My Experience having a Tonsillectomy as an adult
I’ve had A LOT of strep throat over the years and I found out my tonsils were absolutely terrible so I had my tonsils out as a 25 year old.
Tonsillectomies are notoriously difficult for adults which is why it’s more common to have them out as a kid. My surgeon told me multiple times it will be the worst sore throat in my entire life which made me nervous because I’m a wimp with a sore throat 🫣
Right before the surgery I changed into a gown and a hair net. They put in an IV shortly after this which didn’t hurt at all so shout out to Lyzzy for being great at IV insertions 🤭
The surgery took about 30-45 minutes and I was in recovery for about that long before I was discharged so it took about an hour or so in and out of the outpatient surgery center. After I got home, my dad set me up with an emesis bag in case I had to get ✨sick✨, a body armor, and my Stanley full of water. I set my alarm for about every 4 hours for my pain medication to keep ahead of the pain but I mostly just slept.
The pain level was probably a 3 for me (with the medication) as I have a high pain tolerance and it honestly did just feel like every strep throat I’ve had over the past year or so which made me wonder how bad my strep throat really was 🤣
I used a cold gel pack around my throat to help a lot with the swelling and it was a life saver in those moments honestly.
Mostly I chilled in bed and read but got up and moved around occasionally. I went to the hospital on day 3 post-op to visit my sister bc she was ✨T-Boned✨ while driving and I wanted to lay eyes on her. I mostly stayed in the waiting room and watched Smosh since only 2 could go back but after seeing her, I went home and went straight to sleep again.
Day 4 consisted of much of the same but I was pretty uncomfortable then. I was tired of laying in bed but had no energy to stay up. I mostly watched Smosh all day long and ate popsicles 🤣
I personally felt more comfortable eating solids after day 4 because my pain wasn’t so bad but I didn’t want to hurt my throat so I took it slowly. Eating solid food hurt pretty badly but again it just felt like every sore throat I’ve had so I dealt with it because I was tired of just popsicles by that point 🤣
I’m super excited that I’m starting to heal now at day 6 post op! My throat still hurts but not that bad and I weaned myself off my pain medication so all things considered I think it’s going great! I start back work in a few days which I’m nervous about because talking still hurts a little but Tylenol will be my friend in those days ☺️
Overall I think I’m thankful for this surgery as I do think it’ll help a lot with the amount of strep I’ve had over the years. The surgeon told me I had a lot of scarring on my throat from all the strep over the years which I’m not sure what that means for me but if this surgery reduces the amount of times I get it then it’ll be worth it.
Let me know if you have any questions about my experience with the tonsillectomy!
Tonsillectomy is often considered a daunting procedure for adults, primarily due to the associated pain and recovery difficulties. Unlike children who typically undergo this surgery, adults face a longer and more uncomfortable healing process. The reasons for needing a tonsillectomy as an adult can vary, often stemming from chronic infections or complications related to enlarged tonsils. Post-surgery care is vital. It's essential to adhere to prescribed pain management strategies to ease recovery. Common tips include staying hydrated, using cold packs, and slowly reintroducing solid foods as your throat heals. Additionally, many adult patients find comfort in soothing foods like popsicles or soft ice cream during the initial days post-op. It's also crucial to take note of warning signs during recovery. If severe pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing occurs, seeking immediate medical attention is advised. Sharing experiences with peers online can also provide insight and support during recovery. Millions undergo tonsillectomy every year, and hearing others' journeys can shed light on the process. Remember, everyone's experience is unique, and factors such as age, overall health, and the reason for surgery can significantly influence recovery. If you're considering this procedure, consult with an ENT specialist to understand what's best for your individual needs.
Hey! I’ve been dealing with my tonsils swelling off and on this year with a few times it being strep. This year was the worst I’ve had it. I’ve been thinking about going to an ENT but I’m terrified! Did they make you get a blood test before the surgery? And did you end up bleeding at all in recovery?