Tonsillectomy as an adult - anyone had one?

[Lara2]

Am now suffering my 6th bout of tonsillitus since September, and have asked to be referred to have my tonsills out. Can anyone out there tell me what it's like as an adult? Have heard differing things from dire to not bad. I'm not squeamish - would rather know the bare facts as opposed to the medical version of 'uncomfortable'!! I'm so fed up with it, I'm willing to chop my head off at this moment in time!

[Lara2]

Sorry, just would also like to ask, if anyone has had one privately (I've been told I may have to wait a year!!), was it a good option and how much did you pay? Thanks!

[EmmaTMG]

My Dh suffers with his tonsils too, although not to the extent that you have...you poor thing. Anyway when he asked the Doc about having them out he was told that they don't really like to do it anymore in either adults or children and so he was sent away to suffer!
Can't remember what the reason was that he couldn't have it done but after speaking to a few people they also seemed aware of this.
We live in South London/surrey boarder so it maybe different where you live.

[robinw]

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[Eulalia]

Haven't had one but was threatened with one about 5 years ago after several bouts (not as many as you though). Are you run down generally or stressed just now. I found I got tonsillitus a lot between the ages of 25-30 when I had a lot of changes in my life. I hardly get it now despite having very enlarged tonsils, or if I do it is very mild.

I have heard that the older you are the longer the recovery time is and that the scar tissue can be difficult to heal (but I am no expert). It sounds like something has to be done though - I know how you feel. For awhile even when I did actually have tonsillitus I had catarrh and it just felt like there was always something yukky going on in my throat.

It may get better as you get older but I am sure your doctor knows best - have you asked for a 2nd opinion?

[MABS]

had it done at 22 - it was bl**dy agony at the time....but 14 yrs on and i haven't had a sore throat since. It was a horrible 3 wks but I don't regret it.

[Furball]

I had mine out at the grand old age of 29, quite painful - it felt like cramp in the back of my throat after. They give you really good painkillers so you don't really realise until they wear off and the next lot haven't quite kicked in! I think the pain lasted a couple of weeks. However long it did last is was no worse than the actual tonsillitus and at least you knew when it was gone that was it - no more.

[Tinker]

I had it done at 23 - painful and they forgot to give me any more painkillers - had to ask! Got an ear infection later, which can be quite common. Was told not to go out for 2 weeks. Have been plagued with sore throats ever since (which are still better than tonsillitis) and that permanent choking feeling has gone. Would recommend it since don't believe being on anti-biotics all the time is too good for you, was told they'd eventually stop being effective.

[Lara2]

Thanks everyone. Have had two opinions, and both doctors have said that it is probably my only answer. I HATE being on the anti-biotics for so long - probably does me no good at all. Am taking extra vit c, zinc and echinachae(?) to boost my immune system. I'm willing to suffer the post-op agony, if it means I no longer get tonsillitus all the time! robinw, thanks for the tip - anything is worth a try.

[Cityfreak]

Lara2, I was admitted to hospital twice with emergency tonsilitis (GP refusing to visit or prescribe for a fortnight each time!) for intravenous antibiotics and was on ordinary antibiotics about every month afterwards. The consultant said that his medical advice was I must have them out but he was very sorry that he could not get me an NHS appt under a year, and told me to go private if at all I could find the money, and the same doctors would do it! I had to borrow £2k, but it was the best £2k I ever spent. I can't imagine how I could have carried on being that ill again and again, or how I could have retained my job with so much illness.

[mears]

Batters - this care is appalling and YES he has grounds for complaint. Usually complaints are directed to the Chief Executive of the hospital. If you have abna ppointment card at all it may tell you who to contact on the back. If not, go on-line and check what info you can get there. Just go into Google and type the name of the hospital. Follow the links and you will find the complaints procedure. Alternatively, phone the hospital and ask to be put through to the Chief Execs. office and the seecretary should be able to direct you.
Complaints are taken seriously and it is only by highlighting this appalling care will anything be done.

[mears]

Batters - this care is appalling and YES he has grounds for complaint. Usually complaints are directed to the Chief Executive of the hospital. If you have abna ppointment card at all it may tell you who to contact on the back. If not, go on-line and check what info you can get there. Just go into Google and type the name of the hospital. Follow the links and you will find the complaints procedure. Alternatively, phone the hospital and ask to be put through to the Chief Execs. office and the seecretary should be able to direct you.
Complaints are taken seriously and it is only by highlighting this appalling care will anything be done.

[mears]

Batters - this care is appalling and YES he has grounds for complaint. Usually complaints are directed to the Chief Executive of the hospital. If you have abna ppointment card at all it may tell you who to contact on the back. If not, go on-line and check what info you can get there. Just go into Google and type the name of the hospital. Follow the links and you will find the complaints procedure. Alternatively, phone the hospital and ask to be put through to the Chief Execs. office and the seecretary should be able to direct you.
Complaints are taken seriously and it is only by highlighting this appalling care will anything be done.

[mears]

Sorry about that but ecnountered problem posting. It is that important though!!!!!

[Jaybee]

I had my tonsils out when I was 24 - it was private but through work so it didn't cost me anything. My throat was painful for a few days afterwards - the hospital still made me eat cornflakes with very little milk the morning after the op. This pain was really no worse than a really bad bout of tonsillitis. I had a total of two weeks off work - didn't have to stay in either. I do still get sore throats but nothing like the tonsillitis.

[bossykate]

batters, this is completely unacceptable, you should definitely complain. good luck.

[bells2]

Batters, the level of care your DP has encountered is frankly terrifying. I'm sure your complaint will be taken seriiously given the circumstances. Best of luck to you both.

[CAM]

Batters, was your dp originally admitted to hospital through his GP or from A and E? I was just wondering if it was from his GP whether it would be worth going back to the GP and telling him/her what is happening? At least your GP may know the name of the relevant consultant. Obviously your dp still needs to have a consultant appointment to explain to him what his options are. Your dp doesn't need this extra stress when he is already feeling unwell and I think the whole situation is appalling.

[willow2]

batters - complain to the highest level in the loudest voice possible. Have to say, my last two experiences of the NHS left me gobsmacked at how awful the level of care was and how incredibly incompetent/rude/uncaring some of the staff were. And people wonder why the private health business is doing so well.

[steppemum]

Batters, definitely complain, it sounds like negligence to me

I had my tonsils out at 21. I had recurrent tonsilitis since I had had glandular fever at 13. When I had them out I was on longterm antibiotics as I had a chronic infection for 6 months. Before i had them out I had a permanent sorethroat, felt permanently under the weather, and slept for about 13 hours a night. Immediately after the op I started to feel better, and within a couple of weeks felt better than I had in ages. My throat was very sore for the first 24 hours, and they suggest you eat real food, which was painful, but worth it, as after eat meal I could feel the throat getting better. Good painkillers meant it was sore but ok for the next week, I really noticed when they wore off though. I would definitely recomend it, well worth it. I had them done privately, on my Dad's health insurance as it was just before I turned 21, so it was pretty luxurious. BUT BIG warning, there has been a lot of stuff about private hospitals lately, DO NOT ever have an operation in a private hospital that doesn't have a proper resusitation unit (and a consultant on call is not enough), because if something goes wrong under the anesthetic, there is no-one on hand who knows how to do the right thing in a hurry.

[calcium]

I had my tonsils out when I was about 26 infact my dad took them out, not at home I might add! I felt pretty rough for about 2 weeks but the best thing I found was eating toast, for some reason the grittyness of it got rid of all the scum abit like scratching an itch, and gargling with salt water, ugh but good. You will feel worse before you feel better but I have hardly ever had a sore throat since and I am now nearly 40. .... however my childminders daughter aged 18 has just had hers done and it was an absolute nightmare a week after and feeling really bad she started bleeding badly and had to have 4 pints of blood and another op to seal it all up again. It must be about 4 weeks on now and she is still in bed feeling poorly. Make sure you go to a good ENT surgeon if you are going private and if not choose a hospital with a good reputation. Better to have it done though than suffer, I still remember those sore throats they were the pits!

[Lara2]

After at least 3 more bouts of tonsillitus, I finally got put on the list and had the bloody things out just before Christmas. All I can say is that it has been the best thing I have done! It was no worse than a bad bout of tonsillitus, pain wise. So, for anyone thinking about it, don't hesitate and suffer for as long as I did - on and off for the last 17 years!! Thankyou to everyone for your opinions!

[Davros]

Batters, also try the PALs office at the hospital who should be able to help you with your complaint and will record even your phone calls. I can't remember what it stands for Patients' .... Liaison Service?
Lara2, I had my tonsils out on the NHS when I was about 22 after years of severe bouts and jabs in the bum with antibiotics. It was not too bad except when you first wake up and feel like your throat's been cut! (it has). We were all given dry cereal and crisps to eat and I got out before all my co-patients who were "done" on the same day and I put it down to my huge consumption of crisps I haven't had any serious throat problems since so it was worth it.