Tonsillectomy Tips
As I’ve written, there was much that I did not know as I planned, experienced, and recovered from my own tonsillectomy. My Ear Nose and Throat doctor, (ENT), and his nurse gave me some general information about the surgery. We talked about how tonsillectomy surgery was performed, what the risks were, and what to expect after my adult tonsillectomy surgery.
In addition to this information, I tried to arm myself with as much information from other sources as I could. The internet is filled with medical information and advice. Some of it related to tonsillectomy. Some of it is accurate. Some of it is valuable to a person considering or recovering from tonsillectomy surgery. Most of it is not. Some of the scariest information I got was from my family and friends. Everyone seemed to have some horror story about an adult dying from tonsillectomy, or having a near-death experience from bleeding or anesthesia. As if I wasn’t nervous enough! Fear and anxiety are usually born of uncertainty The more we know about what to expect, the better we are able to execute a task without irrational fears.
I’ve read thousands and thousands of comments on the various pages of this website. One message is expressed again and a gain: Knowing what to expect helps enormously! This is your chance to do others a great service. Take your wisdom, born of personal experience, and help others. When you shine a light for others, you also light your own path.
For a live discussion about tonsillectomy and tonsillectomy recovery, join us in the Tonsillectomy Recovery Forum
The doctors, nurses, bloggers, publishers, family and friends all helped shape my expectations about what to expect before, during and after my tonsillectomy. None of it compares to the value of actually experiencing it. I learned more in the weeks before and after my adult tonsillectomy than I could have learned from years of research. This website is filled with over 50 pages of that wisdom.
If you are reading this, you probably have some experience yourself. How would you like to help someone who is trying to decide whether to have a tonsillectomy? Help someone planning or recovering from tonsillectomy surgery? By answering this one question, you may be able to save someone from a struggle you had:
IF I WAS PLANNING MY TONSILLECTOMY TODAY, THIS IS WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY…
Ok… I have another tip!
Anestesia & Pain Meds = Constipation. While it doesn’t compare to the pain in our throats… it still sucks to add to the mix.
I hear prune juice is a wonderful cure. I found the taste of prune juice to be awful, but at almost $8 a jar I wasn’t about to throw out the idea.
Try this cocktail… blend the following:
-Handful of Ice
-1 Pear (skinned)
-1/2 Strawberry Italian Ice
-2 scoops of raspberry sorbet
-1 diced pineapple fruit cup
-1 splash of “Ensure Clear” orange flavor
-1 Cup (-ish) of the dreaded prune juice
Blend & Enjoy!
(obviously you can substitute for whatever other frozen tonsillectomy weapons you have in your freezing arsenal)
…Not bad, huh??
ps- this is my 2nd day of recovery
Kathleen, how is your recovery going? I am a few days behind you in recovery and thought I would check in and see how you are doing.
Hi Laurie!
I’m doing ok! Thanks for asking! Each day has been a little worse than the day before. I usually consider myself to be pretty tough when it comes to being sick, or dealing with pain… but I think that the length of this recovery process with little/no improvement really wears on you. My spirits were really down this weekend. A couple of family members kidnapped me and took me to their house for a change of scenery & some company. I wasn’t sure if I felt up to it, but I packed a cooler with frozen waters & treats (& meds of course) and let them take care of me. It was SO nice to get out of the house & go out for ice cream 🙂
I think for your sanity, if you feel up to it. Get out if you can!! (Don’t push it of course)
Tonight I ate my first meal & wasn’t in complete agony!! (just a little) It was chicken pot pie! The veggies were really soft & the gravy doesn’t sting!
How are YOU doing?!?! This forum is so wonderful for support! I hope you’re recovery is going well!
Hi Kathleen! Yes, this forum is awesome for those of us crazy enought to tackle this recovery! I am doing well, I think. We have a lake cottage a few miles from our home so I’ve spent some time relaxing out there with my pain meds and cool treats. Everyone knows that I had the procedure done, so no one is pushing me to talk.
A good college friend is coming over today so I am looking forward to that. I’ve found that keeping th outside of my neck wrapped in cold packs is very helpful. I am not sleeping too much since I take my meds every two hours, but it seems to manage the pain. Today I am going to stock up on sme movies in my Netflix que so I have something to watch when I decide to get up at 2:30a.m.!!
I am glad to know that your friends supported you well this weekend, it is necessary!! Let’s keep in touch on here…more support during any tough times!I
I’m on day 2 of my recovery from my tonsillectomy. It was my 26th birthday, and despite the pain… I think finally being rid of my tonsil problems is going to be a great birthday present!
Anyway, I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about vomiting from the pain medicine. In an effort to try and avoid that horrible situation, I’ve been trying to put something in my stomach.
Day#1: I boiled artichokes like crazy. I dipped the leaves in a mayo & curry sauce and just the little bit from the leaves was enough to make me feel full.
Day#2: My boyfriend made me mashed potatoes. I boiled some carrots, celery, and garlic in chicken broth (for a long time)…. and then dumped all of it in a blender (add some more broth to lighten it up if you’d like). It was divine!! I prefer “savory” over sweet so popsicles can get a little boring. Surprisingly the warm temperature was very soothing on my throat.
I also attempted some mac & cheese with a TON of milk… almost soup. But, like others have warned, the dairy really builds up mucus and that’s a horrible feeling. Which brings me to my next blessing from the fridge… Poland Spring Sparkling Water (I love the orange flavor)… the bubbles are great for clearing the back of your throat. I’ve tried ginger ale & diet coke which were ok… but they don’t have the ‘bubble power’ like the poland spring.
Anyway, I’ve tried to time my eating until about a half hour after I’ve taken my pain med dose so help with the pain. I’ve started to take it a little more frequently than I was prescribed.
Also… I’ve been experiencing a TON of pain throughout my whole body. It feels like I did a 5 hour workout at the gym (which obviously didn’t happen)! My legs, arms, abs, back are in so much pain!! Has anyone else experienced this?! Or can anyone offer suggestions as to what may have caused it???
I’m praying that tonight goes smoothly. Good luck to all of my fellow tonsillectomy patients. I keep imagining how wonderful it’s going to be to be tonsil-free!!!!
I would recommend stocking up on a variety of soft foods. Emphasis on variety. I just had my tonsils out 5 days ago and I am so glad I got a large selection of things to choose from. The variety helps me not feel so hungry even though I am not eating nearly my normal amount. It also helps to have a selection of food for various pain levels. There are times when to only thing I can tolerate is jello. There are other times when I can eat French fries. Variety variety variety has been a big factor in my recovery. Just one more thing to keep in mind.
I was operated on the 7th of January and today I still suffer from throat dryness for reasons I can’t understand. Though the usual pains I used to feel is no longer there, I still feel like there in plastic bag pushed into my throat and with constant dryness. I really hate my self because of that pains I irregularly get.
I have not consulted my Dr about the condition but I feel my thing was not removed that is why I continue to get this unpleasant felling and smell.
Any body who has similar experience should share with me.
Regards
If I was planning my tonsillectomy, this is what I would do differently…Well, because of the amazing support on this site, I had a plan in place and it really helped me get through it. If I could offer a few kernels of advice they would be:
1. Expect to take 2 weeks off from work. You may not need it, but you likely will.
2. Have someone be with your for the first 4-5 days if at all possible.
2. Expect, at various points in your recovery to have significant pain, even WITH prescription painkillers on board.
My experience with this entire process is that is definitely a battle of mind over matter. Know going into this, that you will likely have significant post-op pain for about 10 days to possibly 2 weeks. Knowing this, you WILL be able to handle it when it comes. Remind yourself every day that this pain is a PART of the healing process and though it stinks, it’s a necessary evil to get to the end point of your healing.
If you can mentally steel yourself for this discomfort, and follow the tips on this board to handle those discomforts, you will come through just fine! 🙂
Thank you dear!