Tonsillectomy Scabs- How and when do they fall off?
Regardless of the tonsillectomy method used, some sort of scab is going to form over the the area from which your tonsils have been cut, coblated, and/or cauterized.
It’s normal. It is normal. People often become obsessed with the appearance of the tonsil beds as they recover from tonsillectomy. Almost like a recently lost tooth, it can be hard to resist the temptation to explore the new landscape. This too is normal. I strongly advise against molesting the area with foreign objects. Those scabs will fall off on their own. Touching, poking, or scraping on them increases the risk of hemorrhage and you don’t want that.
Many Otoraryngologists, or ear, nose and throat, (ENT) specialists recommend eating a somewhat rough diet, (think dry toast), to keep the affected area clear of excessive tonsillectomy scab build-up. This advice is most often given in the United Kingdom and Australia. Most ENT’s in the United States advise a soft diet.
Which ever route you take, there will likely be formation of tissue that covers the tonsil beds. I recommend following the advice I give in other pages of this site; keep the throat moist, avoid sharp foods, stay hydrated, take pain medications on schedule, sleep upright if possible, and leave those tonsillectomy scabs alone. They will normally begin to slough of at about day seven or eight of your recovery.
What Happens When Tonsillectomy Scabs Fall Off
You may feel a sharp pain occasionally as the tonsillectomy scabs fall off. This is common. This is normal. There is a slight increase in risk of bleeding while tonsillectomy scabs fall off. If you do have some bleeding, try gargling with ice cold water. This will usually stop the bleeding. If this doesn’t work, and bleeding becomes profuse, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. Don’t panic. In there relatively rare cases, health care professionals have great success at stopping the bleed.
Daily Photos of Throat After Tonsillectomy. Caution: Scabs
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Got mine out January 26, 2018. I turn 46 in 2 weeks. It really wasn’t as bad as I had planned. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich when I got home from the hospital. I keep diet about 60% soft. Warm soup feels better than ice cream or yogurt. I hope this continues for me. Mostly been taking Tylenol even though they gave me a truck load of hydrocodone. I am very thankful for my lack of pain compared to what I have read and prepared myself for I am very lucky.
Just had my tonsillectomy on 24th of January 2018 at 12nn. I was then awake when I entered the OR and I’ve never felt any nervousness in me as I was just thinking in a positive way. I couldn’t recall how I fell asleep with the anesthesia shot, and then next thing I know I was in the recovery room after 2 hrs I think. There was no horrible pain the first 48 hrs in the hospital. I can still talk but slowly as I was being too carefull. I think I haven’t got an operation that time ‘coz really things were all normal. Not until its 3rd day??? until now 7th day. Pain is getting worse and I needed to make friends with the ice chips time to time. Hopefully, I will recover soon as I really wanted to eat everything.
Today is my 6th day of recovery had mine done on Jan 23rd 2018. This pain is horrible. Had to stop taking the perocts the dr gave me for pain due to them making me sick. Now I’m taking hydros. The pain keeps getting worse I think. Try to eat soft foods but it still hurts. Swallowing water hurts. I wish I would have never done this. 26 Years old
Relate here???
Hope you are feeling some improvement today Bernadette.. I’m 38 and had my tonsillectomy on 25 January 2018 (day 5 post op) and I too feel your pain from the ears, jaw, throat and neck glands… I’m a single Mum lion after two small kids which also doesn’t allow full rest but I’m powering on because that’s all I can do.. at least we can all loo forward to never going through this or tonsillitis again… sending love and energy..
I’m 21. I had mine done on the 25th as well. I’m lying awake in bed at 2:20 AM because my pain has been that bad. The first day or two felt like a honeymoon phase honestly. I woke up in the most pain on day 5 post op. The referred pain to your ears is no joke. I’m feeling pretty sorry for myself as all I can do is lay in bed. I’m sick of trying to force myself to drink fluids and so weak from not eating. I didn’t think this surgery was going to kick my ass as much as it has. Sending love right back to all of you. It’s nice to know I’m not going through this alone. Xo
Two steps forward five back. Had this done on 21st january. Today is the worst day for pain, throat,ears glands in neck it feel like I’m chewing razor blades. Started overnight, progressively worse throughout the day. Taking 500 dissolvable paracetamol every four hours,which does help. Whatever gunk that is irritating my throat making me cough and is knocking me sick. Wish it would ease up. Having a tonsilectomy at 57 is no fun. Drinking loads room temperature water, weak tea, trying to eat normally as advised. Mainly soup, tried an egg sandwich. Feeling very sorry for myself. Good Luck with your recovery I have every sympathy for you.
Sorry you’re going through this. I just had mine out on January 19th 2018. Day after my birthday. I’m 30 now. And there’s only one thing to say… IT SUCKS. we’ll get thru this!
Hi there, also a 30 year old – just had mine out today on 1/25/18. Obviously the pain is best day #1 so I’m not getting my hopes up. Are you all on narcotics though? I read the patient above is on paracetamol and not familiar. My doc prescribed Vicodin and I’m hoping that helps… vey nervous about the pain, nausea and bleeding. Any tips?? Good luck to you!
Hi there. I had my tonsils and adenoids out on the 25th as well. How are you feeling so far? Days 1-2 were honestly a honeymoon phase for me and I didn’t understand why everyone said this was so bad… Well, day 6 post-op and I’m currently lying awake in bed at 2:20AM because my pain is pretty consistent. I’m taking 5-10ml of oxycodone every 4 hours and Tylenol in between. So ready for this nightmare to be over. Have you found any good tips on eating? I’ve only been able to manage a few sips of room temperature chicken broth. I can’t wait to be able to eat again.
My 6th day here. Worst pain at age 24.