I am on day 5 of post-op recovery from the tonsillectomy and the pain I'm experiencing intensifies with every day. I'm waiting for the apex of the pain which I fear will never come. While on the hydrocodone, I experience little pain as long as my mouth is SHUT. The pain when swallowing even water remains unbearable! How long does this excrusiating pain last? After eating or drinking my whole mouth is overcome with pain. I can barely open my mouth to swallow. When does swallowing become a little bit more tolerable?