tonsillectomy; worst pain ever

Hey I'm 17 and had my tonsils out last tuesday...so I'm on day five. The worst thing is lack of sleep and not being able to eat (although I could do with losing a few pounds lol).

Last night I went to bed at 2am, I wanted to stay awake so i could take pain killers on time and hopefully be asleep longer, I woke up at 4 and was in agony and couldnt take anymore painkillers, then 5:30 then 6:30 and then finally about 8:30 and could take some painkillers....i am serouly lacking in sleep,how long before you can sleep the whole night ??

I have to say I am in a lot of pain today and am constantly watching the clock wanting more painkillers. How long is it before th scabs fall off ??

I'm on Co-Codimol for the pain and I can take 2 every 6 hours and on Ibprofen for the swelling and can take 1 every 8 hours.

I have to say, except for making me a little drousy, they not taking away the pain.

I have been drinking so much water, seriously loads ! But it doesn't seem to help.

Any tips on making pain go away at night ???

So it is day 6 since my tonsillectomy at age 27. Given the fact that I had two peri-tonsillar abcesses in the past two years I figured now is as good a time as any to get rid of these things.

I must have severely underestimated the pain that I am going through. All I've been doing is drinking gatorade like it's going out of style and maybe a pureed soup from Trader Joes.

Two days ago I woke up with the shakes and fever only to be rushed to the hospital for low blood sugar, so EAT EAT EAT is all i can say, you need to keep you body fueled. I think I may have disrupted one of the sores by talking to much so I would be wary of submitting to conversation, hell consider it a vacation from your mother if she gets to you. Mine does:)

I noticed yesterday that some of the surface of my tongue has been decaying and I thought this was food that hadn't left the back of my mouth. Can anyone suggest a good nutrient to replenish the surface of the tongue?

This issue, coupled with the mucus, the scabs, the inflammation and the lack of real food and rest, just isn't helpin matters

But I have to believe this WILL be over at some point

im on day 9 after my tonsillectomy after i got my tonsels out i was able to eat straight away i was able to eat right up until the third day
when i woke up on the 4th day i was coughin blood (its stopped now) and i havnt been able to eat since hopefully it gets better soon cause its doin me head in lol

After seeing what my son is going through I realy feel for you all. I was 21 when mine were removed and it was hard. That was a long time ago ,but I do recall the recovery seemed like forever. I'm getting frustrated with this recovery process for my son .He's 12 had his tonsils removed 7 days ago. He said he feels like termites are biting his throat and that he has throat cancer. Poor kid. He drinks a little apple juice and a few popscicles but nothing more. He needs more liquids but the pain is so bad he really doesn't want much of anything but sleep. he is on some pain medication but he has such severe ear/head/throat pain anytime he swallows. An ice pack seems to relieve some of the ear pain. I was hoping by now he would be feeling better.He puts a few pillows behind his head which seems to help. He can't take a bath. He tried twice and vomited when he got out. He said he felt sea sick in the tub. Must be due to the ear pressure.I have to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. He had been going to the bathroom 1-2x a day but not yet today and it's 11:00am already:0 As for his bowels, the last time he went was 8 days ago. The day prior to the surgery. So, I called the nurse and I am waiting for a call back. He hasn't had any solids in 8 days so I doubt he really needs to go but I don't want to take any chances. He has awful jaw pain and can hardly speak. There's no jaw movement there. His neck hurts too. This is worse than we both expected.The nurse said he could have ear pain up to 2 weeks due to laser being used during the surgery. His tonsils may have been infected at the time of the surgery, maybe making all this worse. I know his tonsils were filled. Whatever that means. I asked the Dr. and she said they were. That may be common though. Does anyone know? I hear scabs tend to loosen & fall off around this time possibly causing more pain. I hear the younger in age the better but age 12 is very difficult for my son & this recovery.I'm glad I found this board. It's helped a great deal just knowing we aren't alone in this agony. People who aren't going through this have no idea what the patient is feeling. But, all of you understand. I have some family members who seem to think we are complaining & we just need to grin & bear it. Ya right. Good for them to not be going through this agony. Whoever had minimal pain is very lucky. I think that's a rare person. Sure, everyone has a different degree of pain tolerance but I don't believe everyones pain is the same degree of pain either. No one is making it up. That's the truth. Hang in there everyone! It will get better one day. ( sooner than later )

After seeing what my son is going through I realy feel for you all. I was 21 when mine were removed and it was hard. That was a long time ago ,but I do recall the recovery seemed like forever. I'm getting frustrated with this recovery process for my son .He's 12 had his tonsils removed 7 days ago. He said he feels like termites are biting his throat and that he has throat cancer. Poor kid. He drinks a little apple juice and a few popscicles but nothing more. He needs more liquids but the pain is so bad he really doesn't want much of anything but sleep. he is on some pain medication but he has such severe ear/head/throat pain anytime he swallows. An ice pack seems to relieve some of the ear pain. I was hoping by now he would be feeling better.He puts a few pillows behind his head which seems to help. He can't take a bath. He tried twice and vomited when he got out. He said he felt sea sick in the tub. Must be due to the ear pressure.I have to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated. He had been going to the bathroom 1-2x a day but not yet today and it's 11:00am already:0 As for his bowels, the last time he went was 8 days ago. The day prior to the surgery. So, I called the nurse and I am waiting for a call back. He hasn't had any solids in 8 days so I doubt he really needs to go but I don't want to take any chances. He has awful jaw pain and can hardly speak. There's no jaw movement there. His neck hurts too. This is worse than we both expected.The nurse said he could have ear pain up to 2 weeks due to laser being used during the surgery. His tonsils may have been infected at the time of the surgery, maybe making all this worse. I know his tonsils were filled. Whatever that means. I asked the Dr. and she said they were. That may be common though. Does anyone know? I hear scabs tend to loosen & fall off around this time possibly causing more pain. I hear the younger in age the better but age 12 is very difficult for my son & this recovery.I'm glad I found this board. It's helped a great deal just knowing we aren't alone in this agony. People who aren't going through this have no idea what the patient is feeling. But, all of you understand. I have some family members who seem to think we are complaining & we just need to grin & bear it. Ya right. Good for them to not be going through this agony. Whoever had minimal pain is very lucky. I think that's a rare person. Sure, everyone has a different degree of pain tolerance but I don't believe everyones pain is the same degree of pain either. No one is making it up. That's the truth. Hang in there everyone! It will get better one day. ( sooner than later )

( cont ) Today is day 8 was the first day that my son only had 1 dose of pain meds. When he woke up.He had more liquids and even ate some soft foods. So, in time you will feel better. He's actually sleeping more. Sleeping through the night. In a way I am relieved that he hasn't had any prescripted medication ( besides amoxicillin ) pain medication. I bought tylenol pm and cut the does down and he handled a dose of that on day 7. He only needed one dose all day. So far none is needed toay. This is a slow process and we just have to weather it out. it's good to read other patients recovery process.I think my son ( 11yr old ) finally felt some relief on day 8 and increased his liquids. The liquids helped keep his throat wet & moist. Helping the pain some. He's sleeping pretty good now. WE still have to watch his diet because this is the time in which the scabs could loosen & fall off. You get more brave & want to eat normally but still have to be careful not to eat crunchy or hard food. He is taking this slowly and he said he knows he isn't ready for certain foods. But, he has inproved a great deal in the past day.

My son just turned 4 and the Dr. decided to take his out since they have been enlarged for almost two years. He had a horrible ear infection a month ago which ruptured his ear drum and he bleed for two days.

Our hospital kicks people out with in 20-30 minutes of the surgery. No recovery time at all. I was very upset. On the way home he turned blue because he couldn't breath. (we live 30 minutes out of town) He ate a jello as soon as we got home but by the second dish cup he started to scream and that is all he would eat or drink. We gave him the tylenol with codien and that just seemed to make him worse. The next day the nurse called to check up on us and I gave her an earful on how he should have stayed in the hospital for at least 2-4 hours until he was stable. She was not very nice in the hospital and she was even worse on the phone. She said that he would have pain and we have medicine for it. On day two we started with Tylenol and Motrin alternate (no Codien). His pain seemed to get worse. By day 5 the pain was so bad he wouldn't sleep, eat nor drink. He slept about 2 hours that night. The next day he was a bit better. Today is day 7 and at least he slept all night. We don't miss pain meds at all. We keep on top of it. He tries to eat but after the first bite he scream so he doesn't try it again. He drank about 3 oz of water yesterday and a little milk today. He has lost 5 lbs. He was 40lbs. He is gray and looks awful. The dr. said this is normal and as long as he doesn't run a fever he is ok.

I don't remember going through all of this when I was younger nor do I remember this being that bad when my older son went through it. Then again we all stayed in the hospital for 2-3 days. I think they need to do this to keep fluids replenished and pain monitored.

Today is day 9. I wrote 2 days ago. My son is 12 and he is finally getting through this with less pain. he is drinking more liquids and even eating some soft foods. he is sleeping through the night and not taking much pain medication at all. In fact he didn't ask for any today. So, we are making progress. We still must be careful not to eat hard or crunchy foods because he is at the scab part of this and they could loosen and fall off at any time.At least he is feeling better and sleeping comfortably.The first 7 days were pretty hard.

I was surprised this is a Day Surgery myself. I was scared a few times during this recovery process. I called the nurse several times. They were patient with me and explained that everything my son was going through was normal. But, I'm glad I called & asked questions because he could have become dehydrated. In fact I think he was getting to that point. The Dr. put my son on a different medication after the first one ( w/codeine ) didn't seem to work at all & his face was red. I believe hydrocodone or something like that was in his pain medication instead. I heard some children are allergic to certain medications. Nurses should understand this is not an easy recovery and we as parents need support at times. I was told there is a lot of ear pain along with a sore throat when they swallow. I was told they used Laser during the surgery and that can cause lot's of pain in recovery. Something about the nerves. I hope your son feels better soon.

Im turning 23 in 2 weeks and I had my tonsills out 3 1/2 days ago. I threw up from the anesthesia and felt miserable the first day from nausea. I actually felt really good yeasterday and this morning. After my pm nap though...oMG I wanted to cry. I was told that the pain level would fluctuate within the first week, but I was hoping it wouldn't be me. I am regressing on what I am allowing myself to eat--just ice pops and ice water because anything else is hurting to the point of nausea. I ahve these rectal suppositories, but I avoid these if at all possible. God did not intend for anything to go in that direction. ouch.
I know people can't really solve any problems, but thanks for relating to the terrible experience. :-(

I have been reading on this forum for about a month now getting ready for my tonsillectomy.....I thought that researching the procedure would help me to get through it but now on day 6 of recovery I find that I think it scared me more than anything! I will start out by saying that no it has not been pleasant (but what surgery is?) and that yes I did have some complications (none related to the surgery itself), but overall it has not been the experience that I was so dreading. I am a 28 yr old female with a history of chronic strep throat and tonsillitis who had finally had enough of giving up months of my life to being sick and on antibiotics. Honestly at this point the pain that I am feeling is comparable to a case of tonsillitis...nothing new right??...and I am only taking ibuprofen and Tylenol and swishing with viscous lidocain:) I was on liquid Lortab, Oxycontin, viscous lidocain, and phenergen which ws suppose to help me handle nausea..but didn't!

I did have some complications that came about due to the fact that I have a very sensitive stomach and severe acid reflux, but a re admittance to the hospital, removing the narcotics and antibiotics from my system via my stomach, and an IV, was a lifesaver. Before being e addmitted I had a two day period of time where I was vomitting uncontrollably and I had had diarrhea from the word go, which not only meant dehydration but the vomitting meant no pain killers either. FUN TIMES!!

So, I guess I feel like everyone else on here, that I should provide some tips on getting through!!!

~ The viscous lidocain is a lifesaver...it numbs the throat so that you can take your pain meds and you don't have to ingest it for it to work, swish and spit:)

~ Keep ice packs around your neck for a few days...it really will help. I had three sets so I always had a good cold pack.

~ Cool mist humidifier close by especially when you are sleeping to keep your throat moist.

~ Sleep, sleep, sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooooooo important don't fight it:)

~ If you have a sensitive stomach make sure you inform EVERYONE, taking painkillers on an empty stomach is just asking for it! Surgeon, anesthesiology (especially), recovery nurses, need to know. There are things that can help you get through without having to experience the pain of vomitting - which is much more painfull than the basic recovery pain - believe me!!

~ Find the temperature that is right for you!! I liked everything really cold in the beginning, now on day 6 room temperature or a bit warmer is most comfortable.

~ Stay hydrated it is soooooo important. A few hours without liquids could do you in and hydration is a key to comfort. I really counted on crushed ice for the first 5 days:)

~ Eat, it will help you to tolerate your pain meds, will aid in hydration, and will speed up recovery. Be sure to only eat things that are comfortable don't let your pain meds lull you into a false sense of security...you may do more harm than good.

~ Have friends and family available to help you out and thank them for putting up with you because you will undoubtedly become a pain in the you know what.

~ A good reclining chair is very handy...keeps you at a good incline to avoid mucus and coughing.

~ Try to stay in good spirits..it really hurts more if you cry!!! It will be over sooner than later and just think about the benefits:)

~ THINGS TO EAT: applesauce, jello, Popsicles, mac and cheese, buttered noodles (slid right down), Gatorade, eggs, soup, broth, mashed potatoes, baby food...some of it really is not that bad.

~ THINGS NOT TO EAT: Crunchy hard things, milk products for at least the first week because milk creates mucus...not good on the throat, acidic foods and sauces, anything with a lot of carbonation as burping will hurt, and anything that you try and find uncomfortable. Don't push it, a month without pizza never killed anybody:)


Well I hope this helps somebody! I will post again when I am fully recovered with any additional info that might be helpful.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories:)

Hey guys, it is SO good to hear that I am not the only one suffering under an excruciating amount of pain.. it has really been tough.
I'm 19 years old and am on day 7, i've had quite the week..i was on Roxicet for the first 4 days or so, it started making me really nauseous and I was throwing up day 3 and 4. Switched to Loritab which is better on my stomach, but it's not as effective for pain. Nausea has been pretty managable, but had to start taking Pedia Lax because my insides got blocked up from the Roxicet.. very uncomfortable and no good.

I also developed thrush on my tongue which is a huge pain in the ass, my tongue is completely white which a thick layer of furry gunk on it which is making my breath horrible. I had been on antibiotics for two weeks before my surgery (I conveniently got tonsillitis 2 days before my original surgery, so they pushed it back 2 weeks and put me on amoxicillin) so 3+ weeks of antibiotics = thrush. Eating tons of yogurt now.

I was expecting it to be a rough recovery, but not this rough. I really want to get back to my normal life, and so far there is no end in sight.. hopefully this next week will look more promising. I'm 14 pounds down and counting, and ready to bounce back. :-(

I'm 18 years old and on day 8 after my tonsillectomy. I'm have excruciating ear pain when I swallow. It feels like there is a nerve going straight from my throat to my ear that gives a shocking sensation in my ear when I swallow. It is unbearable!!

Has anyone else had this problem? What can I do to relieve it? I feel as though I'd be able to eat/drink if it weren't for my ear. My throat doesn't even hurt!

omg i had my tonsils out 3 days ago and i feel like im dying!
when will this unbearable pain end? i have a high temp so im on antibiotics my throat swelled so much my airways was blocked :-( was it all worth it??
i wanna know when my pain will end :'(

Messyjessy - You are not dying..I know it feels like it though! I am on day 10 now and let me tell you that today was a gooooooood day! I actually ate three times (very soft foods but still) more than I have had in 10 days) and went to a movie!

You will get through it, it will be worth it. I know its hard to keep a positive thought when you can't eat or sleep and your having trouble with your meds (READ MY POST ABOVE). Get some ice packs, many of them to use in shifts, place them around your neck it will help to relieve the pain and help the swelling.

It will be a rollercoaster of emotion and pain good then bad, good then bad. Start the count down, you can do ANYTHING for 10 days or so!!!!!
Keep us posted!