Adult Tonsillectomy?!


Question: Anyone who has had experience with an adult tonsillectomy could you please tell me what to excpect? I've heard its much worse in adults to recover and handle than for kids. I'm 20 and getting mine out in 3 weeks. Just wondering how bad is bad and if anyone has any nice tips for the 2 week recovery i'm going to have. Thanks a bunch!


Answers: Anyone who has had experience with an adult tonsillectomy could you please tell me what to excpect? I've heard its much worse in adults to recover and handle than for kids. I'm 20 and getting mine out in 3 weeks. Just wondering how bad is bad and if anyone has any nice tips for the 2 week recovery i'm going to have. Thanks a bunch!

Yes, I am 27 and I'm on day 10 of recovery. I must be honest, it is much worse than I had anticipated. I was told it was no more pain than a bad case of tonsilitis. It is more painful, but if you take your pain pills on time as your supposed to you should be able to manage the pain much better. I was late on my dose a couple of times and it was bad, so set an alarm to remind yourself. I have read on and hear that alot of people suggest (even their doctors suggest) to eat dry toast and chips. This is just plain crazy. I couldn't even eat applesauce the first 5 days because the consistency was to painful. I don't know where these people are going for medical advice. I have also read that ice cream and milk are bad, but I decided to try it anyhow as my doctor said it was ok. The only thing with it is that it makes you produce phylum in the back of your throat and is a bit uncomfortable, but if you can drink some very cold water afterwards, the chilling effect the icecream has on your throat is worth it. I like to stick to the italian ice though, it works better and is not as sweet. I also tried to drink at least a half a cup or full cup of Carnation good start morning milk drink. It has protien in it along with vitamins and gives you some energy as well. Which I think the worst part of this entire ordeal is the fact that you feel weak alot of the time from lack of food. I have lost 13 pounds already. I suggest you eat your heart out now and put on a few extra pounds while you can to help combat fatigue later. Also note that if you want to stock up before sugery do not buy anything red. No red jello, sorbet, ect. They say not to eat or drink anyting red because it can be confused with blood as you monitor your throat. It makes sense, but no one told me this and I have like 10 things of red jello and lots of other red things I cannot have now. Mashed potatoes were and still are a bit painful for me to eat because it is a bit gritty. I noticed on day 4 that I can withstand some Mac and cheese. I never used to eat it until now and it helps with the energy level as well. I also suggest to get a really good gel ice pack or two. It really helps with the pain. I usually hold it up to both sides of my throat and my lower throat and it works wonders. I only have one and it was a bit time consuming to keep putting it in the freezer, so I recomend getting two. I trade mine out with a ziplock bag full of ice, but those things always end up leaking all over you and is more of a pain than it is worth. If you need anymore info please email me!

I have heard it can be more challenging for adults but not 20 year olds per say...

Sore throat...swollen a bit. I would ask the doctor...Write down ALL of your concerns and ask away. If they do not explain it to where you understand, make them try again...

You are the patient and the client and it is your right as a patient to know, just as it is your obligation to follow their orders for care...

Enjoy the two weeks! Read a new book, do something different and maybe learn from it...

I know someone who had their tonsils out when he was 21. She said it wasn't too bad. It's hard to talk at 1st..and you may have some ear pain.
Eat lots of ice cream, ices, suck on ice chips, sherbet, cold drinks.

During recovery, you may be more susceptible to infections, so stay out of crowds & away from sick people.

Good luck to you.





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