Planning and Recovering From Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Let’s start with my own tonsillectomy recovery story. I wasn’t always this healthy. As a kid I ingested more penicillin than a corporate-raised chicken. I was in the doctor’s office several times each year with a sore throat. As the doctor or nurse peered into my mouth, the reaction was always the same: “Whoa, those are some big tonsils!” The diagnosis was usually tonsillitis, or strep throat. As the doctor wrote the prescription, he’d explain that years ago, tonsils like mine would have been removed, but, “these days,” we try to hang onto them. “These days,” were the 1970’s. I guess the tonsillectomy pendulum had swung back from the days when kids got their tonsils out because their brother was getting his out.
Aunt Kate’s reassurance helped, but I still wrote out some just-in-case instructions for my brother and hid them in my closet. I sheepishly told him where they were, just in case.
“This is temporary. You WILL feel better. Hang in there and stay hydrated!” -Greg Tooke
As an adult I continued to suffer from frequent bouts of tonsillitis. It seemed that I caught every bug that passed through my house or workplace. I guess those big ugly tonsils were a nice home for those nasties. It wasn’t until my 40’s that I also became aware that I suffered from something called, Obstructive Sleep Apnea -a condition in which a person stops breathing while asleep. I snored often and would awake abruptly, gulping in big breaths. I felt tired most days. After raising four babies, I had come to accept fatigue as a normal part of life! One day at a routine physical my doctor remarked about the number of episodes of strep throat and tonsillitis I’d had. We also talked about the sleep problems. While he didn’t formally diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, he suspected that I had it. He recommended a tonsillectomy, because of all the tonsil problems I’d had. As a bonus, I might find relief from the sleep apnea as well. If not, I’d undergo a sleep study. Forty four years old and father of four boys and a doctor finally said it: Those tonsils are doing you more harm than good! As much as I hated those tonsils, I was terrified at the thought of going under the knife. I started reading about tonsillectomy recovery on the internet and talking to friends. That didn’t help. “My cousin knew a guy who got a tonsillectomy and bled to death.” “At your age, tonsillectomy is dangerous.” When I met with the ear, nose and throat specialist, (an otolaryngologist), he told me that the risks are the same for an adult undergoing tonsillectomy surgery as for a child, but tonsillectomy recovery is longer and more painful. He was right about that!
Deciding to get a Tonsillectomy
I scheduled the surgery for the day after Thanksgiving. A traditional day of feasting in the United States. If it was to be my last meal, I planned to make it a good one! As it turned out, I was so nervous and scared that I could hardly eat on that day. I was recently divorced and had shared placement of my four boys. So many people counted on me that I began to question my decision. What if I died on the table? How reckless to leave behind a family, simply to avoid frequent tonsillitis? My aunt, a registered nurse reassured me about how simple the surgery was, and how far anesthesiology had come. I had nothing to worry about. Aunt Kate’s reassurance helped, but I still wrote out some just-in-case instructions for my brother and hid them in my closet. I sheepishly told him where they were, just in case
“My tonsils were like a 400 pound gorilla on my back. I don’t miss them at all. Ever.” -from the forum ________________________________________________________________________________
I took a week off from work, asked my ex wife to take care of the boys that week, and asked my uncle to drive me to and from the hospital. (a requirement with anesthesia) That was about all the tonsillectomy recovery preparation I did. I was about to learn a lot! Surgery went fine. I awoke in recovery with a serving of Jell-o in front of me. (“Jelly,” to my British friends) The nurse said that I had to finish it before I could check out. I swallowed it with great relish. It was divine! I called my uncle and we were out of there. I felt ok. I told him thanks and not to worry. I’d be fine. I believed this. Aside from a couple visits, I spent the next ten days alone in misery. The pain set in after about 24 hours. Streaming movies and television shows were my friends. Sleeping became my worst enemy. I’d wake up with my mouth dried out and my throat on fire. Oh my God. I was not prepared for this! I ran out of Popsicle’s on day three. I ran out of pain medicine on day five. The pain peaked on day seven. I broke down and cried in front of my brother on day eight- a combination of pain, drug induced depression, and sleep deprivation. Since then, I’ve read thousands of similar accounts on the tonsillectomy forum I created. It didn’t have to be so hard. If I’d known what I do now, I could have done so much to make my tonsillectomy recovery better. I hope to reach as many people as I can to help guide them through the tunnel. It has been my passion and taught me more about compassion and the amazing strength of the human spirit than any other life experience. When you shine a light for others, you also light your own path.
In the pages at follow, I’ll share tonsillectomy recovery tips with you that I learned from my tonsillectomy experience and years of coaching others through tonsillectomy and recovery.
I got my tonsils removed two weeks ago and I was prepared for a rough recovery because I read a lot of people said it was the worse thing but I had a fast recovery I’m guessing because I didn’t use the medicine that I was given I used liquid Tylenol extra strength I highly recommended it !
I am due to go in for this operation in the morning and I have never felt so anxious and nervous in my life. Can anyone suggest any helpful tips especially what foods are easy to eat? Also what pain relief is most effective?
HI Abi, you will find a list of food perfect thru recovery at the top of this page in the drop-down menu. (Thanks to Greg, our host.) I could handle nothing but popcycles, jello and pudding while others have said they ate anything they wanted. So, start slow, and make ice cold water your staple. The more water you drink, the faster the scab will fall off, so the faster you will feel better. We will all be thinking of you, wishing you a speedy recovery. No worries, you can handle this. 🙂
Janet, I’d like to thank you for being so supportive to everyone. I’ve been super busy lately and less able to respond to posts. You’re the best!!!
Thank you for hosting a forum so beneficial to so many. Tonsillectomy recovery sucks, and hearing others validate our own experience is comforting, as well as educational. You did a good thing here, Greg. Kudos!!
Hi Janet, I had my tonsils out on March 28. I’m in such severe pain and I’m already maxing out my doses of Dilauded and Tylenol. Any other tips for me? I’ve got ice around my neck/head, ice chips, humidifier, etc. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy!
Hi Ally, I would encourage you to talk to your Dr. to reassess your pain management; because yours isn’t working. Its important to stay on top of pain. It sounds like you are doing your part, its time for your doctor to do theirs. On the timeline of recovery, on day 3, you need to find something that works for you. Keep hydrated, really. The more water you drink, the faster the scab will fall off and the faster you’ll be back to chips and salsa! Keep in touch, and rest. Call your doctor NOW and if they can’t get you in quickly, go to urgent care. Really. ♡
Hi Janet, Thank you for the quick reply. My surgeon is unreachable so I’ve called my GP as this feels out of control. The advice on this blog is great, it’s been very helpful to feel like I’m not the only one going through this.
Hi Ally, how are you feeling?
Hi Janet, thank you for asking. Truthfully, I’m at my worst. I’m now 6 days post op, but had a terrible day 4 and 5. I ended up in the ER last night due to passing out after a day of nausea, vomiting, etc. The swelling and pain was so bad I couldn’t get liquids down, so I got some new drugs via IV and some saline solution. Feeling much better now and slept a full 7 hours with no interruptions, but I’m still just on a liquid diet and can only handle ice chips and watered down Ensure. My scabs haven’t fallen off yet so I know that is still another hurdle. My mom has been staying with me and I am SO thankful for her care.
How long was your recovery, Janet? I’ve read through your posts and have followed all of your advice, it’s been so helpful <3
Hi Ally, I am sorry you ended up in e.r., but it sounds like you were dehydrated and needed the aid. My worst days were 5 & 6, taking me a full two weeks before the scabs to gradually fall off. Everyone is different in their recovery, but it sounds like you are on the road to recovery! ?
Hi Janet, I think I am. Still off work but slowly improving. Looking forward to solid foods this week!
This seems like an active website. Has anyone ever has an experience with little to no pain? My 5 year old is on day 6 and has not once complained of pain. She started eating regular, soft food hours after surgery and hasn’t had issues sleeping or anything. She started eating her normal diet on day 4 with no issues. I checked her mouth many times to make sure they took her tonsils and they definitely did! Just curious. My family seems to think she has a high pain tolerance. I’m not sure. It’s bizarre to me!
I had almost no pain. It was a mystery to me, but my doctor says this sometimes happens. We should be grateful!!
Yes! My granddaughter had hers out at age 7, she complained the first night and appeared fine the next day. So, when I had mine removed, she told me, “just eat two popcycles and it wont hurt anymore.” I was on narcotics for two weeks, frozen sugar water did not instantly heal. Lol. Ive heard children do extremely well, its worse the older you get. Lucky for you and your daughter! 🙂
Children heal much faster than adults, and in children under 16, their tonsils are much smaller (and less deeply rooted) than adults, which translates to less surface area to cut or cauterize, resulting in significantly less pain. After age 16, the surface area will be the same as an adult, though they’ll still heal faster. It really isn’t too terrible of a surgery when you’re young, but let me tell ya, at 40 it was no picnic! Day 19 here and still struggling, still not back to work.
I’m on day 17……it feels dry and it’s sore to swallow on right side…..like a lump when I try solid foods. Left side don’t bother me at all. I went back to work last night and it wasn’t fun. It’s still hard for me to talk. I feel like I have the same problem with the right side as I did before this surgery. My right tonsil was irritated and both were a plus 3 in size…….Not sure what think……Anyone else struggle with this?
Hi guys. I had my tonsil removed on the 24th march and I’m really suffering the pain is absolutely unbearable I can’t eat and drink and I’m starting to get depressed because it doesn’t look like its gonna get any better soon. About a week before the surgery I’ve booked tickets to go to Poland ?? with my family because I had no idea that it’s going to be as bad. I need some advice because I don’t know what to do. Should I stay in London or go to Poland.?? Is there anything that could happen on the plane.?
Hey Jordan, you are on the WORST days post-op. Take your pain meds when due, with as much water as you can handle. The ear pain is from swelling and will lessen in week. Ice, ice, oh, and more ice around neck. Sleep sitting up, and use air humidifier if you have one. You will feel better soon, I promise. You are at the hardest part, but will start feeling better soon. Get a popcycle, and hang in there!!!