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.
Hi,
24 yr old female, UK.
Had my tonsils out on Thursday 10th, so heading into day 7.
Into the surgery room for 9, waking up by 11:30 and off to the day wards for recovery at17:00 (after being informed by the much amused staff that in my sleep I was doing yoga positions, responding with ‘mums the word’ when being guided back down!!) honestly, no idea. Was in a lot of pain but desperate to get home. Prescribed codeine 60mg 4 times daily in conjunction with 1g para and 50mg of tramadol for when things get messy (I react to anti-inflammatorys with anaphylaxis, fun).
Had my tonsils out after 5 years of consistent tonsillitis and on rare occasions Quinsy. As a nurse, I hate taking time off and being ‘the patient’ so agreed to have them whipped out.
Woke up the day after my surgery and just threw up for hours. Repeatedly tested myself in between sick spells to try and recover without needing a&e however was unable to in relation to a) throat bleeds commencing and b) the pain and inability to stay awake between being sick. Cut a long and quite unattractive story short, transpired I had managed to contract some nasty infections. Popped on IV antibiotic and fluids. Admission for 2 nights, stupidly painful however managed with morphine and the wonderful care that is our NHS.
The pain has been consistently there. In the morning is the absolute worst, I advise to wake take pain relief, drink water and try to nap again. Primiary needs are a) rest b) fluid (preferably water) c) regular pain relief d) stay away from dairy and sugar during your recovery and d) breath slowly when you feel overwhelmed. Yes, you will intermittently cry, wonder why the hell you agreed to this and question if it really was worth it. However, what you will not be able to recall well during these times are the countless throat infections, pain, antibiotic use, exhaustion, tears, time off work, lack of sleep and everything else that comes with suffering from tonsillitis. That is why we have made this decision and it is and will evidently be the right one soon.
Yes it hurts like hell and is unfathomable for people who haven’t experienced it. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Heading into day 7, and thinking of all the other people heading into day 7 also and how great we will all feel I’m 7 more days. There is nothing better than the feeling of recovery and noticing the pain slowing depleting.
Take care
X
Woke up in the middle of the night wanting to scream from the pain. Headed into day 5. Also the urge to spit is constant now. Are these little yellow flakes what people are calling scabs? Waiting for the Percocet to kick in. Feeling a little down and drained because haven’t had a good nights sleep in a week. In fact haven’t slept more than 4 hours at a time. Also realizing I haven’t had a bowel movement since last Wednesday. This worries me. Please wish me luck on getting back to sleep. I’m so tired.
-jae
23
Hi! I had my Tonsillsectomy on December first! As everyone stated the first few days were ok, then it gradually increased, and finally the tears came! Day seven I cried for three hours. Actually i cried for three days straight. I feel ALOT better now…thank you God! So many cons that come with this! Thrush and losing all your strength. The constipation. I just started working out again and I’m happy for that. But before I did, the smallest activities would wipe me out! I’m slowly trying to resume a normal diet. Lost nine pounds and it shows. I still have a minor sore throat so I can ever really complete a meal. And things will still burn so im constantly drinking tons of water. Its so annoying because after all the agony from day 2- practically ten, it’s like can’t I magically be back to normal???!! It hasn’t been that long but I’m praying that by Christmas ill be good to go! You could not pay me to do this again??????!
I had my tonsils out on November 24, 2015. I had them out due to chronic tonsil infections, tonsil stones and a lump in my throat feeling that wouldn’t go away. I am 27 and was very nervous for surgery risks, especially after reading all the comments online. Here is my experience:
Surgery day: Met with the entire team that answered all questions prior to surgery and helped me to calm down a little. They gave me pepcid and a “cocktail” to help me relax and then took me back. After that I woke up in recovery phase 1 and was there for an hour or two being monitored and getting pain meds. They made me eat two popsicles prior to moving me to phase 2 where my mom and husband were. Here I got extreme nausea and was given medicine for that, I was here another hour or so. The ride home was about an hour and I drank a lot of water and apple juice then. Ate apple sauce and popsicles at home and took pain meds religiously. Very tired all day but made myself sip ice water constantly.
Day 1: Feeling of needing to cough/clear throat but can’t. I felt very drained and could only sleep in small times frames. Lots of spit and mucus building up and really nauseous.
Day 2: Today I realized I was hungry and was able to do mashed avocado and potatoes with water in them. I started taking a stool softener and absolutely needed my medicine to make things tolerable. Rough night and trouble regulating my body temperature.
Day 3: Ear pain started showing up and the pain bad still and I have no voice. Lots of dozing on and off and heard from the nurse who said to move around a little and only do lukewarm showers. Tonsil results found that I had huge tonsil tissue which were inflamed and had bacterial colonies in them. Belly really hurts and no dinner from pain.
Day 4: Pain is much worse today, pry a 9. Lightheaded today and cold and shaky. Ate a little and still taking meds regularly. Still waking up every hour to sip ice water which helps.
Day 5: Started losing scabs today which was a little scary because I coughed them up. Bad breath and lots of pain still. Walked around a little more and increased stool softeners.
Day 6: Horrible acid reflex today that causes a lot of pain in chest and throat. Collapsed in the afternoon from lack of food/energy and drank a gatorade later which helped. Started taking pepcid to avoid heartburn. Still need ice packs on my neck around the clock. Sleep still a little difficult.Started miralax with stool softener.
Day 7: Missed a dose today and woke up in extreme pain. More food today to help build energy- actually ate a small piece of sliced turkey. Spitting up large scabs- it burns after I cough them up but then the pain actually decreases.
Day 8: Slept pretty well today and took applesauce each time with meds which helped. Coughing a little from dry throat. Moved around a little more and rested a lot today. Still sleeping at 45 degree angle.
Day 9: Less pain and pain meds backed down. A little blood in mucus but ice water stopped it right away. I had to do a home enema today from constipation from pain meds which wasn’t fun but it helped instantly which is good.
Day 10: More energy today and okay sleep. Less pain and more food, I can have almond ice cream, mac and cheese and potatoes and gravy at this point with some deli turkey. Gatorade is now a staple along with ice water.
Day 11: Hard night coming off the meds with ear pain and scabs falling off still.
Day 12: Slept longer the previous night and pain meds cut in half at this point. Blood in mucus but stopped again. Weight going back up (lost about 6-7 pounds since surgery date).
Day 13: Rough sleep and more food. Still needing stool medicine and pain meds and ice packs.
Day 14: Moving around much more and able to do smoothies and banana bread. Throat feels raw and achy. Ice pack at night only now.
Day 14-20: These days I have been moving around much more and eating better. Nausea meds are needed occasionally since adding food back in is hit or miss. Pain meds as needed but mostly just a small dose at night, stopping these completely today. Pepcid will continue until diet is normal again and stool will stop a couple days after stopping pain meds. Gaining energy back is a little rough, you really need to take it slowly and let your body get used to normal routine again. I worked out for the first time on day 20 and felt like I waited long enough to not be at risk but was still drained after a bike ride. Sleeping better these days and waking up with a dry throat but minimal pain. A little lump feeling but nurse said this could be muscles in throat getting normal again or heartburn still- I certainly hope this is all it is. I only really use ice packs when I need them and will switch to Tylenol if I even need it for ear and throat pain. Mostly I am just a little fatigued but happy the surgery recovery is mostly behind me! I will add in sharper foods pry in a few days, I am taking this slow as to not irritate me new tissue.
Helpful Tips:
* Have ice packs on your throat and switch these out regularly. It helps with swelling and pain so much.
* Take your pain meds on a schedule.
* Take a stool softener to avoid constipation when on pain meds.
* Drink ice water constantly, seriously sip every 20 minutes it helps.
* Sleep at an angle, trust me the mucus is bad and you need to be propped up.
* Force yourself to eat/drink to avoid passing out or fatigue.
* Stock up on soft foods and drinks (nothing acidic) before your surgery.
* Ask for nausea meds prior to surgery, I did and certainly needed them.
* I don’t know how I would have done it without 2 weeks off and a caregiver to help me through. You definitely need the time of to rest and someone to help you at least those first days.
* Be patient, it is a process and you will be just fine!
Hey! It is 12/14/2015,
I had my tonsils removed 4 days ago now- 12/10.
I am in some serious pain. This blog has helped me immensely just to realize that I am not alone in this experience.
Still, I will give a summary of my experiences up until today and then describe the problems I am still facing. I hope somebody will be able to help me out a bit.
The day of the surgery was a breeze. I was under anesthesia and it seemed like it only took about 5 minutes. The rest of that day/ night, I was still pretty dopey. I ate a bunch of popsicles and watched movies with my younger siblings. I thought the nightmare my mom described her tonsillectomy to me as was just her being nice and trying to over prepare me.
I was wrong.
Day two I was still kind of in a daze (I think from the anesthesia). The pain had worsened a bit but I was also prescribed some liquid Vicodin.
For some reason my pharmacy had a problem with filling up my prescription to the proper amount so I had to go back to the doctor for another one. Luckily that was during say two when the pain was still manageable. I don’t think I could go to a doctors office right now. Let alone leave my bed.
My new prescription is plentiful, but it is in pill form. So I have to mash it down and put it in some apple juice or “ensure”. This is extremely disgusting. But also extremely worth it.
Day 3, the pain got worse. I couldn’t eat anything because I didn’t have an appetite. I tried oatmeal but that was a mistake. It was too soon. Maybe cream of wheat would’ve worked but I don’t have that. The flakes and chunks immediately make my throat throb and I just broke down and cried. I threw my food away. I mashed up some pain pills and drank it and about 5 minutes later I was very naseous. That scared me a lot because 1) I had no food in my stomach and 2) my throat was on fire already, I can’t have imagined what throwing up would do to me. Luckily I did not throw up. I just made myself lay until I fell asleep.
Now I am at day 4. Here is the advice I can give so far before going into my current dilemma.
1) ice cubes. This is the biggest thing for me. I have been sucking on ice cubes all day which is good because my throat has been consistently semi- numb and because I have been actively swallowing for most of the days. So when I try to eat or take painkillers I am not all of a sudden surprised and in great pain at what my throat is doing.
2) take your pain meds on time every time. I thought one night that I could get away without them because I was lazy and had my ice cubes. I was rudely awakened in the middle of the night by a dry, ANGRY throat.
3) eat as much as you can just after you’ve taken the meds. I find this to work somewhat for me because the meds have started kicking in so I can eat very quickly before I realize it is painful. If I don’t eat, I get very nauseous from the meds. It’s an awful feeling when you think you’re going to start gagging and you haven’t had real food in 3 days and your throat hurts jut thinking of swallowing your spit.
NOW::: today, at day 4. Pain has worsened. I woke up in the middle of the night basically crying in my sleep. My throat was dry and felt like I was swallowing glass. I made my disgusting concoction of pain meds juice and that put me back to sleep. Woke up 4 hours later- repeat. Woke up at 8 and knew if I didn’t have some food, this time I would be naseous. Here is my problem, (along with all of that lol), I read a bunch of accounts on here of people saying they’ve been eating eggs. I love eggs! I had my painkillers and scrambled some eggs and voila! Great idea. Yummy, fairly easy to eat, and now there’s something in my tummy. The issue I’m having now is that I finally had the strength to open my mouth and take a peek at the war zone in the back of my throat, and YUCK. It looks like the holes where my tonsils once were are completely filled in with egg! I tried to gargle some water (although that is very painful) and indeed some of it came out. But it lookes like it’s really caked back there. I can’t imagine that being good for recovery. I’m scared of some sort of infection. Oh I just don’t know what I would do if this got any worse. Any advice??
I’m 23 years old^^^^^
Hi I’m paul I’m 40 from the UK. I had my tonsils out on the 23rd of December. Yes I know great timing for Xmas !! The pain has been extremely bad jeer the last couple of days and I’m beginning to wonder if there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have had 3 hours sleep.in two nights and feel like the walking dead. Can anyone please advice! !!