Adult tonsillectomy - my recent experience

[HollieJo123]

Hi There,

I'm new to all of this. I, too, just got my tonsils out on Friday the 21st. FINALLY!...I am 36, actually 37 in a week and have needed them out since I was a child. I also got a septomplasmy done..to correct a deviated septum.

I also got all of the warnings of "adult tonsilectomy" that it is worse than child birth-OH PLEASE!...I do not have the experience of child birth, but I can with quite confidence say that that is crazy. This is extremely painful but I knew that going in and compared to the tonsillitis and strept throats I've had in the past, I must admit it's not AS bad as I prepared myself for. AND, I know this time that this will be one of the last sore throats I should ever get...making the suffering bearable.

My advice to people preparing for it would be...give yourself the time...dont try to schedule this surgery and have to go back to work a few days later, dont do that to yourself, PLUS...you're not going to be able to!...I'm on day 5 post Op and day one was the easiest, I think because I had leftover morphine in my system, it has gotten progressively worse,with some easing up today. Deftinately use a humidifier, cant imagine the dryness of the throat and nose without one,,,double the pain...ice as much as possible, drink alot and my doc said chew gum, which I saw someone else wrote...I do that, must be to get saliva moving I guess. Sleeping is tough, I am up every couple of hours too taking more meds, I am currently on roxicet (liquid perc)..works pretty good

I have my first post op check up tomorrow and will let you know how that goes....I did peek, it looks gross, so I cant tell...but I am just so excited for the light at the end of the tunnel, for no more strept throats...and to be able to breathe better through my nose and at night, I had a touch of sleep apnea too due to large tonsils......anyone lose weight yet?? admittedly that is a total perk, I told everyone my new diet plan was called TONSILLECTOMY! HA....I feel thinner, speaking of which I'm starving!! any ideas on what else I can eat???????????? besides, shebert, broth, jello....boring

thanks for the feedback, its nice to know others are going through this as well...especially through the holidays....I missed Christmas and I will miss my birthday as well...its new years eve!!

I still say it's worth it....has anyone else had both the septum and tonsils done?

[HollieJo123]

ok, so I had my first post op appt today, but it was for my nose, the septum...they took out two splints the size of my head from my nose!...I knew I had one, I didnt even know there was one in my other nostril...geez....but things look good....although I think things are gonna start to get worse heading into days 6-10 for my throat when scabs should be coming off...i'm scared! anyone in that stage yet?? how's it going??

how are you doing tonsilless..you had yours out the same day as me????

[HollieJo123]

Saraw08...your surgery was today...how'd it go?...I hope you didnt throwup that was your concern...I never did, thank God. Hope you are doing well...first few days shouldnt be toooo bad, take your meds regularly.

[Saraw08]

Hollie thank you so much for asking! Yep it was today. I'm at home right now watching a TON of movies. The pain is pretty bad.... Feels like a bad case of strep... Looked in the back of my throat and it really doesn't look as bad as I thought.

Trying to keep up on the pain meds.... I have an anxiety disorder so when I woke up and didn't know where I was I got scared and my stomach kinda got churny but I didn't puke. I've been taking vicodin and dramamine and that seems to do the trick, but I keep nodding off sitting up. I'm glad I didn't puke, but I was in the prep room sobbing beforehand. Luckily my dear boyfriend is here with me and taking very good care of me.

Also I can't talk.... I know some people seem to be able to talk just fine, but it hurts soooo much. I'm communicating by writing. Is this normal?

Also I'm peeing a LOT. Could that be from the saline they gave me? I'm also pushing a ton of water so I'm constantly feeling full. I've had about 48 oz of water so far and am keeping going!

So far I've had one popcicle and a small thing of applesauce (spiked with my Vicodin of course!). Then just a lot of water.... I don't see myself eating a whole lot.... Maybe I'll have some mashed pots and broth later. We'll see!

Hollie, keep me posted on your pain levels and whatnot during the second stage. I'll be getting there eventually. Also, had I been you I might have fainted when those splints were removed. Brave woman!

[Tonsilless]

Hi Hollie - yep we had our ops the same day - it's def getting worse but is still bearable BUT I am literally necking the painkillers as soon as I can - 3 sorts and taking them all religiously. I'm finding that it's worse for me in the eves which is kind of diff from what others have said - it gets harder to swallow and eat as the day goes on. However, I have actually put on weight - am I the first person ever?! Gutted, I was looking forward to shedding the pounds but because I felt so well to begin with AND I'd heard that you had to keep eating cause it helps the scabs or something so I've hardly skipped anymeals and will need a diet after I've recovered from this! Have just had a mini-banoffee pie - totally recommend though it burned a little towards the end.
Sara - I am also on the loo loads, def cause of all the water I think.
Well it's day 7 now (am I working that out right - not including the day of the op?) and am expecting it to get worse over next few days and then start improving - was hoping for a glass or 2 on new years eve as off the anti-biotics now - hope you can manage some for your birthday hollie?
Off to have a warm bath & nap now - def not doing anthing is the way forward - my husband is totally taking the kids at all times.
PS Having done child birth I agree with you - this is no-where near as bad though it is a lot more prolonged and my stoumach is starting to resemble it's post birth state