Anyone had thier tonsils removed as an adult? - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

Anarchist · 12-04-2002, 09:05 PM

I am 27, and have had tonsil "problems" pretty much all my life. The doctors rather put me on hoards of anti-biotics, then actually fix my problem.. Until now.. lol..

I get tonsilitis about 5-8 times a year.. For the last 2 years, my tonsils have been kissing at the bottom.. Thats what my ENT doctor calls it.. When I get tonsilitis, almost the entire tonsils are touching each other.. Which sometimes has the doctor questioning weather or not I can breath.. lol..

Though I have gotten used to the pain, and the tounsilitis really doesnt bother me much anymore..

My ENT says it's time for my tonsils to find a new home in the nearest biohazard trash bin... I am kind of concerned about the pain, and re-couperation time involved with this operation.

Anyone had this done as an adult? Please share your ADULT stories if you have one.

simtusie · 12-04-2002, 10:27 PM

Hey there! I had my tonsils out at 19, not quite adult, but not a kid either. I tell you what, it hurt like the dickens! I was out of work for 10 days, then has a bottle of throat spray with me constantly for a while after that. I can't remember the name of the stuff, but it is the liquid you spray in your throat to make it numb. If not for that spray, I don't know what I'd have done. The surgery really wipes you out, but it is worth it after the healing is done to know you will not have that gross throat thing going on anymore! Best of luck to you! When the post op pain gets really bad, just keep reminding yourself that it is a HEALING pain that WILL go away! Take care!

Oh yeah! Chloraseptic!!

REELEE · 12-05-2002, 01:43 AM

Hi there!!

I am 31 and just had my tonsils out about eight weeks ago. It went very smoothly and I did NOT have a lot of pain at all. I had a new procedure called the Debreeder technique. (I am not sure if that is spelled correctly.) Basically, what it does is eat away at the tonsils, kind of like Pac Man (as my Dr. Described it)
The tonsil capsule is NOT removed, only the infected tonsils. This procedure is less painful than the conventional way. I was in the hospital for less than a day and eating solid foods that night.(Mashed Potatos)It just felt like I had a regular sore throat.
Hope this helps!!

Trooper · 12-05-2002, 07:09 AM

My brother just had his tonsils removed on Monday of this week. He is 29 (soon to be 30 in Jan). It was an outpatient procedure, but we were at the hospital for 7 hours. The surgery went smoothly, but it took him a while to come out of the anesthesia.
The next day, he said he didn't have any pain, and didn't need to take any of the pain medicine. Yesterday, he was a little sore, so he took half of the recommended dose (liquid form) and that did him fine.
The doctor said everyone is different. That some people are back to their old selves in a couple of days, others it takes longer.
I think my brother is doing great and isn't in as much pain as anticipated. Other than wanting something solid to eat, he's fine.
He also had the problem of his tonsils touching (among other things). He had problems swallowing and breathing (like his throat felt like it was being closed up).
Good luck to you. You may find that once they are removed, things will be much better for you.
-Trooper

lihealy · 12-08-2002, 09:20 PM

Hi Anarchist -

I was 35 when I finally had my tonsils removed. I, like you, was on tons of antibiotics. My ENT also told me it was time mine were removed since I was in his office every two (2) months. Everything went great. Expect to get some ear pain around the second or third day after your tonsillectomy (the doc called me at home to tell me to expect it). I think it was the best decision for me, I rarely have a sore throat or a cold.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do. . .