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 took 2 weeks off, and could probably have gone back to work maybe a day or two earlier, but I didn’t. I had the scab for 3 weeks. One thing – I originally refused to eat ice-cream, because they said the milk would make mucous, but after ~4 days I gave in, and had plain vanilla, and it was AWESOME. That and cold mac & cheese were my main source of calories.
Drank plenty of water, used my humidifier by my bed, used some soft ice packs on my throat, and I was fine. My mom drove from 3 states over to visit, out of concern, but once she saw I was ok, she went home the same day. The toughest part was that I thought I could spend my 2 weeks playing video games, and watching TV but the painkillers gave me vertigo. I ended up amusing myself with crafts.
I was 58 when I had my surgery. Took me a month to recover. Two weeks of soft food.
Christmas day was day 17 and I did manage to have some turkey but I had to be careful.
Haven’t had an earache since my surgery so it was all worth it in the end.
Recovery was at least 10 days! The problem with a tonsillectomy recovery is a roller coaster. You feel better, then you feel bad again, you start to feel better, and then BAM you feel really bad again. Then you slowly start making some progress. I definitely say 10 days before you feel human again; and then two weeks to get back to a normal routine. WATER, WATER, WATER! Hydration is crucial; I live in a dry climate and kept my humidifier next to me for the first two weeks, both day and night. I really think that made a huge difference. Soft foods; eat what appeals to you – you must eat as your body needs the energy to help you heal. I also found that McDonald’s regular Iced Tea was a huge help! It was cold, smooth and contained caffeine, which helped me. The key is heed your doctor’s advice and know you will get through it!!
For me it was a solid 3 weeks off from work and then I went back for 2 days and then the school got flooded out and i had another week off. I was grateful for that 4th week. It’s been two years and I don’t think my throat will ever feel quite right again. I stumbled across your website a couple of weeks before I had my surgery and I will forever be grateful! The helpful hints and tips I got really did help me be all set up and better prepared and to be able to get on and whine and complain and get encouragement and support was such a huge help.
Peggy, what happened that your throat is still not right? Are you still having problems 2 years out from surgery?
My recovery time was 2 weeks. I was afraid it was too early but I did alright. Recovery is difficult and I had complications with the anesthetics but by 2 weeks you are able to eat a lot if different foods and are pretty much back to normal. 🙂