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.
My entire recovery from the day of the surgery until my tastebuds started working again was a total of 6 weeks. I was feeling better by week 4 and was taking motrin for pain instead of perocet. I was eating only Special K protein shakes and popsicles for about 3 weeks.
Hi – I had my tonsils out almost 2 weeks ago. Feeling like I’m nearly recovered, aside for bit of lingering pain in my throat. The white scabs are pretty much gone but I’ve noticed that the space where my tonsils were is often now filled with mucus! Has anyone else experienced this? I gather that increased mucus in the throat is quite common after a tonsillectomy (and something I’ve certainly experienced) so hoping that this will only be temporary – would be interested to hear about other similar experiences…
I had mine out in March of this year at the age of 25. I must say, it really wasn’t bad. I absolutely hate my teaching job, so I welcomed the idea of sitting on my couch for 2 weeks and not having to be at work with a SMILE. I actually got to piggy-back my two weeks off with Spring break, so I spent a total of 23 days out of work. It was lovely. Give yourself 2 full weeks at least, I felt great for the first 2 days, just weak and kind of gross because the heat of the shower would make me literally pass out.By day 3 the ache started to kick in *(my tongue hurt the most), but I never got the ear pain. With lots of ice, really bad reality TV, and learning that keeping a piece of gum in my mouth while I slept and the air humidifier turned WAY up, I felt fine. The worst part was probably 1 week in when I finally attempted things like scrambled eggs, the food would get stuck in the still-gaping wounds back there. Until they filled up with nasty scabs, it was tough to eat. I never bled though, and I really pushed it. I had a head cold and lyringitis going in to the surgery. My ENT still took them out, but I coughed for several days post-surgery, which couldn’t have helped. Still, I never bled. I never even felt the scabs go. I lost about 6 pounds too, which has stayed off. Finally reached my goal weight. Honestly, I’d get this surgery every 2 months if I could, and stay out of work forever.
I had my tonsils out Feb 2011 and because of complications (I got thrush in the back of my throat from the anitbiotics), it took about 3 weeks for me to recover and be able to eat solids again and drink without pain. =/
i was 33 at the time. the first 3 days were pretty awful i slept an hour at a time so my mouth wouldnt get to dry. it was hard to swallow anything even my meds. felt some relief day 4 but day 5 it all came back..then the pain shot to my ears which was no fun. when the scabbing starts coming off the pain is also intense.. i would recommend at least 3 weeks off of work. looking back i would definetly have done it again , just because my quality of life has greatly improved.