Adult Tonsillectomy Recovery Time – a Poll
Tonsillectomy recovery time is unique to each individual- sure. We know that recovery time for adults is longer, and maybe harder, than tonsillectomy recovery time for children. I remember my own son bouncing back in less than a week! My own experience taught me that ten days off from a job that required lots of talking was a bit light. I generally advise two weeks. As I’ve said, most employers will let you come back early. That’s easier than asking for more time after the fact. I’ve read the accounts of thousands of tonsillectomy patients- most of them adults. I’ve learned that the time required varies. I wonder though, how many tonsillectomy patients never really post about their experience. Are you one of those quiet ones lying in the weeds? I’d like to get a better feel for the average adult tonsillectomy recovery time. Please take a moment and share your own experience in recovering from tonsillectomy surgery. You can help us all!
So let me put this out as an informal survey for people who have been through it, to help those planning a tonsillectomy. (It’s also one of the most commonly researched questions by adults considering tonsillectomy.) It’s my hope that we can amass a good sampling of experiences to help guide would-be adult tonsillectomy patients as they plan their family, work, and other obligations,
What is the average recovery time for tonsillectomy in adults? Read my Summary: Tonsillectomy Recovery Time Summary
So, what is it? What is your recommended adult tonsillectomy recovery time?
Join the discussion
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Before you schedule an appointment to have your tonsils removed, do a little research.
Book off a MINIMUM of 2 weeks. I didn’t feel normal until after 3-4 weeks. I wasn’t able to introduce any liquids other than water or any foods until week 2!
I believe it’s slightly different for everybody, but it really took a lot out of me. I was definitely not in good shape for two weeks, and even after that I had to take it easy. I would advise being cautious and taking two weeks off from work and see how you go.
It took me about a week to function, but I dont have to do a lot of talking in my day to day life. After two weeks I felt better than pre-surgery for sure. I noticed that eating soft ‘real’ food (like tiny sandwich bites, scrambled eggs, and mac n cheese) helped my attitude and my stamina. good luck to all who have yet to be surgerized!
I was 33 when I had it done. I did it over winter break, about 10 days. I was NOT ready to return to work on day 11. I needed 14 days. I also had a bleed and ended up back in the hospital which added to the time, but even when I did go back, I was miserable til at least week 4. TAKE YOUR TIME.
First, this was a great site, and really helped. Especially late at night. Second, I was 50, and like others who have posted, didn’t arrange enough time off work at the start. I only booked myself out for 10 days. On day 11, I got up, got dressed, got in the car, thought about starting it and driving to work, and then didn’t, but instead went back in the house and back to bed. I’d say plan on 2 weeks, but plant the idea that you may only be back for half days for a week after that. Depends partly on your job, of course, but seems like there’s a spectrum of recovery times, and I’d say make your plans based around the notion that you might be average or slow, rather than banking on the quick recovery. Then, if you’re one of the lucky ones, no worries. Third, I agree with everyone about keeping up with the fluids, even waking up periodically to drink and use ice on your neck. When you keep up with the fluids, it’s easier. And when you forget, re-hydrating is especially painful. Fourth, take the pain meds on a schedule, starting the first day, even when you think you won’t need them, because the only reason you don’t need them is the general anasthesia, and that’s going to wear off. It’s just better to keep the pain meds going, and not let pain get out of control. Also, for me, the liquid lortab burned like fire, so I preferred a tiny pill, think it was Demerol, but can’t remember for sure.