About Me:

I'm a 36 year-old, Caucasian female, single, no children (2 dogs). I stand 5'9, 172 lbs. (up from 155 over the past year - most comfortable around 160). I have "irregular tonsils" with reoccurring chronic tonsillitis. The last 2 episodes lasted 6 days each (felt like I was swallowing glass) and came back to back with 10 days rest between. Due to the large pores in my tonsils that trap food and cause puss pockets and the latest boughts of tonsillitis, it was a mutual decision between my doctor and I to take them out.

Day of Pre-Op - Thursday, April 5, 2007:

It's the day before surgery. I've been reading up on what to expect -- some have it worse than others, some have it easier than others - and some have a sense of lost taste. The one thing I can look forward to is being smoke-free long enough to quit - latte free long enough to quit (or cut back) -- and possibly dropping the 15 lbs. I've put on the past year. The one thing that bothers me is how long can I put up with the babying and hovering over me by my best friend (Bill) and my boyfriend (Scott)? Will I be strong enough to run them off by Wednesday?

Surgery Day - Friday, April 6, 2007 - 172 lbs.:

Started the morning with both caffeine and nicotine withdraw (2 double shot lattes and a cig has been the way I've started my morning for so long I cannot remember). All went well with the surgery -- the doc put a numbing agent in the back of my throat before waking me. The pain was minimal (maybe a 2 or 3) until we hit the car and the dry heat of the car's heater shot that right up to a 6. Hint: Ask the hospital for a bottle of water or cup of ice chips to travel with. Stopped off at the pharmacy on the way home -- picked up liquid Tylenol and hit it right off the bat. We left for Bill to take me home and return to the pharmacy alone to pick up the prescription about 30 minutes later. When he got back with the Lortab, I took the first dose and proceeded to get about 4 hours sleep. Woke up feeling better - took the 2nd dose and then proceeded to talk Bill into walking the pups around the neighborhood with me (cabin fever already). When we got back, I proceeded to make dinner for him and Scott (steaks and baked potatoes -- nothing fancy) and Scott brought the salads for the 2 of them (something I asked him to do). Tried to eat part of a baked potato myself, but it felt like the starch was sticking to the back of my throat and in the craters created by surgery. Took a lot of water to finally wash it down -- so nothing more than "liquids" (jell-o and popsicles are liquids) until later. Peeked into the back of the throat -- everything is white and the sloughing skin feels like something is caught - kind of gross feeling.

The pain was a maximum of a 6 today (from the car heater), but quickly subsided to a 2 for the rest of the day due to the Lortab and Tylenol. Have been able to talk without much discomfort and the water has gone down very easy (too chicken to try the Gatorade after an episode of burning from baby food). Speaking of food - I did manage to eat 2 jell-o (gelatin) packs, 1 popsicle, 1 bananas and berries baby food (which burned like hell), a few bites of cheese soup (nasty), a small slice of mild cheddar, and tons of water. The doc also recommended chewing on gum to help with the jaw stiffness and swallowing -- I don't know what it would have felt like otherwise, but it wasn't bad - Bill got the Trident citrus, kiwi, and mango flavor -- quite tasty! I don't know when others have experienced a sense of taste loss -- but so far, so good -- I still taste everything.

Day 2 - Saturday, April 7, 2007 - 169 (-3 lbs.):

Set the alarm to go off every 4 hours to remind me to take my meds to keep in front of the pain -- but slept through the 1:30am alarm and woke up at 4 with a dry/sore throat (pain level - 6). Drank about 8 oz. of water to wet my throat before taking a dose and about 30 minutes later, the pain was back to a 2. My throat was swollen this morning and I can't see the white patches on the throat due to the pain of trying to open my mouth that wide. So far, I'm not alarmed by that but will see what the afternoon entails.

Went to the grocery store by myself while Bill walked one of the pups -- he said when he got back the other pup (a rescue that hasn't been left alone [without a person or her playmate] since I brought her home around Christmas) was shaking and cowering. When Bill approached her, she belly crawled to him then rolled over on her back to expose her belly before peeing all over herself. Made me feel sorry for her since when I got home yesterday she was the one that wouldn't leave my side.

Got the groceries in the house and then made breakfast for Bill (eggs, grits, bacon & toast - very simple) before cleaning up a bit to start preparing the spaghetti sauce for lunch (Scott will be over later). So far I feel great. The throat hurts less than it did when I had tonsillitis. A bit surprising since I've read so many stories of how painful this is for an adult. The only thing that slows me down is the Lortab -- makes me a bit dizzy and sleepy -- but it completely wipes out the pain (and my doc gave it to me in pill form -- said it was less traumatic to swallow once instead of the multiple times I would have to if it were in liquid form -- not to mention it is a more potent dose).

If it weren't for the little tasks that I've done (cooking, cleaning, running my own errands) - I think I'd be completely insane by now. I honestly expected to be knocked out and hurting - and am so far (knock on wood) pleasantly surprised that this has not been as traumatic as I expected.

Managed to get about a 1/2 bowl of very cooked spaghetti (with meat sauce) down before it started burning my throat. A few swallows of water later, all was fine. I've noticed that it tasted salty to me, and after reading on the boards about taste loss, I questioned Bill if he thought it was too salty -- he didn't and we have similar tastes -- so it's me. I still can taste sweets, so I don't think I'm one of the sufferers of the lost sensation of taste even if the salty taste is temporarily pronounced. Took the Lortab about 1:30 and was in bed napping until about 4. Thank goodness Scott loaned me the humidifier -- otherwise I don't think I would wake up as comfortable as I have (my throat would have been much dryer).

Took the 5:30 dose and was out again by 6:30 until about 8:30 -- all this sleep I should be bouncing off the walls tonight. Feeling good enough that I gave Bill his 24 hour notice that he's safe to go home, that I'll be fine. Of course I know he will check in on me (wouldn't expect any less from him), but honestly would like to run around my own house free to pee with the door open.

Tomorrow is Easter -- Bill's children are serving lunch about 1:00 -- so I'll be running him out of here by 12:00 so he can spend time with them and his grandchildren. I don't think I'll go this time -- the instructions say not to be around anyone with any type of respiratory infection - and since his youngest grandchild is 8 or 9, I figure if they're not sick - they're probably a carrier.

After taking the 9:30 Lortab, it's now kicking my butt (it's 10:45), so I think I'll call it a night.

Day 3 - Sunday, April 8, 2007 (Easter) - 170 (-2 lbs.):

Woke up at 1:30 with the alarm this morning -- took the dose and went right back to bed. Still woke up at 4:00 - this time losing my voice and my throat a little sorer than the past 2 days (maybe a 3-4). Not time for another Lortab, so I took the Tylenol and decided to sit up for a while.

Bill has slept on the couch for the past 2 nights -- makes it a little annoying when I'm out of water and it wakes him up when I have to walk through the den to get to the kitchen. I had the spare room set up for him -- but he wouldn't hear of it. Also, he's taken control of the TV - if I ever see CNBC, CNN, or ESPN again, I swear it will be too soon! But what can I do? He's here as a favor to me - I certainly am not going to say anything other than "I'm okay to take care of myself, please go home" and hope that he does.

Bill is 81 -- the best friend I've ever had - but too much of a good thing drains me. I feel as if I've spent more time taking care of him than vice versa -- and frankly, I'm stir crazy and he's attempting to ground me -- and here it is Easter Sunday and everything will be closed today.

Not to mention, Scott has been in and out -- really doesn't want to upset Bill by him being here. Bill treats me like one of his children and is very protective of me -- so naturally, Scott has been on his best behavior and still a bit uncomfortable "butting in" -- but hey, Scott is a part of my life - Bill had 4 daughters, I'm just the adopted 5th - he's eventually got to share.

To hell if it's time for another Lortab -- I'm going to take it and go back to sleep since me sitting up is disturbing Bill. He's leaving this afternoon -- and I can't wait to just have some alone time (and him too I bet).

Okay -- it's 7:00am and I'm back awake -- it's about time! The throat is a little sore, but I refuse to admit it out loud to Bill for fear he'll stay another day! I'm hungry, but am reluctant to eat anything solid because of the throat. Bill ran to the grocery store for me this morning to get me some more gum and bottled water -- I swear I've gone through a 2.5 gallon jug in 2 days! Honestly -- the water is really helping - constant sipping and constant potty trips!

Yeah! 10:00am and Bill just left -- Ellis (the male pup) is having a fit that his sleeping buddy has gone, but he'll settle down soon… and "mommy" gets her sanity back! Took a Lortab 30 minutes ago and it's kicking in -- so I'm going to go lay down and nap.

It's 7:30pm, I'm trying to fight the Lortab to stay up long enough to watch Sopranos (1st episode of the last season). Scott came over for a little while, it was nice to spend time with him without having to worry about Bill raising an eyebrow and quizzing Scott on his intentions. He brought some dumplings, green beans, and dressing - but my throat is too raw right now to eat it. The pain level maxed out at a 6 today, but has been a steady 3-4 when dosed up on Lortab. Had to go back to the Lortab/Tylenol swap (Lortab at 1:30, Tylenol at 3:30, Lortab at 5:30, etc.). I cut the Tylenol out yesterday - a little too soon. Now it's trying to get back ahead of the pain instead of just managing it.

Day 4 - Monday, April 9, 2007 - 168.5 (-3.5 lbs.):

Woke up again at 1:00am - the throat was at a 6 - took another Lortab and while waiting for it to kick in, ate the dumplings and a little of the dressing Scott brought over -- it was good, but tasted salty. Everything tastes salty right now - even the Mango Italian Ice and the water. The throat looks horrible - the scabs are white and my whole throat looks infected (although it's not). Talk about nasty looking - and the feeling of that in my throat is even nastier.

Once the pill took effect, I went back to bed until about 7:30. Bill showed up at the house about 9:00am and stayed until about 2:30 (when my nerves just couldn't take any more of him). The firm that I work for sent flowers this morning, and just shortly before I ran Bill off, a second set of flowers came. He was being nosey and waited for me to open the card then asked who they were from -- which they too were from the firm.

I've not really felt much like talking today -- I just wanted to have a quiet day in front of the TV watching anything BUT CNBC -- but once Bill arrived, he of course took over the remote and once again I found myself wanting to throw the TV out of the house with the obnoxious news cast droning over and over the same BS! I don't know which has been worse, trying to watch a program and Bill droning on or watching the same news segment repeat itself every 30 minutes! Even got very annoyed at Bill for just staring at me, trying to peek over my shoulder to read my emails and journaling, etc. What happened to my privacy? Hint: If you have someone taking care of you - put them in another room with a TV of their own and tell them to leave you the hell alone unless you ask for their help or company.

Managed to eat a jell-o cup, an Italian Ice, a small mac & cheese, and the dumplings from in the middle of the night. Although I'm a bit hungry, I'm more nauseous than anything and nothing looks good.

The pain has been manageable, but my patience has worn very thin. It is at this point that I'd like to pack up the car and find a place to hide away from everyone until I'm all healed.

6:30 and I start gagging -- I had to force myself to sleep to avoid throwing up. That's the last thing I need right now with the scabbing on the throat.

Day 5 - Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 167 (-5 lbs.):

Woke up at 12:30am with a burning sensation in the back of my throat (pain level 7-8) -- here comes the worst of it! I can feel the scabs now, they feel like stringy growths and I'm ready for the nasty things to come off! This is the first time the pain from the tonsillectomy has equaled the pain of tonsillitis - I can only hope this level of pain doesn't last 6 days like the illness.

Still nauseous and even the gum makes me want to toss cookies! Took 2 Tylenol and tried to go back to sleep to no avail. Took the Lortab at 1:30 -- and like clockwork, I was out by 2:30. Was back awake at 4:30 and decided to take advantage of HBO (got it just because of the Sopranos - but there are quite a few movies that are currently playing that I have not seen).

Bill showed up again at 9:30 - he stuck around until the repairman left, then I sent him home (I really need my sanity after the nauseous spell yesterday and need to focus on myself instead of trying to make sure he is entertained - with CNBC no less - UGH!)

Actually stayed awake through the Lortab this afternoon -- most likely because even with it, the pain level never dropped below a 5. Managed to eat 1/2 a tuna sandwich - which tasted funny and left an aspirin aftertaste -- quite nasty, but I was hungry.

Managed to get a short nap from about 3 until 4:30. When I woke up, a couple of co-workers had sent emails to the temp that's taking my place and she forwarded them to me. Have been having problems with the wireless router ever since.

It's almost 10:00pm - just took another dose of Lortab and it's not putting out the fire in the back of my throat. Today has been a miserable day - this is what I expected in the beginning -- not in the middle! Hopefully it's all down hill from here - tomorrow will tell.

Day 6 - Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 166.5 (-5.5 lbs.):

Laid down at 10:00 and dozed for a half hour before I was awake again. Stayed up until about 12:30 then dozed again for another 30 minutes before the pill alarm went off. My throat hasn't improved from yesterday, although it hasn't gotten worse -- it's still a steady 5-6 on Lortab and a solid 8 when I first awake.

Water seems to be trying to come up my nose now when I swallow. I thought it was a fluke last night until it continued to happen most every time I drank and has continued into today. I don't know if it's because I've tried to swallow at the top of my throat (where it hurts less) or if it's squeezing up the caverns where the tonsils used to be.

I haven't had any sinus drainage until yesterday -- seems like mucus keeps trying to build up in the back of my throat. Everything burns today -- the throat, the nasal cavity, my lungs. The scabs haven't fallen off yet, but I can tell that's what is causing the current throat pain. Don't know what it feels like when they start to peel, but read somewhere on the board that the wetter they are kept, the longer they stay on. One person even peeled theirs off with a baby spoon with little pain. If mine can just hang in there, maybe I can avoid swallowing them by scraping them gently off with a spoon when the time comes.

I've got to run to the store today to get more water (almost out of the 2.5 gallons Bill brought the other day - I've gone through 7.5 gallons in 6 days), Lortab, and a laxative (haven't had a BM since surgery -- not that I've eaten a whole lot of solids -- but I've eaten enough and something should be moving).

Sounds are starting to bother me - the volume levels quickly start hurting my ears now. I find myself winching at every little bark out of my dogs throats… it's miserable!

Have had a fairly uneventful day, the pain level today has maintained at a 4-5 with double doses of Lortab and maxed out at an 8 on first waking up. Started chewing the gum again and that seems to help for whatever reason (may be just in my mind - but if it helps, who cares?) My post-op appointment is tomorrow morning - I guess I'll find out then how I really am progressing…

Day 7 - Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 165 (-7 lbs.):

Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow! What in Sam's Hell is going on here!?! Finally feel asleep at 12:00 and woke up at 2:00am with the throat burning like an erupting volcano (pain level 9 - pushing the threshold and my sanity!) Took a Lortab and an hour later I am now fighting the grogginess that always follows. The pain level has dropped to a 7, took another Lortab and will wait for the pain to drop below a 5. Can't wait to hear the doc's explanation of this at 9:00.

Finally fell back to sleep about 3:30 - here it is 5:30 and I'm awake again with a pain level of 7. Took the next Lortab and am now waiting for it to kick in. Wow -- where was this pain hiding!?!?

Went for my post-op checkup -- everything looks good according to him. And since my surgery was done using laser, the scabs should not sluff off, but should reabsorb once the healing process is done. Due to the increased pain at this juncture, he gave me an anti-inflammatory/steroid (prednisone) and another pain med (supposedly stronger - meprozine) to tide me over until this phase is over. Frankly, I think the Lortab was working better. Was told that come Saturday or Sunday morning (day 10), I should wake up to a "normal" throat even though I should not return to work until mid-week next week. Told him I'd gotten approval to be out through Friday, he said he would write the doctor's excuse to include Friday and would make sure my FMLA paperwork had been completed and forwarded to my employer. The doc told me, "if it's any consolation, your tonsils were 'rotten' and 'waxy' -- literally filled with 'tonsiloliths'" (a.k.a., tonsil stones/puss pockets). I hope what he says is true and that by Sunday I'll feel normal. Would be nice to have a 'vacation' to recoup from this past week and the prior year of dealing with my boss without a break.

Had made plans at lunch to go out to eat dinner with Scott at a Chinese restaurant and to get out of the house -- but after waking up from my drug induced nap, the pain is back up to an 8 and it's just not going to be possible. The Tylenol is not even beginning to touch the pain -- took 2 pills 45 minutes ago and it's still burning like I've swallowed a flaming sword! Thankfully, Scott is a sweetheart and my canceling hasn't phased him -- he brought over Chinese food and we just "chilled" for the night.

It's 9:30 - time for the last dose of the day. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep through the night.

Day 8 - Friday, April 13, 2007 - 165.5 (-6.5 lbs.):

Friday the 13th -- How appropriate?! It feels like Jason Voorhees was set free in my dabblasted throat! Went to bed at 9:30pm, woke up at 11:00pm, went back to bed about 2:00am, woke up again at 4:30am - so I'm up. The throat is at a level 9 again this morning -- time to try the new "super-sonic" pain killer to see if it can knock it out and I can stay awake for a change.

Unhappy to report that the new pain pill acts more like a placebo than a pain pill -- hasn't done a thing to touch the pain. Had to wait at least 2 hours before I could even take the Tylenol, which doesn't help much, but was better than nothing, until I could reach time to take a Lortab. I'm so ready for "Sunday" and hope that the doc's prediction comes true!

How is it that this seemed like a cake-walk in the beginning and now that it's reaching it's conclusion that the pain can bring tears to my eyes? Makes me want to crawl into a coma until this too shall pass!

Took a nap after the Lortab kicked in -- actually slept for 3 hours solid. It's going to be so hard to get back into a routine after this past week of sorted sleep. Thankfully, I have 2 wonderful bosses and I'm sure they'll both understand the low energy level immediately following my return.

I had to resort back to Jell-O and Italian Ice today. Although the General Tzu's Chicken was such a flavor saver and I wanted something that wasn't bland - it still burned a bit going down. I ate some of the Chinese noodles for lunch today - but it's just not the same without the spicy sauce that I knew my throat couldn't handle 2 days in a row (actually - it couldn't handle it yesterday, but the flavor was worth it!)

Bill should be here in a little while - we will probably just hang around the house since I really don't feel much like getting out. I have plans with Scott for Sunday to get out into the sunshine and I'm actually looking forward to that - I just hope the throat is Tylenol level at worst since I don't want to be driving drugged (granted, he'll play chauffeur and pick me up if that's the case). I'm so lucky to have the two of them in my life -- I couldn't ask for a better friend or boyfriend.

Day 9 - Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 166 (-6 lbs.):

How come when I want to be awake, I have to fight sleep -- but when I want to sleep, I can't? Fell asleep while Bill was here - granted, it was only for an hour -- but that was an hour that could have and should have been his. He brought with him a small watermelon and cut cantaloupe - but I made him "breakfast" for dinner instead.

Once I woke up, he stuck around for about another hour before he left for home - but I've been awake ever since. Tried a piece of the cantaloupe and it was delicious - but BURNED like hell! The grits and eggs that I had earlier didn't bother me at all -- yet it amazes me that a watered down piece of fruit can sting like a jellyfish all the way down my throat.

Finally fell back to sleep about 3:00 -- awake again at 5:00. The pain level this morning is about a 7 -- thankfully down from the past couple of mornings. Maybe, just maybe, I can wake up tomorrow and the doc's prediction will come true -- how happy would that make me?

Still drinking water in quantities large enough to drain the Alabama River in a short month. It seems the more water I drink the more comfortable I am - I can only imagine what those "9" mornings would have been like if I had been dehydrated -- scary!

Went to the grocery store to get provisions for the picnic tomorrow with Scott and his two children. Half way through my list, my throat was dry -- I've gotten used to having a glass of water at my disposal - so needless to say, I had to get a cold bottled water out of the cooler to finish my shopping.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful - spent it putting together the menu and supplies for the picnic tomorrow afternoon and dinner tomorrow night. This will be the first time that I'll meet Scott's children - and having none myself, I'm a bit anxious about it. We've been dating since January - and the subject has come up several times on when I'd be ready to meet them -- now that I'm comfortable with him, I think it's time.

My appetite has been ferocious this afternoon… Had a Boston Market frozen dinner, 2 bowls of honey nut Cheerios, an Italian Ice, a can of Campbell's Chicken & Dumpling soup, and a vanilla latte (OMG was that good!)

The pain level today has gone back down to a 3-4 after the pain meds - and there's not been a problem with eating - thankfully, because I needed it today! Managed to stay awake all day today too -- ever since 5:00am, which I think is a major victory given the past few days of sporadic sleep. Maybe I'll be able to get a solid full nights sleep tonight - a girl can hope!

Day 10 - Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 166 (-6 lbs.):

Unfortunately, I woke up at 4:00am with the throat at a 6. The doc's prediction did not come true -- at least not today. There's still a burning sensation (especially on the left side of my throat - almost at the top of where the tonsil used to be).

Got an email last night that really upset me, so the park plans for today have been canceled (or at least for me attending). The morning hasn't gotten much better on a personal level. Scott called and made matters worse by giving me an ultimatum that if I did not continue with the plans to spend the day with his children (and thereby disappointing them) that we are through -- gee, offend me then give me an ultimatum - um, how does that work for me?

On the good side -- I did get my 2 double dose espresso lattes this morning - burned a little, but man were they worth it! Save for yesterday, I haven't had caffeine in a week! And although if not for the pain meds, I wouldn't have been able to swallow down the pot roast, potatoes, and carrots - but they too were delicious. Other than that, I cannot say I've eaten anything for the day - 1) too upset; and 2) the throat hurt too much.

Called Bill to schedule lunch for tomorrow -- I've got to do something with all these leftovers! Not to mention, I really need to make up for falling asleep on him Friday - he deserves some awake time.

Day 11 - Monday, April 16, 2007 - 167 (-5 lbs.):

Again, I wake up at 4:00am, the throat at a 6. The doc is definitely not a physic! I can see more pink under the white scabs (which have hung in there and not fallen off), however, it still hurts!

Took the dogs out to the park yesterday - they've both been quiet since we got home at 7pm last night. The male doesn't miss a lick - as soon as I put on my jacket and shoes, he's bouncing chest high wanting to go - he didn't even wait for me to grab the leash.

The pain has eased off some today, although it hasn't completely disappeared. For what it's worth, it has been very manageable.

Bill came over for lunch - so I managed to send away some of the massive amounts of leftover pot roast. He stayed til shortly after lunch and I managed to stay awake to give him some "quality" time - which was actually pleasant and enjoyable -- no hovering Mr. Mom, just my old friend, Bill, and me.

Nothing much to report -- a very uneventful day

Day 13 - Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - 163 (-9 lbs.):
Once again, I had a night of ups and downs. The pain level for the past couple of days has been manageable (3-4 without meds) but not gone. I'm feeling more like myself, other than coming off the meds has irritated my bowels and I've spent the past day and a half running to the restroom.

Worked things out with Scott, big miscommunication/understanding. So all is well in love and war.

The pups have had sympathy poops today - they too have had bouts of liquid poop all over the house!

Finally broke out of the cabin to do a little shopping and to get my nails done (finally) - but fought the stomach cramps the whole time I was out! I think I visited every public toilet in the area!

The scabs are still hanging in there -- the throat is still white, but more pink is beginning to show through. Water is HORRIBLE and I finally broke down and tried a Diet Dr. Pepper -- it went down fine, but didn't quite taste right - nothing tastes right! When will everything be "normal" again?