Im a 19yrs old teenage girl and about 6 days ago I got my tonisls removed. I have always had very enlarged tonsils that affected how I talked, breathing heavy while awake and asleep. I didnt realise how bad it was because all my life Ive swim competitivley and by swimming you learn how to have air support. But anyways, I got my surgery the first 2 days I was okay but by the 3-5 day I wanted to die lol. It really is a undiscribable pain. You really feel like ripping your throat off, well atleast I did. But when dealing with this there is no easier way, you have to deal with it plain and simple. All you can do is stay I REPEAT STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MEDICATION!!! By staying on top of it, it eases alot of the pain. So, while the medication is easing the pain, drink alot of fluid, and very soft food. What i did was eat and drink ice water at the same time so it could go down so I wont starve to death and get it done asap. By your 7-10 day alot of the tension you felt starts to ease away. But I believe for you to really feel alot better over time, is wait about 2 weeks. Just rest, drink alot of fluid to keep the scar tissue/scaps motorize, and have nice cold food (italian icy, ice cream, protein shakes..ect) to really recooperate faster. Everything will be okay, you cant get to paradise without going through hell :) have a safe recovery.
I just had my tonsils out on Friday! (8/16) I am 39, so the recovery is not so great. I've been on steady pain meds every four hours since (Tylenol w/ codeine). I started to feel a bit better, but then got worse. Went back to the dr. today and he said I was ridiculously swollen, especially my uvula (which is why I have to sleep sitting almost straight up so that I can breathe). He gave me a shot in the arm of a steroid to reduce the swelling and by God, my pain is about gone!! Here's a recap of my recovery:
day 1 - threw up from anesthesia twice, which surprisingly was not as bad as it sounds and made me feel better. Pain on scale of 1-10 was about a 4, swallowing pain=8. My lifesaver has been eating a slushie made from watered dwn frozen applesauce. It was the only thing I coud get down - better than water. Tried to stay hydrated as much as possible!
Day 2 - So much mucus OMG. Was not prepared for that. Like a river of slime in back of throat. Also, whenever I'd drink, the water went up my nose. A Humidifier helped with the mucus & wedge pillow to sleep upright. My tongue was white (& I don't mean a coating of white. The actual color was white and looks like a dead lizard, lol).
Day 3 & 4 - more of the same, with a slight improvement in pain. Was able to add a few very soft foods.
Day 5 - had a good day but excruciating night. The pain in my ears and throat was at 10-11, even with the codeine. I wanted to cry.
Day 6 - back to dr's office. After he reduced the swelling, my pain level is at about a 1-2. He said the next hurdle is when the scabs come off and that if I bleed more than just a little to come back! I Am keeping my fingers crossed that the pain stays manageable! Dr. also said to sip drinks every 15 minutes! The white tongue will go away if you drink enough!
My point to all of this is that yes, it's bad, but don't be afraid to have someone call your dr. for you. Call twice if you have to. And don't believe them if they say there is nothing stronger than liquid Tylenol w codeine. There is. I have heard of others taking Roxicet, but my dr prescribed Percocet pills today, on day 6. I will crush them up if I have to.
good luck To everyone!