Tonsillectomy Recovery Time
After a lifetime of tonsillitis, it was time. I made the appointment. Was I scared? Yes. Was I prepared for tonsillectomy recovery? NO. Can you be? YES!
Planning for and recovering from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedure, (often referred to as T & A Surgery), can be daunting experiences. The days leading up to your surgery can be frightening. If you haven’t read up yet, you can find information on tonsillectomy methods, risks, costs, adult tonsillectomy, sleep apnea, and numerous tips for tonsillectomy recovery on the other pages of this site. I’ve even added pictures of a post tonsillectomy throat by each day. Study, talk with your doctor and consult with your friends about the decision to undergo tonsillectomy and adenoid surgery. Explore the pages created here to aid in your journey.
If you should decide to have tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, let us help you through the entire process. Whether due to problems with sleep apnea, chronic tonsillitis and strep throat, tonsil stones, trouble swallowing, or a combination thereof, you can benefit from the experience of others. My own experience taught me that, as patients, we need to advocate for ourselves. Ear, nose, and throat doctors are, by and large, extremely talented individuals. However, very few of them have experienced an adult tonsillectomy, and the subsequent recovery. I have. Many others have too. We share our experiences here at the adult tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy recovery resource center. As you’ll read in the tonsillectomy recovery forum, everyone’s experience is unique. There are many factors that influence the level of pain you experience, as well as the length of time required during recovery. The method, and skill of your surgeon can have an affect, but there are also many things within your control that will reduce pain and recovery time. I’ve tried to include as many helpful tips as possible within the pages of this online resource. Tonsillectomy recovery can be pretty rough, especially if you are unlucky enough to be an adult! It takes longer for an adult to recover from most things. Tonsillectomy is no exception. There are many things you can do to make it go more smoothly. I’ve published numerous tips here on various pages. I encourage you to read up BEFORE you are in the throws of tonsillectomy recovery.
Talk with your doctor, friends, family, and work as you prepare. You are not alone in this. Like you and like me, many others are facing or have faced a tonsillectomy recovery. I created this forum for you. The community of adults or parents of patients will amaze you and warm your heart. I read these comments every day and every day I am humbled by everyone’s story and their compassion for others in the midst of recovery, or the anxiety that often precedes a tonsillectomy. Please join in. Hundreds of other people, perhaps in your same situation, have shared their wisdom, concerns, tips, and questions about tonsillectomy, as well as their tonsillectomy recovery.
-Greg My short bio
Phyllis, you have had so much to deal with that I think your doctor should give you an extra refill on your Percocet for your troubles (smile).
I think this site has been a true Godsend to all of us who have gone through this. We all find our ‘angels’ on here who truly help guide our way. For me they were Deide, Becky and Marla. I was 45, terrified of having this surgery, had been reading posts here a month before my surgery and was scared that by the time I had my surgery, there would be no one would be posting on the boards to lend an ear.
I was so wrong. People on this site have been so giving and thoughtful in sharing their experiences and compassion. I lived on the site every day of recovery and what a blessing. I’m so glad that you and Susan are able to support each other. It makes all the difference in the world. 🙂
Yes, things do go back to normal though while you’re going through it, it seems like an eternity. I would say I was completely pain free by 3-4 weeks post-op. Yawning is often the last pain to go and my ENT warned me about that. It stopped hurting yawning at 3.5 weeks. The only weird thing that I experienced for about 2 months post op was that my allergies (usually very mild) went HAYWIRE. But that eventually resolved.
Hang in there Phyllis and Susan…treat yourselves to something that you really enjoy when you’re feeling better as a little reward for the trial of recovery. 🙂
I started reading this site too a few weeks before my surgery and agree, it has been a blessing. I want to say that the pain has changed from heavy pain now to stinging, burning pain. I also have so much phlegm! The phlegm seriously about chokes me in my sleep and my tongue is super sore. Tonight I had some pasta noodles with butter and parmesan cheese which was easy to get down while my family enjoyed the famous meat sauce on their spaghetti. Day 8 here we are!
I know the pain of watching people eat Haley. I’m about 12 days post op and today we did steak. I tried to eat some, got a couple bites but then the ache of my throat was too much. It does get better though Haley. The burning and stinging is gone, my tonsil beds are just still sore.
-Matt F.
Hey Matt I’m glad to hear that i’m not the only one. I was thinking it was odd that I still had pain after day 10. It’s kinda cruel once you’ve been able to eat to then have to go back to soft or minimal food. Yesterday the pain was horrible even while I was drinking water and eating ice cubes a lot my throat still felt dry and extra painful. Have you been doing warm tea? maybe I should get away from the colds.
Phyllis I actually think I am doing well considering everything Am pretty sore today. Cream cheese on white bread was good. And all the tips are life saving. Should hear about biopsy results tomorrow. Am making plans to go out on a pack trip as soon as I feel like it. That’s motivation enough for me. Am so sad about the pneumoniawhoopingcaugh. Boy that’s a double whammy. Can’t imagine. Am babysitting daughter inlaws dogs. So have lots of attention. They love grandma. Feel well. Can I send a pix on this site. Was out on horse last week. S
Hi Susan: Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Today is day 13 for my surgeries, and today was actually an ok day, since I have begun to get relief from the pneumonia and whooping cough. I am sorry your kids have not called to check on you, but I hope the care and concern you have received from your “new friends” on this site, has given you some comfort. Everyone here can truly empathize with you and can give you tips and encouragement. Take care Susan, today is only day 4 for you, so don’t overwork yourself. Will check on you later. Phyllis
And to”CHECK” on everyone else! Sorry 🙂
Hi Beth: Thanks so much for your encouraging words. I think the worst is behind me now, but this is not how I expected things to go. Since you are 4 months post-op, you can truly tell us from experience that it does, and it will get better. I have read your posts as well, and have appreciated your helpful tips. I will continue to check the site to update my progress and to get on everyone else as well, especially Susan. Also Haley, I also remember that day 6 was the absolute worse, so far. It’s true, like everyone else says, it tends to get worse before it gets better. I am on day 13, but I had other things come up, but today is an ok day. The pain is slowing decreasing, but still on percoset for a few more days. Then I will have to go to just Tylenol, as my doctor says this is the last refill. Everyone, take care! Phyllis