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
Recovery Day 11 – for some reason my throat was more sore last night than it has been in a few days. 🙁 I did do a lot of talking, running errands, trying to eat more ‘normal’ foods and did not take any nap during the day. By evening it was throbbing so I iced and took a dose of Percocet.
My energy is definitely coming back which is good but there has been no pain free times as of yet, even when I’m taking either Advil or Tylenol.
Can anyone speak to when they had their first pain-free day? I realize that yawning and certain motions remain uncomfortable for some time, but I’m just talking about no pain swallowing and no pain when you wake up and just go about your normal day. Although I feel I am healing normally, I am getting the feeling it will be a few more weeks before I have no pain. Thoughts?
I am supposed to return to work on Wednesday the 25th but was thinking of just going back on Monday since there is little more I can do at home just sitting here and what difference will a few extra days at home make? I’m not sure. Part of me just wants to get back to work and back into the swing of my normal days and part of me is not sure.
I hope everyone is well and going to enjoy a restful weekend!! 🙂
@Beth im glad you finally had the surgery and your getting better. good to hear.
Beth, with regard to your question about when you can look forward to pain-free days. Maybe around 4 weeks?
LETS RESUME OUR DISCUSSION HERE. THE OTHER PAGE MAXED OUT ON COMMENTS. SORRY. GREG
Thanks Greg!!
Yes Becky, I still feel sluggish in the mornings. I use to jump out of bed at 6 and be at the gym by 7. Now it takes everything I have to get my tired body to the gym. Today is my 3 week mark and I’m hoping to feel normal in another week or so. I have to keep reminding myself that my body is still healing. I’m SO glad I did this surgery during the off season rather than the middle of summer or winter. I didn’t feel too guilty taking time off to do nothing.
Hi, everyone! Today is my 2nd day back to work, and I’m taking a short break to say hello to all my tonsil-free or soon-to-be tonsil-free friends. I have hit a wall here at my desk. It’s as though my brain has stalled and can no longer concentrate on work. I have 1 1/2 hours before the end of my workday. 🙁 Then it’s off to my 2nd job–motherhood–which is equally (if not more) exhausting. Then on top of all that, one of my best girlfriends is coming over after the kids go to bed, so I can give her a lesson in crochet (that is if I don’t fall asleep on her first). I knew my first few days back to work would be tough, so it’s really no surprise. I was a ball of energy this morning, but now not even caffeine can revive me. Ugh! Does/did anyone else feel this way?
Becky, can only imagine how it is tiring to be putting in full days. Be gentle with yourself and only do what you can. This healing is a major and takes a lot of energy and resources from our bodies. It sounds as though you have an understanding boss so maybe if there is a day that is particularly rough, you could even leave an hour early or something if need be?
Couldn’t agree with your more about the motherhood part. As soon as they see us seeming more like our normal selves, I think they expect us to jump back into doing everything just like we did before the surgery. It’s great in theory, but hard in practice. Your husband has seemed very understanding so hopefully he’s still helping you out with things around the house.
I’m so glad you’re doing better and I hope today at work you find even just a little bit more energy than yesterday. Each day will get better! Hug! 🙂
Becky, you’re at the 3 week mark. Are you pain-free (completely) as of yet? I’m just wondering when I can expect to have no pain…..
Deide, no thank you for being so generous with your time, thoughts and encouragement! 😉