Tonsillectomy in adults - question about recovery....

eskimo · 06-06-2006 1:18am #1

I'm 19 and due to get my tonsils out sometime in July and I'm wondering how long I'm gonna be out of action for! I'm hoping some of you who've gone through it already can help me out? (I haven't spoken to the throat specialist yet)

As a 19 year old, how long does the recovery period usually last? I've heard that it's about 2 weeks before your throat feels normal again. And also how long before being physically back to your normal self? Is it just days? More than a week? How long does it generally take before feeling able to eat again?

And how long before I should head back to work?! (to a job that involves lots of talking and lots of lifting/carrying things!)

nobodythere · 06-06-2006 3:54am

This isn't a medical board, liability to boards.ie and such

embee · 06-06-2006 10:53am

Hiya eskimo,

I had my tonsils out when I was 19.

The recovery is pretty quick really, although I found that the worst of it was the ferocious itchy sensation I got in my throat as the incision sites were healing. I used to use a tiny spray bottle I got in Boots to spray ice water on the back of my throat - that was heavenly! Talking isn't really a problem as the operation doesn't affect your vocal chords - the only thing is, your voice may sound a little muffled for the first couple of days due to localised swelling. It didn't really hurt as such afterwards, more uncomfortable from swelling (my cheeks were hurting from whatever they had used to hold my mouth open during the surgery) and swallowing at first will be laboured.

Physically, a day or two after the operation you'll start to feel normal again. Most of the physical recovery is from the anaesthetic rather than the tonsillectomy. Eating is okay, but you should avoid spicy foods or rich foods, and stay away from dairy products (I was told in the hospital not to eat them as they coat your throat and will encourage bacteria growth around your incision sites). Also, you are better off eating foods that are "rough" in texture, like dry toast, bran flakes with as little milk as you can manage etc. The reason for this is that eating rough foods will encourage healing faster than if you are eating softer textured foods as they create scabs which speed up the healing of your throat.

Workwise - I'd stay off for at least a week. It'll be midsummer when you have your procedure, and airborne particles (pollen, pollutants, germs etc) will carry easier on warmer air. I had mine removed in August and was told to stay indoors for a week to minimise risk of inhaling something that could irritate the incision sites or cause infection.

If you smoke, just forget about it for two weeks or so - its impossible. It made me throw up the one time I did attempt it.

moridin · 06-06-2006 12:38pm

I had mine out this time last year, at 25. Took about 2 weeks to recover. For me, it was very very bloody sore - the painkillers I got weren't enough and wore off far too quickly.

Initial pain is sore-ish, but about a week later it gets worse. Make sure that you get enough painkillers and if you start running through them faster than you're supposed to talk to your doc!

Eating foods like toast etc is supposed to be better as it stimulates the area and encourages healing.

Oh, and get some breath mints for week 2, you'll probably need 'em

Overall, it's well worth getting done - last winter I think I got sick once, as opposed to 4 or 5 times

arbeitsscheuer · 06-06-2006 12:58pm

Had mine out when I was 18. August, like embee, and I gave up smoking for about 2 weeks (and I immediately regretted the 1 I had at the end of that, but then twas ok after that). Physically, you're pretty much grand after a couple of days, once the anaesthetic's left your system you should be fine.

Good luck!

lost_for_words · 06-06-2006 4:17pm

Had mine out three years ago at 20 and found recovery fine. Stayed in for 2 nights in hospital which was fine wasn't in much pain at all although I did puke blood which apparantly is normal and expected. Drove myself home from the hospital so things musn't have been that sore.

They say recovery time is much longer for adults but to be honest a week is plenty of time (imo). You'll sound like you have a cold for 2 weeks or so but other than that have some good sleep and relax in the sunshine, you'll be fine.
Slightly off topic but I was told that leaving cert stress and subsequent college exam stress may have triggered my tonsillitis as I never had it when I was young, I didn't think I was stressed at the time but I suppose my body had other ideas. Anyone else have this experience?

Agamemnon · 06-06-2006 10:48pm

A friend of mine had hers out on Monday of last week and she came back to work today. She says she feels much better now and she looks it too. It's good to have her back. I think I must be sweet on her or something...

eskimo · 07-06-2006 12:00am

So all round it seems to be better news than I expected! Cheers for all your stories!

I don't smoke so that won't bother me. For the past two years I have suffered from god-awful bouts of tonsillitis (sometimes as often as every three weeks) that have me house-bound generally for 7 days at a time. It's bloody annoying! But I'm used to it now so I think I'll manage the tonsillectomy recovery no bother!

embee wrote:

Hiya eskimo,

I had my tonsils out when I was 19.

The recovery is pretty quick really, although I found that the worst of it was the ferocious itchy sensation I got in my throat as the incision sites were healing. I used to use a tiny spray bottle I got in Boots to spray ice water on the back of my throat - that was heavenly! Talking isn't really a problem as the operation doesn't affect your vocal chords - the only thing is, your voice may sound a little muffled for the first couple of days due to localised swelling. It didn't really hurt as such afterwards, more uncomfortable from swelling (my cheeks were hurting from whatever they had used to hold my mouth open during the surgery) and swallowing at first will be laboured.

Physically, a day or two after the operation you'll start to feel normal again. Most of the physical recovery is from the anaesthetic rather than the tonsillectomy. Eating is okay, but you should avoid spicy foods or rich foods, and stay away from dairy products (I was told in the hospital not to eat them as they coat your throat and will encourage bacteria growth around your incision sites). Also, you are better off eating foods that are "rough" in texture, like dry toast, bran flakes with as little milk as you can manage etc. The reason for this is that eating rough foods will encourage healing faster than if you are eating softer textured foods as they create scabs which speed up the healing of your throat.

Workwise - I'd stay off for at least a week. It'll be midsummer when you have your procedure, and airborne particles (pollen, pollutants, germs etc) will carry easier on warmer air. I had mine removed in August and was told to stay indoors for a week to minimise risk of inhaling something that could irritate the incision sites or cause infection.

If you smoke, just forget about it for two weeks or so - its impossible. It made me throw up the one time I did attempt it.

I appreciate the in-depth info!

neegie · 22-04-2007 12:33pm

i got my tonsils out last monday, i'm 17. feel ok now except the painkillers dont seem to last long enough but they gave me a mouth rinse that numbs your throat, that helps...
as for smoking, after three days i ran out of will power!! i'm not sure if smoking is slowing my recovery, if anyone has any input on that it'd be helpfull!

smiles · 22-04-2007 12:58pm

Got mine out at 19or20, not sure when exactly, was fine. Not the best experience, but not the worst either.

Was a bit ill directly afterward (ick: blood had seeped down my throat instead of being hoovered up) so I was on a drip for a day or so.

Afterwards I did need extra painkillers as it went mental.

Was fine for the next 2 days: deadly pain for 2 days: 3 days later it was fine.

Was advised to eat salt'n'vinegar crisps to help 'clean' the wound... stung but was fine.

Put it this way: ate a chinese about 2 days after I got them out.

You'll be grand in a week.

chuci · 22-04-2007 2:08pm

neegie wrote:

i got my tonsils out last monday, i'm 17. feel ok now except the painkillers dont seem to last long enough but they gave me a mouth rinse that numbs your throat, that helps...
as for smoking, after three days i ran out of will power!! i'm not sure if smoking is slowing my recovery, if anyone has any input on that it'd be helpfull!

smoking will delay your recovery stops the amount of healthy oxygenated blood in your body plus inhaling the chemicals past your wound sites wont help.

neegie · 22-04-2007 4:05pm

i'm on as few a day as i can manage but i think i'm allergic to patches and stayin off them had me crawlin up the walls... thanks for the input... here's to hopin it doesn't affect recovery too much *fingers crossed*

Cateym · 22-04-2007 4:16pm

Slight diversion here. Just want to ask all the people who have had them out how often they were getting sore throats before they were referred? I have a sore throat every 2-3 weeks. I have been having them regularly since my teens and am immune to most of them. Few painkillers and di-flam and I can function.
Got a really bad one 4 weeks ago. I'd about 8 blisters. By time I got around to seeing doctor it had improved quite a bit.

Boyf mentioned to me that I seemed to always have one and I realised he was right so I told the doctor and basically she said come back every time you have one and if I have a certain number of them in 2 years they will take them out. Does that sound right?

Faith · 22-04-2007 5:44pm

I was told that 5 in a year is a sure sign to go see your doctor.

I got awful tonsitilitis every couple of months for all of first year in Uni. I got the last bout in May and I was incapacitated for about a week, with a fever and everything. Haven't gotten it since though, and still have my tonsils!

Victor · 22-04-2007 6:58pm

You really need to ask your doctor these questions.

Cateym · 22-04-2007 9:53pm

Victor wrote:

You really need to ask your doctor these questions.

I have asked my doctor!! I am just asking what other people's experiences were!

Cateym · 22-04-2007 9:54pm

Victor wrote:

You really need to ask your doctor these questions.

I have asked my doctor!! I am just asking what other people's experiences were!

embee · 23-04-2007 2:06am

In the 12 months before I got my tonsils out, I had 8 bad bouts of tonsillitis, two of which I had to hospitalized for due to dehydration and high temperatures (I was literally hallucinating).

I had my tonsillectomy originally scheduled for May of that year, but they cancelled twice on me as theatres weren't available. They cancelled the May appointment, re-scheduled for June, cancelled the June one and I got them out on the third try. Sometimes they'll cancel your op if they are under resourced as its a routine procedure.

Miss Fluff · 23-04-2007 10:31am

Had them out when I was 17. Operation was scheduled I think for 5pm and by 7.30pm I was propped up watching Corrie and had a smoke the next day. I was back to normal after a couple of days.

popebenny16 · 23-04-2007 11:36am

I had mine out aged 34. Hurt a lot for two weeks didnt eat anything much for about three weeks (really helped the diet actually)

Make sure you get strong painkillers, watch out for smelly breath the next day, its a sign on a post operative infection go straight to the GP get anti-biotics

I had tonsillitus six times a year, since then not one throat infection!!! Should have done it at your age!!

eefs · 23-04-2007 5:03pm

Seems I got the short end of the stick!

I had mine out when I was 20 after one too many bouts of tonsillitis and strep throat. I had them out on the National Treatment Purchase Fund, so I was away down to a hospital in Kilkenny for two days to get them whipped out.

The anti-biotics they put me on in Kilkenny didn't react well to my stomach at all. They warn you to go straight to the hospital if you start vomitting blood, which happened to me. Basically, the anti-biotics wouldn't stay down and I retched so much I ripped the scars from the op. They had to be re-cauterized (sp?) in Tallaght hospital and then I got to spend the night in the corridor! (Whee!!)

I was out of action for about 3 weeks but I think that was mainly due to my bad reaction to the medicine. But, since having them done I haven't had another bout of strep or tonsillitis. So it worked!! yay!

Dalfiatach · 24-04-2007 9:38am

I ended up in hospital with a quinsy during 2nd year in UCD, that was my first ever bout of tonsillitis. Maybe exam stress does have something to do with it! Then it used to recur, not quite as bad but still nasty, every few weeks. I finally got them out about 2 1/2 years later, that was the waiting list back then. I still get a sore throat every now and again, maybe every six months, but since those bad boys got sliced out it's more of a slightly irritating sore throat - yer normal throat lozenges are more than enough to take care of it. I'm not reduced to a moaning wreck incapable of getting out of bed for 3 days any more. So for the girl getting constant sore throats, go ahead and get the tonsils out. If definitely makes a huge improvement.

The recovery isn't so bad, as others have said eat dry toast and crisps. Also gargle a couple of times a day with warm salty water. A week or so and you'll be well mended.

My "ick" story is waking up early immediately after the operation - they weren't expecting me to wake up for another hour and hadn't got round to cleaning me up, so I wake up in a dark room with four or 5 other post-op unconscious people. Looked like a morgue :eek: And I was still all covered in blood :eek: :eek:

hairyfairy00 · 24-04-2007 8:05pm

Had mine out last August, was 24 at the time and was a little bit worried but i'm so glad i got them out. I used to get about 8-9 really bad bouts of tonsillitis a year e.g temp of 103.
Like Dalfiatac i woke up straight away, think i freaked them out a bit cos i wanted to sit up in the bed and have a chat, I was able to eat crisps within an hour of my operation.
I found the worst stage was about 4 days after the op, i had to set my alarm at night to take pain killers otherwise my tongue would swell up and i couldn't open my mouth and yes when i didn't take the pain killers i cried my eyes out, I loved the way i sounded like Kermit the Frog for about 2 weeks tho

I haven't had a sore throat since *touch wood*.

<edit> Was high as a kite for about 3 weeks from the medication they gave me, those things were strong

unreggd · 01-10-2007 1:12pm

One quicky, How much does this cost?

and whats the diff between public and private hospitals, cost wise????

thanks

muppetkiller · 01-10-2007 1:39pm

I had mine out when I was 20. Woke up after the operation and was high as a kite singing on the trolley lol
it was a bit sore for a week but lots of Ice dream was always easy and cheerful

nursetinkerbell · 17-11-2007 11:33pm

lost_for_words wrote: »

Had mine out three years ago at 20 and found recovery fine. Stayed in for 2 nights in hospital which was fine wasn't in much pain at all although I did puke blood which apparantly is normal and expected. Drove myself home from the hospital so things musn't have been that sore.

They say recovery time is much longer for adults but to be honest a week is plenty of time (imo). You'll sound like you have a cold for 2 weeks or so but other than that have some good sleep and relax in the sunshine, you'll be fine.
Slightly off topic but I was told that leaving cert stress and subsequent college exam stress may have triggered my tonsillitis as I never had it when I was young, I didn't think I was stressed at the time but I suppose my body had other ideas. Anyone else have this experience?

Heya!!!

Im 21 and having my tonsils out in January 2008, was just reading the posts, I agree, I never ever had tonsilitis until March 2007 (was doing the leaving in June 2007) and wen ever i had exams coming up or stress or under pressure in school my tonsilitis came back, iv had it 8 times since march now, thats 8 times in 8 months!! crazy!! cant wait to get em out !!

hairyfairy00 · 17-11-2007 11:58pm

nursetinkerbell wrote: »

Heya!!!

Im 21 and having my tonsils out in January 2008, was just reading the posts, I agree, I never ever had tonsilitis until March 2007 (was doing the leaving in June 2007) and wen ever i had exams coming up or stress or under pressure in school my tonsilitis came back, iv had it 8 times since march now, thats 8 times in 8 months!! crazy!! cant wait to get em out !!

It'll be the best decision you've ever made to have them out, you will be sore afterwards but it's well worth it!
I still haven't had a sore throat since i got mine out (1 1/2yrs)
Just dose yourself up with lots of ice-cream and chew chewing gum after the op because it'll help.

gd1987 · 03-06-2008 10:40pm

I'm getting mine out next month, was nice to find all of your experiences.
They've helped to ease my mind, didn't know much about the op.
I hadn't known anything about not smoking, oh well.:(
But nobody mentioned about drinking after the op. Is it a no no, or did anyone have a few?

Stev_o · 03-06-2008 11:11pm

Ever one here's had such good recoverys to their operation i was one of the few in the statistic bracket that not all went to plan. OP you should be fine its a routine OP and i agree with everyone here that the only bad thing about it is the anaesthetic. I was sadly slightly allergic to eggs which is used in the anaesthetic and was violently sick for the whole day after the operation. Then i was of the 1/10 to have the wound bleed [its nothing too serious once you get back to A&E but looks it] and then a 1/100 to have it bleed a second time. But nothing ever came out of it and was discharged both times safe and sound.

Just keep on your throat that is unless your very squeamish and if it feels in anyway bad then its supposed to be go to the doctor to get him to have a look.

Lastly stock up on Difflam [oral mouthwash] and strong painkillers [ask your chemist]. The difflam has a small anaesthetic to kill SOME pain and helps reduce swelling. Also gargling ice cold water is a huge relief aswell!

Anyway im sure you ll be fine and you ll be recovered in no time just look after your self and listen to what the doctors say!

NoQuarter · 04-06-2008 12:06am

sorry about the off topic post here but this question burns away at my mind, is there any truth that gettin them out can improve your singing voice?!? i just heard someone say it before and ive always wondered!

:eek:

Jemmy · 04-06-2008 12:24am

I got mine out a year ago i was suffering very badly, every sore throat i got shut my whole body down. Anyway ur not allowed eat for 12/24 hrs before cant remember. oh no its 24 i ate last the night before then had my op late the next day! Anyway its painful at first but you kinda get used to the discomfort. It is hard to swollow and eat but what do you expect. anyway after 2 wks i was perfect again, not a bother. Iv had no trouble AT ALL with my throat since. Even if u hav a low pain tolerence its still worth it believe me.

Dont worry!

Jemmy · 04-06-2008 12:30am

And if you have to wait more than 6 months i think it is, apply to the national treatment scheme! Thats how i got mine done, long story but i was waiting 6 months just for an appointment in ireland so was told to apply, within 6 wks of applying they had flew me first class to england to a private clinic (room was like a hotel room en suite and all!) with my mother for company put her in a hotel nearby for the few days aswell op and all done! 6WKS! i got home fixed and all and i got a letter from the irish hospital sayin i had an appointment here but it was still 8 months away! haha!

deisemum · 04-06-2008 1:18am

I had mine out about 22 years ago when I was 21 in the UK. I spent the first week in hospital, 2nd week I was instructed to stay indoors and 3rd week I was allowed out but told to avoid crowds. That was the norm back then to avoid the risk of infection.

I found the pain gradually got worse and peeked about a week after operation. The only pain relief we got in hospital was the adult equivilant of calpol about 3 times a day about 10 mins before meals. Was given bowls of cornflakes for breakfast so chewed each one thoroughly before swallowing.

About 6 weeks after having them out I resumed drinking and had a bit too much and ended up affecting the delicate membrane over the wounds and got a very bad infection that bled.

Having them out was one of the best things I've done for my health. I still get the occasional sore throat but not as many and nowhere near as bad as they used to be.

gurramok · 17-06-2008 3:24pm

I had mine out when i was around 5 or 6(now 33). And i've always got a sore throat every year since(a few times a year), the severe sore throats were usually the ones that you get before a flu comes on you.

Makes you think whats the point of getting the tonsils out in the first place!!

eskimo · 20-06-2008 1:51am

Wow! This was two years ago! What a blast from the past!

As it turned out my operation relatively disastrous. The operation itself went fine, but what followed was not pleasant at all.

A few days following the operation (after which I spent three nights in hospital), my throat felt odd so I spat into the sink to see if there was any blood in my saliva, because I'd been warned that on rare occasion post-operative bleeding can occur, and yes there was blood there. I contacted my GP who told me to go straight into hospital just to be on the safe side, and they kept me in for 3 nights. During this time they performed some minor procedure on my throat to help seal the wound.

After being discharged, I went home and a few days later, I started bleeding again. Same thing again, had to go back to hospital where they kept me for two more nights, after which I was discharged from hospital for the third time.

Three days later, I woke up at 7am almost choking on blood. It was pumping out of my throat like water from a tap. I ran and woke my parents while my throat pumped blood out and all over the floor. I was panicking like mad. They rushed me back to the hospital and when I got there the doctors couldn't believe that I was back. Once was unfortunate, twice was rare and very unlucky, but three times was almost unheard of. This time they kept me for five nights. I bled one more time while in hospital.

They were called "post-op bleeds" and from what I remember it happens when the wound from the operation is in the healing process but for whatever reason it re-opens and blood rushes out. There may not even be a visible wound following a bleed because it can close up as fast and as easily as it opened.

In total I spent 13 nights in hospital and this was spread over the course of a month.

I'm not saying all this to worry anyone, just to let you know my story and to encourage you to be prepared. And going by what happened to me on my THIRD post-op bleed, I would recommend not sleeping on your back for two or three weeks after the operation because of the choking risk.

A week or so after my final bleed I went back to my ENT specialist to talk to him about what had happened, and he said he was very sorry and that mine was an extremely rare and unfortunate case.

That was two years ago and ever since then I have fallen ill probably about 90% less than when I had my tonsils, so I have absolutely no regrets.

Re: the singing question... I take singing lessons and I didn't notice any difference between when I had tonsils and since I've had them out. But that's not to say it hasn't made any difference whatsoever.

LegacyUser · 03-07-2008 1:24pm

i have had my tonsils out for nearly a week now, and like most didnt find it as bad as i had expected! (i even fit into those jeans which have been too small for years!)

the vomitting and nausea had dissappeared by about day 4, and its been smooth sailing since then!

i saw my surgeon after it was all done and he told me that coca cola was a good way to clear up the gunk which forms on the tonsils, it has something in it which eats it away or something, but anyway, a can of coke seamed to clear up my throat, and it was actually recommended by a specialist!!!! so it worked for me, and is prob worth a shot!

i dont know if i will be able to ever drink coke again in my life though!!!

Special K · 03-07-2008 6:31pm

Hi! I had my tonsils out last July when I was 21. I was in hospital from the Monday to the Friday! I thought I'd be out on the Wed eating jelly and ice cream but no! Back on normal foods they said straight away so that my throat would heal better?! Anyway on the Wednesday my throat started bleeding and it was clotting, worst experience ever! Was swallowing a load of blood and coughing up more! They don't like taking them out in adults but I'm telling ya, best thing ever now they're gone. Hardly get sore throats and the likes at all! It was sore for a good while after but it's all good now! Best of luck anyway!

2cute2worry · 24-07-2008 12:26am

hey to anyone considering getting your tonsills out read below!!!!!

got my tonsills out in febuary was a thursday in the mater private went down to get them out woke up in the recovery room the nurse beside shaking a lady to wake up i was hallucinating remember been in so much pain feel back asleep

re awoke a couple of hours later screaming and then everything went black think i fainted i had a serious allergic reaction to the anastetic couldnt breathe on oxgen on a drip had an ecg for my heart woke up 3 doctors around me and nurses had a rash all over me was allergic to the latex gloves also was in alot of pain was only suppose to be kept there a day ended staying 4 days was the worst experience of my life and doesnt stop there released on sunday back in hospital tues blanch hosp this time with severe chest pains was allergic to the pain killers and was very dehydrated had a collapsed lung was kept for a day on a drip went home next day was starting to feel better when i started bleeding was home alone parents were out had to call my own ambulance panicked blood everywhere back in hospital put on a drip and refered to the mater were i stayed for 4 more days in all i lost a total of 2 stone was very sick missed a month from college went back to college got stressed out during exam time and had panick attacks kept having flash backs of when i bled thinking i was going to die had hypnotheraphy to get over this its only now in july i feel like myself again all in all never been sick before this except for tonsillitis hve been in the hospital 10 times since febuary

true story
(had my health before the operation):eek:

moridin · 24-07-2008 10:12am

Okay... but what you've said has nothing to do with getting your tonsils out. It was caused by an allergic reaction that you had to the drugs you got to knock you out?

I fail to see how this relates to the original post - you could have been having your appendix out or your wisdom teeth removed and the same thing would have happened to you.

2cute2worry · 24-07-2008 1:54pm

well moridin

i have wisdom teeth removed and didnt go threw what i went threw with my tonsills

Special K · 24-07-2008 7:41pm

2cute2worry, could ya at least try to punctuate your post? Very heard to read without full stops! And as said previously, it was an allergic reaction to the drugs, and nothing to do with getting your tonsils out. Unhelpful to the poor OP!

Martly · 24-07-2008 8:51pm

I had my tonsils out when i was 23 and had a bit of a bad experience, like eskimo.
Got them out and was ok,i was eating that night, thought i was fine. The day i was discharged i told the doc i thought i could feel something in my throat like a lump but he said it was just swollen so i went home. The pain gradually got worse and worse and i was feeling really lethargic. When i was taking painkillers i could feel them in my throat fizzing up and not going down..Anyway I finally tried eating something and as soon as i tried swallowing some bread that was it, i was bleeding. I was bleeding for about an hour when i decided i should go back to the hospital, and when i did i was told that a huge clot had formed in my throat. The tried to take it out piece by piece so i wouldnt hemmorage (sp) but couldnt manage it. Eventually at 2am they decided to operate, the anaesthtist had to be called in from his bed (still wearing pj's ha ha). He didnt want to operate (suprise suprise) and kept asking how much blood did i think i had swallowed? 10ml? 20ml? Cos if it was more than 20ml he couldnt operate..How should i know? At the time of him asking i was holding a bowl under my chin with blood spilling into it..
Anyway the 2nd op was worse, cos they had to scrape the clot away etc..Apparantly that only happens in 2% of cases tho..And i have weak membranes in my mouth anyway..

All in all im delighted i had my tonsils out anyway, i never get throat infections anymore and my overall health is way better..

eskimo · 25-07-2008 3:57am

2cute2worry wrote: »

hey to anyone considering getting your tonsills out read below!!!!!

got my tonsills out in febuary was a thursday in the mater private went down to get them out woke up in the recovery room the nurse beside shaking a lady to wake up i was hallucinating remember been in so much pain feel back asleep

re awoke a couple of hours later screaming and then everything went black think i fainted i had a serious allergic reaction to the anastetic couldnt breathe on oxgen on a drip had an ecg for my heart woke up 3 doctors around me and nurses had a rash all over me was allergic to the latex gloves also was in alot of pain was only suppose to be kept there a day ended staying 4 days was the worst experience of my life and doesnt stop there released on sunday back in hospital tues blanch hosp this time with severe chest pains was allergic to the pain killers and was very dehydrated had a collapsed lung was kept for a day on a drip went home next day was starting to feel better when i started bleeding was home alone parents were out had to call my own ambulance panicked blood everywhere back in hospital put on a drip and refered to the mater were i stayed for 4 more days in all i lost a total of 2 stone was very sick missed a month from college went back to college got stressed out during exam time and had panick attacks kept having flash backs of when i bled thinking i was going to die had hypnotheraphy to get over this its only now in july i feel like myself again all in all never been sick before this except for tonsillitis hve been in the hospital 10 times since febuary

true story
(had my health before the operation):eek:

What has your allergy to an anaesthetic and painkillers got to do with a tonsillectomy? Nothing. Please think before you speak; do you've any idea how many people you could have completely freaked out with your ridiculousness??

If you're getting your tonsils out, please be fully aware that this person's experience is completely unrelated to the actual removal of the tonsils! If you want to get an allergy test done before the operation, then do.

2cute2worry · 25-07-2008 9:52am

well the actual removal of my tonsills wasn't a pleasent experience i bleed and that had Nothing to do with been allergic to any anastetic. That morning 3 people including myself had tonsills removed the following week 2/3 had returned bleeding the surgeon apologised said this usually doesn't happen, i understand it wasn't personally his fault it was nobodies fault everyones body is different. some bleed some dont.

And what is up with everyone jumping down my throath with there crude remarks im only telling about my own personal experience also, people should be informed about all sides and listen no operation is Simple and straight forward...:p:p:p:p

moridin · 25-07-2008 10:12am

I'm afraid I don't see any crude remarks, we pointed out that you were talking about something which was not related specifically to the tonsillectomy operation.

Yes, you'll bleed. Everyone bleeds to some extent, you've had a part of you cut out and there's a wound in your throat. But it heals. Your post was about an allergic reaction, not being able to breathe, and a collapsed lung. Can we let this die now so the thread remains useful please?

2cute2worry · 25-07-2008 11:30am

dehydration is related to after surgery recovery and breathing difficuities well as just like you said you have had a part of you cut out of you your throath, so infact this is in perfect relation.

all i was doing was talking about my personal experience well isn't what this discussion is all about in anyway.

LegacyUser · 25-07-2008 11:45am

So I am on day 5 of recovery. This week so far has been pretty tough, but it's not the end of the world. I will go day by day

Also, I'm 18 years old, weigh 120 lbs, and had several bouts of tonsilitis before my surgery.

Surgery- It was actually pretty cool. Walked in, signed some papers, and went under. I can't believe all the bad experiences people had going under, mine was very smooth. I woke up and felt absolutely fine. I went home and didn't do much, I still was woozy from the drugs. I slept well that night, with a low pain level.

Day 2- Still not too much pain. Slept a lot. Taking my perscribed percocet every four hours. Eating soup and ramen noodles.

Day 3- Okay day. Awful night. The regular digesting of percocet gave me a migrane that night, and the headache was worse than the throat pain. I cut back on the percocet due to the intense headaches.

Day 4- Pretty bad pain-wise. My throat is really sore, and I am having trouble talking. Swallowing is a task, and sometimes I just spit out my saliva. Lots of ear pain as well.

Day 5- Day I'm on. It's morning, and I feel quite awful. I beleive today will be the worst for the pain. Everything is swollen, and my scabs are getting ready to fall off. The ear pain is terrible as well. I think things will get better after today. *knock on wood*

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR
* It is quite normal to not poop for a couple of days, due to the pain killers. I just pooped for the first time this morning.
*Be careful with pain meds, after taking them so reguarly you may develop some awful headaches or tummy aches. If this happens, try streching out the time inbetween taking them, and replace a couple of doses with regular Tylenol.
*Ice cream isn't necessarily the answer. I found that ice cream was too cold on my throat and made the pain more intense. Try lukewarm things, I found my favorite thing was Ramen Noodle chicken brother to drink. It was refreshing and had nutrients in it.
*Don't smoke. Obvious.
* Don't expect to heal the same rate as others. Everyone has different recovery times, which is why some people are misersable for weeks and some are back on their feet in four days. Age is a huge factor. The younger, the quicker to recover.
* Drink water, seriously. Drink it like you'll never see it again.
* Rent lots of movies, or get them for free from your local library.

Remember it will be over, and it will be worth it.

Hope I helped,
Caitlin.

LegacyUser · 15-08-2008 10:18pm

I'm on day 4 of my recovery. Despite the horrific stories, the pain has been bearable, but then again painkillers have made it A LOT easier to cope with. It feels extremely similar to having tonsillitis in my opinion.

The actual operation itself wasn't too bad; I'd never had surgery before so it was all new to me. Before I went under I was given some painkillers, an anti-inflammatory pill and a drug that would make me woozy. Being put under anaesthetic was quite strange, I remember being injected with a syringe of milky fluid (the anaesthetic), I don't remember falling asleep, but my memory after that is blank. I awoke about an hour later in the recovery room feeling quite sore and dazed.

Unlike other stories I've read, I was soon eating after my operation. I was told that I could either have ice-cream, which would do nothing but soothe the pain, or I could eat rough food, which was painful but would flush down the scabs and speed up the recovery time.

During the next few days after my tonsillectomy, I experienced gum pain, earache, and a stiff jaw along with the throat pain. After the operation things usually get worse before they get better I have to admit. I've heard that after 10 days you should begin to bounce back

although I'd take it easy for about 2 weeks so you can fully recover.

Here are a few things that have helped me so far:
+Drink plenty of fluids to keep your throat moist
+Eat about 30mins after taking your painkillers as it will make food easier to swallow
+Make sure your freezer is topped up with many ice-cubes to cool your drinks!
+Chew gum to loosen a stiff jaw
+Try to stay clear of acidic drinks as they sting like hell!

Hope this has helped!
Rachel

My name is URL · 29-08-2008 10:59am

25 year old male

I had mine taken out in the Beacon Hospital 2 days ago, the pain was certainly more aggressive than I thought it would be. The meds make it bearable but do wear off quite fast, especially at night, and if your finding it hard to sleep it can be hell. Thankfully my surgeon prescribed some sleeping tablets for such an eventuality.

My advice is to use Diflam oral rinse, chew gum, take the meds at regular intervals and sip constantly on cool but not ice water (ice water will cause the throat to spasm).

Eating is tough at first, but I was able to manage a steak and mushroom pie and beef straganof in the hospital the day after the op, avoid spicy, salty or dairy foods, esp ice-cream. It's a myth that it helps, in fact it causes spasms and produces phlegm which in turn induces coughing which ain't too pleasant.

Im expecting the pain to get worse before it gets better, as per what everyone has told me.

Another thing that happened me after surgery was that I was literally unable to pass urine which is cause for concern but somewhat common after general anesthetic or during times of pain, as the body goes into minor shock and some organs slow down as a mechanism for survival. Thankfully the doctors decided to alleviate the problem by giving me a Valium (Diazepam) rather than insert a catheter which I was dreading tbh.

RugbyFan · 30-08-2008 10:01pm

Hi all, ( wife of rugby fan aged 32)

Im just on day 6 since my tonsillectomy and the pain in my ears and throat is unbearable.I was supposed to come home 2 days after op but I had two bleeding episodes which kept me in hospital a bit longer than expected. I am really hoping that it will all be worth it in the long run and goodbye to tonsillitis. I am drinking and eating, the doctor encouraged the eating to get muscles working again Its really important to take painkillers before eating in order to be able to eat!

Caroline19 · 01-09-2008 1:00pm

I ad my tonsil out on the 7th of August..was in hospital for four days after the Op...Had a reaction to the general anaestic which left me on a nebuliser for three days on and off and feeling very sick.

The pain levels were ok..was on pain killers for over two weeks, had to back GP as the hospital only gave me enough for two days, dunno why...
Didn't really eat until day three and at that it was only rice krispies...and ice-cream...the only thing was that I found myself increasingly thirsty but found it difficult to drink....

Have to say it was well worth the wait...this is just my particular story...

Tonsillectomy in adults - question about recovery....

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