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’m only on day 2 of recovery and reading these horror stories, I am terrified! Pain is at a constant 7-8, no sleep, but 10-20 minutes at a time. I thought I was prepared, but I don’t think anyone is fully prepared for this…
I just switched from popsicles all day, to having a lukewarm cup of chicken broth. It’s actually soothing! Any one using humidifiers at night to prevent the drying out of their throats?
Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
We’ve got this guys 🙂 stay strong!!
I know this probably isn’t a popular response but the best thing I ever did was not take any narcotics. I alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol. Nothing else. I ate and drank constantly. My doctor says I am the poster child for adult tonsillectomies. I recovered without any complications, never lost a pound and was back to normal by day 12. The pain meds can make you sick, making it hard to eat and drink. That causes a vicious cycle. I know it is scary but you can do this.
That’s awesome! Good for you. I would be too scared to stop taking my meds this late in the game. They did make me sick the first few times, but I’ve built up a tolerance. Now my issue is sleeping at night. My nose ONLY gets stuffed up when trying to sleep which then leads to my mouth falling open, then terrible snoring. Anyobody else find what works well for them as far as sleeping goes?
I wish I had paid better attention to what I was being given. The narcotic made me so sick after my c-sections and I should have refused it. It wasn’t until that all too familiar feeling was pack that I realized I needed to stop it immediately. I was nervous to take ibuprofen bc if blood thinning tho?
What doses did you take of each? I’m at 1000 mg Tylenol 6 hrs and 400 mg ibprofin every 6 hrs, the waking up every 3 hrs is killing me tho. I’m 34 and on day 6, scabs seem nearly completely off, just a thin white film
*22 years old – Suffered from strep & tonsillitis from the age of 8!
I had my surgery Wednesday April 13th,2016 and as soon as I was admitted to my room I downed 3 popsicles and a glass of ice chips! I had minor pain. Supper time came and they served pork roast mashed potatoes and gravy which to every ones surprise (even mine and the nurses) I was able to eat most of my supper! Ive been given atasol 15s for pain (2 every 6 hours) which I feel does nothing for me so I go to the emerg room every 8 for a shot of toradol! That does me wonders. I carry my water bottle with me where ever I go with lots of ice chips.. wouldn’t be able to do this without it. My second day I got discharged from the hospital after dinner (turkey potatoes and gravy) and I even managed to eat a little of that although I was more agitated that day. I napped most of the evening then woke and went to Pizza delight for supper with some family where I had a couple garlic fingers with some lasagne. I find the nights are hard to cope with.. Im in a different town, different air and heat and find my allergies acting up so I tend to cough more during the nights which is a real pain the the arse. Day 3 I woke up with the most pain Id had so far!!! I ended up having to wait 2 hours in the emerg for my toradol shot, where my ENT upped my dose for me..I couldn’t swallow, water was a struggle, I felt like I had the worst amount of guck build up in my mouth! After about an hour I was feeling much better, had a nap, ate mostly jello and mr freezes that afternoon. When the meds kicked in I were able to eat more normal food, but constantly had a scratchy feeling in the back of my throat. Last night was the first night where I didnt wake up every 4 hours with a dry throat, thank god! But I still ran for emerg to get my shot before the pain kicked in! Mac and cheese was my choice of dinner for today which went down quite well 🙂 I feel like I am getting better slowly but my ENT told me that I’ll feel like that at first, then all of a sudden I’ll hit a brick wall before the real recovering starts… Has anyone experienced this “brick wall” and have any tips on how to get through it? I’ve been told the “brick wall” is excruciating 🙁
I can’t believe youve been able to eat like you have! Good for you
Hey guys!
I’m 22 and on day 9 of recovery from the tonsillectomy and oh my gosh was I not prepared for this pain at all.
Days 1-6 were a breeze, took the pain med on time (it made me super sick but I’d rather be nauseous than in pain) it is liquid hydro 7.5/325 ate Popsicles, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese and ice chips.
For the first 6 days I slept, all the time. On and off all day long. On day 7, I started getting much more uncomfortable with throbbing pains in my neck, throat and even ears. The pain has definitely gotten worse up to today. I’m still taking my pain medicine, I tired so hard to wing off of it, but I just take 10ml instead of 15ml. I hardly sleep at all now, the pain is so unbearable at times I seriously just sit there and cry. That’s all I feel like I can do. I’ve had ice packs on my throat constantly the past 24 hours, it helps tremendously. I drink water like crazy and I’m trying my best to eat some tougher foods since they say it speeds up the process! Over all, I honestly think this will be well worth it. I had tonsillitis a lot and had strep throat growing up quite a bit too. Sending my love and prayers to everybody else who is experiencing this horrid pain. You’re not alone!!!!!
XOXO
Hi Hannah! Sorry I didn’t see your post sooner. You are nearing the end of the tunnel. Very soon you will be feeling markedly better- HANG IN THERE!
How long is recovery in on day 8
How long is recovery
Hi guys
I am on day 5 of recovery. Day 1-4 was painful but i was managing with meds. I’ve been eating as normal as poss lots of toast because they say it speeds healing! Day 5 and I’m in hell, my ears and jaw are agonising the pills aren’t touching it 🙁 the throat pain I can deal with but this is a whole other level. I hope it doesn’t last too long.
Also no one mentions the taste in there mouth so maybe it’s just me! I constantly have a bitter taste in my mouth it’s horrid! I’m constantly gargling water and mouth wash but the taste is going no where! This better be worth it!
You have to stay hydrated!!!! Try to eat after taking medication also ice cold drinks while eating. Helps with the pain of eating. Re pain Med; If it’s every 4 hours take it every four hours even though the night. I am (I think) 1 year and about 5 months post op. My doctor only did my right tonsil the left was scarred and bled too much during surgery. HE was scared to take it out. Good Luck All
Also you might have to by trial and error find what works for you re pain and eating.
How are u telling
Hi, I’m currently on Day 6 & it’s killing me.Pain killer, sleeping pills doesn’t seems to work anymore. Gosh wonder what’s next!!!!