Tonsillectomy this week...anxious!!

[Miamoo134]

I'm in my 30s having a tonsillectomy this week because of recurrent tonsillitis. I'm completely in full blown panic please can I have some good recovery stories?!!

I'm scared of having an op and being put to sleep. I had a c section but was awake for that and it wasn't half as bad as I thought so just need some reassurance for this tonsillectomy:(

Thank you

My sister had this op age 30.. she did have post op bleeding from the operation site and as she was staying with my dad they did exactly the correct thing and took her straight to a&e where drs stopped the bleeding (I can't remember how) and gave her iv antibiotics for any potential infection.

SO the most important thing to remember is to follow all the post op instructions to the letter; and if there is any post op bleeding (you will know) then go straight to the a&e of the hospital where you had the op to be seen by the ENT drs. It doesn't always happen, didn't happen to me (I had the op aged 4!) but is a common complication).

Hope all goes smoothly x

Ps despite the complication having a tonsillectomy was the best thing my sister did as she was so poorly so often with her tonsils beforehand. Definitely worth doing.

Regarding going to sleep, I work in a hospital & have seen general anaesthetics being done. The anaesthetist & operating department practitioner stay with you and monitor you the whole time so there is really nothing to be scared about.

I had a tonsillectomy as an adult, the surgery itself is very quick (I think I was under for 30 mins?) but I vomited profusely when I came around, which wasn’t fun with fresh wounds in my throat, plus it was incredibly acidic having been NBM since the day before! I always ask for perioperative anti-sickness medication now.

With regard to recovery, it hurts. They advise you to eat dry, scratchy foods to encourage the scabs to lift, which isn’t fun. I remember being in pain for at least 2 weeks afterwards, but for the trade-off for not being unwell with ulcerated, pus filled tonsils on a monthly basis, I’d have 100 tonsillectomies!

@sommerjade thank youuu! I'll be keeping an eye on the symptoms like bleeding an infection.

Hoping all goes smoothly.

It'll be worth not continuously having tonsillitis I guess!! Xx

@WetBandits I can imagine you must be so relieved now!

I asked for anti sickness for my c section which they gave as soon as my baby was born. But maybe could be the anaesthetic making you feel sick? I don't know but I do have emetophobia so already planning on telling the team about that.

I guess this is the price to pay for no more tonsillitis. positive thoughts

My Dd had one aged 23.
It really hurts! I don't think I'd ever seen her in tears, ( only as an infant).
But I knew she must have been miserable when I saw her silent tears.
Be prepared with some codeine max and ibuprofen, and take them regularly and religiously.
I wish I could post something more hopeful, but having watched a resilient and generally upbeat person feel rather rubbish, I think it's only fair to report that.
I really, really hope it's better for you. X

Ps.Its also the BEST thing she's ever done, no more hospital for IV antibiotics or Quinsey.
That was equally miserable.
Best of luck.

I had a tonsillectomy as an adult. The recovery was a bit rough as I got an infection. However, the misery of every winter spent with recurring tonsillitis and antibiotics was far worse. Since having it done, I very rarely get ill, before I used to catch every cold and bug going.

You'll be fine, just follow your aftercare properly.