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.
I am 25 and had mine out yesterday. It was great yesterday as I was high on the morphine and other painkillers so as soon as I came round I was eating as much as I could. Today it hurts more and as I was eating some dry toast it felt as though something ripped at the back of my throat. But, as much as it hurts, I’m following the Dr’s instructions to eat hard foods which will scrape the crap from the back of my throat, regardless if it hurts or not! Wish we luck, I’ve got another two weeks to go!
Eating hard foods is the opposite of all advice I’ve been given by doctors. They said it would scrape off the scabs and cause bleeding, and in some cases make your recovery take longer. You might want to ask your doctor again about the type of food you’re eating.
Had mine out on 18th June. With the strong painkillers until that night I thought it wasn’t too bad but off the strong painkillers yesterday and today I am in agony. The worst thing for me of all is feeling the fur in the back of my throat every time I stop eating it feels like it’s closing in on me. I also didn’t know things would come out my nose as I drank. I would do child birth again with no pain relief instead of this. How long until the scabs come off and will I ever get better. I also suffer badly from M.E and Fibro Myalgia. The surgeon warned me day 7 would be bad but if this is bad now how will I cope. Hope everyone else is doing well. I truly can’t believe how painful this is
I had my tonsils out 6 days ago. The first 3 days following surgery were terrible, I was sick after the general anaesthetic. I was then sick everytime I took painkillers or ate /drank anything, which when you’ve had tonsils out is not much fun! Day 4 I stopped being sick thanks to anti sickness tablets, and I’m gradually re introducing the painkillers back. I haven’t been given antibiotics, I dont know if this is normal in the UK. To be honest, whilst I think my surgeon has done a good job on my tonsils, the after care is terrible. I’ve not been told what to expect at all.
I’ve started eating food, pretty much anything I can get down me, although painkillers required just before eating. The mornings are terrible, and the taste at the back of my mouth is disgusting – I am tackling this with chewing gum! I have 1 more week off work and then I have to go back to the office. I’m a bit worried because I’m starting a new job and can barely speak at the moment, plus am asleep all the time! I hope this improves.
I’ve not experienced any bleeding, fingers crossed this lasts. The pain is bad but now I can take painkillers again, at least I have this under control.
This better be worth it! I hope that 2 weeks of pain will make up for 20 years of tonsilitis!! I’m 32
I had mine out when I was 32. Days 3-6 are ridiculous. I have had two babies and I would say this is much worse. You can avoid sitting on your bottom, kind of, but you have to eat and swallow. Give yourself two weeks even if you think you feel ok. Good luck! It is worth it. I am 3 years out and went from seeing the doc monthly to a 2 1/2 year streak.
I’m 34, had surgery on. Thursday and was off work a total of 3 days but the more I talk the more I feel the pain. I did eat some steak on day 5 and almost cried due to the pain but I needed real food. I feel like I have a tooth ache with a mix of an ear ache.
Hi I’m 30 and had my tonsils out 6 days ago…..I don’t want to be melodramatic….but right now I want to die! I haven’t eaten since the day before my operation…..I manage about a cup of water a day…..no number 2’s for 7 days! (sorry)…..I am having real regrets at the moment going through with the surgery……..trying to think positive……I’ll be back in a few days to post how I’m feeling (if I’m alive….bahahhha…kidding)
Hi Alison,
I am 38 and am on day 11 of recovery from having my tonsils out. They said it’s worse when you’re older and they weren’t lying!!! I don’t want to scare you but today was actually the first day that I felt a little better. The worst days for me were days 7,8,9. It still feels like it’s never going to end. Right now my throat is just really really sore and the pain is different. Feels like I have strepth throat. It hurts to talk for long periods too. But I believe and hope the worst is over. Having a humidifier is such a big help since my throat is so dry. I return to work on Saturday and I am hoping I will be able to talk on the phone for long periods. Good luck!!