Tonsillectomy - Ear, Nose & Throat Message Board

nuttygirl70 · 06-15-2002, 10:30 AM

just curious if anyone here has had a tonsillectomy as an adult and what their experiences were. i'm 32 and just had surgery 8 days ago. the pain has been absolutely excruciating, almost unbearable. i feel 90% better today, but the problem i'm still having is with my tongue, of all things! it is very sore and so i continue to starve as it hurts to eat. my throat isn't really the problem anymore. has anyone had a similar experience?

thanks-
melissa

LisaL · 06-15-2002, 11:03 AM

I have not experienced this, but almost had a tonsilectomy a year ago until i found that it wasn't necessary. I was told then, that as an adult, it would be more painful and would hurt longer. IN fact, the Dr. had already said I would be out of work for at least a week, but was going to give me a 2 week leave. I have heard other adults say that they had a hard time of it. I am sorry that you are in such pain, but it is not abnormal to hurt so much.. Hope you feel better soon.
LisaL

nuttygirl70 · 06-15-2002, 01:12 PM

thanks lisa

zuzu23 · 06-15-2002, 03:29 PM

I had a tonsillectomy when I was about 19 or 20. It was a nightmare!! The pain was worse than a broken leg, childbirth, and surgery put together. I also had allergic reactions to codeine and morphine, so I was totally out of it for about a month. It was about 2-3 months until I felt mostly better. But, boy, was it worth it! I used to get strep and tonsillitis every single month, for a few years. Now I don't get anything. Good luck healing!!

Mushmellon · 06-15-2002, 07:54 PM

I had mine out as a young adult and had the same problem with my tongue. I suspected it was from my tongue drying out as I would not even put water in my mouth because it hurt so much to swallow. I did lose about 15 pounds though. The only advice I can give you is to try and get some Ensure drink down or something. Try to keep your tongue moist. If it gets too sore try putting some Ora-Gel on it to numb it so you can eat/drink something. It does get better. GOOD LUCK!!