a medal who has had this done especially adults…..people don’t realise what you go through.
Hugs to all
Hi I’m 46 had mine done on the 2nd May. I can cope with the pain while eating, but every time I try I get this horrible taste in the back of my mouth. This is obviously putting me off eating anything. Have you experienced this ?
Supposed to be going back to work tomorrow 6th but feel so dam lethargic x
It gets better. I’m on day 9, and I’m still alive. The worst days were days 5-7, 8 was a little better and today was really not bad at all. It was worth it for me smell, pain, and all. If you need it, do it!