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
Well, today’s the day guys! I’m soooo anxious! It’s 6:37 a.m here and I have to be there at 7 for my 8:30 surgery. I’ll report back with you all as soon as I can!
Wish me luck!
Dee Dee how did you make out?
My daughter is also on day 6 and I also see no evidence of scabs. Just the same white look.
On day 7 and I feel like I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Day 6 was by far the worst, I think my scabs were falling off as I had a horrible sharp and burning pain in my throat and ear that continued through the night. I have been forcing myself to drink water since hydration helps with the pain, but it’s impossible to stay hydrated overnight. I woke up this morning with the same pain. My biggest advice for those having the surgery is ice chips! You get your water and it isn’t quite as painful. BUT thankfully I had my post op today. The doctor gave me a shot of something to help with the swelling in my throat and put me on a steroid. This really seemed to make all the difference. Within an hour I felt like I could try some soft foods (runny cream of wheat) without the intense pain. I even had more energy to run a couple errands. It isn’t pain free but at least bearable and finally feels like I’ll make it through this. I have had quite a few surgeries for a 21 year old and this is by far one of my most painful experiences! But I guess it will be worth it to not keep getting sick. Good luck to everyone with upcoming surgery and hang in there to everyone else!
Also, stay away from ice cream and dairy! It is still hard to swallow and is just too thick… At least from my experience, and still true on day 7, it hurts to eat!
Hi there. Today is day 6 for me and the pain is definitely getting worse. The first few days I was able to eat soup, mac and cheese, ice cream etc.. For the last 2 days ive barely been able to choke down water, literally choking on it. Ear pain is horrendous and the stabbing pains in my throat seem to be increasing. also, what are the cabs supposed to look like? My throat is the same thick yellowy/white it’s been since surgery. Is it supposed to harden or change color maybe?? Just doesn’t seem like any healing is happening, just more pain. Sorry to be a downer. To anyone who hasn’t had this done yet… It’s all about keeping up on your pain meds. Set alarms even in the middle of the night to drink water and take meds. Oh and buy a snow cone machine. It’s been a lifesaver! Good luck to everyone.
My daughter is 17 and on day 5 post tonsilectomy. We are having a horrible experience. She is in a lot of discomfort. She finds it hard to swallow anything but she is keeping hydrated. Today she complaining with ear pain. I did read that was normal. Also, she feels like she is choking from too much mucus in her throat. She tried gargling but it doesn’t help. Someone on here mentioned bread to help with that. Has anyone else had this happen. Thanks
Hi! I am 21 and had similar problems especially with mucous… I found that eating dairy products like ice cream and even sherbet made it worse. I have stuck with Popsicles, ice chips and very liquidy cream of wheat and slushies from 7 eleven. Those seem to go down easier and lessen the mucous. Totally get that drowning feeling though tell your daughter to hang in there!