tonsillectomy

[Lilly-Pilly]

I'm heading in for a Tonsillectomy at the ripe old age of 32 on Friday!
Just wanting to know what has helped the most with recovery & pain management for anyone who has had one or who's kids have had one.
What should I expect?
Not really looking forward to the whole thing!!

[emmjayt]

I had one at 36. Take all the drugs they offer you! I was lucky, DH took 10 days of carers leave to make sure I was ok and didn't have to do anything but rest. it sounds weird, but eat toast - it helps clear your throat.

It wasn't the most comfortable time, but I've gone from having up to 10 bouts of tonsillitis a year to being so much healthier so it was worth it

[Khaleesi]

Stay on top of your pain meds, don't skip doses .
Eat rough types of foods, crackers, toast etc..

They say day 6 is the worst but it wasn't true for my DD, the first 5 days for her were horrid but her throat swelled really badly & she needed pred mix.
Once her throat went down & she was able to eat she picked up really quickly.
I had another friend's daughter who was only in discomfort for 2 days & she was fine after that.

Good luck hope you have an easy recovery

[redgum]

I had mine out at 27, I went from having tonsilitis 6 - 8 times a year & always being unwell to never being sick.

Definitely take your pain meds on time, especially the strong ones they give you for the first few days. Echo other comments about eating rough foods, I had steak the night of my operation (probably a little much), the day after would have been better. The pain is worth it for the long term gain.

It took me a good 10 days to feel normal again, you won't be able to do much at all during recovery.

All the best.

[Cassius2]

like everyone else said dont skip your pain meds! it can be hard to get on top of the pain for quite a bit once you miss.

it gets pretty rough around day 10 from memory when the scab comes away....but it is allllll worth it!!!!

[Lilly-Pilly]

Thanks for the advice!!
Did anyone find sucking on ice helped?
When people tell me I won't be able to do much during the recovery, do they mean like bedridden rest? Can I cook, how long til I can drive?
When recovery is at its worst (most people say day 10ish) do they mean it's the most painful? It uncomfortable or fatigue etc?
Was there anything in particular that was relieving? Ice, Manuka honey, heat packs, humidifiers etc? Or just pain killers!!
Thanks do much for the advice so far

[redgum]

Thanks for the advice!!
Did anyone find sucking on ice helped?
When people tell me I won't be able to do much during the recovery, do they mean like bedridden rest? Can I cook, how long til I can drive?
When recovery is at its worst (most people say day 10ish) do they mean it's the most painful? It uncomfortable or fatigue etc?
Was there anything in particular that was relieving? Ice, Manuka honey, heat packs, humidifiers etc? Or just pain killers!!
Thanks do much for the advice so far

With the drugs you will be on for the first 5 or so days there is no way you can drive. I was pretty much bed (or in my case couch ridden for the whole 10 days). I was put on oxycodone, they didn't keep me on it for long though as it can be highly addictive. But to be honest it was the only thing that would keep the pain at bay.
The only thing you can do is keep up with your meds and resting. I would have someone do dinner and care for you and your DD during this time, if you expect the worse at least then you don't have to push yourself at all during recovery. It's just a constant pain around your throat, it went up into my head. Don't worry about it though, it will come and go and as bad as it is though it's so worth it.

Good luck.

[Khaleesi]

My DD wanted to sleep all day or just lay down & watch tv for till about day 4 but then again Kids do tend to bounce back quicker than adults.

Really really keep your pain meds up, even if your feeling ok still don't skip a dose it can be so hard to get on top of it again.
Don't forgot you will have disgustingly bad breath not that you will care very much.

[Lilly-Pilly]

Thanks for the replies again. I'll be sure to keep on top of the meds.
I had no intention of cooking & looking after DD, my partner and mum have that covered!
Was just more curious as to what I'll be able to do. Looks like I have a date with the couch for a couple of weeks!!

[lilima]

I crashed badly on day 5. I spent really about a month until I wasn't majorly fatigued. I was 23. It wasn't that my throat felt really bad, it was an all over sick feeling .

But in the long run it was better than the continual tonsillitis.

[surprised]

DH had his out at 25 and he says tonsillitis is worse than the recovery from tonsillectomy. He found sucking ice constantly really minimized the pain. Good luck!

[Lilly-Pilly]

Thanks again for the replies! Have the freezer stocked with I've and my bed set up on the couch ready to go. Leaving in 15mins to go to the hospital and hoping for a quick and easy recovery

[lilima]

Good luck.

[Khaleesi]

Good luck today

[surprised]

How did you go?

[Lilly-Pilly]

Thanks guys.
Went better than I expected, not in too much pain except when swallowing (which of often as I'm continually sipping water) Just uncomfortable feeling and a little weak still.
Keeping up with meds and have a wonderful partner and mum taking good care of me.
Finding talking very difficult and uncomfortable, but that's east enough just not to!