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
Alright its Bob here, 24 year old male, from the UK. (I’d been fighting with my doctors for almost 20 years for an ENT referral due to constant tonsillitis).
Anyways, I finally had my surgery on the 16th January 2013. I’m posting via my phone from my sickbed (settee + duvet) right now, but I’ll split my experiences into two posts, (surgery and recovery).
Surgery:
This actually went a lot better than I’d hoped, mainly thanks to the anesthestist.
Basically I arrived and Sat in the waiting area for a while, bit nervous (first time for anything besides a filling), but otherwise ok. I then had to see a nurse who asked me general health questions, checked pulse (high) and blood pressure etc. She explained a lil about when my op would likely be and who I’d be seeing next etc. As well as how I’d be wheeled between rooms and wake up in the recovery room after with an oxygen mask (just to help recover from anesthetic).
I then saw the anesthestist who was a very nice man, calmed me a bit, checked my throat, allergies, asked me some questions, and explained his part of the procedure. I explained my nerves about things before the anesthetic knocked me out, and about how I hated those things they put in your hand. He was very sympathetic and said he’d help with that, and also give me some painkillers prior to the op so they were in my system to null the pain when I woke, and he’d also give me a pre op med to calm me and make me drowsy before I went in to the op room. This helped a lot. Don’t even ask about anything what they do while you’re out, you won’t know or feel it.
After more waiting I then saw the surgeon, who was a quick no nonsense bloke, unfortunately didn’t give me time for many questions. Just basically ran through a few of the risks and told me that after I’d have nausea, it would hurt, and may bleed a bit, and that was normal. (unfortunately didn’t tell me I could end up with a swollen uvula though which I’ll get to later).
I then went back to the waiting room until the nurse called me. (I first arrived at 12:30, this was around 3:15pm). I went into the nurses room, stripped to my underwear, put on the surgical gown and got in the bed there. She gave me a cocktail of painkillers and the pre-med, and told me to relax.
I was almost asleep around 4pm when they came to wheel my bed through to the operating room where the surgeons were waiting. They strapped an oxygen mask on me and the anesthesist injected a local anesthetic in my hand before putting in the tube thing to give me the real one. Since I was looking away I only felt the Sharp sting from the local injection, then nothing of the rest. The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery theatre, I hadn’t even heard him counting! (you’re out way before they get to 10).
I laid back and relaxed and breathed the oxygen, throat hurt a bit but not too much, I could even talk a bit. I could tell they had done a good job with the surgery. They monitored me a bit there before taking me onto the ward, where I just relaxed and breathed my oxygen.
So in all the surgery that I was worrying about was nothing. Definitely ask for the local anesthetic in hand so you can’t feel them putting in the tube, and its all good, you’ll not feel or know anything of the rest of it. Heck I still haven’t experienced any actual bleeding.
Next part, the recovery..
This was at Doncaster Hospital btw, on the NHS.
Recovery:
I laid there most of the night, just laid back relaxing. Didn’t feel like eating but drank lots of water. Back of my throat felt a bit clogged and sticky. Throat was in some pain but not too much, nurses fetched me some painkillers at specified times which helped. The only discomfort was the “ball of Goo” in the back of my throat. Wasn’t bleeding or anything and still haven’t. Could talk a bit ok.
During that night I coughed and puked up some bloody water (dark blood so it was just in my stomach from the op, not fresh). Problem after that was the ball of Goo felt like it had moved forward in my mouth and sitting over my tongue, felt like it was stuck and I couldn’t breathe or swallow easy. After lots of trying to cough it up I called the nurse, she had a look and exclaimed I wouldn’t cough that up, it was part of me!
That “ball of Goo” was actually my uvula (dangly bit at the back of your throat), that had swollen so bit it was sitting forward on my tongue! It is apparently not unheard of for it to be irritated by the surgery and swell. After looking in the mirror I confirmed that it was huge! And would be the bane of my life from then.
The rest of my hospital recovery was mainly just laying relaxing, they tried to feed me toast in the morning, but I told them to balls off with that right after my surgery, and made them give me wheatabix instwad heh. I found if I was laid back I was ok, but anytime I Sat up or got up to move I felt nauseous and was sick, (puking up my breakfast and dinner), because of the swollen uvula hanging down my throat to my gag reflex. 🙁
They had me leave about 1pm as they needed the bed, and I didn’t seem to have any complications beyond the swelling. My stepdad then drove me home, where I poked another 3 times.
Since then I’ve literally spent the entire time laid back on my settee with my head back since that’s the only position I don’t feel as sick in. I puke up just if I get up to go to the toilet. Have had about 3 slices of toast in 5 days so I’m feeling very sick and weak, can’t keep much down or move / do anything.
As to the tonsil pain, I’m on day 5 and it has got worse, hurts a lot in the morning but nothing I can’t handle. Painkillers dull it to a light soreness (they make me drowsy too), and my ears throb a bit, bit that’s apparently normal, as is the foul smelling / tasting scum (scabs) that is now covering my tonsill beds. Tbh though this particular part (pain and all) is currently no worse than I had with severe tonsillitis constantly over the years.
So yeah basically my problems are all down to this stupid swollen uvula blocking / hanging down my throat, feeling sick and nauseous constantly (this foul tasting gunk in my throat / mouth doesn’t help either), and weak from not being able to eat. (keep drinking lots of water though, I also quickly tried the salt water gargle which helped soothe it a small amount). I’ve also lost almost 10kg of weight, which Is a problem when I only weigh 65 normally! :/
Has anyone got any advise to get the swelling of this damn uvula down so I can eat and move around again, and generally how long It will be this way for? (the docs wouldn’t tell me). My meds include ibruprofen and I’ve tried sucking an ice cube, but its still the same. If it wasn’t for this I think I’d be absolutely ok with the rest of the recovery. 🙁
Just trying to keep my chin up at the mo and get through it. Certainly don’t be put off by any of this as what I have isn’t guaranteed, heck I even missed out on the bleeding some experience. The surgery itself is literally nothing to worry about, (just get that local anesthetic in hand first), the recovery should be ok too, just drink lots of water and eat dry toast as soon as you can (to get rid of the scabs) and it shouldn’t be any worse than tonsillitis, the bad bits that can happen (like mine) are all just chance. And not worth to put the op off for if you really need it, and yes I’m saying that while feeling as shit as I do now. 😛
If anyone around my age (24) has also recently had this surgery and wants to keep in contact to help eachother through it then let me know. Otherwise I’ll keep you all posted of any changes. 🙂
I just had this done in the 17th and posted ysterday. As for the swollen uvula there is a solution. I went back to the hospital in an ambulance the day of the surgery after being home for only 10 min. I vomited a lot of black and red blood etc from the surgery and felt like I was choking on something. There were moments when I could not breathe- I thought something was stuck in my throat. I was hyperventilating and momentarily could not breathe at all. Anyway they confirmed the swollen uvula and treated it with 5 days of steroids. It helped tremendously! A swollen uvula is normal but not as large as mine was thus the steroid treatment. It was tough to swallow the pills but I just broke them up a little and they worked great. Hope this helps.
Whoa, you’re on Ibuprofen for your pain meds? I’m not sure if I missed it, but if you’ve had any problems with bleeds, it could be in part to the ibuprofen. That med can affect the clotting factor in your blood which can, but not necessarily, increase the chance of bleeding. Here in the US it’s generally frowned upon until around 2 weeks post-op, because by the 2 week mark, if you have any bleeds, it’s highly unlikely it’s going to be bad whatsoever. That same reason is also why here you’re not allowed to take any aspirin-containing meds within a 10 day window before the surgery.
As for the swelling, you should call your ENT and see if they will order you a steroid pack to take. This will decrease the swelling. I’m 20 and I don’t think I had a problem with swelling of my uvula, but then again, I believe I might have been given some via IV before I went under.
Also, it sounds like it would also be a pretty good idea to see if they can also give you some anti emetics to help with the nausea until the steroid kicks in. Most anti emetics and steroid pills are relatively small, no larger than ibuprofen, but they do make anti emetics that dissolve on your tongue. If you can get those, do it. Though they’re slightly more expensive (I can’t remember how much they were for me just for an order of 3 pills), it’s worth it. Because they dissolve on your tongue, it doesn’t have to go through the process of being activated in your digestive system/liver, so it takes effect a lot sooner.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Hey I had mine on 16th at Doncaster. Were you in the morning or the afternoon ?
Did mr Richards do yours ?
Oh wow you did? You’d have been in the wards at the same time as me anyways.
How old are you? I can’t remember his name, old guy, short white hair. I arrived at 12:30 and had the op around 4 ish, you?. 🙂
Hi. Im 26 and I had my surgery on the 15th Jan so 8 days post opportunities and have been in tremendous pain. No nause but can’t eat drink or speak. I’ve had no bleeding but constantly have spit in the back of my throat and it’s so sore to swallow. My ears have been the worst and was getting headaches so hopefully getting stronger meds today from the doc.
Thank you! That is very helpful.
One other question: Is there any way for insurance to know it’s kind of “elective” and decide to not cover you? The way I’ve thought about it is that all surgeries are really elective…some just involve more lifetime pain (or death) than others. I would hate to do this and then have to eat the entire bill.
Mine was covered. 🙂 .
Hello, all. To the creator of this website, it is FANTASTIC! It’s almost too good, which is why I decided to post.
I’m 28 and have had tonsil stones since I was 16. Then, it was maybe 5 a year. Today, I can usually get out multiple each day; partially because I now know where to find them, but I also think they are getting worse. I met with an ENT who said the only way to get rid of them is a tonsillectomy (which he agreed to do). After doing my research (most of it on this site), I have managed to scare myself.
The problem is, I almost feel like this is a cosmetic surgery. Tonsil stones can’t hurt you, they’re just uncomfortable, embarrassing, and make your breath smell. I don’t know if it’s worth the risk.
Has anyone else suffered from tonsil stones and had a tonsillectomy to get rid of them? Were you glad you did it?
One other question: I have had ear pain/infections since I was a child. Sometimes when I’m poking around my tonsil, I’ll find that my ear pops (in a good way). Has anyone noticed a difference in hearing and/or ear pain after their tonsillectomy? I know I should expect pain shortly after the surgery, just curious about long term.
Thank you for any help as I make this difficult decision!
I did have a decent amount of tonsillitis, but my main reason for tonsillectomy surgery was huge tonsil crypts that filled dozens of times monthly with huge tonsiliths (the stones) I’m in school for Dental Hygiene and there’s really no excuse for bad breath. It is an elective surgery, and I did flip flop knowing that nothing was really wrong with me and did I want to do this to myself for something that couldn’t really harm me. I’m glad I did. It was hell, but they’re gone now and I don’t have to deal with it. As for the ears. I have always had infections. Even when they’re not infected they have always been full of fluid. I believe my tonsils were blocking or inhibiting the draining of my Eustachian tubes as they have been emptying out since the surgery and feel less full. Hope that helps.
Hello , I have posted a lot here . Mine were pulled on the 4th, and already I am happy with the choice. It is not just cosmetic as my stones picked up a bacteria that no amount of antibiotic could cure. So yes, It is painful. Yes you are down at least a week and a half, yes it is worth it. And the more years you wait, the worse it is going to be as age is a factor. So it is your call , but the support is here for you. Good luck either way 🙂
If your ENT says they need to come out then you’re good. I have to pay a big deductable which is annoying, but besides that the insurance will cover it all. The ENT is in charge of saying yes or no. If they say you need it and are willing to do the surgery then it’s a medical issue you’re treating. They don’t look at it like a tummy tuck or something. At least not that I’ve ever heard. You can always just claim tonsillitis and ear pain. No one can prove that isn’t part of your problem. In which case: ta da. Reason for surgery.
Jenny, I got my tonsils removed on the 17th for the exact same reason, tonsil stones. I’m very glad I had it done. I don’t believe tonsil stones don’t harm you because it is food that gets caught in your crypts and decays and collects bacteria. Any sort of inflammation in the body is a bad thing. True, this is on such a minor level and it doesn’t harm you terribly, but if that bacteria is being swallowed all day, every day, that can’t be good on the long term. Also my insurance covered it 100%, I just pay the deductible. Hope this helped.
I am 18 and have always suffered with tonsil stones. They are huge, disgusting ,stinky and just horrible so I decided to pursue getting my tonsils removed. I also suffered from frequent drainage and sore throats. Also got strep quite often. The night before my surgery, I was told (very reliable source ) that with the surgery, it would help my immune system for future sicknesses. That colds would heal faster, and I wouldn’t have much more throat sickness. This was enough for me to verify getting the surgery was the right thing for me! Hope this helps
I am on day 4-5 right now and doing ok. I don’t think that cold foods and drinks and Popsicles were the best though. I have found that warm to hot broth has been the most soothing. Now I see a pattern with hot and cold. I have ri alternate after each dose if medicine. Sometimes cold and ice is great and other times it just burns my throat. Did anyone else find this to be true? I was looking forward to ice cream etc but find that broth and eggs and oatmeal and Mac and cheese have been much better for me. I just don’t want this ti delay the healing process. The dr said no. Any thoughts?
my names hailey I had my tonsillectomy on jan 16 and I am on day 4 going on day 5 I have not really ate anything and everytime I eat or drink I get a sore throat . during surgery I bite my tongue pretty hard and they had to burn it . I am starving and in so much pain I cannot open my mouth my jaw is hurting so much . i am 19 years old and mind you I had this surgery the day before my birthday . I have checked my mouth my whole tongue and throat are completely white & smelly & just disgusting . now what do I do it hurts to eat drink sleep sit lay down . when will I be better i want a burger !
Hi,
I’m on day 10 now and feeling so much better. I still have trouble swallowing first thing in the morning however this soon goes after a warm drink and a couple of pain killers. I now feel pretty much back to normal. I have finally got my appetite back and am eating pretty normally however i am still struggling with chicken as you have to chew loads before swallowing…. finally managed a mackies cheeseburger today for dinner so hang on in there Hayley!! Days 3-4 were the worst when i couldn’t eat or drink and experienced. Bleeding.
Good luck to everyone ready to go onto the op or on the early days after the op. Things will get better soon.
Hello Hailey,
Ahah, i craved a cheeseburger since the second day post-op. I was able to eat it on day 10. Best burger EVER! A few more days and you will be able to eat one too, i’m sure 🙂
Have a speedy recovery 🙂
I ate my 1st burger on day 6 I believe. had to take off the pickles,onions and mustard/ketchup. But it was great. Remember, drink lots of water to wash your food down. Also take tiny bites. 🙂
Ouch hi Hailey, I had mine out on the 16th too! Where did you have yours done, if you’re in the UK.
The foul smelling and tasting crap is the scabs and that is normal. Eat dry toast (no butter) if you can and eventually they should come off. Also gargle /spit water in s morning to clear out the taste and brush your teeth and tongue.
Weird that you bit your tongue, I heard they use a gag to wedge your mouth open during the surgery, were you under full anesthetic and knocked out?
I know what you mean about wanting a burger, its been almost a week now since I ate a proper meal. Have posted my experiences up top, keep in touch if you want. 🙂