Terrified of tonsillectomy

[SnookyWookyWooWoo]

I'm due to have an appointment after being referred for a tonsillectomy in a few weeks.

I've been suffering with chronic tonsillitis since I was a child and was first referred for this operation as a 5 year old. I never went through with it and was sent home as I was terrified and they couldn't operate.

Anyway I am now having tonsilitis from November until April every year. It's affecting my life awfully. When I catch it my throat swells up so much I can't speak, it leaks puss and the pain is unbearable not to mention fever and dizziness. I now have apnoea year round and am never particularly well. I have so far this year had 5 lots of antibiotics. I miss so many family activites/parties and other things.

Problem is im terrified to have a tonsillectomy. I'm scared of the anaesthesia as never had it before (am told to ask for anti sickness medication) but now even more terrified of the recovery. I have heard people describe it as horrendous and excruciating pain. I'm now starting to talk myself out of it again but I can't go another year like this!

How will I take care of my kids if I'm in agony? What will they give me for the pain? I can't even take tablets without choking so not sure what they can give me? Anyone had a positive ish experience? Please give me some reassurance

I've had 3 ga's.
It feels cold going in your vein, then...nothing.
They wake you in recovery which is like being woken from a deep sleep at 3 am.
Then back to sleep and you wake up on the ward.

Do try and ignore the horror stories (and Google ) it's just like when you're heavily pregnant and everyone is desperate to tell you about their friend that was in labour for 529 hours and had a 2 stone baby on half a paracetamol.

ha ha we've all got that mate who loves to tell a horror story
No idea why I ever Google stuff...Unfortunately did this today but not about the ga...just the op and that's what made me panic!
I just want to make sure I avoid the pre meds as I tend to get a bit loopy and out of control when they give these (had them for an endoscopy a few years back) and then I start trying to fight people off

Had mine out at 18 after suffering much like you. My general health improved SO MUCH after was well worth the op. Just remember that they've gone....I still remember afterwards taking a large gulp of Ribena in the way I had previously had to with tonsils to almost force it down the tiny gap at the back of my throat, only to find that unimpeded it all came out of my nose. V attractive. Only did it the once mind! Hope all goes well for you.

Anabel have also heard this. Does that not happen anymore then? How do you stop it from happening?

Yes, during the night it really hurts if your throat gets dry.

Going under was fine too. They just hold the mask near your face, then as you start to drift they put it over your face. And that's that until you wake up!

I was off work for a week.

Roll and cornflakes for breakfast on the ward

it's not a permanent side effect! More to do with the fact that after years of a really swollen throat and having to make such an effort to force even fluid down you just develop a way of eating/drinking I think that is far more forceful than, sans tonsils, it needs to be. Just trial and error really I was fine after the first time. Got toast as first post-op food, they said important to eat it as it acts as sandpaper and files down any rough edges....took a while admittedly but it did work. You won't regret it.

Annabel I have to swallow 3 times mostly to get my food down so I bet this will happen to me my tonsils look like golf balls even when they're not inflamed. Sound like a right weirdo but I'm looking forward to being able to take a tablet! The aggro I through taking antibiotics or even paracetamol is crazy! No more rank liquids for me!

I really can't thank you all enough. Id have been slowly backing out of this if it weren't for your words of advice and support I really do lover mumsnetters

My daughter had hers out last year. About a week to feel ok. However not only no more tonsillitis, she says she feels generally so much better. The repeated infections caused her to feel tired and ill so much of the time. Now, she is so much more energetic.

Yay! Go for it. Let us know how you get on. Have you got a date yet?

I had my tonsils out 10 years ago, age 40. Before that I would have recurrent bouts of tonsillitis at least once or twice a year. Awful- like swallowing glass- so terrible - and then quinsey that was the worst!
Tonsils op - really not that bad! Kids were 2 and 4- it was a lovely rest to be in hospital overnight!! Two weeks of recovery were fine- a bit painful, but really nothing too bad. I've never had tonsillitis since. Having the op has literally changed my life- just wish I'd had it earlier. Good luck!

Mayhew I have all sorts of issues all year round. I get nasal drip which I think is due to being constantly infected and my ears play up massively. They say it's all related. Not surprised your daughter felt miles better. Glad it worked for her.
Tilly Ann no date yet, just been referred by the gp so it'll be my first appointment with the consultant I guess. I've picked a private hospital who see nhs patients too. They seem to be able to offer weekend appointments which help me massively.
Thanks squeegle I'm hoping for a similar experience although it's a day case now so I'll be out within a few hours. No rest for the wicked