Tonsillectomy Forum Archives 1

 

Gwen says:
December 28, 2011 at 2:36 pm (Edit)

@Skylar – I have never come across an adult who had an easy time of recovery. Some are worse than others. But I think most everyone feels it was worth it once recovered. I hope you can get recovered by next week.
Deborah says:
December 28, 2011 at 1:23 pm (Edit)

I feel like I talk too much on here, but you gotta admit, this is an all new experience. And apparently none of us were well prepared. I had my surgery exactly one week ago today. The first couple of nights I’d wake up alot because we didn’t have a humidifier. My husband bought one, but I still wake up at night dry and hurting. Even switching my pain meds to something that works hasn’t helped. I still wake up dry and hurting. BAD. But for some reason today i’m suddenly creating enough spit/snot I have to spit almost continuously and blow my nose. I have no idea what the heck this phase is, but I hope it’s a short one! P.s. Stupid scabs still there.
Skylar says:
December 28, 2011 at 10:44 am (Edit)

Surgery was rescheduled for next Thursday, January 5th due to my fever and cough. Hoping the cough is gone before then. Has anyone actually had a good experience? Is it worth it in the end? I feel like nobody who has a good experience bothers with sharing it so surely these are worst case scenarios I have been reading about. I am just terrified of bleeding…
Deborah says:
December 28, 2011 at 9:42 am (Edit)

@Skylar Definitely praying. Hope we get an update soon!
Skylar says:
December 27, 2011 at 11:03 am (Edit)

Surgery moved up to 12:45 today. I am very very nervous. Still coughing and had a fever about 2 hours ago. Please pray for me.
Deborah says:
December 27, 2011 at 8:41 am (Edit)

@Melissa get to the doctor, woman!!! My hospital scheduled a follow up with ent for me. They told me that if anything happened that needed attention before then to go to the nearest e.r. I think you’re beyond that point honey. Run to the e.r. Take a ride home. Sounds like they may need to cauterize the wound. Do not just suffer! Praying for you.
Gwen says:
December 27, 2011 at 8:38 am (Edit)

@Melissa – It is strange you don’t have a follow-up with the ENT. Definitely call the office and tell them your concerns. Like you, I have never taken so much Rx pain meds after a surgery. I did eventually get off them, but not completely until the end of the 2nd week. Advil really helped with the inflammation. Seems like it is never going to end, but it will. Hang in there, and call the ENT.
Tiffany says:
December 27, 2011 at 8:32 am (Edit)

Hello All! I’m 6 days post op. I feel like GARBAGE!!! So far, I’ve gone throught 40 Percocets & 3 bottles of Lortab. My ears hurt, my throat & tongue are swollen & I’ve lost 10 pounds. I seriously need to feel better. Food & sleep are my enemies… any adivce would be wonderful!
Melissa says:
December 27, 2011 at 1:16 am (Edit)

Hey all,
20y/o female on day 12 post op one-sided tonsillectomy. I am seriously losing faith here- still in crazy amounts of pain, and I have a high pain tolerance. I went through 50 odd T3s in a 10 day period until I ran out of everything strong in the house. I bought Advil and have been taking that (I don’t even take things like Advil/Rylenol for cramps or headaches so I had to go buy some). My parents are starting to think I’m seeking drugs here, I’ve never taken this much medication after any of my surgeries and I’ve had a lot. Please, does it get better? My ear just throbs every time I swallow and my throat just kills. I was getting better but I think maybe I reopened the wound from all the talking at Christmas?

Regardless, anyone have any advice? I dont have a followup appt with my ENT, should I schedule one? Or is pain like this normal? And when is the swelling going to go down? Cause it still looks like I have tonsil bits in there!

Hope everyone had a happy holidays and are healing well.
Julie says:
December 26, 2011 at 8:17 pm (Edit)

I’m a 34 year old awaiting my surgery which is scheduled for Wednesday (28th) and I’m really getting scared!! I keep reading all the horror stories and probably should quit. I know it needs to be done and I will happy once it’s over but for now I’m freaking out. So glad I found this place. I’ve been scoping it out since I scheduled the tonsillectomy. I will report back afterward.
Skylar says:
December 26, 2011 at 7:16 pm (Edit)

I am a 20 year-old female. Tonsillectomy scheduled for 2:45 pm tomorrow. I am terrified. I keep coughing. My doctor has me on clarithromycin and prednisone but after 6 days my cough has worsened. I am afraid that I won’t be able to heal if I am coughing. Also, I am nervous because there are 14 (I believe) tonsillectomies before mine tomorrow. They go in order by age, which makes sense. But I am worried that he will be tired or rush through my surgery or something. Also, I am TERRIFIED of bleeding. I have read so many horror stories. Does anyone have words of encouragement? Has anyone else had to wait until after 2 pm for surgery?
Deborah says:
December 26, 2011 at 3:23 pm (Edit)

@Renee Yay! You rule! I told my husband what you said and he’s gonna call tomorrow. Woo hoo! Thank you so much! 😀 i’m much less terrified now! And thank you Mr. Tooke for this forum!!!
reneeasmo says:
December 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm (Edit)

@deborah..your pharmacist has no right to say or do that…call your Dr. And have them fix that pharmacy or use a different one..I refilled 4 times and have even another script. Trust ne doctors do not want a pharmacist implying the Dr doesn’t know what they r doing..good luck. Plz keep. Me informed. I will stand by ya no matter how far you are..I can be pretty scary on a phone.LOL
Deborah says:
December 26, 2011 at 9:34 am (Edit)

Thank you @Renee. My pharmacist decided not to give me a full refill. 🙁 He lectured my husband like we’re just druggies pill seeking or whatever they call it. He said, ” If she really is taking the full dose she’s going to cause liver damage. Here’s a two day supply, if she cuts back.” So i’m being forced to suffer. So far today i’m not that bad. I really hope yesterday was the worst of it, cuz even on the full dose I hurt thru the meds. Oh my. But I still have scabs so it is gonna get worse isn’t it? Oh dear. :’(
reneeasmo says:
December 25, 2011 at 8:44 pm (Edit)

Merry Christmas to you too Deborah..I hope your pain eases quickly
Deborah says:
December 25, 2011 at 6:52 pm (Edit)

@Renee Hey i’m desperate. Lol Don’t care how I look. Gonna try those. Thank you! Oh and glad it’s dead skin cuz I got scared I was bleeding somewhere I can’t see. Merry Christmas!
reneeasmo says:
December 25, 2011 at 5:42 pm (Edit)

@Deborah..5 6 and 7 were the worst for me..the bad taste is dead skin, sorry to say I still have that taste on one side a month later..try icing the outside of ur neck and if u have hand earners I used those on my ears. I looked really stupid but sleeping with earmuffs on helped my ear pain too. Good luck
Deborah says:
December 25, 2011 at 3:24 pm (Edit)

All new misery. I thought waiting that last hour to take my meds was bad. I was an idiot! Day 5 has been THE WORST! I’ve had to take the full dose every 4 hours the whole time. Yes I tried cutting back the dosage and hours. Big mistake! Today, the meds give zero relief. At all! I have a weird taste at the back of my throat but the scabs are still there. My throat feels extra swollen. I stay upright and prop up to sleep. I have a humidifier. My ears feel like they’re gonna explode! Thinking ibuprofen. Not sure. Kinda scared but beyond miserable!
Cameron says:
December 25, 2011 at 11:37 am (Edit)

@jessica hey girl i’m 18 too and i had my surgery about 12 days ago and i’m almost fully healed! It still hurts in the morning tho but it feels better once i drink coffee 🙂 so just hang in there girl and be sure to drink water!!!!
Danny G says:
December 24, 2011 at 9:19 pm (Edit)

Day 24 post op. Have a little tendernous that pops up now and then, but otherwise I’m ready to call this puppy healed.

@Jessica. Word to the wise. It’s never to late to drink a lot of water to help soften the scabs up so they can slough off easily… Otherwise, they can cause more grief than you want to deal with. I’m not sure where my worst days actually fell, but I’m thinking it was between days 4 and 7.. I wish you the best of luck.

To everyone, happy healing and a very Merry Christmas..
Jessica says:
December 24, 2011 at 11:13 am (Edit)

I’m an 18 year old female who just got my tonsils out on the 21 of December, so I’m on day 3. Honestly, this is one of the worst pains ever and I feel like this pain will never end. I’m hungry and feel so weak. Everyone keeps saying that this will get better soon, but I think that’s doubtful. The nurse in the hospital and all of the other forms say that days 3-5 are the worst because the scabs start showing and if you don’t drink enough liquids they will come in thick….which is sadly what i think I’m experiencing. I’m constantly nervous about popping my stitches and bleeding…..hopefully this will get better soon….really soon.
Laura says:
December 24, 2011 at 12:07 am (Edit)

@Chrissy – It definitely gets better, hang in there. I was convinced I would never feel better, and yesterday on day 7 post-op, that all changed for me. Just keep drinking your water, taking your meds, and try and eat something if you can. I found it was the worse when I ate absolutely nothing.

Keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow (day 9) will be just as good as today! I totally had dinner at a Chinese buffet with my family for one of our annual Christmas traditions! It tasted sooo good! Hang in there everyone!
Andrew says:
December 23, 2011 at 11:43 pm (Edit)

I just finished up day 8 of my recovery and Im finally starting to feel better. I think I have been fairly luckily as my pain has not been unbearable since the beginning. I was able to get off all my stronger medication after only a few days, and was starting to eat some more substantial meals. Still craving that slice of pizza from my favorite pizza place though. However, all my luck ran out on day 6 when I had to go to the emergency room because I started bleeding(way more then any normal amount). It was a pretty scary event since this was my first time going to the emergency room. Luckily they were able to stop the bleeding pretty quickly. I know this happens to very very few people(about 3%) but I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with a similar experience?

Chrissy says:
December 23, 2011 at 9:21 pm (Edit)

I had my tonsils removed on December 20. Today has been the worse day for me so far. I am taking my pain meds every 4 hours. I have had a cold rag on my neck all day. This morning I started coughing and now it feels like there is somethimg in my mouth. I can barely talk and I haven’t found anything I can eat yet. Please tell me it gets easier.
Kerri33 says:
December 23, 2011 at 7:25 pm (Edit)

Two weeks post-op, tonsils out early on Dec. 9th. I had a check-up today, passed with flying colors! The doc said that the white scabs in my throat are almost gone, even though I haven’t noticed it coming off. Thankfully I didn’t have that gagging/coughing feeling that many of you described, it sounds miserable!

Laura, I also believe that ibuprofen was a miracle drug for me! I felt so much better after taking it as my tongue was not swollen anymore, I could talk and swallow so much easier. Isabella, maybe you could try taking ibuprofen since you are so swollen? It might help, although some doctors tell you not to take it until 2 weeks later because it can cause you to bleed more if you do bleed. Mine said not to worry about it, so I took it and have loved what it did for my recovery. I had to alternate tylenol/ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours on the days when it hurt really bad, but am now down to just ibuprofen. I ate soft foods and drank lots of water and my scabs are slowly wearing off on their own, so I wouldn’t push it by eating rough foods too soon, you wouldn’t want to bleed.

Meg, my throat is also still a little sore and I am still easily exhausted. My doctor said today that is normal, that it will be a month to 3 months before I completely feel back to normal. I hope it isn’t that long!

Wings last night were delicious! I was a little sore when I was done, but I think that was from chewing so much, haven’t done much of that lately. Going to try a glass of wine tonight, I would rather have a meltdown by myself tonight if it hurts too bad instead of my bf’s whole family tomorrow! Fingers crossed!
Deborah says:
December 23, 2011 at 6:56 pm (Edit)

I’m 36 and on day 3. So far my worst for pain. Waiting that last hour before I can take meds is BRUTAL. Just wanted to share the best advice I’ve gotten so far. Set an alarm to wake you up to take pain meds during the night. If you let yourself sleep, by the time you wake up the pain may be unbearable. Don’t risk it!!! Good luck to us all, especially during the holidays. 🙂
Cameron says:
December 23, 2011 at 5:22 pm (Edit)

Hey everyone! One side of my throat still hurts when I swallow and the other side doesn’t hurt at all and both sides are still white. I’m just wondering if thats normal? its been 11 days since the surgery.
Sarah D. says:
December 23, 2011 at 1:23 pm (Edit)

It’s day 9, and I’m pretty much healed. Scabs mostly gone. No meds. Not even Advil. I woke up and caught myself whistling to the Christmas music in the house. What a relief!!!

I will stay away from adult beverages if I can until after my follow-up Tuesday, but the suffering on Day 2 is now already feeling worth it. 🙂

Hope you all have fabulous holidays.
Isabella says:
December 23, 2011 at 11:32 am (Edit)

Hey everyone! This is my second post, but I’ve had great improvements. Day 6 was absolutely terrible for me and I believe that was my “pain peak”. I couldn’t swallow at all and I had to start taking my pain meds more often to just handle sitting there. But I woke up yesterday morning, which was day 7, with no pain! I was finally able to eat something substantial. And this morning when I woke up, which is day 8, there is still minimal pain, and I haven’t taken pain meds since early this morning. Do ya’ ll think this is the end of my recovery? I still see a little thin layer of white on both sides and I’ve never had the sensation of my scabs falling off.
Melissa says:
December 23, 2011 at 10:47 am (Edit)

Day 9 (including day of surgery) after one-sided tonsillectomy. I think I’ve finally gotten over the worst of it – hopefully I’m not jinxing myself by saying that! Yesterday was okay and the pain was manageable, but by the time I went to bed, my jaw, ear and throat was throbbing and I was in incredible pain. I cried myself to sleep sometime around 4am maxed out on my painkillers. Apparently my self indulgent pity party helped because today has been the best day so far! Not only is the pain minimal, but I’ve been able to eat some brownies, the first solid food I have eaten since the surgery.

If I can offer any advice to anyone going through this, it is drink and take your painkillers. I don’t even take medication for a headache – I don’t own advil or tylenol. I’ve had serious surgeries and only took the narcotics for 2 days after. But with this tonsillectomy, I’ve gone through 50 tylenol 3s with codeine in a week just trying to survive.

Hopefully I continue on this path and everyone gets to enjoy their holiday dinners!
Gwen says:
December 23, 2011 at 9:29 am (Edit)

@Trevor – Sorry you’re so miserable. Hopefully you’ve hit the “pain peak” and will start to improve soon. Sounds like you are on the “average” track, and we who’ve been there have sympathy. Praying you’ll start feeling better soon.
trevor says:
December 23, 2011 at 6:13 am (Edit)

Im on day 7 now. Worst pain ive ever experienced in my life. My toungue hurts when i move it. I cant stay asleep for longer than 1 hours. When i wake up, i literally start crying. Someone please tell me ill be better tomorrow.
Jen says:
December 23, 2011 at 2:10 am (Edit)

I had a terrible day today. 8 days post op I’m coming down with a cold. The pressure is terrible – on top of all the post-surgery swelling the cold sinus pressure is literally making me feel like someone is strangling me all of the time. The pharmacist recommended Sudafed which does help, thank goodness, although it also is keeping me wide awake at midnight. This cold could not have come at a worse time.
Laura says:
December 23, 2011 at 12:44 am (Edit)

Day 7 and today was such a good day! The morning was a slow start and I couldn’t really eat much, but by the afternoon I was feeling much better. I went to the mall with my mom and was even able to eat 3 whole inches of a 6 inch tuna sub lol It did hurt when I swallowed, but it was so worth it. Later in the afternoon I am pretty sure some of my scabs came off. I definitely had that tinny taste that blood leaves in my mouth, but when I checked it out in the bathroom, there was no blood to be had. However, there are some new pink spots in the middle of all the white – healed tissue perhaps? I have also discovered that taking Ibuprofen is a miracle drug for me right now. I took some before going to get a pedicure, and halfway through my appointment I actually started to feel like myself again, and was able to talk with little to no pain. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much as I know a lot of people seemed to go downhill around day 8-9, but feeling better was so great that I can’t help but be excited by the thought of feeling good again tomorrow. Hang in there everyone, it does get better. I was convinced after some of the issues I have had that it wouldn’t, but it seems as though I was wrong. Hugs to all of you who are going through this LONG recovery process!
Andrea says:
December 22, 2011 at 8:46 pm (Edit)

End of day 7 and I spoke too soon. Pain was increased today. No bleeding or scabs exfoliating, but hope they are starting to. I can relate to you Melissa, my husband thinks I am crazy because I was feeling so good yesterday. This sounds like the norm though…pain, relief, pain, relief. That might be the worst part about recovery, or the intense craving for pizza!! I laugh that we are all talking about pizza 🙂
I have some steroids, but haven’t taken them yet. They were prescribed “as needed for extreme pain” Maybe if tomorrow is still painful I will…nothing has been extreme though. I read the post that they helped, but I am still hesitant.
Thanks to all for sharing in their recovery. Misery does love company 🙂 Merry Christmas and Happy Healing to all!!!
Gwen says:
December 22, 2011 at 8:23 pm (Edit)

@Jennifer – You might need to switch pain meds. Call the doctor. I had to switch from the hydrocodone to Roxicet on day 5 (day 4 for you). Sounds like your misery is progressing normally. {{{hugs}}} Make sure you call for a med change before the weekend, if you need it.
Isabella says:
December 22, 2011 at 8:19 pm (Edit)

@Kersti:
I think I’ve been talking too much and pushing myself to do too much physical activity. I’ve only been eating soft food, I constantly drink water, and I sleep at an incline, so I don’t know what else to do. But I can’t see the back of my throat because it’s a little swollen and it hurts to push my tongue that far out of my mouth. That’s particularly what I’m worried about. I just can’t wait until these scabs come out of my throat. Luckily, I haven’t been in much pain when it come to swallowing anything.
Gwen says:
December 22, 2011 at 8:14 pm (Edit)

@Melissa – You are experiencing the ups and downs of the second week and following. But it really will head in the right direction. I promise. 🙂 I had a total meltdown on day 9. I couldn’t believe the pain that just decided to show up one evening. Every day will get a little better with some hills and valley’s along the way. Hang in there!
Jadee says:
December 22, 2011 at 7:05 pm (Edit)

@ Jennifer – I wouldn’t feel like a druggie asking for more. I got refills on both my Hrydocodone and Percocet, and dont regret or feel embarrased about it in the least bit, and when I have a little more pain than normal, I pop a pill and all is well. My doc said, don’t try and be hero. I stayed consistent with taking pain meds. I feel no addiction to them what so ever either, some though say after trying to come off them some feel more depressed, which I guess is understandable. I’m on day 24 post op, have some swelling that came back and some minor throat pain, all managable, and able to eat what ever. There was a question about eating pizza and wings, haven’t had wings yet (dinner tonight though Bw’s), but I was eating pizza about a week and a half after surgery, so I would suggest trying it and stop eating if it hurts. Good luck eveyone, and hope you all have a good Christmas. 33, m, 11/29/11
Kersti says:
December 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm (Edit)

@Isabella

Some people say eat rough foods to get the scabs off, but I’m eating soft foods and they are coming off with time. My tongue and the bottom of my mouth is still quite sore, and my neck I had my op on the 15th of Dec. My scabs are almost healed, I think I am way ahead in recovering though compared to some of my friends :/. My scabs started healing/getting itchy on day 4… which is way too soon? What I think helped me was: no talking (not a word at all!!), cold/icey water, ice packs on the neck wherever it hurts, eating custard (it’s so smooth, it is the only food that doesn’t hurt my throat, jelly hurts my throat), chocolate flavoured baby food and also some luke warm vegetable babyfood, sitting up all day, and don’t lay flat on your bed, sleep sitting up a little bit, constantly drinking water. Rinse your mouth (not gargle) with anti bacterial mouth wash after each meal. Why can’t you see the back of your throat? Is it because of the swelling? Sitting up all day and all night will reduce swelling a lot, also icey water and ice pack on the throat helps with the swelling it will go down in a couple of days if you do that. Hope you feel better soon
Kersti says:
December 22, 2011 at 6:03 pm (Edit)

@ Melissa D
Sounds like you are in that super healing stage where they are coming off and the throat swelling is going down!! 🙂 for me it hurt a fair bit when they came off (because they are fresh, they even would bleed a little bit but nothing to worry about) but after the stinging it was just a little bit itchy and then the next day or two they just looked like it had healed into my normal throat pink colour. How exciting 🙂 Not far for you to go! 🙂 I think it’s normal for you to be feeling really good and then when the scabs come off feel really sore, that’s how it was for me. I have made a list of foods I am going to eat when I can, I feel your pain!! I want a real meal
Isabella says:
December 22, 2011 at 4:59 pm (Edit)

Today is my one week anniversary from my tonsillectomy. I’m pretty sure my scabs haven’t fallen off yet, but i can’t open my mouth wide enough to check. Is this normal? I my tongue is still really tight and sore feeling and is affecting how I move my mouth around. Any advice on getting these scabs off?
Cameron says:
December 22, 2011 at 3:56 pm (Edit)

Hey everyone! I’m on day 9 since my surgery and I pretty much feel all better other than my throat has like a teeny tiny sore throat feel to it. I just wanted to say that what really helped a lot was when i went to the doctor on either day 5 or 6 he gave me a steroid shot in my hip. It did hurt but I think we all can agree we’ve felt worse. Anyway, that shot was a life saver and really made me feel so much better. My doctor also prescribed me dissolving steroid tablets that I am to take twice a day. All of that has really helped me heal much faster and so I just wanted to share it with you all and maybe you could mention it to your doctor.
Meg says:
December 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm (Edit)

I’ve reached the two-week mark! I had my tonsils out on December 8th. I’m back at work and happy to be out of the house!

I am still noticing some soreness in my throat, and I feel exhausted most of the time. Is this normal? I’ve noticed two small patches (where the HUGE tonsils used to be) that haven’t entirely healed yet. I suppose it’s no big deal, but it is making it harder for me to talk.
Kerri33 says:
December 22, 2011 at 1:59 pm (Edit)

@ Jennifer–sorry you are going backwards! Hopefully just a few more days until you feel better again.

@Andrea-I am also hoping for lasagna and wine this weekend! Good luck, hope you are able to indulge at least a little bit!

@ Leah-Make sure you have lots of ice, water, and options of things to eat. Different foods work for everyone, jello, popsicles and sherbet were good for me the first few days, after that they were too cold and chicken soup and oatmeal worked better. Ice cream and protein shakes were too thick for me, but they work for some…applesauce burned going down, but works for many…my advice would be to stock up on lots of different things!

@Melissa D. I had pizza on day 11 and it tasted like heaven! Soft, thin crust was great, the hard edges hurt too much. Had to chew a lot, but it was so worth it. Going to try wings today (day 13), although I think I will stick to mild sauce for now 🙂 I also wonder about scabs coming off as I haven’t noticed them coming off, although when I looked at my throat today there is way less white than there was before, so maybe they just wear off and get swallowed? I have my check-up tomorrow and will be asking about that.

@ Tabee-I did a little shopping on day 7 and had to come home and take a nap! Day 10 was really the turn around for me when I had decent energy, probably because I was able to eat a few more things with substance!

Hope everyone has a good day!
Suzanne says:
December 22, 2011 at 1:58 pm (Edit)

I noticed a sm hole in my soft palate on monday and since then it has been growing larger and larger, now it is about the size of a bic pen circumference. it is painful and it is causing trouble for me to swallow. anyone else had this problem? im 2 weeks post op today.
Nick O. says:
December 22, 2011 at 1:33 pm (Edit)

@Jennifer–The first 5 or so days I took it EVERY 4 hours just like you are. Then I went to like every 8 hours or so, or sometimes I would only take 1 teaspoon instead of the usual 2. My prescription also had a refill that I just used 2 days ago. Today is my day 7. Keep taking it every 4 hours and drink a lot of water after as well! Hope you feel better; the pain DOES go away!
Jennifer says:
December 22, 2011 at 12:28 pm (Edit)

I had my tonsills out on Monday Dec. 19th so Im on day 3 not including the op day. This is by far the worst pain day I’ve had so far. It started mid-late afternoon yesterday and I have gone down hill since. I can no longer swallow without a stinging pinch, no longer can I open my mouth wide, I have ear pains and pressure in my jaws and teeth. Just great! I’m wondering if I should make a call to the doc due to I am getting low on my liquid hydrocodone. I got 500mls to begin with and have 250mls left. By my caculations I will be out by the end of the weekend if I continue to take it every 4 hours. I feel kinda like a druggie asking for more but I surely do not want to get low and given the Christmas holiday who knows if I could get more then. Is anyone else still taking there narcotic pain medication every 4 hours round the clock to stay on top of the pain? Maybe I should not take it so much but my fear of increased pain makes me very hesitant to do that!! Comments welcome!!!

Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery