So I had my tonsils shaved down on Oct 12 2012.
Day 1 Friday - Day of Surgery, had a bit of sore throat but in general felt okay. Went home and was fine.
Day 2 Saturday - Similar to Day 1, sore throat but not horrible, able to eat some soft foods
Day 3 Sunday - When nighttime approach the pain started to increase as the anesthesia began to wear off.
Day 4 Monday - Pain was increasing alot, but in general was still able to eat and drink soft items
Day 5 Tuesday - Nothing special, alot of pressure in face
Day 6 Wednesday - Woke up around 3am and spit out some blood. Got nervous so gargled with ice water and then drank a lot of ice water. It stopped so I went to bed. I woke up again around 5am and it wouldn't stopped, wasn't a lot coming out each time but enough to where I panicked and went to the ER. Was at the hospital all day, they watched/observed me and said if the bleeding continued they would take me to the OR and put me under so they could cauterize it. I was not allowed to drink or eat anything for basically 12 hours then they finally gave me IV when they decided not to operate. Luckily the bleeding stopped mid day but they kept me overnight.
Day 7 Thursday - I left the hospital as the bleeding stopped. Went back home, had a lot of pain at night.
Day 8 Friday - One week has passed, I have scabs on both sides still, painful swallowing, and spit out some blood earlier and panicked again - waiting to see if it comes back.
Beyond Day 8 - I have heard that around Day 9/10 the scabs fall off (all of them I guess) and then the pain gets less because its not in the way. I would suggest continuing to eat really soft foods for 2-3 weeks after surgery, no exercise, nothing acidic - i had a shake with mango and it irritated my throat.
General Comments
1) The pain at night is almost always worse than during the day and I have no idea why.
2) I got my tonsils shaved down (with a microdebrider) rather than full removal because I had enlarged not infected tonsils. Doctor said this procedure is quicker recovery and only 1% chance of bleeding (guess who was his first patient to bleed - thank you very much).
3) Day 3 the pressure in my head was killer and the pain meds are just not strong enough - was taking oxycodene.
4) Everyone heals differently, there are 9 ways to correct your tonsils, and unfortunately its usually a longer process than you may think. Eventually it will be worth it (I hope!) The bleeding is obviously the scariest thing because you have no control over it and going to the ER is a whole big production each time.
5) Your breathe will smell from the scabs, lack of food in your stomach, the blood.
6) I also think the way you sleep has alot to do with the recovery. i was told to keep my head slightly elevated. I think it also contributed to the bleeding but who knows for sure.
7) Also not sure what the effect of talking has - your opening your mouth alot and therefore stretching the cauterized area and the scabs - maybe this increases bleeding?
Love to hear back from other who either had the shaving or regular removal - your thoughts are appreciated.
Good Luck to all - this to shall pass...