Adult Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy Surgery - Part II [Archive]

Anarchist

12-27-2004, 03:09 PM

The moderators have asked we start a new thread, since the other one is getting long.

Here is a link to the previous thread: http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1392964#post1392964

It's 7 days till my surgery, Jan 3rd! Suprisingly I am not that freaked out yet. Maybe I will be sunday night.. lol.

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12-27-2004, 04:45 PM

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strangecookie

12-27-2004, 05:42 PM

Well, to help start this new thread on the eve of my tonsillectomy, i'll paraphrase my story. For a year I've been reading the old thread as i debated if i should get my 32 year old tonsils removed per doctors advice. Last year i spent about 6 months on anti-biotics trying to get rid of the white spots and constant sore throats. Then i had the summer relatively free of sore throats so i thought i'd not get the surgery...but then they came back.

So tomorrow i go in for removal as well as a 'nasal antral window' because i demanded a CT scan thinkign that something in my head (i have tons of headaches in particular on one side.) Seems i have a cyst in one of my nasal caveties which will be taken care of too.

I'm armed with: tons of protein drinks, vicadin, jello, gum, and will go get a bunch of movies tonight. I am also quitting smoking tomorrow. So, it's big news for me and i really hope that people use this tread because i'll want to hear others stories simulateously.
cheers,
ariel

JTodd

12-27-2004, 06:05 PM

Strangecookie-
Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! Make sure they give you something for nausea and vomitting BEFORE surgery. My problem on surgery day was that I could not stop vomitting. If I even moved my head slightly, I threw up. So they ended up admitting me into the hospital for the night. The vomitting finally stopped and I got to come home the next day, but that's not the way I would have chosen to start my recovery. The nurse told me that if I have surgery again on anything that I should tell them up front that I get nauseous after surgery and they'll give me drugs to combat that up front.

As far as recovery goes, it does hurt ALOT! I think the hardest part for me is not seeing a big improvement from day to day. Usually when you're hurt or when I had my kids, it hurt but gradually it felt better. I'm on day 10 and still not really able to eat anything. I thought that by now I'd be at least eating. But I'm still taking pain meds every 3 hours and surviving on drinking with small portions of food.

Well, good luck! I wish you well with your surgery and kicking your smoking habit!! Let us know how it goes!

rajaraja1

12-27-2004, 06:34 PM

my story is i'm 30 yrs and my surgery is scheduled for jan 6th at 6pm
i go tommorrow for my pre-op clearance

the previous thread of this topic has answered a lot of questions for me, everyone has been soo helpful with their direct responses.

i have this week off from work for the holidays. i return to the office jan 3 then a few days later its on. right now i'm trying to re-energize from the x-mas chaos. i'm in the middle of cleaning then its all about rest time.

i'm uping my pilates to relax and get some energy and as per the recommendations of the previous thread, i'm going to eat and eat well.

rajaraja1

12-27-2004, 06:36 PM

oo from the last post on the other thread i had asked if anyone had gotten a massage the day prior to surgery?

rajaraja1

12-27-2004, 06:41 PM

strange cookie... i'm going to be following your posts for sure... let us know how it all went down. good luck

nlh4msu

12-27-2004, 07:34 PM

Hi all- Not much of a change in pain level over the past couple of days. Wednesday will be 2 weeks post op. I have not taken anything for pain today except for Motrin, which really hasn't helped. I did have to take Lortab and Morphine about midnight last night because the pain was unbearable. I did make it all day yesterday with Motrin. I can only eat mashed potatoes and soup. My throat and ear are still hurting. I pray I will be healed by next Monday. That is when I am scheduled to return to work. I want to start back working out, but I am afraid to because of how sore my throat is.
rajaraja1-I had a massage 2 days prior to surgery. I was still a nervous wreck. It was hard for me to enjoy the massage because I was very anxious about the upcoming surgery. I am planning on having one, if I feel better, at the end of this week. I usually go for a massage every 2-3 weeks. Let me know if you have any other questions!!

rajaraja1

12-27-2004, 08:23 PM

nlh4msu- good to know.. i'm planning on getting a massage the night before.

i'm not nervous now.. but i'm sure the day before and day off i will since its not until 6pm

your recovery sounds terrible.. hope you feel better

momto5littles

12-27-2004, 09:03 PM

This is day 8 for me. I woke up this morning in the worst pain I've ever felt except natural childbirth. Thankfully after taking meds and being awake awhile, I started feeling better. I would say I feel an improvement between today and yesterday.

I actually put on makeup today and got dressed into normal clothes for the first time since my surgery. I sat on the couch instead of laying in bed. Well, interestingly, every time I would sit for more than a 5 minute stretch I would get sick to my stomach...so much so that I would start to shake and get the chills. As soon as I lay down, I'm fine. When I just walked to the bathroom a bit ago, the same thing happened... I got sick to my stomach. So, I laid down right away again, and it ceased. I'm wondering if I'm bleeding, and I'm swallowing blood, and that's what's upsetting my stomach? That would make sense, as everytime I sit or stand up, the blood would go down my throat.

My question is... how do you know if you are bleeding or not? If the blood is all the way back in your throat, and you are swallowing all the time, how am I to know?

JTodd

12-27-2004, 09:39 PM

Momto5littles-
My packet on tonsillectomies says that you may not be sure if you are bleeding. You will be constantly swallowing the blood and then all of a sudden you'll throw it up. My ENT also suggested gargling with salt water to stop any bleeding. You may want to try that just in case.

Good luck! Hope you feel better!

minmin630

12-27-2004, 10:05 PM

Okay so I posted quite a few enteries on the last thread but I want to try to be very helpful for those of you having Surgery. The night before my Surgery I wasn't to nervous but then the morning of my Surgery the nerves kicked in. My dad came with me for the Surgery seeing as my mom couldn't. The morning of all I could keep telling my dad was can we leave just turn around and go home,but he was like no you need to have this...so of course I was totally bummed. I was nervous as the wheeled me up to Anesthesia but they reassured me that all would be ok and that I would be completley out and not feel a thing so I was excited about that. Well then they gave me a little drugs to make me sleepy the next thing I know I am in Surgery scooching over to the table then after that the rest was a blur. The hardest thing after surgery was waking up in Recovery very confused having a hard time breathing and very cold. However the Recovery staff was great they put a warmer on me and reassured me that I was breathing fine seeing as I had 2 Sources of oxygen on (nasal cannula and the mask over the nose and mouth.) After that I was brought down to my room in Same day and kept there to rest for 3 hours then sent me home. I will admit when I came home the first day I thought I was nuts for having this surgery...It was the most horrific experience I have ever endured. So I ended up taking my medicines and laying down and finally fell asleep. The next day was not that bad I was sore but I was able to do scrambled eggs,applesauce,water,popsicles,sprite, milkshakes and jello. The following day which was Christmas eve was painful, I started scabbing and had some earache but even with the meds it was not that bad. By Christmas I was feeling much better and able to eat "real" food such as shrimp,stuffing,mashed potatoes and spinach dip. Yesterday was a little bad as I lost a scab and endured some more ear pain but I managed to get through it. Then today was amazing I actually ate some home made Lasagna and Italian Sausage and haven't even taken my pain medicine for today. I was amazed that by day 5 of Recovery I would be doing so well. The only down side is that I really haven't gotten my voice back and return to work Wednesday. I write all this to give you guys who are about to under go the surgery some hope. I am not gonna lie to you it is very uncomfortable at times but not completely unbearable. I am glad that I had the Surgery and hope that I was positive for everybody going in to surgery and for those of you who have been having a bad recovery I hope that you guys are staying positive because It will get better! Well If u have any questions please feel free ask me I will be more than happy to respond! Well The Best of Luck to Everybody!

minmin630

12-27-2004, 10:30 PM

momto5littles~ I to have been very nauseas and am now starting to wonder If I swallowed blood. I have not bleed once since my surgery last Wednesday and have recently been sick to my stomach. I just assumed that I may have been sick to my stomach beacause I lowered the amount of pain meds that I was on....However I have friends who are nurses and stuff who said that I wasn't on the meds long enough to start getting sick from lowering the dose so I was starting to wonder If maybe the reason that I am sick is maybe that I am swallowing my blood. Does anyone know if that can make you sick? If you do can you please respond....Thanks!

dompiz

12-27-2004, 11:05 PM

minmin & momto5: I felt I should definitely respond to your questions about bleeding, since I had to have sugery again to stop the bleeding that I had on day 8. The night I started to bleed, I was eating chicken broth and after swallowing my sip of soup I could feel something (blood) run down the side of my throat, it's different than swallowing something you're drinking and a lot different from swallowing saliva. I am almost 100% sure you'd know if you were bleeding. My bleeding stopped and started again about 4 times and I knew immediately when it started to bleed again. A little bit of blood is not something to worry about, it's when you bleed a lot that you need to go to the ER, when I started to bleed the first time, if I were to guess at how much, I would say 1/3 cup poured into the sink before I left for the hospital, then at the hospital, it was a LOT more, they were actually worried at the amount of blood lost. I kept from swallowing after that very first swallow by leaning forward and letting it pour into a basin. Not only do you feel the blood, I felt a scab that had pulled away from the healing area, it was stuck in my teeth (I know...gross). Now as far as throwing up from swallowing blood....yes, it's almost a guarantee that you will if you are one who throws up, I on the other hand get sick to my stomach possibly once every 5 years. I'm sure it's the fact that I have a very strong stomach, which is why I never threw up, I did gag and get the dry heaves and thought I was going to throw up, but never did. You could possibly be getting sick to your stomach from the continued use of painkillers and antibitocs because they are very hard on your stomach, especially if you haven't been eating.

I hope I've been able to answer some of your questions and put you a little at ease that it most likely is NOT swallowing blood that is making you sick. Let me know if there's anything else you're wondering. Here's to feeling better soon !!!! :wave:

minmin630

12-27-2004, 11:59 PM

I only had a scab on my right side fall off the one on my left is still there I can feel it. It almost wants to come off... it is just hanging there. I was just wondering about the blood thing because I have not had any bleeding what so ever which I find weird because my dr said I probably would and I was wondering if I really could of swallowed some and not known about it. I thankyou for answering that for me and telling me probably not because I would feel it... that is so good to know! I am guessing that the sick to my stomach may have something to do with the fact that I stopped taking my pain medicines so quickly. I never really started getting sick till Christmas when I stopped taking my pain medicines on a daily basis. I don't think the sick feeling comes from the medicines strenght as I can handle quite a bit and have also been eating what I feel is a ton of food for only 6 days of recovery. Has anybody who slowed down on there pain medicine get a weird almost dizzy and sick to there stomach feeling...or am I the only one. Well I hope that this dizziness are nauseas feeling go away soon I have to go back to work in a lil over 24 hours :eek: . Well here is to feeling better soon! :) :) :)

momto5littles

12-28-2004, 12:19 AM

minmin630,
How old are you? I'm finding your recovery remarkable! :)

I continue to be on drugs 24/7. I havne't been sick this whole time until today, so I find it odd that I would all of a sudden get sick from the meds. My eating has been quite good today too. Hmm. Well, I did attempt to sit up on the couch today, so maybe that's just too much for me at this point :rolleyes: (hard to imagine!!).

Thanks for the replies. It's good to know I'd likely know if it was blood or not.

See you tomorrow! :wave:

minmin630

12-28-2004, 12:56 AM

momto5littles~
To answer your questions I am 24 years old. I too was amazed at my Recovery so far. I thought that I was gonna be in way more pain but the truth is I am in the very least amount of pain that I could be. I didn't even take my Tylenol 3 toaday and was able to enjoy some Lasagna and Italian Sausage. I was told that by day 6 of my Recovery I would still be in some discomfort but I really am not. The biggest irritation for me is that I am feeling the scab falling and It is gross. Well I am so sorry that most of you have had a rough recovery. I hope that everybody can start to feel better. Well I am gonna try to get some rest I will write more laters!

nlh4msu

12-28-2004, 12:59 AM

I am 32 (which is not old!!!); and I think the rest of us that are having a difficult time recovering are all in our 30's. That does make a difference!! This has been the most frustrating and painful experience of my life. I am going on 2 weeks post op, and still can't eat or go more than 15hrs without pain meds.

momto5littles

12-28-2004, 01:15 AM

I'm 32 as well. I don't expect to be off meds entirely for quite a while yet. Like I said, I'm still taking full force 24/7. :eek:

rajaraja1

12-28-2004, 02:13 AM

{removed}i'm 30 and i'm prayin' that my recovery will go as well as minmin630!!!

so a tonsillectomy has been the worst thing ever for a few of you hugh?

i've passed stones and have had kidney stone surgery and that was the worst for me ever!!! they say that passing stones is worst than child birth

i was pretty relaxed about all this but now i'm kinda freaked out by what i'm reading.. being my first year in the 30 bracket

10 days and counting until d-day!!!

momto5littles

12-28-2004, 02:37 AM

rajaraja

Please don't be scared! I know I was too from reading all the horror stories. The fact is for ME, is that yes, it's been quite painful at times, BUT the majority of the time it's okay because of the pain meds. The times that it's been bad for me were certain exact moments...like when I first wake up in the morning, or if I wake in the middle of the night, or like yesterday when I discovered cold foods did something very painful to my ears after eating them. But those moments pass... and thankfully the meds are always waiting.

I would say for ME, most of the time it's been quite bearable. Even in my most painful moment (this morning when I woke up), I wasn't thinking, "I wish I didn't do this". I am SO GLAD I did this, even though I am still experiencing some pain. The reason is that Im so glad, is because of the "pain" of those horribly, nasty tonsil stones I had almost every day of my life for the past 10 years (not to mention the strep infections I would get every year as well)! And no, for ME, this surgery and recovery of it has definitely not been the worst thing I've gone through physically. Certainly at times of immense pain, I would rate them a "10" on a scale of 1-10... but those 10's don't last long (pain meds!). Overall, if I had to rate my whole experience I would rate it a 4 or 5.

I would be willing to do it all over again tomorrow to get rid of my tonsils. So, I hope that makes you feel better. NOne of this has been as bad as I imagined it would be...really. You'll do fine... remember, "this too shall pass". :)

rajaraja1

12-28-2004, 04:09 AM

thanks momto5littles!!!
i feel better.. i'm pmsing.. and with eating all the not soo healthy food the past days.. i'm a wreck..

i'm glad i found this message board!!! the support on here is great.. and i'm sure it will be great to read and post during my recovery.. 'cuz i know i'll get "room-a-tizm" ( not arthritis.. is a word my best friend and i use when we are sick and are going crazy 'cuz we've been stuck in a room for days)

thanks to all..

until the next time

feel better everyone.. i hope you all get some precious sleep
:jester:

minmin630

12-28-2004, 04:15 AM

Okay so all good things must come to an end. I was doing considerably well for only the 6th day of recovery but right now it is 2:00 in the morning on Recovery day 6 well just turned recovery day 6 and I have the most god awful pain in the left side of my throat and ear. I can feel the scab just hanging there in my throat...causing major discomfort. I think a little piece may have fell off seriously because about a hour ago I felt a warm liquid in my throat so I went to the bathroom to check it out and when I opened my mouth some blood came out :eek: . It was about the size of a teaspoon which according to my dr. was not enough to be concerned about. He said that If It is more then that I will need to go to the Er and have it looked at. The pain I am experiencing right now is so horrible that I can barely get down a sip of water. Well I am not trying to scare ya rajaraja1. I will be honest and tell you that getting them out can cause some definate discomfort but in the end the pain is definately worth it. Well I am beginning to feel all the pain you guys talk about.I hope that it doesn't last long as seeing as I return to work Tomorrow. Well I will keep you all posted on the rest of my recovery...Here is to feeling better!

dompiz

12-28-2004, 09:51 AM

minmin: I just read your reply and I want you to be very careful with the the scab that is 'hanging there' because if it comes off in too big a piece it may bleed a lot....I really don't want to scare you, but I want you to be prepared and make sure someone is home with you that can drive you to the ER if need be. (it just sounds too familiar to what happened to me). Please reply again soon, so I can know how you are doing.

momto5littles

12-28-2004, 12:03 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!! This is day 9 for me, and perhaps I'm speaking too soon, but I think I'm on the mend! Usually the mornings have been the absolute roughest for me, but I woke up this morning with very minimal pain. Such little pain, that I do not think I will need to take my next med dose. Not only that, but I only took half of my med doses through the night, and still I woke up in minimal pain. :bouncing: I truly hope this means it's uphill from here. I notice that cold things still bother me, so I don't know when that will change.

Well, just wanted to give my update for the day. :wave:

nlh4msu

12-28-2004, 12:11 PM

minmin- I am so sorry that you are hurting.I hope you are feeling better this morning!! :angel:
How is everyone else doing today?? I am going insane. I feel like I am at a dead standstill in the recovery process. I haven't felt any different in days!!! My husband just looked in the back of my throat and said it looks like the scabs are falling off. He did say that my throat looks very irritated and swollen. I was hoping that I would be able to go to a movie or go to the mall by this stage. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks!!!! How long does it take for the scabs to fall off?? I had to take a pain pill during the night. My ears are killing me. I want to go 24 hrs without medicine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

dompiz

12-28-2004, 12:30 PM

nlhms4u: I would maybe call your MD, it seems as though your battle has been worse than most. Reading back through all the posts, most people feel OK by day 10. You wouldn't think your throat should be swollen still. Maybe you have an infection or something.

Ratatosk

12-28-2004, 03:56 PM

MinMin,

I never bled when I had my tonsils out, although I did have a 24 hour puke-fest shortly after the surgery. I seem to recall that this time was probably the worst. I was tired of being tired, it was torture to eat or even drink my pain meds, my ears hurt, my head hurt. I had a couple good I feel sorry for myself crying jags. If possible try to drink drink drink, even if it hurts. It may hurt right away and for several minutes afterwards, but it'll keep you hydrated and you'll feel better in the long run. Or if all else fails, chew on some ice chips. It'll help numb your throat.

minmin630

12-28-2004, 04:04 PM

nlh4msu~ I too agree with dompiz and would probably ask the dr what is going on and why you haven't had any kind of relief. I was not in pain during my recoevery..actually tomorrow will be 1 week for me and the only pain that I had was really the day of and then last night. I don't think that is normal to still be in that kind of discomfort...I would definately make it in to the dr's office If I were you. Dompiz I still have that scab hanging there which is causing me major pain in my throat. I have thrown up a teaspoon of blood about 3 times since 1 in the morning :eek: . My dr told me however that a teaspoon wasn't nothing to be to worried about. I am however afraid of eating or drinking something and having my scab fall off and start bleeding quite a bit. I have yet to go to the ER but think I may if this keeps up. Well I am gonna try some water and maybe some chicken broth and see how that goes. Well I will keep you all posted. Thanks for all the support I appreciate it :) :) :)

nlh4msu

12-28-2004, 04:16 PM

I called my MD. They said the ear pain is completely normal especially in the final healing stages. He said that I should be feeling much better by Friday. He told me to gargle with warm water (maybe a touch of salt if I can stand it). I did gargle and it helped a lot. My Md said that my throat might have gotten irritated by eating. It makes sense; I did eat a little turkey on X-mas day, and it was hard for me to swallow it. Anyway, I am feeling a lot better than I was this AM. Now it feels like I have a bad sore throat. The ear pain is pretty much gone!!!! I can't wait to eat a real meal!!! Good luck to everyone. :wave:

minmin630

12-28-2004, 04:25 PM

nlh4msu- I am so glad to hear that things are going much better for you. I am starting to scab and that is very painful for me...I have 1 scab that is huge and just hanging there that is causing me pain. Well it is good to hear that you are coming along....here is to a painfree recovery from here on out!

nlh4msu

12-28-2004, 04:50 PM

I just ate my 1st real meal. :) :D Mac and cheese, blackeyed peas, green beans and a roll. It is amazing how much better food can make you feel. It was a little hard to swallow, but I feel so much better. :bouncing: I have a lot more energy.My recommendation to everyone is to try and eat!!!! :cool:
It is my first meal in 2 weeks!!! I don't know if I have lost any weight. I have eaten a lot of starchy foods; lots of mashed potatoes,mac and cheese, and varios kinds of soup!! I can't wait to start back working out!! I hope that I can start back tomorrow. 2 weeks is how long we are suppose to wait, right????? :D

dompiz

12-28-2004, 09:06 PM

minmin: if the scab is really bothering you, I might be tempted to at least call the ENT team (I don't know if you have a ph# at the hospital or not, they gave me a direct line to call and they immediately page the on call ENT Dr) anyway, again, I would be a little concerned because I had the first scab that fell off at home which made me bleed approx. 1/3 cup, then we called and they told me to come in - I stopped bleeding on the way to the hospital, but they still wanted to see me, they had a look in my throat and saw another large one ready to come off and so the dr pulled it out (it didn't hurt at all) - then I started to bleed a lot. Anyway, the dr pulled out that scab because he didn't want me to get home and have it come off and have the bleeding start again. Thank goodness he did, because as I mentioned in a previous post, I had to have surgery again to stop the bleeding (there were 5 blood vessels they had to seal off). Again, I don't want you to worry, but it's better to be prepared. Good Luck - keep us posted.

Muzz27

12-28-2004, 10:38 PM

Hey, I'm new to the boards, found this thread while looking up info on the healing process of an adult tonsillectomy.

Anyhow, I had chronic tonsillitis starting around September, and after a few rounds of antibiotics that failed, the ENT I was referred to suggested I get my tonsils out. Since I had already passed this thing onto my girlfriend once, I decided it was time to do something about it.

My surgery was December 23, and it went pretty well. I was actually looking forward to having it done since I was so miserable with being sick all the time. From everything I've read, it seems like my healing has gone pretty much as it should.

Today is day 5 and I've noticed lately that I've been spitting up fluid from time to time. From day 2 to about day 4, it was pinkish. A few times I coughed up some small spot of bloods. Now, it's this bad tasting pus. It could be the scab starting to fall of, but I'm not sure. I called my ENT's office, and they didn't seem concerned saying it sounded normal to them.

It's difficult dealing with a healing process when you have no idea what details to expect. Sure we're all briefed on the general things, but there are a lot of small, random things that happen.

I feel like I'm doing pretty well, but I'm pretty good at working myself up about small things that I make myself believe are problems. I'm just looking forward to eating real food again.

Idieh22

12-28-2004, 11:24 PM

I have been moping around the house the past 5 days and found this posting. I am a 22yr old who just had my tonsils out the 23rd. The pain wasn't bad after the surgury, but once I came home is when it started, it was UNTOLLERABLE :blob_fire for the first 3-4 days. I could barely swallow the pain medicine, and yet it did nothing for me. Then, I was given a narcotic nasal spray which made me feel very weird, like I was on drugs. That ended up making me sick by day 4. I am still in pain when I swallow, and am wondering when I will start to feel some relief. I know as an adult it is harder, but how long does it take to start healing? I finally was able to eat some ring noodle soup tonight, which was a big accomplishment! :bouncing: . I have been reading other postings and not the scabbing stage is worrying me. I'm hoping if I'm in pain they can find something to take away at least most of the pain.

Muzz27

12-29-2004, 01:35 AM

I've been wondering about the scabbing stage as well? What does it feel like? I'm not sure if these mucus-like things I've been feeling are mucus, pus, or the scab falling off. They seem slimy, liquid, thick, and taste like crap.

nlh4msu

12-29-2004, 02:03 AM

That sounds like the scabs!! I am 2 weeks post op and mine are falling off. It is very painful. I think they shed when you eat or drink because I haven't seen the scab. Remember, it doesn't look like a scab on your knee because it is wet. I too, have a very bad taste in my mouth. I am using a tongue scraper every time I brush my teeth, and that really seems to help!!! I hope everyone is doing better. I start to hurt more late at night and I still feel very tired and weak. I haven't taken any pain meds today, and I am going to try my hardest to make it thru the night. My throat almost feels like I have been strangled; does that make since?; almost like a deep bruise feeling. I tried to eat some baked ziti and bread for dinner, but it was pretty painful!!! Sleep well, fellow tonsillectomy friends!! Hopefully, we will all feel great tomorrow!!

Muzz27

12-29-2004, 09:45 AM

This morning I woke up and one side was clean, but the other size was saliva mixed with blood. I'm waiting for the doctor's office to call me back, but I don't think this is supposed to happen...

Update: They just called me back, and said it sounds pretty normal. I know it's better to be careful, but it's still bugging me that I'm getting upset about these things. :rolleyes:

lilmissy

12-29-2004, 01:35 PM

Hi Everyone,
I'm SO glad that I found this thread. :wave: I'm 26 and having my tonsils taken out on Jan 12. The doc is also going to do a turbinate reduction so I can breathe through my nose....finally! Has anyone else done this combination surgery? How long do you think I'll be out? I've taken 2 weeks off work. On a painscale of 1-10, my doc has warned me that it's an 8! And I thought modern medicine would have been able to make me more comfortable. I'm freaking out a little bit but haven't admitted it to anyone.

Reading all of your posts has been very helpful for me. I feel better being prepared for what's ahead. I have to admit though, some of the stories were scary, but...I'm just trying to stay positive about the whole thing.
Good luck to everyone on their recoveries. :) I'll be checking in on you!

ps- I noticed that a lot of people lose weight from not eating. Did anyone gain a lot of weight back when they could eat?

wvuteacher

12-29-2004, 01:51 PM

momto5littles

12-29-2004, 03:02 PM

This is day 10 for me. Boy what a difference from just two days ago!! It really is incredible how quickly one can feel better from one day to the next. I woke up this morning, feeling the best since the surgery. It is just a little uncomfortable to swallow, and that's it. I haven't had any ear pain today at all. :bouncing:

I'm very excited to get on with my normal life now. It's frustrating because I want to do so many things, but I'm very weak. I think just because I haven't eaten very well, and I've not been active AT ALL. So, I guess i'll have to try eating more to get some more energy. Funny thing is, is that I'm not that hungry. I guess my stomach shrank, and I can only eat a few bites in one sitting. I don't know if I lost weight because 1.we don't have a scale, and 2.I am pms'd and always retain water during this time. I'm sure I have though...considering how little I ate.

Oh, one word of advice... eat lots of fruit (canned) and drink juice. I didn't have a bowel movement probably the first 6-7 days after surgery. Then I have had the most horrendous constipation issues the last few days. It's not fun. I didn't have any fruit or juice last week (dumb!).

Well, I probably won't give daily updates anymore, because I'm assuming that my recovery will just continue to get better. I'll post though if I experience anything unusual.

In a nutshell, I think I had a very standard, average recovery process for my age group (32). The first three days were just fine, and I thought it was rather easy, then it turned worse, and throughout the next 6 days, there were moments of intense pain...especially with my ears. Overall, it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Hope this daily diary has been helpful! :)

minmin630

12-29-2004, 06:12 PM

wvuteacher~ I had mine out a week ago. I too am very much like you...I am 24 and never had surgery before. I was very scared about having surgery done and being in extreme amounts of pain. However if you read my posts from the beginning you will see that I didn't have that bad of a experience. I had some days where the pain was bad but overall I was not on my pain meds all the time and for the most part able to function. I also want to answer your questions about school I think that you should be fine by the time you go back to school. I know this because today I am on day 7 and typing this from my desk at work. The only problem that I am experiencing today is that my throat is a little swollen and I talk funny....they call me squeakers at work. Well I hope that your Surgery goes well!

JTodd

12-29-2004, 06:36 PM

Muzz27

12-29-2004, 07:14 PM

Do you think I should call the dr?!
Do you think this is normal? Any advice would be appreciated!!

JTodd

From everything I've read in this thread, it seems that things are a little different for everyone. 10-14 days is supposedly the timeframe for people to be feeling like they're nearing 100%. Let's face it though, it's a much tougher surgery on adults.

And for the record can I just say that when the scabs start falling out that they taste disgusting... :eek:

minmin630

12-29-2004, 07:30 PM

Do you think I should call the dr?!

Here's the deal. I'm on day 12 and I still cannot eat without getting horrendous pain on the left side of my throat as well as my left ear. I feel fine until I go to eat. That puts me over the edge. I'm just now able to eat jello and soup and that sometimes is too much. The actual swallowing doesn't hurt anymore than a sore throat would but after about 3 bites, I have to stop. Once I stop eating and apply heat to that side of my face/ear/throat it feels better.

Do you think this is normal? Any advice would be appreciated!!

JTodd

Hey to answer your question yes it is normal. I have experienced pain on the left side of my throat and ear following eating. I too found it very weird because my right side is totally fine it is just the left side that is killing me. It started on my 3rd day and continued till today which is day 7 but I it is not as bad today as it was in the beginning. I would wait it out and see if it subsides in a couple of days but If it doesn't then maybe I would call my dr. Well I hope that you are doing better!

minmin630

12-29-2004, 08:17 PM

Okay so today is day 7 of my recovery and I am doing well. I have been able to eat "real" food. It has been nice I have been able to eat some of my favorite foods like Lasagna, Chinese food and Potato Chips. :D I do get a little bit of pain on the left side of my throat and ear but It is nothing more than a slight discomfort. I have gone a couple of days on only 1 dose of my liquid Tylenol which I take before bed so I can fall asleep.
Today I went back to work for the first time. I thought that I may have had a hard time seeing as how I spent most of my recovery time being a couch potato. However I was surprised that It went quite well. I work at a busy Hospital and am always on my feet and thought that I may have been a little worn down but surprisingly I was able to keep my energy up throughout the entire day. I actually had more energy today than I have had the last few months.
I am really thinking that this is my big turn around....yay! :) Well I am so glad that I had this Surgery because It is probably the best thing that could of happened to me. I have defiantely noticed some small differences since having the Surgery. I am able to speak more clearly and breath easier due to a larger airway passage. With hopes my voice will get better in the next couple of days and I will be back to normal. I am hoping that my recovery continues to be a success as I can't wait to celebrate the New Year with my friends.
I am making this my last daily post as I don't think I need to waste space on here telling all of you the same things. I am hoping that everybody else is having a great recovery. To those of you who are getting ready to have the Surgery best of luck and all will go well. I hope that my enteries logging my Surgery and Recovery has helped you guys! Well Here's to a Happy and Healthy New Year ( With no more throat infections!)
Well I just wanted to thank all of you for your posts and thought words It really made this whole process that much easier.
:angel: Best Of Luck!
MinMin630

AshW

12-29-2004, 10:03 PM

I have been looking through this thread, as well as the old one for about a month to prepare myself. I had my surgery on Dec. 21 and it is day 8 of my recovery. This thread really helped me know what to expect so thank you to all. My recovery has been fair. My ENT keeps all his tonsillectomy patients overnight at the hospital. I believe that helped my out a lot. The best thing that I did was constantly drink all the time no matter what. It did hurt to swallow but I my throat was never dry. I had a good 2 days; I was drinking water and watered down sprite, as well as eating cream of chicken soup and jello. Then on day three (chistmas eve) I became nauseous and that hurt the worst, especially in my ears. I suppose it was from the medicine and lack of food. The next few days have been getting better. I could not sleep for more than two hours at night because of the meds wearing off and waking up with throat and ear pain. Mornings were and continue to be hard. I have to say to anyone who is embarking upon this journey to remain strong, optimistic, and take each day as it is. Be cautious with the meds and drink, drink, drink! As for this moment my scabs are hanging and I assume they will fall off soon. The pain is still there is my throat and ears but it is getting better. I have reduced my codine dependency and started taking advil. I just wish I did not have to take anything!

nlh4msu

12-29-2004, 10:17 PM

Well, it's 2 weeks post-op today and I am very frustrated that I am not 100%!!! My throat is still very irritated and it is still hard to eat. It feels like a very deep bruise like pain deep in my throat. The back of my throat still looks very raw and irritated in several spots.Today I had some oatmeal, brocolli cheese soup and fettuccini noodles. I did end up having to take a pain pill about 1:00am. I haven't left my house except to go to the MD for my one week check up and then for a few hours on X-mas to go to my mother-in-laws house. I have a bad case of cabin fever. Today, I broke down and had a crying fit. I think part of it is PMS. All of the meds have caused me to be late (no, I am 100000% sure; I am not pregnant!!!) Anyway, I am going to try once again to NOT take a pain pill tonight!!!! :yawn: This pain has got to go away soon!!!!

dompiz

12-29-2004, 10:32 PM

blh4msu: I'm sorry to hear you still aren't feeling better and I feel bad reporting that I feel much, much better, almost 100%. I am no longer taking any pain meds. I do feel exhausted and worn out by the end of the day (I'm so used to napping throughout the day on the couch and now I'm on the go all day). I'm still not back to work, I'm on the road for my job and took 2-1/2 wks off, just to be safe. My throat is just a little bit uncomfortable on the left side only, I've been able to eat most everything. The only thing that hurts and hurts A LOT is yawning - does anybody else notice this? Anyway, I have to agree with most of the posts that I am sooooooo glad I had this done, after all it's only been 2 weeks of my life and now going forward, I'll not have those awful smelly tonsil stones to contend with and hopefully no more continuous infections !!! :bouncing: Anyway, this too is probably my last post, I'll check in from time to time - Thank you to everyone for your support, I looked forward to reading all the posts everyday throughout my recovery and it makes you feel a whole lot better knowing that you're not alone and realize for the most part everybody is healing at the same rate. Good Luck to all of you who have not yet had your surgery, everything will be fine and you too will be glad you did it and like the pain from childbirth...you forget about it as soon as it is gone ! :wave:

katlynn

12-30-2004, 11:48 AM

hi everyone- i haven't posted for a while, i was set to have my surgery on dec 27th. i am jealous when i read on all your recoveries because at least you are getting it over and done.

i had my gown on, i was hooked up to the iv, very nervous and they came in and said my test results came back positive. I said "what test?", my pregnancy test. they ran another more specific test to measure my HcG levels, which confirmed I was 1-2 weeks pregnant.

i went to the ob/gyn that same day and they did not want to do another test because they said, you are pregnant, but i made them do another test. i am 32, unmarried and being pregnant is not in my gameplan. It took till late the next day to get the results, which made for an excrusciating evening, but it came back totally negative, I am not pregnant nor have I ever been pregnant. They GYN said the only way that was possible is if the hospital tested the wrong blood.

I called the hospital to register a complaint, within one hour they had retested my two separate blood samples and confirmed their results. Both places say what is happening to me is impossible, but both say their results are accurate.
Now the dr. and hospital will only do surgury because my GYn has written a letter saying he personally clears me for surgury.

My new surgury date is next Monday, so I have on more week of dread. Suddenly getting my tonsils out doesn't seem like as big of a deal.

nlh4msu

12-30-2004, 12:05 PM

Well, I think the scabs are on the last leg!!! I am feeling much better today. :bouncing: Don't get me wrong, it hurts a lot to swallow!! Last night, I made myself eat popcorn and I also drank hot chocolate. I think it really helped make a lot of the scab fall off. I did have a hard time sleeping last night. I did take a week pain pill about 2:30am to hopefully let me sleep, not for the pain; however I finally fell asleep about 5:00am. I can't complain, because over the past week, I have gotten a lot of sleep. I am going to get dressed now and go get my nails done and possibly go shopping. Although this has been a long, painful recovery of 16 solid days, I have no regrets having the tonsillectomy. Right now, 2 weeks might seem like a lifetime, but a month from now when I am not picking out tonsil stone every night and on an antibiotic for another sore throat, these 2 weeks will well be worth it!!! Please let me know if anyone has any questions. This board was so helpful to me. I am glad I found it way before my surgery. It was great to be able to have other people that had the same operation on the same day to chat with!!! :wave: I will keep everyone updated over the next few days. I am suppose to return to work on Monday.

annarayne

12-30-2004, 12:47 PM

lilmissy

12-30-2004, 01:20 PM

I was reading somewhere that after you have your tonsils removed, your voice is a little bit higher. is this true? has anyone noticed this?

nlh4msu

12-30-2004, 02:03 PM

My voice sounds exactly the same!! It gets a little hoarse after talking a lot. I am 15 days post op!!

momto5littles

12-30-2004, 03:02 PM

Wow Katlynn!!! What an ordeal!! I couldn't imagine what you must have been going through!

Well, don't dread the surgery too much... it likely won't be as bad as you are imagining. Good luck! :)

minmin630

12-30-2004, 06:58 PM

lilmissy ~ I am 8 days post-op and have noticed that my voice is a little more clear because my tonsils are removed. However right now while I am in the recovery stage I have a very High voice at work they call me squeakers. It will go away as I notice from day to day there is a slight change.

annarayne

12-30-2004, 07:09 PM

is this thread (and all others about getting tonsils removed) only for those who have gotten the operation? because i'm kind of getting the impression that anywhere i post my question, i won't get any reply.

kristi32

12-30-2004, 08:05 PM

[QUOTE=nlh4msu]

Hi,
I am 32 also, and have almost completed week 4 - my throat is still sore and it still hurts to talk and swallow - not as bad as at the beginning obviously, but so over it - i think i'm healing but hey my throat feels just like it did before i had the tonsillectomy!!!

Minmin630 - i've been off my meds for almost two weeks and still have the shakes, but they are diminishing. i did not have nausea but did have dizziness, but that has pretty much gone. i'd say your sypmtoms are related to the drugs.

kristi32

12-30-2004, 08:18 PM

[QUOTE=annarayne]
Annarayne - your symptoms sound pretty badd - none of us are doctors (as far as i know) - you should go see an ENT ASAP. Your symptoms do sound tonsil related, but only an ENT can determine this. My tonsils looked perfectly fine - no swelling, but a little red and my throat was sore upon mainly talking for 2.5 months. I had my tonsils removed 3.5 weeks ago and when they were removed i was told that one of them was full of pus, so i'm glad i had them out, however i'm into week four and still have some pain.

annarayne

12-30-2004, 09:17 PM

after the fact of getting them removed? is it due to the operation itself or still sore throats in general

dompiz

12-30-2004, 09:31 PM

annarayne: Kristi is right...none of us are dr's....we can't tell you if getting your tonsils out will cure your sore throats. Most of us are here because we've had them out or are having them out and are here to discuss that with others so don't get frustrated with us because we can't answer your medical questions. :nono:

annarayne

12-30-2004, 10:16 PM

i was frustrated because i got absolutely no reply.. i then asked her if she believed her sore throats were due to the operation or not. back off a little.. i'm just curious and want to know. is that so wrong? she's gone through the operation, i haven't. sorry for asking

annarayne

12-30-2004, 10:18 PM

as well, i know you aren't doctors.. i'm asking about all of your first hand experiences with getting tonsils removed if its helped. i wasn't asking for your diagnosis on my sore throat.

minmin630

12-30-2004, 11:34 PM

annarayne~ don't get stressed by what people are saying we are all trying to be helpful. We all are not in the same boat as you seeing as how most of us had them out and are awaiting to have them out. I do think that your problem is tonsil related because I too suffered from some of the symptoms you have been. However my reason for having them out was due to chronic Tonsillitis and the fact that my tonsils were extremely large....the largest the dr ever seen. I would definatlely see an ENT and have that looked at. Well I hope that I was able to be some what helpful However If I was not then maybe you would want to start your own thread asking about tonsil/throat pain seeing as this is mostly a post for people who had or awaiting tosnsillectomies. Well I hope I was able to help you a lil!

and yes to answer your questions my tonsils being out has made a small difference. I have only had them out a lil over a week and noticed that I have a bigger airway passage which allows me to breath better but as for sore throats I won't know until a few weeks from now. My throat is sore but It is due to the swelling from Surgery!

nlh4msu

12-30-2004, 11:42 PM

JTodd-How are you doing??? Haven't heard anything in a couple of days, just wondering how your recovery is going?? :) I hope you are doing better. I think you are suppose to return to work Monday as well. You are like me, you have to do a lot of talking in your job. I did a lot of talking today to friends and coworkers, and I am very hoarse!!

Well, I left my house today, and I drove!!! I have been on the run all day, and I am completely worn out!!! I had a chocolate milkshake for lunch (healthy...) and potato soup for dinner. My throat is still very irritated. I still can't imagine eating hard foods. I would love Mexican food!!! ANyone have big New Year's Eve plans. I think we are staying home. All of my friends are sick with a cold or stomach virus; the last thing I need is to get sick!!Today is the 1st day that I actually looked in the back of might throat!!! The best way to describe it, is 2 white scabs where my tonsils were!!! I thought they would have completely fallen off by now!!! Oh well, I am much better than I was last week at this time!!! It is almost a new year, and a new throat!!! :D I hope everyone else is doing well!!

minmin630

12-30-2004, 11:51 PM

nlh4msu~ I went back to work a yesterday just one week following my Surgery. I was a little hoarse from talking it does put a strain. I had a little bit of a harder time at work...because my voice was hoarse. I have kept up energy because I have been eating which amazes me because I am only one week post-op. I guess those couple years really do make a difference. I am eating dinner right now which is my dads chilli...yummy! Well I have big plans for NewYears Eve I am going to a Party. I am hoping to have a pain free night so I don't have to take the codeine so I can drink! Well I hope Everyone is doing well and has a happy and Healthy New Year!

nlh4msu

12-30-2004, 11:52 PM

annarayne-most of us on this board have just had surgery, or are about to have the surgery. It is too soon to know if we are all 100% cured of sore throats!!! (hopefully, all of us are!!) I am 15 days post op and my throat is still very sore!!! You need to see an ENT about your throat!! I had my tonsils removed because of tonsil stones, cryptic tonsils and numerous sinus infections, strep and tonsillitis!!! I am 32 years old, and I wish I would have done this 15 years ago!!! All of us on this board are here to help each other out!! I hope you realize that. Minmin630 brings up a great point; if we can't help you and answer your questions, then maybe you should start your own thread. Good luck with your throat. If I can answer any questions about the surgery or the recovery, I will be more than happy to do so. You can look back at this thread and the previous thread to read my daily updates!!! Good luck!!

annarayne

12-30-2004, 11:55 PM

minmin.. thanks for the reply. i think everyone's getting the wrong idea from mypost. i actually had started my own thread... the reply i got was to come here and that a thread had already been started. basically what i was looking for is what you said.. the results of getting tonsils removed and if its helped anyone. not that i want to know if i should get mine removed or not because i'm already fairly certain i want them out. i just wanted to hear what others had to say.. yet i guess maybe i just came off wrong and got everyone on the defense or something. the reason i posted was to find out if removing tonsils does any good.

nlh4msu

12-30-2004, 11:56 PM

I can't imagine eating chilli!!! I go back on Monday and I am worried about getting hoarse. I am a pharmaceutical sales rep and I do a lot of talking!!! I am very hoarse right now!! I am hoping to eat Japenese food for dinner tomorrow night!! I haven't taken anything but Motrin in 2 days!!!! I did have a hard time sleeping last night; but I know I won't have a problem tonight!!! Glad you are doing so well. Happy 2005!!!

annarayne

12-30-2004, 11:59 PM

as i said the first post and my previous post from this.. i have started my own thread. it has gotten nothing. i was redirected here. maybe i should have taken the hint the first time and high tailed it out of here. oh well. i'll leave you all alone anyway. it seems like getting your opinions on how the surgery was is a little much for everyone. i really don't understand why. i don't know anyone who's gotten the surgery so i can't ask them how it felt and what it was like. thought i could here.

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 12:03 AM

ANNARAYNE-
If you look back in this thread and the previous thread, there are 1000s of stories of people's recovery!!! This thread has helped me more than anything!!! I was on it 3 months prior to my surgery, and everyone was extremely nice in answering all of my questions or concerns!!!! Everyone heals at a different rate!!! Minmin630 and I had surgery close to the same time and she is much further along than me!!! She is eating real food, and I am not!! Don't be so defensive. All of us want to help you.

annarayne

12-31-2004, 12:09 AM

minmin630

12-31-2004, 12:10 AM

annarayne~ I am hoping that It will help but there are no gurantee but I am being hopeful. If I were you I would get them out if I was in major discomfort,however please note that the Surgery itself is very painful and uncomfortable and you would have to decide if it would be worth it. Nlh4msu~ I was hoarse going back to work but believe it or not working made a real difference and I was excited to see something other than the same walls. I am sorry to hear that you can't eat and are 2 weeks post-op. I am only one week post-op and ate scrambled eggs,macaroni,ham sandwiches,poatato chips,lasagna,and chilli. I am hoping that you can eat soon and that you have a better recovery!

minmin630

12-31-2004, 12:16 AM

i'm not defensive. i'm just feeling unwelcomed by pretty much all the replies i did get after i had asked a second time for help. i was told to create my own thread, told to go elsewhere, told pretty much that i shouldn't expect anything although i figure this being a health forum, i could get people's opinions. i'm getting the hint.. people are only helpful when i scream louder. i don't really like doing this. so i'll just butt out of here.. i feel like i'm intruding

excuse me I feel like I have been very helpful to you. The only reason I told you to start your own thread was if you were not feeling like u were getting any answers here. I have been nothing but nice to you and you act like we are all jerks. Well you know what when you don't like it here anymore you can leave because quite frankly we don't need that negativity. I was more than willing to help answer your questions until you got just plain rude!

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 12:23 AM

excuse me I feel like I have been very helpful to you. The only reason I told you to start your own thread was if you were not feeling like u were getting any answers here. I have been nothing but nice to you and you act like we are all jerks. Well you know what when you don't like it here anymore you can leave because quite frankly we don't need that negativity here. I was more than willing to help answer your questions until you got just plain rude!

I agree with minmin630........I too have "tried" to be nice to you!!! I am sure people looking at this thread have just had or are about to have tonsillectomy and they need minmin630 and everybody else on this thread words of encouragement and advice!!! We don't need people like you on this board!!!! Best of luck to you and to whatever you decide to do with your tonsils!!!! :confused:

annarayne

12-31-2004, 12:29 AM

haha.. alright sure. like i said, i took the hint earlier. i thanked you both for your help yet its still come to this. forums everywhere are the same.

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 12:33 AM

Katlynn- I am so sorry!!! Do you know if you are pregnant?? That is such an odd story!! Good luck to you!!! Keep us all informed!!! Don't worry about the surgery itself. I too, was an absolute basket case!!! I felt GREAT after surgery and the next day too. I had a smoothie on the way home from the hospital and mac and cheese for dinner that night!!! Let me know if you have any questions!! GOOD LUCK!!!

JTodd

12-31-2004, 02:56 AM

nhl4msu- Thanks for asking about me. I haven't posted in a while because I'm pretty much at a stand still and it sucks! I feel pretty much ok until I try to eat. Then even if I'm eating soft stuff I get excruciating pain in the left side of my ear/throat/face. I also can't sleep for more than 1 1/2 hours because the pain in my left ear wakes me up. I called the dr yesterday and he told me to get off the Lortab and to switch to Advil. I cried when I heard that because I so looked forward to the relief I got every 4 hours from the Lortab. But, I did try the Advil and it worked alright during the day but has done nothing tonight. And it still didn't help the whole eating thing. I managed 1/2 of one pancake tonight for supper and that was all I could handle. The dr wants to see me on Monday morning. He says that what I'm experiencing is NOT normal and there may be something else going on. We'll see what he says. I'm just getting so frustrated. I'm two weeks post op tomorrow and I really thought I'd be able to eat by now. I mean I wasn't expecting to eat chips and salsa or anything, but at least a pancake!

I go back to work on Wednesday. I have NO idea how I'm going to make it teaching 30 fifth graders. I talk constantly! There's no way I can talk that much right now. I guess I'm going to just have to find work I know they can do independently.

Hope you are feeling well. Again, thanks for asking about me! It's nice to be supported. I think the "real" people around me are getting tired of me complaining! :)

Jen

minmin630

12-31-2004, 03:39 AM

haha.. alright sure. like i said, i took the hint earlier. i thanked you both for your help yet its still come to this. forums everywhere are the same.

Where did you thank us you acted like we are all b****** and no one was willing to help you. I was more than willing to be helpful but you don't care about anything we tried to tell you. I think you come on these things to start BS. I have been helpful for others and could of been helpful to you but you wouldn't give me the time. Well best of luck in whatever you do and I do hope you get your answers!
MinMin630

minmin630

12-31-2004, 04:06 AM

Katlynn~ That is a very odd story that those 2 places would have totally different results. Well I am sure you weren't to thrilled about having the Surgery pushed back but atleast you go in soon. The Surgery will go well you will feel sore right after surgery but the pain aint that bad. It is the 2 days following where the ear and throat pain are unbearable. It does get better I promise...I am one week post-op and am eating "real food". Well best of Luck and I am praying for you!

JTodd- I have been unable to get a hold of my Dr because he went on vacation following my surgery and his replacement has been super busy. I am just 1 week post-op and have been experiencing the same thing you have...well for the most part. I unlike you have been able to eat real food...sandwiches,pasta,and cereal. However a few minuets after eating I get the most excruciating pain on the left side of my face. It hurts my ear,jawline and throat. I thought that it was starting to get better but It hasn't. I too have been off my pain meds(this week) because they make me sleepy and I had to return to work yesterday and wouldn't be able to function normally on them. I have been taking Tylenol for pain but It hurts at night so I still find myself taking the pain medicine (liquid codeine) @ bed time so I can sleep with out the throbbing ear pain. I am glad to know that somebody else has been experiecing the same thing I have. Well I am hoping to maybe see the dr following the holidays and see what they can do for this. I do apprecite everyones advice on this forum as they have been very understanding. It is nice to talk to people who understand what I am going through....you guys are the best and If you need any advice please feel free to ask me I will be more than happy to respond. Well I hope everybody is doing well and here is to a Happy and Healthy New Year filled with no throat infections....yay! :) :) :)

JTodd

12-31-2004, 07:15 AM

minmin630-It's nice to know that someone else is experiencing the same thing. I was starting to think I was a freak! :) Hopefully I'll make it through the weekend and the dr will give me some answers on Monday. Thank you for your support!!

Jen

katlynn

12-31-2004, 10:27 AM

thank you everyone for your sympathy regarding my "incident". my surgery is rescheduled for monday and i'm not as nervous as i was. with everything that has happened in the world recently i think we should all be thankful that our tonsils are all thats wrong with us. i mean, we don't have cancer, we all have insurance or at least the means to get the surgery and good doctors and people who love us to take care of us (even if they are sick of listening to complaining). Thats more than alot of people have right now and we all need to step back and be grateful!! (but I still hope I heal as good as minmin!!!)

katlynn

12-31-2004, 10:36 AM

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 12:14 PM

My voice is very hoarse today!!! My throat looks about the same as yesterday!! The scabs are still falling off, but for the most part, they are still there. It is a little easier to swallow. I might try and eat REAL food today for the first time in 2 1/2 weeks. What, I have idea!!!! I did have to take the liquid morphine about 4:15am. I took 3 advil before I went to sleep, hoping that would do the trick. I woke up with throbbing pain that wouldn't ease up. I took 1/2 the dose of the morphine, and it did the trick!!!
JTodd-you and I must be SLOW healers compared to everyone else!!! Please let us know what your MD says!!!
I have no idea how I am going to make it back to work on Monday. I hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve!!! :angel:

momto5littles

12-31-2004, 02:02 PM

strangecookie

12-31-2004, 02:48 PM

minmin630

12-31-2004, 02:58 PM

momto5littles~ I experienced the gook the first 5 days following surgery. I am at day 9 of my recovery. I kept feeling like I needed to spit it out and that made my throat way worse. I am so happy to hear that people are experiencing the same thing that I am because when I tell family or friends they look at me like I am crazy. JTodd andnlh4msu- I am sorry that your healing process is taking so long. I think that fact that I am still a few years younger than you guys was what made all the difference. There is definately a difference between the healing process of a 24 year old and 30+ years. I am hoping that you guys will start to make a turn around real soon. Nlh4msu- work for me was better. It was good to be out of the house moving around and I think it helped me feel better being more active and all. Well best of luck with going back to work I am sure it will be ok!
Katlynn` best of Luck with Surgery on Monday...you will be ok!
well I have alot to do before I go out tonight. Well have a Happy New Years and I will talk to you guys later!

minmin630

12-31-2004, 03:05 PM

i had surgery on monday along w/a sinus surgery. i can't tell you how awful i feel, how each day slides bye in utter misery. i'm sorry to say this, but i would take 3 years of tonsil problems over this. i can't eat because i keep vomiting. then my doctor and boyfriend get mad at me for needing painkiller but i'm dying. so sorry to tell you all this, but i'd avoid this surgery like the plague.

Please don't feel that way. I too was in pain and thought that I was insane for having them out. I kept saying that I should of just left them in because this was horrible but I am on day 9 post-op and am doing great I am eating real food and hve already returned to work. I still take my pain meds when I have some discomfort...I would tell you to take them if you are still in pain. your dr and boyfriend have no idea what you are going through and should be more supportive. Well I hope that you feel better and hopefully it will all be worth it. It was nice hearing from ya I was thinking about you! :)

Ratatosk

12-31-2004, 03:39 PM

Annarayne,

My tonsils before I had them removed were full of white cheesy stinky stuff -- tonsil stones, chronic infection. Plus I had horrible sinus headaches. I'd get several sore throats a year. Finally because of the tonsil stones, I decided to have mine removed. Went to an ENT. When they were removed the ENT told me my tonsils were chronically infected and the infection went very very deep. In fact one was a LOT bigger than the other. I think they took what amounted to a golf ball out of one side of my throat. Since then, no tonsillitis, strep or sinus headaches.

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 03:50 PM

i had surgery on monday along w/a sinus surgery. i can't tell you how awful i feel, how each day slides bye in utter misery. i'm sorry to say this, but i would take 3 years of tonsil problems over this. i can't eat because i keep vomiting. then my doctor and boyfriend get mad at me for needing painkiller but i'm dying. so sorry to tell you all this, but i'd avoid this surgery like the plague.
strangecookie-I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. I completely understand how you feel. A few months from now you won't regret having the surgery. I am still having problems, but I am assessing my recovery week to week. ( I am 16 days post op!!!) I still have to take pain meds at night. Hang in there!!! It will get better!! :)

nlh4msu

12-31-2004, 03:59 PM

Has anyone who is past the 10 day mark, experience tremendous GOOK in your throat when you wake in the morning? The gook seems to be ALWAYS there, but especially in the morning... am I swollen? What else would it be? This is day 12 for me. It seems like I can eat normal foods now... just nothing sharp. I wish this junk would get out of my throat though, it's so disgusting! :confused:
I am at the 16 day mark and the throat gook it going away in the am. I think all of the gook in now in my nose!!! Hope you are doing well!! Have a great New Year's Eve!!! I am going to try and eat a real meal!!

rajaraja1

12-31-2004, 06:49 PM

strange cookie-
i haven't been on the boards for a few days was out of town. came back today to look for you knowing your just had your surgery. i'm soo sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. my surgery is jan 6th at 6pm. i have a feeling i'lll be hating life after surgery just like you are. my last surgery i was just like you, with the vomiting and in pain with no relief

i hope you are feeling better today.

hang in there

rajaraja1

12-31-2004, 06:53 PM

Well Kids,
if i don't get to long on later on today or tomorrow, have a happy new years!!! just think.. by the end of january you all will be fully recovered!!! recovered and ready to takle 2005!!!

minmin630

12-31-2004, 07:31 PM

rajaraja1~ The Surgery isn't that bad. I am 9 days post-op and have been able to eat "real"foods. I returned to work two days ago and the only problem I had with that was I had to speak alot and my voice got hoarse. I went shopping today for a cute outfit for the NewYears Eve Party I am attending. I have had my days where it was pretty bad but over all it was not as bad as I had anticipated. Well I hope that I can be a inspiration to all of you who are about to have surgery and are worried about the recovery. Well I hope that everybody has a great New Years Eve. Well I will post again in a couple of days!

dompiz

12-31-2004, 08:42 PM

Hi Everyone, for those of you about to have surgery, I know it's easy for me to say, but, you'll be just fine. I was FREAKING out for weeks beforehand and I know everyone around me was sick of me saying...'this is going to hurt, it's really going to hurt'. I had my surgery on Dec.16th - first 3 days were OK, then downhill from there - very painful, but just make sure you keep up on your pain meds - don't miss one (I even set my alarm for every 4 hrs). I am doing really well right now (even after having a second surgery for bleeding). I can eat anything, I can talk (voice is still a little bit off), and I only have a bit of pain on the left side during the day. I no longer take pain meds. The only thing that hurts is yawning. :eek: As far as morning gunk in my throat - I don't really notice that, but I am still running my humidifier every night and I think that helps. I do notice a gross taste in my mouth every morning but that disappears as soon as a drink and eat something; and the best part is the gross smell from the tonsil stones is gone !!!! Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, I think I'm the oldest patient here, I'll be 36 in a few weeks.

Have a Happy New Year's everyone !!!

strangecookie

12-31-2004, 11:19 PM

ok, this is the second time off the couch in 4 days. in utter hell. i have alist of questions if anyone knows the answers:

1. did you brush your teeth?

2. ok rinse mouth?

3. have you heard of others who had awful first 4 days and then it got better-oh i hope so because i'm on day 4 and in HELL. my throat kills, i feel just awful.

4. what foods/liquids worked well for you? So far i have only found that cold chicken broth, water, gatoraide, soy milk work...the popsicles i got sting, the broccolli soup tastes wierd and i threw up the protein drinks.

5. just a note to others if you have stomache/vomit problems: after 4 days my doc changed pain med to darveset which is much better on stomach than hydrocodone. i also got an anal supository to stop vomitting. sorry this is so gross. i so hope that i'll soon be feeling better.
cheers,
arie. :confused:

JTodd

12-31-2004, 11:44 PM

Strangecookie-
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. My ENT told me that the first 3 days would be the worst, maybe that will be true for you. I know that for my first 3 days, I didn't leave the couch except to take my pain meds. So, I understand how you're feeling. I hate to say however that it is a LONG recovery process. It took me quite a while to even feel a little more normal. A couple of answers to your questions...

1. Yes, I did brush my teeth. It was difficult because I couldn't open my mouth very far but I did.

2. Not sure about rinsing your mouth. I gargled GENTLY with salt water and that seemed to get some of the gook out.

I hope you are feeling better soon. Take care of yourself

JTodd

rajaraja1

12-31-2004, 11:46 PM

hey strange cookie- who got your meds for you? was wondering

JTodd

12-31-2004, 11:47 PM

Oops sorry. Forget to tell you about food.

My favorite was lukewarm chicken broth. When I felt a little better (day 4/5) I had a scrambled egg mixed with lots of cheese. Mostly however I survived on water and gatorade. I still cannot eat much and I'm 2 weeks post op today. I have a dr appt on Monday because when I called he said that I should not be in this much pain still and something's not right. So, who knows what's going on.

rajaraja1

12-31-2004, 11:51 PM

on average, how much weight did ya'll lose during recovery?

i took the advice from the boards and i've been enjoying the holiday foods.. and i know i have gained a lot of body fat so was wondering

JTodd

12-31-2004, 11:58 PM

So far I've lost about 9 pounds. But I still can't eat much so it may end up being more.

strangecookie

01-01-2005, 02:46 AM

JTodd: You are amazing. thanks for your responses. i just reread all your old postings and felt so much compassion.

i guess everyone goes through this differently. i woke up this morning in hell and thought that if i threw up again that i'd die, so i cried and made my boyfriend call the doctor 3 times who finally changed my meds. I haven't been able to eat anything other than chicken broth, but i feel a bit better...just a bit. still absolutly worse than i ever imagined. i tried to eat alot prior to the surgery because i am a pretty thin person to begin with. i'm 32 year old female.

cheers, and HAPPY NEW YEARS!

golfhack

01-01-2005, 03:12 AM

Aloha all-had my tonsils out Monday-about 4 days ago and as far as I can tell, things have been OK. Hurts when I swallow and I get dizzy and nauseous every once in a while, and assuming this is what it's supposed to be like, I think I'm progressing. So far, have been drinking mostly soup and water. Tried some Jamba Juice day before yesterday and was actually pretty good( I thought it was going to hurt some). Wish I could just totally clear my throat but I was advised as much as possible not to by my doc-so I feel a bit congested and just want to get it all out, but if I do, I may spit up stuff that I don't want to... so am bearing with it as much as I can. strangecookie-hope things start looking up. Happy New Year Everybody!

minmin630

01-01-2005, 06:23 AM

StrangeCookie~ As gross as this may sound I didn't brush my teeth the first 2 days as I could barely oepen my throat. I just now got around to gargling and I am on day 9 post-op. I had the most God AWFUL first four days as well. I was in so much pain I was starting to regret having the surgery. However after that things started to look up for me I was able to eat and am only experiencing minor discomfort on my left side at night. It does get better trust me like I said it is 9 days post-op and today was New Years Eve and I got to eat all my favorite foods and enjoyed several cocktails with my friends. I hope that things will start to get better for you....Well any other questions please feel free to ask me as I am willing to answer them for you. Well Here is to a much better recovery!

Oh yeah the foods I was able to do after Surgery were chicken broth,lime jello,applesauce and scrambled eggs with a lot of milk to soften them up. I also had popsicles I had the Life saver flavor pops and those worked especially the lime ones!

excuse me if things are mispelled as I had my first real night out and had quite a few drinks and has also had no sleep and just got home at 4:30 in the morning!

Happy New Years....I hope everybody has a much better year!!!!!!

JTodd

01-01-2005, 10:15 AM

Strangecookie~ Thanks for your nice words. I hope I helped. Hopefully you'll turn the corner here shortly and feel better soon!

JTodd

strangecookie

01-01-2005, 04:20 PM

Wow, 'golfhack' i'm very envious of your much better reaction to this surgery than mine. i like to think of today as day 5, or is it day 4? day 5 if we include day of surgery. i'm not doing better yet. this, writing here is the most active thing i have done other than to go pee.

did you others wait for more than 5 days to take a shower? I can't imagine taking one, nor a bath, but my boyfriend says he thinks it would help me feel better. i don't have the energy. ugh!

nlh4msu

01-01-2005, 11:20 PM

Strangecookie-
I think you would feel much better by showering and brushing your teeth!! I showered the day after my surgery, and brushed my teeth the same day!! I have a sonicare toothbrush, so it was very easy to brush my teeth. I know how you feel. As crazy as it sounds, I use a tongue scraper and mouthwash every time I brush; it really helps get rid of the bad taste!!! Day 5 was very hard for me!!! I am on day 17!! I went to the mall today and my husband and I saw a movie. It was nice to get out. My throat still is VERY swollen and hurts a lot; it hurts worse later in the day!! Things will get better. You will feel better by showering and changing pjs!! That was the highlight of my day for 2 weeks!!! GOOD LUCK with your recovery. Oh, I am a 32 year old female as well, will be 33 in April!!!

rajaraja1

01-02-2005, 02:37 AM

any recommendations?

i'm going grocery shopping tomorrow to stock up on supplies before my surgery this thursday.

any recommendations on what i should get?

thanks in advance for any recommendations

JTodd

01-02-2005, 05:24 AM

rajaraja1~ I'd make sure I had some good chicken broth or chicken noodle soup. My favorite was Mrs. Grass. Maybe some gatorade. If you're like me you won't be able to eat much cold stuff so you may not want too much ice cream and stuff like that. Also, I'd make sure I had a hot water bottle and some mineral oil in case of ear pain. That's been my biggest problem. Can't think of anything else right now.

:bouncing: I was able to eat almost a whole order of KFC mashed potatoes and gravy today!! It was delicious! But after 2 weeks of pretty much just a liquid diet, I did have major stomach issues after I ate that much. So for those of you just starting food...watch out.

JTodd

sallymb

01-02-2005, 10:57 AM

Hi everybody, I'm not sure if anybody will be able to help me with this, but here goes... I had my tonsils out about 2 months ago, everything went fine and I recovered in 2 weeks after enduring the not eating or drinking and the horrible, horrible scabs! I went back to work but, (just my luck) I got appendicitis and had to have an emergency operation. When they put the tube down my throat to enable me to breathe they raked up all the new skin and scabs and my throat bled for a night into my stomach, which made me throw up alot! Then I had blood clots hanging into my throat that an ENT had to cut out, yuk! The trouble is I now feel like I have something permenately caught in the back of my throat, it makes me gag and cough. I've been to my doctor 3 times and every time he says he can't see anything wrong with my throat! It's driving me mad, I don't think it can still be my throat healing, I'm starting to think it could be my adenoids. I'd be really grateful if anybody has any advice they could give me. Sorry for the long posting. ;)

Anarchist

01-02-2005, 11:36 AM

My surgery is tomarrow morning at 6:45am!! Wish me luck, and calm me down!!

JTodd

01-02-2005, 12:18 PM

Anarchist~ Good luck tomorrow! Just remember to ask for the anti-nausea meds BEFORE surgery. That should help. Try not to get too stressed out.. easier said than done I know. We'll all be thinking about you. Good luck

Sallymb~ What a story!! I had my appendix out in January. 4 weeks after I gave birth to my second son. That was enough trauma. I cannot imagine having it AFTER this tonsillectomy! I'm feeling for you! I don't really have any advice for you, just keep on the dr and maybe in time that feeling will go away! Not much help I know, but I am feeling for you!!

Anarchist

01-02-2005, 12:48 PM

sallymb -

I am going the opposite direction of yourself. I had my appendix rupture on me one morning. I went to bed feeling fine, woke up in the featle possition in extreme abdomen pain.

Doctors had to go in and do exploratory surgery to clean me out. Left me with a big 8 inch scar from my belly botton to the bottom of my rib cage. Was in the hospital for over 3 weeks!!! Anyway, I recovered completly fine, and have no ill effects from it. Though it was a HORRIBLE experience. I couldnt eat or drink for over a week (IV fed) I am hoping that my tonsil surgery tomarrow will be less painfull.. lol. Atleast I already know what to expect in the OR..

nlh4msu

01-02-2005, 01:07 PM

rajaraja1- I ate tons of popsicles!!!! I would let it thaw out for a while and then eat them. It felt great in my throat. I drank a lot of apple juice and sugar free grape kool-aid!!! As far as eating, I only ate soup. My mom make homemade chicken, potato and very bland vegetable soup. I was able to eat plain mashed potatoes also. My husband also made me smoothies. I did eat lime and orange JELLO-O!! After about 10 days, warm apple cider felt great!!! Warm stuff really felt better to me than cold............Good luck with the surgery!!!

sallymb-I am so sorry. Bless your heart. I would get it checked out by another ENT if I were you. You are the only one that knows if you are hurting!! GOOD LUCK...Let us know what happens!!!

:bouncing: :bouncing: I think I am in the finally stages of healing. I woke up this morning and my throat feels almost normal. The swelling has gone down a lot!!! I think I can eat almost anything!!! Although, I don't have much of an appetite. I am sure my stomach had shrank!!! I am not sure how much weight I have lost, but my jeans that normally fit are falling off of me!! Maybe at the 3 week post op point (which is Wednesday), I will be able to yawn. I did not take any pain meds yesterday, either. I took Motrin 2 times. I didn't have any trouble sleeping either!!!! Good luck to everyone having surgery tomorrow!!! If I made it, ANYONE CAN!!!! I am the biggest wimp in the world!!!

strangecookie

01-02-2005, 01:14 PM

Hi All...an update to my plight here, and the most eventful thing i'll do today: write to you all. it's the 6th day (including day of surgery.)

Yesterday i had a complete mental/physical breakdown which included throughing up everytime i drank, demanding my mother come over, crying that i was dying, seeing strange things, forgetting where i was...having a sort of drug-enduced really bad trip.

I am 32, i don't normally freak out. my mom was convinced that i was on a narcotics trip from hell as i had been first on hydrocodone (vicadin) then on darveset because we thought it may help w/vomitting so she took the painkillers home w/her. i had my boyfriend call a friend of mine who is a doctor who said that i MUST stop throughing up after 5 days, and that i either should go to the ER or take these anal suppositories at a normal dose (turns out my doc was doing me at a kids dose. I'm a small adult.)

So without painkillers my throat has become UNBELIEVABLY painful, but it's been since 6pm last night since i threw up. I've drunken 1/2 a can of some 'boost' drink.

i'm trying to find out what painkiller i could take, and hopefully someone will help. and i'm so sorry for the poor person who had that awful tube ripping through her new throat skin from the OR!
take care

nlh4msu

01-02-2005, 01:22 PM

strangecookie- I am so sorry!! I cannnot imagine throwing up with the pain of the sore throat!!!!!! Do you have a primary care MD??? I would call them and tell them all of the problems you have been dealing with. I am so sorry!!! I was given Liquid Lortab after the surgery. The next day the pain was excruciating and my MD gave me Liquid Morphine. One week post op when I went for my follow up, I was having a lot of pain and I was having trouble sleeping. He gave me Mepregan whick knocked me out!!!! That probably doesn't help you much. Everyone reacts different to different meds. I know a lot about meds; I am a pharmaceutical rep!!! I would call your primary care doc.

rajaraja1

01-02-2005, 03:13 PM

jtodd & nlh4msu-
thanks soo much for the recommendations!!!
i also bought a humidifier hope that helps

anarchist- good luck tomorrow
i will also be following your recovery since mine is thursday

momto5littles

01-02-2005, 03:55 PM

The trouble is I now feel like I have something permenately caught in the back of my throat, it makes me gag and cough. I've been to my doctor 3 times and every time he says he can't see anything wrong with my throat! It's driving me mad, I don't think it can still be my throat healing, I'm starting to think it could be my adenoids. I'd be really grateful if anybody has any advice they could give me. Sorry for the long posting. ;)

I know I felt like this a few hours after my tonsilectamy. I felt like I always had to cough because it felt like there was something stuck in my throat. It was *extremely* uncomfortable (I preferred the pain to this uncomfortable feeling!). What was so bad was that even though I coughed, it didn't help relieve the feeling. I asked them what this was about (because I hadn't read about anyone experiencing this with their surgery), and they said it was from the irritation from the tube they put down my throat.

My guess is that your throat is *very* irritated from all the things they were doing to your throat, and you are in fact still healing. The only thing that sort-of helped me through it was eating cold things (popsicles) because it at least helped numb it and made a little less annoying. Hope it helps! Sorry for all you went through. :confused:

dompiz

01-02-2005, 08:54 PM

sallymb: I feel your pain....I too had to have surgery one week after my tonsillectomy. They also put the tube down my throat and when I woke up after surgery it felt as though I was choking on something then I looked at my throat with a flashlight and mirror and noticed that the uvula (spelling??) was so swollen that it was actually resting on my tongue. So what I thought was scabs or whatever, was actually my swollen uvula hanging down 10 times its normal size in the middle of my throat. The swelling went down in a couple days. I don't know if that could be what you're experiencing, but it's a thought. I hope you're feeling better.

veronica1981

01-02-2005, 09:14 PM

I had my tonsillectomy at age 20.. I was in alot of pain.. Maybe that is not true for all people. I'm not going to frighten you about it, but a few things that got me by.. Lot's of freeze pops and other assorted posicles, ice cream, chopped ice to suck on. Basicall all forzen liquids for a few days- a notepad to communicate with, and movies & books to pass the time with.
I wish you the best of luck.. Get well soon

Muzz27

01-02-2005, 09:48 PM

I haven't been here in a few days, I've been up to so much lately. I found that around day 7 that I was able to start eating regular food, but I still had to be careful as I was still fairly sore.

Today is day 10, and there isn't too much I feel I can't eat. Some things are still hard, and spicy things burn a bit, but I feel as if I'm at 85% now. My office is closed tomorrow, but I feel more than well enough to go back to work on Tuesday.

I know we're all different when it comes to our recovery times, but for all of you in your day 4-6 period, try to remain optimistic. I was miserable, but found within a few short days that I was feeling pretty good again.

Good luck to everyone :D

strangecookie

01-03-2005, 12:54 AM

I've turned a corner today! As i last reported the painkillers i guess were making me vomit for 5 days straight, so my mother took them home with her. It's a long story, but now i have anti-nausea supositories and can take meager tylanol, but i don't care because the utter agony of throat pain is nothing compared to the hell that i've been in!

the pain is tongue, jaw and utterly throat centric. Swollowing SUCKS. I have Cloroseptic Spray to numb the troat a bit and do ice chips and ice packs on my upper neck. I can't really open my mouth very far and chewing gum doesn't seem to help me.

Today I had 'Ensure" and chicken broth! HURRAY! I tried a very small bite of mashed potatoes and noticed swollowing to be way to painful so back to liquids only. I'm very glad to say i'm feeling better...

damaja

01-03-2005, 02:22 AM

Hi all

First let me say that I feel for all of you. It has been over 4 months since my tonsillectomy. It took me a good ten days before I could really eat anything and have somewhat tolerable pain. I still have a hole in my throat a "fistula" which originated just right of my uvula. My ENT says that in 15 years he has never seen this before and plans on cutting it out in another surgery. I was really interested in the two who said that something happened when the tube was put down their throats...maybe that is what happened to me as well and I just might mention that to my DR. Thanks to all for the post and I only wish you the best. My only advice is patience because it takes a while to heal. :wave:

minmin630

01-03-2005, 02:42 AM

Hi Best of luck to Everyone having there Surgery later on today...everything will go well. I am now on day 11 and I have eaten everything. I was able to eat solid foods after 5 days which was so good. I actually found that showering in warm water of course does make you feel better. I have been out and about I actually have been shopping twice this weekend, then I went to the Holiday Magic at the Local Zoo yesterday( we had to leave early because It rained and I couldn't afford to get sick!). Today I went shopping again and went to get dinner with my friends which was nice I actually had a hot dog with everything ( that means hot peppers) that was my favorite and I haven't ate it since before my Surgery. New Years Eve I went to a paty with friends I was able to eat Submarine Sanwiches,chips and Salsa and alot of Alcohol. I feel Like my recovery was not that bad at all. I think It may be easier gettin them out at 24 then at 30 something. I still get some pain but It goes away with advil. I too had a sore throat from the intabation tube but I kept the coughing to a minimum because I also have Asthma and they gave me Prednisone to reduce the coughing. Well I hope that I was able to be helpful and I hope that Everybody has as good of a Recovery as Mine!

kristi32

01-03-2005, 05:45 AM

kristi32

01-03-2005, 05:52 AM

Damaja,
Ooops i just read all your posts and note you've had complications you poor thing - 3 months of healing!!!! - ouch, i hope i'm not in for that length. So sorry about your loss too - similarly my grandmother died the day before my surgery and i went to her funeral on day 4 after my op, so yeah the grief didn't help the healing process i don't think, but what can you do - that's life hey and sometimes it really sucks!
Is your throat any better now after 4 months?

minmin630

01-03-2005, 10:47 AM

Kristi32~ I am going to be 2 weeks post-op on Wednesday and also had a very similar story to yours. I had tonsillitis going in to Surgery as I too have Chronic Tonsillitis and I had a strep infection a week before Surgery as well. I did find that It made my throat even more sore. I however have made almost a 100% recovery. If u read back through my posts you will see that the first two days really hurt for me then It got better. Like I said I am almost 2 weeks post-op and couldn't really imagine singing.....I still find it very hard to open my mouth wide to yawn. I am really hoping that goes away soon because It hurts when I yawn. I too have had my voice change due to the and this may sound gross but phglem and mucous build up that would be on my tonsils and couldnt come out because there was really no passage way for it to exit due to the extremly large size of my tonsils. I am thinking I may be able to sing and yawn in another week or so....Well with out pain that is. However if you are the same age asnlh4msu then it may take a little longer for you than it has for me. I am not a young kid having this done but I am quite a few years younger than you guys and I truly think that the little bit of the age difference has made my recovery considerably easier than that of yours and nlh4msu. Well I am very sorry to hear about that loss....I couldn't imagine having to go bury a family member and morn for them while still in pain trying to recover. Well to everybody that had there Surgery today I hope that all went well and I am thinking about you guys.....just try to remain postive because the healing process is long but it isn't anything that you can't get through trust me I am a baby when it comes to pain so If I could do it than I know that you guys will get through it with flying colors. Well take care all.....must go I have to get ready for work!

nlh4msu

01-03-2005, 12:20 PM

Damaja,
Very interested to know how long in total it took your throat to fully heal? I am a singer and am keen to get back to singing - it's been 4 weeks since my op and my throat is finally getting there, but still hurts a bit to talk and swallow. Please let me know and also how old are you if you don't mind me asking?

nlh4msu,
Interested to know how you are in a weeks time too - as i mentioned above it's been 4 weeks for me and i'm the same age as you. My problem being i had chronic tonsillitis when my tonsils were removed so i'm thinking that the effects of the infection and the op mean i'll take longer to heal, but then again it may just be the age thing?

I am doing much better than I was a week ago. I think our age has a lot to do with the recovery time. It will be 3 weeks on Wednesday. My throat is still a little sore. I can't yawn and yesterday I sneezed for the 1st time and it really hurt!!! I have only been off the pain meds (at night was when I was having to take one..) for a few days. I get tired VERY easily. I went shopping on Saturday and Sunday, and both days I broke out in an awful sweat. My theory is the medication is coming out of my system. I looked like I had run a marathon. I am going to try and start working out again today, but I am going to start back slowly. I am returning to work tomorrow. I am very worried about it!! I hope that I can make it without getting to tired!!!

damaja

01-03-2005, 01:26 PM

Hi

I am 36 and the time for me to heal was very slow and I
couldn't eat for 10 days and lost about 15 pounds and lost my butt!!
I refused to swallow because of the pain therefore I wouldn't eat, became weak and stayed in the bed. I forgot to mention that I started to bleed on day 7 so that made me afraid to eat as well. I think I didn't heal for about 6 weeks but remember I have a hole in my soft palate so it still hurts to eat when the food goes throught the hole. I am the exception so please don't be afraid if you are about to have the surgery. :wave:

lilmissy

01-03-2005, 01:37 PM

Anarchist

01-03-2005, 02:21 PM

My surgery was this morning. Went to the hospital around 6:45, and got operated on around 8:30.. It's now 1:15pm and I have been home for a while now.

When I first woke up the pain was unbearable. Though they started shooting morphine in me (I think they maxed me out), and it slowly got bearable.

Unfortunatly my progress may not be the same as everyone elses becuase the doctor had to use sutures, becuase there was too much surface area to cauterize. The tonsils were so large and so deep, he just sowed me shut after taking them out.

I just got done drinking some tea, and eating some yummy potato soup. The pain is very tolerable right now atleast. My Uvula is freaken sooo swollen!! It's larger then one of my tonsils was! I keep choking on the sucker.

Okay, going to nap. Will check back in later.

sallymb

01-03-2005, 02:25 PM

Hi everybody, thanks for your support and advice. To dompiz, I think the problem could be my ulvula, I've noticed that since the surgery it's been stretched across to one side of my throat and is alot bigger than it used to be, it also sits on my tongue sometimes too! You said you had a similar experience but it went down after a few days, it's been 2 months for me now! I have mentioned to this my doctor but he just says it's normal, doesn't seem very normal to me! I read a similar posting in the previous thread, so maybe it's just part of the healing process, hopefully it won't stay like this forever! I hope I haven't put anybody off having the surgery, even though I've had a bit of trouble, I still wouldn't have it any other way, it's so nice not having to deal with horrible tonsil stones and nasty breath any more! No regrets :bouncing: Good luck to eveybody going for their surgery, and if anybody has similar ulvula stories I'd be interested to hear about it. :)

minmin630

01-03-2005, 03:51 PM

lilmissy~ For food wise I would stock up on some eggs as well. Scrambled eggs made with alot of milk are soft and soothe the throat. I found that really soft and warm foods worked for me. I also found that applesauce and jello was a lil better than popsicles. Just remember no Chocolate or anything red that can look like blood. Everything will be okay I am less than 2 weeks post-op and have been eating real foods for over a week. Sallymb~ I had my Surgey almost 2 weeks ago and still am swollen especially my Uvula. It is still resting on my tongue which makes it difficult for me to talk. I am hoping It goes down soon I will ask my ENT when I finally get to go to him . Does anybody think it is weird that I haven't seen my ENT since my Surgery 12 days ago? Anarchist~ I had a hard time after the Surgery when I was in recovery it was the most unbearable pain I ever experieneced also that first day but then after that I got better. I am 2 weeks post-op (well Wednesday I will be) and I am almost 100% I can eat whatever I want all I get is some pain in my left ear and throat following eating so once that goes away I think I will be completley recovered. Well It is so good to hear that Everybody is doing so well. I hope that I was able to help I will check back in a couple days and see how everyone is doing!

MinMin

minmin630

01-03-2005, 03:54 PM

nlh4msu

01-03-2005, 04:01 PM

Happy New Year everyone,
Thanks minmin and nlh4msu for your responses. I'm still counting down til surgery day. 9 more days. Yikes! I'm starting to get a little freaked out.
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what to eat afterwards? I've read popsicles, chicken soup, jello, etc. Will I be able to take care of myself? Or do you think I'll need to stay with my parents? Also, what does the humidifier do? I'm putting together a list of things that I'll need.
Ice, popsicles, jello, books, DVDs, any suggestions?
Thanks everyone for everything. It's comforting to hear your stories of recovery. It sounds like you're doing great or getting there!
LilMissy-You don't need to stay by yourself!! I am 32, and my husband did everything for me for basically the 1st 10 days. I was awful. My parents came over every night and brought me soup. Check back at my posting from a few days again for food suggestions!!! Good luck...let me know if you need anything else!!

minmin630

01-03-2005, 04:23 PM

LilMissy-You don't need to stay by yourself!! I am 32, and my husband did everything for me for basically the 1st 10 days. I was awful. My parents came over every night and brought me soup. Check back at my posting from a few days again for food suggestions!!! Good luck...let me know if you need anything else!!

Lilmissy-However If u dont have anybody to stay with you will be fine alone. I was left alone for almost a week and did fine on my own however it depends on your age I feel people have a harder time if they are 30+ then those of us who are in are mid 20's. Well I gave you food suggestions earlier and movie wise I saw a good movie Wicker Park and books andything by Nicholas Spark ( that is if u never read any of his) He wrote a Walk to Remember and the Notebook both which were Movies. nlh4msu~ you will be fine returning to work tomorrow I worked up a sweat going shopping but I think that was from being in and out and moving around so much I have been back to work for almost a week ( just 1 week after the surgery) you will feel a lil run down but not bad....well I hope that your first day of work goes well!

nlh4msu

01-03-2005, 04:30 PM

:bouncing: :bouncing: :bouncing: I went and worked out!!! I walked for 30 minutes @ 3.5mph on the treadmill and did 3 leg machines and the ab machine. I worked up a sweat immediatey!! I am very glad I did it. My hubby got me a smoothie for lunch and they added protein and energy to it!!! I need all the help I can get. I am glad to go back to work tomorrow. I have to be very careful not to get sick. I am in and out of MD offices all day every day!!! I have lots of hand sanitizer. I am doing so much better!!! I am so thankful!! :D

JTODD-How are you?? What did you doc say??? Let us know!!! ;)

rajaraja1

01-03-2005, 04:36 PM

hello kids
i'm back at the office but only until wed.. 3 days and counting until d -day.. thursday, 6:30pm

i'm taking notes

anarchist.. i'll be looking for your posts..
glad to hear the surgery went well.. here's to a speedy recovery for ya!!!!!

minmin630

01-03-2005, 04:37 PM

careful not to get sick. I am in and out of MD offices all day every day!!! I have lots of hand sanitizer.

Nlh4msu~ you should be fine with not getting sick....I work for a Hospital and are in contact with sick patients everyday. I am sure if u keep the hand sanitizer with ya u will be okay!

lilmissy

01-03-2005, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the tips everyone. :)
I really appreciate it.

katlynn

01-03-2005, 07:43 PM

got my tonsillectomy at noon today, it is now 6:30. i was so scared (i'm embarressed to say i started crying in the operating room), and so far so good. woke up from surgery, no nausea, not much pain. i've had strep alot worse than this. it does feel like my tonsils are still there and there is food stuck back there, kind of annoying. in fact i have to admit i am very excited that i feel so decent. it may get worse, but i take this as a good sign. worst part is cannot talk at all, that does hurt. to all of you are really nervous, take it from me, so far this is totally bearable!! i would not have been so scared if i knew, so don't worry!!!!!

strangecookie

01-03-2005, 07:54 PM

tomorrow will be 1 week since surgery...and now that i'm not caught in the awful vomit problem, i can relate to others posts (be warned DON"T take meds on an empty stomach.)

things i've learned:
1. everyone is different, and apparently i either have a sicco doctor who really hurt me, or i'm very pain intolorent. I would easily say that i have never been in so much pain, nor do i ever expect to be again in my life! I would say this even if i didn't have the vomit problem and sinus surgery simultaneously.

2. GOOD:
-Chicken broth yummy
-Ice packs are good on throat.
-sucking ice-chips is good.
-Oh and GUM after day 4 for me has been good.
-Clorospeptic sprey to help numb throat.
-Ensure and Boost are best protein drinks because the Odwalla and other ones tend to be too acidic and hurt to swollow.

3. If you are at all like me DO NOT STAY AT HOME ALONE for the first few days! no because you'll drop dead but you will probably not get well as soon.

4. i'm actually feeling STARVING and will try mashed potatoes and gravy again...i'm scared because last time i didn't keep it down after it hurt going down.

I looked with flashlight in the mirror at my seriously discusting tongue with 2 huge bruises and a gigantic new crevice in it's white mishapen top...ugh the tonsil area is all white, big gigantic caveties...looks like pus...the uvula looks a bit big but not like what others have been writing. My ears pop alot as i swollow today...

katlynn

01-03-2005, 09:23 PM

anarchist- we both had our surgery today so i wish you happy healing and i will look for your posts. i haven't look at my throat and don't plan on it. i am going to try to approach my healing like a child since they do so much better, i am going to try and chill out and enjoy the drugs, tv and popcyles. i wish you the best as well as everyone else thats going through this. Anyone in Atlanta?

m76sam

01-03-2005, 09:54 PM

Hello everyone, I am new to this board and I am finding it very helpful. I am 28 and have been having problems with my throat/ears since I was 5. I would get sore throats and infected ears SEVERAL times a year. The doctors always told me I would grow out of it...How much older do I have to get??? I have decided I was supposed to have my tonsils out about 6 years ago but the surgery was scheduled a week before I had to return to college...that was NOT a good idea. I never rescheduled the procedure. But now I have dived in again and have an appt. with ENT doc this Friday. But I have a slight problem. I am the primary caregiver for my mother who has terminal lung cancer. I need the surgery for a couple of reasons. One, I am sick a lot and worry about exposing her to the germs, and two, cancer is everywhere in my family (mother, cousins, grandparents, aunts, etc.). Although rare, I am still worried about developing cancer in the throat because of all my problems. I have went through four knee surgeries (one involving bone work) and two on my right wrist. I bounce back pretty good but I am worried that I may be bitting off more than I can chew. Will I be able to move around to help my mother after the surgery? Should I ask to be admitted to the hospital for a day or two so I can receive the care I need? Has anyone else been in this situation or is there anyone who can offer some advice? Please reply I could really use some advice. Thank you...Misty

annarayne

01-03-2005, 10:20 PM

annarayne- from the stories you've read, you can see that this isn't a very easy surgery. you put people on the defensive when you suggest that you get it done when you haven't even seen a doctor or had him recommend it. it makes light of what everyone is going through. you don't just think "gee, maybe i should get my tonsils out", it's a big deal and not very fun. "we" don't consider surgery fun or a pasttime, but a means to an end. I think you would fing more in common with people on a plastic surgery or a hypochondriac thread.

i don't believe you have read any of my posts. i've had strep throat and other throat related problems since i was a child. often losing my voice and coughing blood because i'd cut it up. making light of it? no.. doubt it. i'm now just getting over this last bout of strep that has lasted me almost a month. tell me, how am i making light of your situations? i never once made fun of anyone going through the surgery.. i wanted opinions of you guys who were going through it. i stayed away from this thread but decided i should still read what others had to say about getting them removed. i was told when i was younger after having strep throat 2 months off and on that if it returned they should be removed.. i moved. i then moved again about 4 or 5 times afterwards. so please, hold off on telling me what i'm doing because you really don't know me.

and also, minmin630 i'll quote where i thanked you if you don't remember.
"minmin.. thanks for the reply. i think everyone's getting the wrong idea from mypost. i actually had started my own thread... the reply i got was to come here and that a thread had already been started. basically what i was looking for is what you said.. the results of getting tonsils removed and if its helped anyone. not that i want to know if i should get mine removed or not because i'm already fairly certain i want them out. i just wanted to hear what others had to say.. yet i guess maybe i just came off wrong and got everyone on the defense or something. the reason i posted was to find out if removing tonsils does any good."
so i'm just here to stir crap. right. and that there was a thank you directed to you.. go look back on page 14 half ways down. i wasn't looking for trouble and neither do i feel like being the cause of it. i even tried to explain why i thought i came off wrong but even then i think the wrong idea was put across.. who knows.
with that, i'm going to go back to just reading this thread and not replying anymore. as a silent observer i think i'll find better answers.

m76sam

01-03-2005, 11:56 PM

Having food on your stomach will make pain meds easier for you to keep down...but, eating is NOT an option. Try a protien shake or milk and take only half the med dose to start and then the other half about an hour later. Gives your system more time to adjust. Hope you start feeling better!
I have been moping around the house the past 5 days and found this posting. I am a 22yr old who just had my tonsils out the 23rd. The pain wasn't bad after the surgury, but once I came home is when it started, it was UNTOLLERABLE :blob_fire for the first 3-4 days. I could barely swallow the pain medicine, and yet it did nothing for me. Then, I was given a narcotic nasal spray which made me feel very weird, like I was on drugs. That ended up making me sick by day 4. I am still in pain when I swallow, and am wondering when I will start to feel some relief. I know as an adult it is harder, but how long does it take to start healing? I finally was able to eat some ring noodle soup tonight, which was a big accomplishment! :bouncing: . I have been reading other postings and not the scabbing stage is worrying me. I'm hoping if I'm in pain they can find something to take away at least most of the pain.

m76sam

01-04-2005, 12:05 AM

Hi everyone, I've been going over this board for the past few months trying to get a better understanding of what this experience will be like. As a kid i didn't have many sore throats but starting in July I did 4 rounds of antibiotics because of this. In the beginning I had a constant sore throat but now it just flares up about every 3 weeks or so and its not so much a sore throat but more like my tonsils are hurting. (anyone else experience this?) anyway I'm having mine out in the morning and I hope it fixes me. I'm a 22 year old college student and I have to go back on the 10th. I'm pretty nervous because I've never had any type of surgery before. any advice or any feedback would be appreciated.

I wake up every morning with a sore throat! This has been going on for about three months. I had many problems as a child and it got really bad about 7 years ago. I was supposed to have the surgery but backed out because I was a college student at the time and it was scheduled right before I was to return for the fall semester. I hope all is going well with you now. I am going to the ENT on Friday and I already know what he will tell me...it is the same one I saw 7 years ago. My family doc is fed up with treating me for the same thing over and over again. He basically threatened me within an inch of my life if I did not go through with the surgery this time. Please let me know how you made out! :wave:

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 12:06 AM

i'm miserably stuck vomitting again tonight. day 6. for day 1-4 i vomited, changed drugs, took no drugs, took supository, and hurray all was ok for a day, but tonight it's bad again. i feel very heavy although i've not had much but water in
days.

m76sam

01-04-2005, 12:16 AM

in the general forum i posted about removing my tonsils although the only person who's answered told me to read this thread.. this thread really isn't the same as what i'm experiencing but basically what i said in there was.. i have a history of catching sore throats, even in the summer time. it gets very sore..like now. for the past week or more i've had it again and i can hardly talk.. it hurts to cough/swallow/sneeze. i even cough up blood at times or taste it - i'm guessing because it's tearing the inside of my throat.. i get this very often. last year it was off and on from november to feb then got it again in august and now in dec i have it again.
my question was would removing my tonsils help?
i don't get food stuck on my tonsils... like what this thread is talking about.. so my post is probly pointless..

Sounds like your problem is similar to mine. It really stinks to have a sore aching throat in the middle of July doesn't it? My throat is sore almost every morning but does get a little better in the evening. I had a really bad sinus cold in september and my throat and ears have suffered ever since. Maybe you should see an ears, nose and throat specialist and find out what is going on. Good luck and let me know how you make out...

minmin630

01-04-2005, 12:33 AM

and also, minmin630 i'll quote where i thanked you if you don't remember.
"minmin.. thanks for the reply. i think everyone's getting the wrong idea from mypost. i actually had started my own thread... the reply i got was to come here and that a thread had already been started. basically what i was looking for is what you said.. the results of getting tonsils removed and if its helped anyone. not that i want to know if i should get mine removed or not because i'm already fairly certain i want them out. i just wanted to hear what others had to say.. yet i guess maybe i just came off wrong and got everyone on the defense or something. the reason i posted was to find out if removing tonsils does any good."
so i'm just here to stir crap. right. and that there was a thank you directed to you.. go look back on page 14 half ways down. i wasn't looking for trouble and neither do i feel like being the cause of it. i even tried to explain why i thought i came off wrong but even then i think the wrong idea was put across.. who knows.
with that, i'm going to go back to just reading this thread and not replying anymore. as a silent observer i think i'll find better answers.

annarayne~
Okay thankyou for that however then a couple pages back(pg 15) you were getting way defensive and said that nobody helped you and that pretty much that we were all jerks when you say something like that you make people think that you are rude and trying to cause trouble. I have been nothing but helpful to you and do believe that you have Tonsil problems that may require Surgery. I think maybe that it would be better if you were a silent observer because I think when you get defensive you come off the wrong way and make us get defensive then you get mad. Well I hope that you can find the answers you are looking for.

*annarayne's quote*
i'm not defensive. i'm just feeling unwelcomed by pretty much all the replies i did get after i had asked a second time for help. i was told to create my own thread, told to go elsewhere, told pretty much that i shouldn't expect anything although i figure this being a health forum, i could get people's opinions. i'm getting the hint.. people are only helpful when i scream louder. i don't really like doing this. so i'll just butt out of here.. i feel like i'm intruding

* See the quote where you said that all of us made you feel unwelcomed...If that was the case I would of never tried to answer any of your questions. If you would like more answers you can just ask but dont make comments insinuating that everybody is rude and makes you unwelcomed because that is so not the case.*

minmin630

01-04-2005, 12:55 AM

StrangeCookie~ I would go and see my ENT again and if that doesn't help then I would go to the ER as all that vomiting is not normal. I am on day 12 post-op and only vomited a couple of times which was a tablespoon of blood from when my scabs came off. Well Ib hope that you can get some help because I can't imagine how badly that has hurt your Recovery. Katlynn~ It is good to hear that your Surgery went well. I hope that everything gets better from there on out however I have to tell you the chances of that are slim. I was hurting right after the Surgery and the first 2 days following then around Christmas ( day 3) I was a little better and eating soft foods mashed potatos,stuffing and spinach dip. But if you read back a little nlh4msu was feeling okay after Surgery she was even able to get a Smoothie I couldn't of imagined drinking a smoothie but then she got worse and had a very long recovery. I had a very bad couple of days and then got progressively better as you can see from my earlier post I was back to work a week following the Surgery and was able to eat almost anything I wanted as well. Well for your sake I hope that your Recovery goes uphill from here on out. Well I am so happy that I got my tonsils out and hope that in a few days you will all feel the same way. :) :) :)

annarayne

01-04-2005, 12:56 AM

that was in reply to before my thanks to someone else, not you. although you took in defence to yourself. i apologize for the mix up. i'm really getting off here on the wrong foot with everything. how about, we just forget and keep on? i don't like to keep things going like this. it's not really worth it. i apologize for all the mix ups and my posts that were taken the wrong way. it's all a whole lot of misunderstandings.

m76sam

01-04-2005, 01:02 AM

strangecookie-sorry you are having such a hard time! I have been reading your posts from the last few days and I really feel for you. I hope you wake up tomorrow feeling a little better. Hang in there! God Bless You!

minmin630

01-04-2005, 01:11 AM

m76sam

01-04-2005, 01:17 AM

annarayne- I know it is hard when you are looking for answers but none can be found. I am in the same boat. The best thing is to go see your doctor and he/she can refer you to a specialist. The ENT will be able to answer the medical questions you seem to have. I don't think there are any docs. on this board...seems to be everyday people trying to deal with hard situations. The ENT will be able to examin your situation and give you the pros and cons of the surgery. I can, however, understand what you are going through. If you read my first post I am wondering about the same thing you are...should I or shouldn't I. I have already been told that my tonsils are VERY large for my age and they need to come out. But I am not sure this is the right time with my mother being ill and everything. But, do I really want to go through another cold northeastern winter with constant sore throats and ear pain? All the questions we ask we seek answers to but many times the answers have to come from ourselves. So don't get too upset when your posts aren't answered right away. I may just take the right person to read it to be able to give you the answers you are seeking. I have found many of the posts I have read on my own to be very helpful without having anyone actually answer me. Good luck to you and let me know how you make out!

annarayne

01-04-2005, 01:26 AM

thanks. most of my questions have been basically answered. it hurts!
i had strep for nearly a month this time.. finally got my voice back.. finally not coughing blood.. though i believe now it's magically transformed itself into bronchitis.. my cough is really deep and tastes horrible with a strange vibration in my chest. my glands still feel swollen although i won't complain since it doesn't hurt. i can now finally make an appointment with my doctor since the holidays are done. would have been easier to do this in the first place but the office has been closed up til now. how lucky huh?

m76sam - i too wake up with sore throats in the morning. this really all began at about the age of 10 or so when i got my first hit of strep throat.. it kept coming back afterwards.

i wonder if this could be related to my tonsils or something related? i flew from bc to ontario a few weeks back and my throat and ears ACHED! my throat nearly closed up on me because my glands were swelling up.. and my ears really hurt.. they were both nearly unbearable. does anyone know about this? if it's normal? i know the ears popping is.. i've had this happen before in a previous flight but never my throat. it was painful. basically the pain went from my ears all down my throat.
guess i did have more questions.. if this doesn't relate though i'll try to post in gen. it is a bit strayed from the norm of this thread.

nlh4msu

01-04-2005, 01:29 AM

Hi all. I had my first BIG meal tonight. Steak, baked potato and chocolate fondue for dessert. My throat looks a lot better!!! The only thing that really hurts is yawning. It is a very deep hurt when I swallow, but I would say I am 90% healed!!! To all of you having such a hard time, I PROMISE IT WILL GET BETTER!!!!!!!!

JTodd- I am worried, haven't heard from you since you went to the MD!!!

Everyone else, I know you are miserable. Let your family help you. Don't be afraid to call your MD!!! No one should have to suffer.

Kathlyn-I am not in Atlanta, I live close to Atlanta in AL!!! Minmin630 had a much easier recovery than I did!! I think she is right that it is the "AGE THING." Haha...she is 24 and I am 32. I haven't had a baby, but after going through this, I think childbirth will be a breeze. I think I will wait awhile to find out. Go back and read all of my posts. I felt great the day of surgery. I had a smoothie on the way home from the hospital and ate mac an cheese. The next day, my husband had to pick up a new prescription of LIQUID MORPHINE because the pain was unbearable. I was unable to sleep several days after surgery. I think that has a lot to do with it because your body can't heal. Let me know how you are doing. I hope you have an easy recovery. 3 weeks post op Wednesday and I am finally feeling more like ME...(a weaker, thinner version of ME....) :)

Take care-Feel better. :)

m76sam

01-04-2005, 01:58 AM

m76sam

01-04-2005, 02:02 AM

annarayne- have you had bloodwork recently to rule out mono (called the kissing disease but, LOL, that isn't always how you get it) or any other serious illness?

annarayne

01-04-2005, 02:20 AM

lol.. i had blood work done back in may, and again in june.. i had a serious allergic reaction (viral apparently) but it all came back normal. i guess that isn't very recent. i wouldn't know how i'd get mono since i've not been in contact with anyone sick. or unless on the airplane or airport... but i kept my distance from everyone.

as for the weird vibration. sometimes i feel it's getting better until i get into a coughing fit. i don't really wheez but i hear or feel a crackling when i breathe out or talk sometimes. i don't have any chest pain so i think i'd be going in for nothing which is why i'll wait until my penicillin for the strep are done before going back to the doctors.. unless i still have it when i get my doc's appointment and i'll just kill two birds with one stone.

minmin630

01-04-2005, 02:57 AM

annarayne~ I had the same thing you had seriously. I have the deep almost what I like to call the "smokers cough" even though I don't smoke. I knew that I had a mild asthma brought on by allergies but last May I had a really bad astma attack and was sent to an Allergist again who did some pulmonary function test and found that my asthma was severe and that my breathing was only in the 60% range. Is there a possibility of you being asthmatic? That is where my cough came from It was so bad that I would get the ache in my chest and cough up the blood. However that has been under control because they put me on advair,albuterol,singulair and prednisone. I still would have the primary md check the tonsils and see if u need to see an ENT. Well I hope that I have been a little helpful any other questions you need answered please feel free to ask!
m76sam~ I don't think any of us are trying to act like Dr's I just think we are trying to be helpful and tell her what we think based on our own personal experiences. As for you you would probably be unable to really help your Ill mother for atleast 5 days following a tonsillectomy. So you may want to consider that. I am sorry to hear that your mother is Ill.

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 03:25 AM

in regards to you guys who are trying to decide if you should have the surgery or not, here are a few personal experiences. First, doctors have said on and off 'you should have gotten your tonsils out, you need them out...or you can take more antibiotics, use water pics daily, etc."

i was scared of this surgery, (and should have been, as i'm having the worst time of my life). I spent quite a few months constantly gargling saltwater to get the spots to go away, blaming everything from weather changes to emotional changes on any sore throat. I took so many antibiotics that i thought i'd be the petri-dish for the superbacteria....but it wasn't until i heard that my horrible headaches maybe related to the to tonsils that i said, lets do it. I didn't have strep very often, just chronic mild infections with gross cryptic tonsils which i could squeeze stuff out of. Right now is day 6, and i'm in a ton of pain and have had the worst time i could ever imagine and this doesn't seem worth it...but I PROMISE that i will write when i'm all healed and tell you all the results.

BTW: i think some of the scab on one side may have fallen off tonight, day 6...and i've not thrown-up for 6 hours. Thanks for the advice guys! I'm going make doc talk to me about stomach tomorrow.

JTodd

01-04-2005, 04:09 AM

Hey~
To those of you that asked about me...thanks. I was supposed to have an appt with my ENT on Monday, but they called and cancelled because he was sick. I'm not going to reschedule it because I feel a lot better. I think I turned a corner this weekend. I was able to eat a cheeseburger and fries from McDonalds so that was great! I am still having pain at night that's why I'm up now, but for the most part I'm feeling alright. I have one more day off until I go back to work on Wednesday. Not sure how that's going to work because I still feel so tired. But, we'll see how it goes.

Hope everyone's doing a little better today!

Jen

annarayne

01-04-2005, 04:11 AM

minmin that's the best way to describe it! a smokers cough! it sounds like my dads.. although i don't smoke and i'm not really exposed to much of it other then since i've been here. i live very far away on my own.
there's no way i can have asthma. in november for about a month i had been having trouble breathing (throat related) which lasted me a long enough time too.. i went to the hospital to get help for it because i couldn't take deep breaths or yawn. they tried to give me some asthma pump but it didn't work. i did some exhaling test and they found that that was low. although they never figured it out. it felt like my throat muscles were just too weak to open up the airway passage. i get it off and on still. crept up again during my strep. but ashtma is definately ruled out.
i'm assuming that strep can cause a cough like mine.. the penicillin should take care of whatever's left.. i think?

kristi32

01-04-2005, 07:01 AM

Minmin630, nlh4msu, damaja

Thanks for your post replies - much appreciated!

As mentioned i've just completed week 4 and yeah it hurts when i yawn as well - there seems to be a build up of red tissue on the sides of my throat at the same level of my tongue - like some swelling maybe - i think this is why it hurts to yawn - do you guys have this? Also i had the sweats and the shakes plus weakness for about a week and a half after i finished the meds, so yeah i believe it's like 'cold turkey' from the drugs. The weird thing for me is that when i was told i had chronic tonisillitis my tonsils were not swollen and were only slightly red, however once removed apparantly the right tonsil was full of pus. The other weird thing is that for the 3 months that i had the sore throat is was mainly my left side that hurt and still now after the op it's mainly my left side. oh well, just have to keep waiting this thing out....

katlynn

01-04-2005, 08:56 AM

hi all, day two, i had my surgery yesturday. just a refresher: i am 32 years old and had problems for years with strep and throat infections. Also my tonsils were huge, every doctor/dentist would comment on them. were not that freguent (2-3 year) but serverity was increasing (abcess, difficulty breathing, antibiotics not working) and doctor told me i ran a very good risk of getting rheumatic fever and developing heart problems. This will probably be long because i am loopy and i am bored.

they were taken out with the "harmonic scalpel" which i read about and it is supposed to be better for healing than just scapel or cauterization. my mouth doesn't taste too bad, just old mouth because I have yet to brush my teeth (i know, yucky)

it is amazing how well i feel i can breath. for 32 years my throat was closed up and now i CAN BREATH!!

throat does hurt, but not that bad, i could feel stuff they gave me at hospital wear off last night but wasn't unbearable. i find the more i swallow, the less it hurts. when i swallow little grunts come out my nose and it kinda feels like liguid will come up but doesn't hurt. no ear pain. i put an ice pack on my throat and ate 5 italian ice, those made alot better. i would reccommend italian ice over popcycle because it does feel uncomfortable to open wide. i would highly recommend a soft flexible icepack. also dr. said cold constricts blood vessels so could help with bleeding.

didn't sleep well, but not terrible, i get the "excitablity in children" reaction to all pain meds instead of sleep. i feel wired. i am taking liquid demerol, i have not allowed it to wear off, set the alarm every 4 hours last night. tastes so bad, almost gags me. my stomach is making the most unbelievable noices, i think there are wolves fighting in there. another thing i would recommend- boost protein shakes. lots of vitamens and substance to stop the wolves fighting, but non-dairy. i was told to stay away from milk products so as not to get phlem.

i drink constantly and chew gum starting with the ride home. it is also like a tropical jungle from the humdifier in my room.

so far i would tell others not to be afraid, it is not as bad as i feared. i did have kidney failure 5 years ago, which is EXTREMELY painful, so i may have a high tolerance, or it may not have hit yet, but i feel extremely fortunate. i wish i could make some of you others feel better!!

did anyone get to see their tonsils? maybe i'm gross, but i wanted to see mine before they were thrown away. see what caused my all these problems.

minmin- i also do not have a follow up for two weeks. seems weird to me too but i quess that is common.

anarchist- my same day surgery buddy, how are you doing?

Shipsbelle

01-04-2005, 11:33 AM

I have been reading this thread with great interest. I am, no doubt, the oldest one here to have just undergone a tonsillectomy....actually a one sided tonsillectomy. At the ripe old age of 67 the remnant of tonsil that was left after surgery when I was 8 years old had to be removed. It had developed a very large crypt that was collecting debris that would leak and cause really foul breath and also reflux.

I am in day 9 (surgery Monday of last week) and finally slept more than 45 minutes at a stretch last night. The surgical site is quite large and deep and has been really painful. Everyone's input into what to expect and how you survived has been very helpful. Of course, I didn't find this site until AFTER my surgery, but it has been beneficial none the less. At this point in time I'm off the narcotic pain meds and just taking Tylenol. I find that warm food/drink is more comfortable than cold.

The problem I'm having is that semi solids, such as soft scrambled eggs or chicken noodle soup, tend to accumulate in the large cavity left from the surgery and it's really difficult to clean it out. I have very carefully used Q Tips to dislodge the compacted food. Have any of you had this problem and how did you solve it? Gargling doesn't remove it.

Thanks! I hope all of us can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 01:42 PM

DAY 7:
I slept almost 8 hours last night (on and off). I find that sleeping with a huge pile of pillows keeping my head up higher helps with pain upon waking. Worst pain is when i accidently rolled over onto stomach and then woke up. Good news is that i used to wake up if i tried to sleep on my back because of sleep apnea.

Last night i threw-up a small amount again. I have no idea why...i had taken the 'anti-nausea supository' and 2 tylanol. So, now i know how it feels with NO PAINKILLERS because i haven't had any of the strong ones in 2 1/2 days and no Tylanol in a day. The drugs really tweeked my brain A LOT and i still feel very strange, but i can tell you that Tylanol was helping and i will take more if i can get some broth down this morning.

The pain is really limited to swollowing, which is so awful that i literally pull my hair to sort of coutneract it. But i am doing better slowly.

Cheers,
Ariel

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 02:17 PM

oh, i have a question for others, do your tongues hurt a lot and look very very strange? my tongue is all bruished, with the left side having two dents in it and being 2xs as thick as the right...and it's white and has a big slit down the middle.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 02:41 PM

katlynn-----
i bought a humidifier as well.. so do you think its helping you?

its a 2 day count down to my d-day... well i guess kinda 2 and 1/2 days since my surgery is not until 6pm

katlynn

01-04-2005, 02:53 PM

yes, i would recommend the humidifier because when you are awake you are drinking but when you are asleep the throat can dry out. regardless, it can't hurt. don't think of it as d-day, that's what i did too. so far all my dread was worse than this. the worst things so far are not being able to talk, the "high" feeling from the meds and the noises in my stomach. i don't feel nauceous or anything, just like there's things in there fighting with eachother. the boost protein drink settled that a little bit. i really don't know if i need the pain med because my pain doesn't get any worse when it comes close to the next dose, but i am not going to let it wear off to see.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 03:59 PM

katlynn--
thanks for the words
so what pain meds did they give you?

i'm getting tylenol with codiene.... did that work for any of you?

your are right.. i should be on the positive thinking mode...
i've been good during the day .. but the stress comes out subconsciously in my dreams.. where they are super stressfull...

my boyfriend is coming over tomorrow he'll help me calm down and i'm cooking my last full meal.. and making a pot of chicken soup to have a good broth ready to roll...

again.. thanks for sharing everyone.. knowing what i am getting into has helped me..

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 04:04 PM

katlynn-- i went back and read your post.. dermerol... hmm... i don't know.. tylenol with codiene doesn't sound to strong to me..

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 04:34 PM

Rajaraja 1 - good luck!...i'm on day 7 and finally feeling like a human. my progress was really crippled by bad reactions to the painkillers that made me throw-up for 5 days...so be careful with them.THEY'RE STRONG...more than anything they're strong consciousness-altering substances.

on another note, although ti's hard to open my mouth, i think my scabs are starting to slowly fall off, particualarly when i chew gum...i see more red areas instead of all white. EXCITING! Now i just have to start the healing process and be able to eat again.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 04:39 PM

i'm hoping for mind altering drugs... but that's just me..

thanks strangecookie... what pain meds did you get?

katlynn

01-04-2005, 04:50 PM

rajaraja1- i have a friend that is a nurse and he said demerol is about the strongest except morphine, but that you "feel" better with the demerol. i am allergic to codeine, make my face itch bad, but so is the demerol.

my neck has started to swell, would do that when i got strep too. doesn't hurt though. one thing i have done is slept on a sit up pillow. people on this site always say they feel worst in the morning, probably because the head isn't elevated at all. i think sleeping sitting up is good

the stress was coming out in my dreams too. in fact, i would start crying if i thought about it at the wrong time. all that dread was worse that it is now. just make sure you have the anastesioloist(sp) give you an anti-nausea before you come out of it and have them give you a good strong shot before you go home.

katlynn

01-04-2005, 05:00 PM

oh yeah, get some boost too. i have a stomach of iron and the amoxicillin & demerol are tearing it up. boost has 15 grams of protein and 240 calories, so good substance but not thick and nasty. i haven't noticed my sence of taste altered. i don't really have a bad taste in my mouth either. just nasty from all these sweet liquids and no tooth brushing. i was hoping that suddenly after this chocolate and sweets would taste like crap, no such luck.

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 05:09 PM

rarajara- i was very into getting help w/the hydrocodone's conscious altering traits, but after the vommiting too much they swithced me to darveset, which was very similiar although hydrocodone made me sleepier and lasted longer. The problem though is that i had a serious mental trip to hell which my x-hippie mom says was a narcotics-enduced trip. From now on i'll never take Darveset and will be very light with the hydrocodone.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 06:21 PM

so do you feel i should call my surgeon and ask for demerol.. right off the bat? they are calling in my prescription today

katlynn

01-04-2005, 06:53 PM

the demerol has worked well for me, no big pain to speak of. does taste terrible and am having a hard time peeing (a side effect, water retaining) and am extrememly "high" which i don't like as much as i did at first.

katlynn

01-04-2005, 06:58 PM

i got hydrocodone when i had plastic surgery. i did not sleep for three days, really made me feel jazzed up. also, felt more pain with it, but not as out of it as i am now. i have been taking 11/2 teaspoons of demerol, i think i am going to cut down to 1. i would go with the stronger stuff, you can always cut it back, but it is harder to make pain go away if you don't have strong stuff.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 07:09 PM

okay.. i hope someone that had tylenol will respond soon.. i don't feel like searching back at old posted.. i think i remember someone mentioning it before...

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 07:10 PM

thanks for ya'll responses.... on the meds...

sounds like demerol is for me.. and i don't want to have to send my boyfriend out to get something and have to wait for some type of relief.. but we'll see

Anarchist

01-04-2005, 08:01 PM

Sorry, I havent been able to post!! I was admitted back into the hospital on Monday night. Monday morning my tonsils were taken out.

I felt fine till a few hours after I got home on monday. It was time to take my pain meds, and I just started puking like crazy. Every type of pain med (orally taken) they would perscribe me made me puke. Talk about pain!

So my ENT had me admitted to the hospital. And last word is I wont be getting out of here till thursday at the earliest :( My doc said my tonsils were the size of kidneys, and he had to use suchers to close off the large veins supplying them blood. I lost more blood then he would have liked during surgery. Apparently its imperative that I do not break these sutures by pucking.

Other then the hospital life being boring to the extreme, it's actually comming in quite handy. I dont have to wake myself up every 4 hours to give myself pain meds! They just come into my room on 4 hour intervals and give me meds.

On another note, I am in absolutly no pain today. Zero, zitch, nadda pain. I feel like I did the day before my surgery, thats what is really annoying not being able to go home.

katlynn

01-04-2005, 08:21 PM

anarchist- so sorry to hear about your complications. at least you are being well taken care of and are not in pain- glad to hear that. being home is also very boring. get better soon, sounds like you are on the right path.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 08:22 PM

anarchist.. damn.. sorry to hear about your ordeal.. but at least your are painless... that's good...

whoa

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 08:25 PM

oh Anarchist! I'm so sorry to hear this. It touches me very directly because if you've read my posts, i had a terrible problem with puking for the first 5 days, but because i could keep water down for more than 10 minutes or something, they didn't tell me to go to the hospital, my ent just switched my drugs. I am happy to report that i'm not puking anymore...its day 7 and today i actually feel like i'm getting better! HURRAY!!!

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 08:25 PM

anarchist.. so are you on a laptop.. with internet access at the hospital.. man.. its been a while since i've stayed in one.. didn't know they were soo advanced.... what city are you in?

Anarchist

01-04-2005, 10:00 PM

I wish this hospital was advanced enough to have wireless internet!! They have some sort of "Patient Services" area with free computers for patients staying there, in the lobby.. Of course that means I have to wear my hospital gown, and drag my IV down to the lobby..

This is rediculous though, I feel freaken fine!! I can actually yawn, pop my ears, and I ate macaroni and cheese in the hospital deli today.. lol.

Though my uvula (spelling?) Is about as large as a hot dog right now, which muffles my talking, or makes it difficult to breath out of my mouth.. They got some IV of steroids going in, which seems to be shrinking it at a rapid pace.

rajaraja1

01-04-2005, 10:11 PM

awww that sux you have to drag your iv and stuff.. i thought you were in your bed with a laptop.. writing away....

well hopefully.. time will go fast and when you do leave.. you'll still feel good

hope the night goes well for ya anarchist..

i'm leaving the office in a few to go stock up on supplies for my recovery and for my last meal tomorrow night

strangecookie

01-04-2005, 10:55 PM

that's great that you're eating mac 'n cheese anarchist.

I was reading posts a from a few days ago, and a woman asked if anyone had nasal surgery simultaneously to the tonsillectomy- yes, i did, but it was only on 1 side.

I remember that the nurse in the recovery room was asking 'why do they do both these procedures at once, so much...' I'm not sure if the nasal stuff really made my recovery worse-i was already in so much pain. But 2 days post-op when they pulled the packing out and blood started gushing that was a bit much. Hopefully all is ok.

I ate some of the noodles in my chicken soup! first solid. I feel saner today. Yawning and moving my tongue around is bad bad.

ariel, 32yr

singer1

01-04-2005, 11:58 PM

I am almost 42 years old and need my tonsils out. Should I do it? What are the risks?

katlynn

01-05-2005, 12:09 AM

this is embarrasing to ask, but has anyone who took painkillers had problem with urine retention? it is very difficult to pee and my belly feels bloated. anyone else?

adam2000

01-05-2005, 12:23 AM

Ive been feeling like crap for months. Ear problems, dizziness, you name it. Went to the dr in november, had red as heck tonsils, and ears. Put me on anti's. As a kid i used to get strep and ear infections all the time, and even now i get lots of sinus problems. I also snore very bad according to friends (im 28 btw). I finally made an appt with an ENT which is 2 weeks away. my throat does feel sorta sore, and when i looked at my tonsils with a flashlight now, it looks very red, and there are white things on the back of my thorat. I had recently been on Levaquin and Avelox for 10 days each to kill off any bacteria i had, but it looks like something is still there. Could all my snoring, ear problems, dizziness, restlessness sleeping, etc be caused by a constant infection in there somewhere which may have been overlooked by me for years??

After reading all this, i can almost hear the ENT tell me i need to get my tonils and adenoids out. ANy opionions? Do my problems sound familiar?

Regards,

Adam

singer1

01-05-2005, 12:28 AM

My husband snores and that's because he has a polyp in his nostril. You might want to ask the ENT about that. By the way....2 weeks you have to wait??? That just chaps me. We call the Dr. when we have a problem and they make you wait 2 weeks! Go figure!!! No wonder they have high malpractice Insurance rates. They are really taking risks when they have ya wait that long. Who knows what could happen! :eek:

nlh4msu

01-05-2005, 12:55 AM

Well tomorrow is 3 weeks!! I went back to work today. I am so tired!!! I get hot very easy. I saw my MD today and he said that this is very common. He did say that my throat is still swollen and to be careful not to get too overheated. I don't have an appetite at all. I

Katlynn- It is common when you are taking pain meds to retain fluid and it does make it difficult for some people to urinate. Make sure to keep drinking fluids!!! Once you stop your meds, the fluid will go away!!!

anarchist- I am so sorry that you are in the hospital. I hope you feel better soon. At least you can rest and you will have little pain. Take care!!

Adam2000-Do the white things on the back of your throat hurt?? Are they ulcers. I have sufferd from ulcers on the back of my throat for at least 15 years. The ENT that took my tonsils out thinks the ulcers could have been caused from the tonsil stones trapped in my tonsils. I hope he is right because those ulcers are extremely painful!!!

dompiz

01-05-2005, 01:10 AM

Wow, that took a while to read all the posts since yesterday ! I'm back to work now and can't check in as often as before.

rajraj: I had Tylenol #3 after my surger and as long as I took two every 4 hrs, I was OK (OK being that the pain was at least bearable, at no time did it go away, but it was bearable). Now, I had the conventional cut and cauterize surgery (I wish harmonic scalpel was an option for me, but it wasn't, that is supposed to be much easier to recovery from)

For my update: It will be 3 wks on Wednesday since my tonsillectomy and I'm doing great , I'm eating everything (citrus still stings a bit, but that's all I've noticed), I wish there were some things I couldn't eat, because I'm on my way to gaining back all 10 lbs that I lost (darn), yawning still hurts. I still run the humidifier at night. I still have some white in my throat, but no swelling. I still have not had a follow-up visit with the surgeon (unless they considered the second surgery, follow-up?). I go to see the ENT Jan.25th - I thought that was way too far away, but I am doing fine and if there was to be a problem arise, I'm sure I could get in earlier.

Bye for now. :wave: