What to expect following adult tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy?

Klip · Posted: 05/13/08 - 10:29 Post subject:

Ok so my uvula seems to drop about a 1/2 inch every day. It now feels like it's halfway down my throat. No joke. It hurts and makes it impossible to talk or swallow. Is this normal?

A few days after surgery, it was just swollen. And I've read that's pretty normal. But now, Day 8 and I can't even see it when I look in the mirror. But I sure can feel it down in my throat.

How long will this last? Is there anything I can do to help get it back to normal?

pennida · Newbie Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 14

wow...mine dropped back behind my throat the second night, which is how I've been able to sleep. It actually is hooked in with the scabs now.

While I fully expect that it should shrink back closer to normal size, I wonder if it's supposed sink down a little bit than before since technically, the throat area has shrunken a bit due to the removal of the tonsils.

Otherwise, I don't know what other reason could explain it. Maybe you should check-in with the doc to see what he thinks.

In other news, I've completely lost my appetite. That coupled with the fact that I want to be extremely careful about NOT experimenting with solid foods in this later stage, should make for an interesting next week.

I wonder how much weight I've lost.

Thanks for the tip about the blood in the throat. I kind of remember what it tastes like since my nose used to bleed when I was little. Hopefully I'll catch it quickly if it happens, but so far still very fortunate to be recovering rather well.

Guest · Guest

Hey guys.
I had my tonsils and adnoids removed last thirsday, so im on day 6 of recovery.
I know they say that adults adnoids usually shrink, but in my case they didnt, Doc said they were actually quite large. I dont know if that is the main cause-- but the worst apin im having is jaw and ear pain. my throat does hurt, but its breable, but the radiationg ear pain is just awful!
Ive noticed that i had scabbed u already and i feel like they are already trying to come off, and its pretty much choking me out! hah. Im constantly gagging and tryong to clear my throat in the most gentle way,hah.
This had got to be the worst part of this whole ordeal. I cant sleep because im gagging, im trying to drink but it doesnt make the scabs go away. its just disgusting.
Anyone have any advice of foods or drinks or something that mght help with this? I dunno if eating something with more substance (ive been living on soup broth and jello and apple sauce and ice pops) will help slough of the scabs, i think i will feel 10 times better once the scabs are gone...ughhh

Guest · Guest

Hi all,

Thought I'd join in and give my current experience. Mainly due to the fact that I'm so so bored of laying about.

I in the UK and had my tonsils out at 10 on Saturday morning, today being Wed I suppose I'm on day 5 now.

The surgery itself went well and i was back in my room by 11.30! It was only about 20mins after that that I was sitting up with the TV on.

For the first couple of days I had some pain but nothing too bad. Then the anaesthetic wore off completely and I began to feel it on day 3. I was warned that days 3-7 are the worst for pain. Last night I was woken up by the pain and wanted to cry! I was also swallowing a lot and thought I was bleeding, but after spitting a few times I didn't see anything. So I just laid down and tried to get back off to sleep. My right side is worse (throat, neck and earache) as my right tonsil was enormous, the surgeon told me they had difficulty with it. I also had quite a few blisters/sores on my tongue because of having to keep my tongue pulled out to get to my throat. Those has gone down a lot now and I don't really notice them. During the first couple of days it was my tongue pain that gave me chewing problems, not my throat!

I'm on amoxicillin 3 times a day, ibuprofen 3 times a day and co-dydramol (codene/paracetemol) 3-4 times a day. The codene tends to warp me out a bit though so I'm doing my best to stick with just 3 doses. I'm planning on weening off the ibuprofen over the next couple of days cos I'm worried about bleeding when the scabs start to come off.

*Gross bit* Ever since day 2 i've had a build up of mucus at the back of my throat, it's sort of yellowy and has begun to turn my tongue yellow, despite all the brushing in the world. I was told that this is also quite normal. The taste and cotton-mouth is horrible though!

Yes, believe the hype, drinking helps, lots! normal mineral water has been my choice and I'm doing well on it. As for eating, I'm forcing down toast every morning as it keeps your throat clean. Hurts like hell but hopefully it'll be worth it. Also been having a milkshake a day, but don't have dairy if you have loads of that mucus, it doesn't help. Behave as if you had a cold/flu, don't have anything to make the mucus levels worse. After my afternoon meds I'll have a light sandwich, can't deal with the crusts just yet though! The pain is worse in the evening though so after day 2 I didn't really feel like eating much at that time. Just keeping up with the water. Cucumber is quite good as it goes down well and is very watery.

My main problem is I'm a terrible patient. I get really grumpy and bored when I'm stuck at home feeling miserable. Knowing I have about 2 weeks of this is making me worse Sad

I'm so sick of daytime TV!

I've been taking daily pictures to compare and to make sure everything is looking healthy. So far, so good! The reddening has gone down but the scabs are still all there and intact.

Overall I feel like crap and wish I hadn't had the op. However, I'm constantly telling myself it'll be worth it in the end!

If anyone has any comments or questions about my experience, let me know!

pennida · Newbie Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 14

ok. nowwww I know what people are talking about.

I'm officially one week in, and last night was probably the worst. I feel like there are lumps somewhere under my tongue when I try to swallow, although I cannot see them, and my ears were hurting quite a bit in between doses. I guess this means the scabs are hardening a bit, because I definitely feel like there is some kind of debris or something back there. Man... bracing self for the next week. these will be the longest 7 days of my life.

happy_camper · Newbie Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 6

after one week im still feeling okay.
i took 2 tsp of lortab around 6am this morning and havent needed any more since. thats a good sign for today.

i am getting really worn out as the afternoons roll in and my voice is still weak.

i had mashed potatoes for dinner last night and it was the best meal ever.

im starting to notice the scabs are thinning out a lot on the left side but still thick on the right.

had a lil bit of ear pain last night but it wasnt that bad. it was manageable.

i have the worst breath from the healing so i've been using a salt water solution to rinse. i dunno if its helping or not.

i cant chew gum because i have braces but im gonna need some breath mints to use if i still have this bad breath when i go back to work!!!

tomorrow is my follow up appointment.

pennida · Newbie Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 14

i had about a cup of campbell's select egg noodle chicken soup.

very yummy. and doesn't appear to have hurt a thing.

happy_camper · Newbie Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 6

Had my follow up with my dr and he said everything looked great. he said i looked to be a few days ahead of schedule! I'm feeling awesome and eating real food again.

I'm very thankful I had such a breeze with recovery. I hope that my tid bits of insight help others stay positive about a less painful recovery period.

Guest · Guest

I had my tonsils out this last Wednesday morning, so I'm on day 4 (or is it three? I'm not sure whether to include Wednesday). My surgeon prescribed me hydrocodone (liquid lortab) and "magic mouthwash," which I can't stand. the lortab is starting to make me nauseous and the mouthwash is more or less bubblegum flavored lidocaine that only lasts for about half an hour. I hate it because it makes my mouth feel more swollen than it already is. My uvula is also extremely huge, my mother and I were joking that she was going to write a story called "The Uvula that Ate Mesa" because it's THAT big. On that note, why don't doctors automatically prescribe prednisone (or some other steroid)? I'm just starting to feel a little pain of pain in my ears, but overall the pain's not that bad (at least not yet...). The pain has been more of a nagging pain and it's pretty bearable. When I go to sleep I put an ice pack on my throat and I have found that that makes things much more comfortable. And Applesauce and macaroni 'n' cheese have become my bosom buddies. My ability to talk comes and goes, and if I'm crabby at all it's because people will ask me something, and then while I'm answering they'll start speaking to someone else or otherwise ignore me. Then they're like, "Huh?? What did you say??" making me repeat myself (although that's more of a "story of my life" kind of thing, i don't think it's tied in). otherwise I like to think I'm a pretty good patient. Rolling Eyes

It's too early for me to say for sure whether or not to get the surgery done. But so far, for me at least, it hasn't been that bad.

arlinda75 · Newbie Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 2

Hello to all! I am 32 years old and decided to have my tonsils removed 1 week ago. I knew it was going to be tougher on me than what my 3 year old went through 7 months ago. But wow, this has been miserable to say the least. Mad

Day 1 - surgery at 8 then home I went 4 hours later. Not alot of pain, just a really sore throat and a bit weak. Lortab worked fine and was able to rest. Eating popsicles and orange sherbert was ok. Was given prescriptions for phenergan suppository and liquid amoxicillin.
Day 2 - really no different than day 1. I decided I would take advantage of being off from work so off to the flea market I went with my sister in the morning. That was a mistake. After just a few minutes of walking I started getting exhausted and had to keep sitting down. We ended up leaving after and hour. However, I did find some really cute items that I purchased, lol. Stopped at KFC drivethru and got some mashed potatoes and gravy along with mac and cheese. Mashed potatoes were so good and did eat some of the mac too. Came home, took some lortab and off to bed. 10 year old had a game at 7 pm so I went with my boyfriend and sat in the car. Still not doing so bad. I thought it would start getting better and better and this was going to be a breeze, lol. Taking my antibiotics just like I am supposed to.
Day 3 - awoke in pure misery. Couldn't hardly talk and the throat pain was horiffic. Pain meds helping some. Wasn't able to really eat much. I did make some mashed potatoes and put extra milk and butter in them. I ate a few spoonfulls and it went down fine. Drank plenty of water and ate sherbert. Not really digging popsicles cause they are hard and hurt my teeth and take so long to melt. Overall, the pain was worse but not unbearable. Had to get a refill on the lortab. Still taking amoxil like I should. I had some nausea and was afraid of vomiting so I used the suppository. Shocked

Day 4 - Awoke with alot of pain, body aches, and my skin was (like when you have the flu). Started running a very low grade fever of 100.5. Continued with my meds and was feeling ok i suppose. I had to go sign some papers at the dr's for my medical leave then went to the store for a few things. Just walking around for a few minutes I felt like crying because I was in so much pain, was having chills, and my skin hurt so much. Went home and checked my temp, it was 102.2. I called my dr and he said just to continue my meds to control fever and pain and to make sure I was drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest. Well, fever shot up to 103.3 an hour later. I kept following his advise and decided not to get out for a couple of days. I think pushing myself to go shopping and doing things around the house is what did it. Confused

Day 5 - Pain was the worst yet. Still had a fever, skin pain and so on. I stayed in bed all day with the chills. Not able to eat at all. It was a liquid diet for me. Slim fast made me feel sick. I couldn't believe how much worse I was feeling. Fever continued all day around 101, but did come down with the lortab. Had to use a suppository for nausea.
Day 6 - fever gone but still haing skin pain. Throat was worse than ever. CJ had a baseball game but I stayed in bed. Boyfriend took him and had to get another refill on lortab since I had been taking it non-stop. Stayed in bed all day pretty much until around 7. I was getting cabin fever. So I decided to get out. Went to the grocery and bought some awesome popsicles made with real fruit called "swirlstix" made by "phillyswirl". They are so good, they melt faster and aren't as hard as regular pops. Very yummy. Laughing

Day 7 - awoke with just as much pain as before if not more. Extremely sick at my stomach so I resorted to the phenergan suppositories I was given. After that, I was out for hours. Don't remember much about that day. Lots of pain for sure. When will it get better? Crying or Very sad

Day 8 - Today. The pain isn't any better. I have an appt with my dr at 3:50 today and I can't wait. I hope there isn't any infection. I have been taking my liquid antibiotics 3 times daily. I don't let 4 hours pass with out a dose of lortab because the pain become so intense. I drink something every 30 minutes or eat my new popsicles. I can't eat much. I do manage some chicken noodle soup sometimes or sherbert/icecream. I have lost 9 pounds in 1 week which is the only good thing so far out of all of this. I keep hoping that I will be better when I awake the next morning but it hasn't happened yet. I return to work in 4 days but the way it is going I don't see that happening. Hopefully the dr says everything is fine today. Good luck to you all!
~arlinda Very Happy

What to expect following adult tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy?

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