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
-Greg My short bio
Before you schedule an appointment to have your tonsils removed, do a little research.
I was off work for 2 weeks. The first 10 days were flat out miserable. I didn’t want to talk at all. On day 10 I made a drastic turn for the better. From there on it wasn’t too bad although at times it was a little tender. I did exactly as the doctor recommended. People I know who didn’t listen to there doctor suffered far longer. Sipping on water often was the key to a fast recovery. Although it hurt to swallow, the doc said it was the best medicine. Hemorrhaging is a big threat if you don’t drink your water. Even when I would wake up at night I would take a sip of water. It helps with the scabs. Mac and Cheese, Oatmeal and mashed potatoes became my best friend during this time. It too seemed to help soothe the throat pain. But for the first 3 days it was ice cream, jello and pop cycles. I know when my kids had this done at 5 and 6 it was no were near as long of recovery as an adult but I am really glad I did it.
13 days of hell – the 14th day was the day I started to feel human again…I was not quite ready for work when I went back but it was manageable with pain meds; I felt more weak than anything after losing 14 pounds and still not eating much. And, you get used to lying in bed for most of the 2 weeks, so to be up and about in an office is a bit of a shock after that.
A life-changing experience for the best! I had 3 days of strep-throat type of pain. After that it was not really painful, just annoying to only eat soft food for about 2-3 weeks. I did not take any time off of work since I had my surgery on a Friday. I have been so much healthier since the surgery and am so glad I don’t have those nasty tonsils any more. 🙂
42/m – I had mine taken out last year. On the third day of recovery I started bleeding profusely and had to have emergency surgery where they re-cauterized the surgery site. 5 days later I was back at work and 14 days post-op I was eating normally with no problems or regrets.
Surgery age 37
I took 2 weeks off – surgery on a friday.
Tonsilectomy/adnoidectomy, turbinate reduction, deviated septum, sinuses roto rooted.
Surgery changed my life, for the good.
Prior to surgery – sleep apena. AHI of 97
After surgery – AHI of 25
Lost 32 lbs during recovery and have since lost additional 30 lbs.
Currently on CPAP for sleep apnea, but have a sleep study scheduled to determine if CPAP is still necessary.
It wasn’t a pleasent experieance but well worth the pain.