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 am on day 13 of having my tonsils removed and the scabs have not gone away. The overall experience and pain was easy up until today. I’m 39 and I will say I am bored and want to eat more than soft food. I hesitated for two years to do this surgery because of the horror stories online and I wish I had never read them. I don’t handle pain and this was not any worse then strep or tonsillitis. So worth it except I am bored to tears sitting at home waiting for the scabs to fall off. I still talk funny and am just wanting to get back to exercise and eating. Let me know if anyone else has delayed time for scabs falling off.
Four weeks ago I came down with a migraine for 5 days. That went away but left behind a horrible sore throat on on side along with throbbing ear pain. It progressivly got worse over 9 days until I opened my mouth and my tonsil basically erupted and exploded with infection. Went to er next day with throat swollen shut. Admitted me for round the clock antibiotics (2kinds) to get abcess within tonsil under control. Nothing , next day July 16 I had to have tonsils and infection removed. Today exactly 7 days later I am in more pain than i started. I dont know if its because I am old(44) or because the infection. I ended up with thrush in my mouth as well. Today I cant bare to drinknor eat. I have lost 7 lbs. the only think i can say is dont eat dairy and sugar or u can get thrush. Try to keep up with pain meds and keep ahead of pain. Rest rest rest. Something I am not getting with a toddler at home.
I’m 28 and I had my tonsillectomy last week, july 13,2017. The surgery itself went by quickly. The procedure started at 830am and I was home by 1:30pm. I was prescribed liquid morphine and I thought taking the liquid morphine I’d barely be in pain – ha! I’ve had 2 children, I have tattoos and a high tolerance for pain I thought this surgery would be like having strep for a few days then I’d be fine. I’ve gotten strep and tonsillitis so much I rarely know a day without throat pain. The first few days I had such a bad migraine on top of throat and ear pain. It was unbareable. I thought if my head could quit hurting I could maybe be okay. About 4 days later the migraine stopped but the ear pain stepped up in its place. I had my husband call the doc for more pain meds and to express how severe my ear pain was. He said it was normal and recovery would take time. I’m a week post op now and still in a ton of pain. My ears are so sensitive and feel a ton of pressure. Sometimes I feel like they will bleed. My throat hurts bad to swallow but I’ve expected that. The amount of saliva constantly in my mouth is awful I have to keep a spittoon cus sometimes I can’t bare the thought of swallowing it down. I feel like this nightmare will never end. To make things worse I have a toddler who doesn’t understand why I can’t talk or how to talk at a reasonable voice. I’m hoping the pain will be gone soon. That’s the only thing getting me through right now.
Hi am 33 and had my tonsillectomy and nasal polyps done on the 14 July 2017. Surgery was a success and lo and behold I thought recovery was just going to be a blitz like any regular strep or tonsils. Now I understand a different level of threshold for pain..the polyps made it difficult for breathing except through my mouth, which in turn makes my tongue and throat dry hence waking up the sleeping dragon. Than God for this site which has given me a lot of helpful tips. Got myself a humidifier, loads of ice blocks which i suck on. Food boils down to oats, ice-cream, apple juice and chicken cream soap, (tried mash potatoes this morning and the dragon fought back) And my stomach dying for for something heavy.
My wife and I developed a system where we have an alarm that reminds me to be woken up and gargle with aspirin every 2 hours which seems to give me a little comfort and sleep. Was prescribed lexotan to sleep at night but is yet to kick in and work. As for now counting down the seconds and waiting for the day I can have spaghetti with meatballs.
Thank you
Forgot to add that one trick that seemed to help was Bubble Gum. Seems to chew gum every two hours or so… I know it sounds crazy but help to keep a lot of saliva in your mouth which in turn keeps your throat wet and also helps with the healing process. The chewing movement also helps with the scab and gets to slowly relax your muscle memory.
Good luck guys
Hi Courtney,
How are you getting on?
I am on day 6/7 and really starting to struggle. The pain when I try and swallow even a small amount of water so I can take my meds is unbearable.
My 3 year old is also struggling with “daddy not saying much”
I hope you are better and would love to hear an up date
Mike
Hey Mike! I could talk after about a week, and after 10 days I started to notice a huge change. Only pain when I yawned and swallowed but not as bad as before. I am now almost a month post op, I have no pain except when I yawn. I have just caught a cold and it is so strange to not have a sore throat with it. Hang in there!!
28 and had my tonsillectomy done 4 days ago.
Thought I was doing a little better until I tried to eat this morning…now I feel like I never want to try eating again. I’m drained, my husband had to go back to work tonight…so it’ll be me and my energetic 15 month old. I keep crying and wondering when the pain will give me a break. I haven’t pooped since surgery, not site of its because I haven’t been eating or if it’s because of the meds. No one seems to understand the pain I’m in. My best friend said her husband had them done as a kid and went to a basketball game after….so I feel like maybe I’m just a baby. I don’t know but this is hell. I’m feeling so isolated from not being able to speak. I tried to find a chat room with no luck, guess I’ll try again. I just want to talk to someone who understands.
I gave birth and became fully dilated by myself at home, I thought I’d be able to handle this better. Instead it feels like I gave traumatic birth through my throat with no baby to be thankful for after.
Absolutely horrible 🙁
I feel so bad for you Amber! You are definitely not being a baby. A child’s tonsillectomy is far less traumatic than one in an adult and it’s not even comparable. You are really brave to take on caring for your baby so soon after. I think reading up on recovery information and stories here will put it all into perspective for you and what you are going through is normal. So sorry you are feeling isolated, just try to remember this is temporary and how much better life will be after you are healed up. 🙂 Send this site to you a family member or close friend so they understand the level of suckness you are going through and ask for some help! Ask = text
My journey starts Thursday and l am trying to be informed and prepared (to roll with it) up front since my hubby leaves Sunday day 3 post-op for a work trip til Friday. I took off 7 days from work with the understanding it could take a little longer. They toughest thing I will have to care for is my dog and bunny, nothing as tough as a baby. My heart goes out to you and hope you get back on your feet soon. …See that little one? YOU did that. So you are stronger than you think.
I feel you! I had mine out five days ago! (7/13/17) it’s been hard not eating and forcing fluids. I drank a liquid stool softener for the first few days as the pain meds can kind of slow things down and had success (finally) yesterday. I can’t imagine having to take care of a child while recovering! I have a older dog and she’s been good to take out on small walks every few hours. I know it’s weird but an ice pack over my neck seems to help when pain gets bad along with eating a popsicle at the same time. Hopefully you get to feeling better soon!
I LOVE your description of throat birther. I’d gladly take on childbirth vs this horrible pain! I can relate with being alone to tend for your baby while in recovery. Us moms have to be way stronger than we want to be. Hang in there girl!
I’m a 67 yo female going to have my tonsils out due to suspected tonsil cancer. Doctor made it seem like no big deal but now reading this blog, I’m very scared. Going out to buy humidifier and other things and stocking up on ice cream and mashed potatoes. I don’t have much of a support group so this will be a real challenge for me.
Hi Chris. Sorry to hear that you won’t have a lot of support. Hopefully we on the site can provide some moral support. I’d avoid ice cream and other dairy products. It can leave an annoying film on the throat
Good luck with your surgery and recovery Chris. When are you scheduled?
Hi Chris, please don’t be scared. I had my tonsillectomy 2 weeks ago today and am just about feeling myself again. I read the messages people put before my op and felt just as you do, but I can say it went very smoothly you just need to be prepared. Have the house clean and stocked up, plenty of clean pjs, lots of paracetol, difflam spray and tyrozets lozenges and plenty of ice for your water. It will be far better than you are imagining I assure you, take each day as it comes.
Mashed potatoes didn’t do well for me, of all thinks very lightly toasted bread, no crust, with butter and jam worked best. I’d put a nibble I’m then put in some water and soggify it before swallowing. Cream of wheat worked well too, but be prepared for little grits to be stuck everywhere. Also, jello went down easier than water a lot of the time.
Hi would love to know the outcome. I am also 67 and will need tonsil removed due to suspected cancer. How horrible wS it? I am fearful I will never find this site again