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.
Well today is day 10 for me;) I survived! I cant believe it. This has been a horrible recovery process though, and talk
about pain! I am 35 years old, and a mom to two girls. I have given birth..naturally to one…and I must say, atleast birth comes to and end once baby is born. I would rather give birth! You never see an end in sight because the pain is tremendous. My ears,jaw,throat,head hurt sooo bad. The pain was throbbing and sharp. I used ice and the pain meds every 3 hours. I ended up in emerg. Infection “somewhere” but not my throat apparently. I had atelicites from the anesthietic- lower lobes partially deflated if you will- I know I had intubation-induced pneumonia.Coughing up green disgusting phlegm 2-3 days post op.I have survived on water. I found yogurt, icecream,apple sauce, mashed potatoes,pasta..all was too thick. Everything felt thick. My tongue is still swollen, the uvula has finally shrunk! I would wake up gasping for air the first 6 days cause the uvula was soooo swollen it cut off my airway! This was, is, a horrible recovery. I am just hoping Im out of the hemmorage window..Im still not eating, it hurts and I feel so sick after. I have lost 20 lbs. I eat some porridge, some pasta, some rice pudding my mom makes..its delicious:) Today is the first day I feel a little more like me. I cleaned up, and have had no meds. The pain is there but tolerable with fluids. I think the scabs have fallen off. I still cant open up my mouth all the way though..day 7 I could finally brush my teeth..ick!
I read these posts after, and prior to surgery. This has definetly helped me. We all heal differently, and I just recommend try not to get impatient, keep your mind busy. Eat little and DRINK DRINK DRINK even though it’s hell! Also, try and remember it will end. Day 6-7 were agony..I just wanted to lie there and cry. Have faith, hope and you will be ok. Good luck to you all!!
I’m 26 and just had my tonsillectomy today.. My god do I now know what a sore throat is.. After the morphine wore off the pain kicked in and regardless of the pain relief I’ve taken since it hasn’t left me!! I keep waking up with the sensation that I’m gonna choke as I can’t swallow my saliva.. I’m trying to eat and drink as I want a speedy recovery but it’s easier said than done!! I’m hoping each day gets easier nor worse..
Day 6 of recovery, and I can’t say it has been horrible! The worst pain that I have felt are in the mornings, or whenever I wake up from a nap, even if my pain medicine takes have not lapsed. It will feel like my throat is on fire, but after some liquid lortab, followed by fresh ice water, I feel much better.
Today, I felt exhausted, and really didn’t want to leave my bed. I may have also been running a low grade fever, which does concern me a little, does that not mean infection? I woke up yesterday with some blood in my mouth, and also may have had a low grade fever, but felt much better the rest of the day. Could this be a sign that my scabs are coming off? Speaking of which, how do you know that your scabs are coming off? My fiance has been looking at my throat for the past few days, and he said there hasn’t been much change, except that today, it seemed that I had more black/dark spots on the site.
For those considering this surgery, it really has not been all that bad. Yes, it is painful at times, and I have a very low tolerance for pain! Seriously, I was expecting this to be much worse than it has been. I have been told that the worse has yet to come, that day 8-10 is typically when the scabs come off,and when the pain is at its max. I am off work for a total of two weeks, and I have used this time to catch up on some much needed rest, dvd’s that I haven’t had the time to watch, and shows on the DVR. Reading is one my most favorite loves, but the pain meds make me a little dizzy, so I have not accomplished much of that. As for my menu, I have been eating all sorts of soft foods. Mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, all different kinds of soups, puddings, jellos, ice cream, pasta, and recently hotdogs. My ENT also told my fiance to make sure I chew on gum and gummy bears since this will get my throat working again (Haribo gummy bears are my fave!!!). Swallowing can be rough at times, but if you keep hydrated, and medicated, it is most certainly tolerable.
I was sick with an upper respiratory infection when my surgery took place, but my ENT said that as long as I was running a high temp fever,or vomiting I would be fine. However, the first couple of days were rough because I felt like I couldn’t cough up the phlegm that occurred from the previous infection. I would then feel like I couldn’t breathe, and freak myself out a little, so I would drink warm tea or soup, and that would help break up the crud.
If any one could shed some light on the scab situation, and the low grade fever, that would be awesome! I go for my post op check up a week from today, and trying to get in touch with my ENT is like pulling teeth! Any advise/answers for the remaining recovery time that I have would be so greatly appreciated 🙂
Hi guys, thank you so much for this website! I’m day 6 and was at my wits end, barely any food or drinks! I can sleep but hadn’t been setting alarms for pain medications As I thought it was better to get rest. I feel so much better after reading all these posts and realised there is light at the end of the tunnel! I’m slightly concerned as I’m from the Uk and was prescribed a medicated mouth rinse to gargle with but after seeing some posts on here about the negatives of gargling! I have no top tips to share but all I can say is keep this going because it really helps people and anyone thinking of having it done if you get sick as much as I did it will be worth it but expect it to be difficult and painful!
I wanted to write on this website because it really helped me during my recovery. I’m a 25 year-old female and had my tonsils out 15 days ago. Today- slight pain when swallowing & yawning, but other than that- doing great! I can say that having my tonsils out was really as awful as everything I read; however, I was lucky. I had very minor problems with the pain medication and didn’t have to be re-hospitalized like some other people, so I am thankful for that! I will reiterate what everyone says- HYDRATE! It is really difficult to do, and I did great the first few days after surgery; however, when that 6th/7th day pain hit, I stopped drinking because it was so painful and all I wanted to do was sleep. Don’t do this! You have to force yourself to drink water. For me, room temperature was the most bearable. I ended up having to set alarms to remind myself to drink water. Be weary of something called Thrush- this happens when you get too dehydrated and can make your recovery even more painful that it has to be. I will say one thing that I was not prepared for was what happens when you stop taking the pain meds and start eating regularly again. I had a couple of days with stomach cramping and body aches. My doctor said this is pretty normal when coming down off the Loratab. I wish I had known I could wean myself off the pain meds by alternating motrin and the Loratab. But, now I know!
I’ve been dealing with tonsil “stones” and I’ve come to the point where I had enough! I’m not so sure I’m sold on the “stones” because the stones always appear to be food fermenting in my tonsil(s). I’m sick of really bad breath, sour saliva, and an irritated tonsil. But, I’m seeking advice from those who have been there. Is it worth going through such a risky surgery to get rid of annoying stones?
I had three brain surgeries. They all hurt like crazy but I had no problems at all. Was up and around in a week or so with all three. I took Tylenol with codienne for pain every three hours.
THESE ARE MY CONCERNS/ISSUES:
**I’m 51 years old and was told many times by just about everyone that you bleed more, it takes longer to heal, and most surgeons won’t do it because it’s life threatening!
**I have epilepsy which is almost controlled. I have auras so I can prevent an impending seizure with Ativan (melts like nitroglycerin) so I’m not afraid of that.
**I take a lot of pills for seizures four times daily, and fear the pills will rip up my throat
**If you had your tonsils removed for “stones” do you feel it was it worth the pain and risk?
**I’m not afraid of the pain. After three brain surgeries, and a complete hysterectomy, I know pain. It goes away!
**I’m underweight too so I wonder if I’m even a candidate. I never saw a doctor because I have to get beyond all my
“issues” so I don’t waste his or my time.
My greatest fear is bleeding to death! Seriously, that’s my fear! I can’t imagine dying from a tonsillectomy after surviving the other more definitely serious surgeries. Can you imagine the humiliation of my husband and kids after bragging how much I survived yet died from something that seems so trivial!
**I’m really afraid of the tonsillectomy due to the fact it’s so close to the carotid artery.
You are so blessed. You are a survivor. If your haven’t had the surgery and it is needed. Have the surgery. I don’t know your faith but pray and do what you need to do. Stay hydrated please. I cannot stress this enough. Stay hydrated. I’m still in recovery, but am doing great. You will be ok