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, I am feeling like a complete fool. I went in for my tonsillectomy today and came home without having the surgery. I have issues with anxiety, and I take zoloft to keep it under control. Well, today zoloft was not enough. I went into a full blown panic. Crying, shaking, pleading with my husband to just let me go home. It was ridiculous! I was in such a state that it seems like a dream to me now like it never even happened. I feel horrible for wasting everyone’s time and I regret letting my fear take over me like that! I am sure that my opportunity has passed, as the ENT doc is not going to give me another chance. My biggest fear was that the pain meds would make me feel loopy and I would go into a panic again. I do not drink because feeling drunk causes the same thing. Has anyone else had to deal with major anxiety like this, and how did you overcome it? I really need to get these things out, but I am going to have to be sure that I have myself under control before I attempt to try again.
Aww I am sorry you went thru that. I had it done this morning at 7am and am shockingly feeling decent!
How you feeling now? I felt great til I got home from the hospital… I’m a 30/m, and I had it done on oct 9, and am about to complete day 8. I HAVE to believe the worst is over…..it has truly been hell, but I do not regret it at all as I know all the reasons/benefits that I elected to have it done in the first place.
Oh Leeona, I’m so sorry you had that experience. You’re not the only one – I’ve been reading tonsillectomy forums like nobody’s business and the same thing has happened to others. I was absolutely terrified to have my surgery, but to be honest, it is day 5 for me now and yes it is painful but it is not unbearable. It is manageable. When you get another surgery date, just keep reminding yourself of the reasons why you want this surgery and why it is going to be worth it. Good luck hun!
Hi sorry I know how u feeling.I was exactly the same,gave myself 3days and focussed on my 3year old son.He motivated me,every month I suffered with my tornsils and he would see me in pain.And my biggest downfall was the internet.I read too much before my procedure,internet helped me a lot but also scared me.13das has passed still exeriencing discomfort but I am sure all will b well.
I had my tonsillectomy on 10-12-12. I was also extremely nervous. They could see I was terribly uncomfortable and gave me some medication to calm me down while I was waiting for my surgery. It took 2 doses but it did work. My advice to you is to reschedule your tonsillectomy and talk with your nurse in pre op. They don’t want you I be nervous especially to the point of leaving. They will do whatever they can to help you:) I would be totally honest and just tell them… If Im going to make it to my operation I’m going to need a sedative! I have a mental breakdown over everything from my tonsillectomy to going to the dentist. Believe me… You can do this:)
I totally agree with ‘anonymous’. Reschedule your tonsillectomy and tell them of your anxiety at the same time. That way they know in advance, and can have your ‘sedative’ ready for you on the day of your Op.
I know how u feel 🙁 I have severe anxiety & don’t drink as don’t like not being in control. I had my tonsils out 2 days ago & was a shivering , crying wreck but knew I had to do it as so badly infected. I never had any pain before op but breathe smelt awful & had to keep poking the infection out. I started to feel sick all the time as poisoning me!!! I wouldn’t look people in the eye when talking as that would mean that’s where my breathe was going. I’ve now been in severe pain for 2 days but as long as it takes I know I won’t have to go back to the way I was. I did also beg my husband to take me home B4 the op & was crying down corridor to theatre but once it’s done it’s done & u can recover:) you have to think these guys know what they are doing & trust them so u can have a better life. The only bad thing is the pain on swallowing but that’ll eventually go. Can I ask anyone reading this that had op, my tongue keeps getting pins/needles & feeling really swollen… Is this due to it being clamped out of way & how long will this & pain last?
Has anyone here had the robitic UPPP surgury for sleep apnea? My surgury is this coming Friday and I’m concerned about the pain and recovery. I’d like to know your experience…
*robotic*
Hey guys, did anyone out there have the tonsillectomy to cure chronic bad breath? Did it work?
Is this working?
Hi guys I am on day 10,please try and use Voltaren suppository if u finding difficulty in swallowing your meds.It really worked for me,I reallly had a tough time.Thanks to my husband who introduced me to suppositories.Take care