Advantages vs Disadvantages – Pros and Cons of getting a tonsillectomy.
Have you had a tonsillectomy? Please add your thoughts on the upsides and downsides of having the surgery.
Are you trying to decide whether to get a tonsillectomy? Read what others who have done it have to say.
Many of us have lived with large tonsils, perhaps with crypts or crevices. Maybe you’ve had to deal with tonsil stones and bad breath. Perhaps you’ve snored and bothered you partner or, worse yet, suffered from obstructive sleep apnea. Opinions about tonsils and their importance in the bodies immune system vary from professional to professional. Most would agree though that there is a tipping point- a point at which the benefits of having tonsils and the risks of taking them out, is outweighed by the benefits of having them removed.
There are various treatments for all the conditions of mentioned. This page is focused on tonsillectomy. Perhaps we can all help those who are still on the fence about getting those tonsils removed.
Here are some thoughts to get things started. They are a collection of my own thoughts, as well as those of my readers on Facebook and also my other website about tonsillectomy recovery.
Please add any of your own:
Pros
- Can breathe easier
- Don’t have to worry about getting tonsillitis ever again
- Less strep
- More energy
- Sleep better
- Breath is better
- No tonsil stones
- No more tonsil crypts
- Less snoring
- Fewer sore throats/ tonsillitis
Cons
- Recovery pain
- Bleeding risk
- Cost
- Disturbed sense of taste
- Time required
Please add your comments below. I’ll make them a permanent part of the pros and cons tonsillectomy page. Thanks!
After having strep throat almost continuously for a year straight my doctor recommended having my tonsils removed at 19. The surgery went well and recovery was rather quick, about a week and a half. I’m 48 now and haven’t had a case of strep throat since. If you are struggling with reoccurring throat infections I would highly consider having your tonsils removed, with the recommendation of your doctor’s supervised care of course.
Hi there. I am new at this and am wondering if anyone has had this problem. My tonsils are so large they have been choking off my tongue. My speech as been affected as well as my sleep. Not enough oxygen and my body is just tired. And they are debating about taking them out. This is no quality of life. I am a 49 year old female. Any others have this issue?
Yes I am 28 yrs old and just got out of the hospital for strep and tonsillitis my throat swelled up so bad that Everytime I layed down I felt like I was suffocating I ran a fever of 103.4 and have been taking steroids and antibiotics for the last two weeks it’s better now but still hurts alot I’m hoping to have my tonsils removed as well bc the pain you go through is unbarring
Im at the day 12 of recovery but still cant smell anything but my taste buds are good. I cant smell chocolate, soup, milk, coffee, everything!! The doctor said that my case is very unusual.. Now im scared . Hope it wont last forever. Hope something can help..
Hey sorry to hear that, but your sense of smell will come back. Just wait it out.
I had mine removed at age 44 last year. Went back for a sleep study last month and got the results a few days ago. No more sleep apnea!! Worth the pain to be rid of the CPAP. I was told by the Dr. that I’m one of the lucky few that a tonsillectomy has completely relieved my apnea. A few months after my tonsils were out my wife mentioned my snoring had stopped. Now I still snore, but nearly as bad as with my tonsils.
I had mine removed at age 46 in 2012. Have not looked back! Only downside is pain/recovery but that becomes a distant memory. My allergies were slightly worse afterwards (a phenomenon I read about online), but after the first year, that no longer was the case. I have no regrets.
Thanks Beth and welcome back!!!
Thanks Beth, reading about it online can cause me anxiety. I’m 2 months and 6 days after my tonsillectomy. I thought for sure all issues was supposed to be gone by 1 month. I still have a couple of white patches (Not sure if that’s scabs or scar tissue) but I’m still having issues with dryness and like something in my throat, swallowing. I have to Carry a bottle of ice water wherever I go. I’m just hoping this feeling goes away but encouraging that you have seemed to healed.