recovery - Ear, Nose & Throat Message Board

audreycwalsh · 05-01-2003, 09:13 PM

Can someone please advise.. I've searched and searched for guidelines on recovering from a tonsillectomy and I've not found a straight answer. I had my tonsils out 6 days ago. I thought that my ENT was being melodramatic when he told me how miserable I would be and that he was preparing me for the worst so that it really wouldn't be that bad. He wasn't. Nothing came close to descirbing the abject pain and misery I have been in for the past six days.

The ENT prescribed me Tylenol with Codeine (are you kidding me?) and told me to drink enough fluids so that I would go to the bathroom every 8 hours. The second day after the surgery, I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and as I sat down on the toilet, I blacked out. My financee heard a thud and found me on the floor in a pool of blood and unconscious. I was taken to the ER and told I was very dangerously dehydrated and my blood pressue was extremely low. They said I broke my nose and also had a sinus infection. CAT scan returned normal. In the hospital, no drugs would help. Everything worked on all other parts of my body except my throat. I can't describe the pain, I really can't but my will to live is being drastrically depleated.

How long more do I have to suffer with this? Around Day 4 I started getting ear aches. I was sent home from the hospital yesterday (Day 5) with a prescription for Percocet but again, it does nothing for the throat pain and excruciating swallowing. When can I eat again? When does the pain get better? My neck is very stiff and talking hurts so much. PLEASE HELP. I'm at my wits end. These past 6 days have felt like a month and I can't remember what it's like not to have pain.

Janette* · 05-02-2003, 12:31 AM

Hi audrey..

I wish I could give you some good news. I don't know what it's like to have tonsils taken out, or how the recovery is... but it's clear that you're feeling pretty miserable, and I feel for you.

My tonsils have been swollen for a few days now, and it's difficult (painful!) to swallow. I was prescribed Motrin to help bring the inflammation down.. and it's working well. Obviously inflammation isn't the problem for you though.... Gosh, I wish there was a drug that worked for you. The pain must really be testing your endurance, and patience!!

I hope your fiancee helps you through this. When I'm in pain and there's nothing I can do about it, the only thing that helps me is getting my mind off of the pain. Maybe your fiance can rent some movies, or play some games with you?

Please stay strong! 6 days isn't really that long, when you think about it.. I imagine it could take weeks to fully recover from all that this has put you through.

Anyhow, I'm sorry I wasn't much of a help.
I wish you a speedy recovery...

Cadet Janice · 05-02-2003, 08:10 AM

Wow. I think I'd see another doctor. I had my tonsills out at the age of 23 it was a very easy recovery for me. I woke up with a mild sore throat but I was able to takl some and eat the frozen ice cups. i ate so many I made myself sick. I was released the next day and within 5 days I was eating normally. I Have heard that most adults do have a much harder time but blacking out thats not good. Can you see another ENT?

I hope you feel better soon.

audreycwalsh · 05-02-2003, 08:24 AM

Not really. I'm tied to this one now for this procedure with the insurance. When I was getting ready for the OR, there was a nurse there who said he had his out at 23 and he was up & about in 3 days. I'm at the point where I hate these people (sorry!) but I despedrately wish it was so simple for me. I know it's only been a week today that I had the surgery but it's just felt so long and never-ending. This morning, my throat wasn't as excruciating when I woke up but still warranted 2 Percocet (I'm still hopeful that at some miraculous point, it will work). I'm going to have to force myself to drink and eat more. Maybe exercising my throat will help it heal?? Or will it damage the scabs??

Thankfully, my fiancee is the best in the world and has been supporting and helping me 100%. He's just sorry that he can't take the pain away for me.

Thanks for all the replies! Truly appreciated.

[This message has been edited by audreycwalsh (edited 05-02-2003).]

Janette* · 05-02-2003, 02:45 PM

You know, I actually have heard people say that swallowing is part of the healing process.

Again, I haven't personally been through this so I can't really say!

Just thought I would add that. I'm happy you're feeling slightly better!