Tonsil removal

[ChuckMater]

Hi, any tips / advice for someone who is having their tonsils removed please? More regarding the recovery as it was a cancellation slot so wont have much information from the hospital until actually having the procedure. Google looks like day 5 - 6 + 8 will be most painful.

Is this an adult or child?

I had mine out as an adult and the worst thing for me was the earache/pain when I swallowed. Lasted about 2 weeks. Brushing teeth/toothpaste was a killer too.

Push yourself to eat, even though it hurts. It will get easier. Stock up on soluble paracetamol. I was on 2 every 6 hours day and night. Have lots of tv to watch/books to read - I found it exhausting and didn’t do much other than rested.

I’m sure others have bounced back quicker than me though.

Lots of pain relief, sleep and fluids. Keep an eye on your temperature as it is easy to get an infection due to the location.

It's definitely worth it though. Once recovered, it's fantastic being able to get through winter with only the occasional cold, rather than spend five months with constant tonsillitis and anti-biotics.

Adult! Thank you, I've got lots of paracetamol and ibuprofen ready (and icecream / icelollys then "scratchy" foods for later in the week) but hadn't even thought of getting soluble paracetamol, will see how I go and bare that in mind. Thank you!

It 1000% will be worth it (I hope) Just this last stretch of pain and hopefully it'll be over.

I had mine out when i was 18, i was ok after a couple of weeks but make sure you follow advice about eating scratchy foods, it hurts but it's so important. I didn't and ended up with an infection and coughing up blood.

I'm starting to think I'm possibly being naive thinking I'll be back doing school runs after a few days. Gah, so many unknowns until it's actually done!

You may be able to manage school runs - I went shopping and for a short walk after the first couple of days - but on the whole you need to take it easy. I’d ask someone to cover the school runs for you for the first week at least.

I got through the post-op discomfort by telling myself that it meant I’d never have to suffer tonsillitis ever again. That was such a pleasant thought!

I've been repeating that in my head all day when I've felt my anxiety rising. Thankfully I don't actually need to do the school run this week and have people to lean on if I need to for the next two weeks

How are you feeling OP?

I'm on day 4 and I feel CRAP. I was so positive until today and felt great (all things considered). I know day 5 and 6 are meant to be rough so I'm strapped in. It won't last forever, eating where, and what, I can but the ear ache developed today.

Ah yes, the ear ache. Uuuugh I’d forgotten about that.

I’m so glad the operation took place and went smoothly OP.

Solidarity OP I had mine out as an adult and the recovery shocked me as to how much it hurt. Don't be surprised if your sense of taste is gone or reduced for a few months afterwards. I found that really depressing and they don't really mention it when talking about recovery. Mine is fully recovered now so keep the faith. Just rest, pace yourself and keep drinking fluids and taking the pain relief. Might be helpful to keep a note of what you've taken and when as so easy to double dose. Hugs x

I had mine out when I was 41.

painkiller's - I had paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine - I spaced them regularly so I was constantly getting pain relief (even during sleeping hours).

I think I may have had a difflam throat spray to hand too. Plenty of fluids too.

Rest, rest, rest…..it does take it out of you and I think I felt so utterly exhausted on day 9.

Eat - this helps with the healing, so even if it’s small amounts, make sure you do it. Something to do with helping the scabbing to heal quicker…

Ice lollies were also brilliant.

I found it ok - I think I managed it well though with the above. Pain relief is essential.

I’m so glad I had them out as I was ill every month with tonsillitis.

And definitely get someone to do the school runs! My kids stayed with their dad for the first week, so that helped enormously

I had mine out at 8 years old. Have lots of ice cream in. You have a good excuse.