I had a tonsillectomy 10 days ago (Nov. 30) and the recovery has been hell. Originally we were hoping to recover over the Thanksgiving holiday as to not interfere with work that much, as I planned on being back at work today. Well up until yesterday my pain levels were still too high to return to work, all though I have started taking care of some of the domestic things, like taking my daughter to school, etc.

This morning I awoke and felt much better, still had some pain, but I was finally able to drink a whole glass of water at one sitting, as compared to nursing it for an hour. I took my daughter to school and felt on top of the world as if I were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but when I returned home I feel as if I have crashed. My throat is still feeling better than previous days, but not as good as it felt this morning when I first awoke.

This made me think that yes, I am seeing the light, but be careful of over-exertion too soon, it might be a setback. I had thought maybe 1 more day then back to work, but now am thinking it may be longer. What do you think? I told work that I couldn't return until I could wean myself off of the pain meds (Hydrocodone) as the meds make me drowsy and I can't drive under that condition, plus in the zombie state that the meds put me I would be useless to them. So until I can swallow Tylenol and that would suffice the pain I can't return to work. At this point I am still needing my meds every 4 hours.

Is there something you all use as a tell-tale to determine your work readiness?