I just got my tonsils out this morning including the uvula. I was told to anticipate severe pain by everyone due to my age (52) and have been reading this and other blogs with mixed opinions. So far, it's been quite tolerable. I think the key was insisting on oral dilaudid and drinking fluids ever since. While in the recovery room, my pain level was about a 2 and peaked at around 5 when they injected me with Fentanyl. Pain returned to a 2.
After getting home, the drugs began to wear off and I took 1/2 tsp of oral dilaudid (1mg??). It managed the pain and I started fluids - even had a plate of scrambled eggs. I had some breakthrough pain because I didn't take dilaudid on time. Pain was about an 8 - radiated to ears, jaw, head, back of neck for about an hour.
The dilaudid makes me tired but keeps my mind racing with thoughts, so I've not been able to sleep yet. No blood, nausea, or other problems. I had some congestion, phlegm and coughing prior to the surgery and have been advised not to cough as this might cause bleeding.
I did not have the electro version - not sure how he got the tonsils out - no sutures; cauterized everything.
I plan on setting the alarm to keep up with pain management.
On the road to recovery!
John XD