Past Tonsillectomy Forum Posts

Anna-6 days post-op

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 8:21:31 am

I had an awsome night! wow I am so schocked, half pain that the last two nights. I woke up only 3 times, and after 1st one I was back asleep in a second.

Finally have some energy!!!

Brittney

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:54:27 am

Alright now I'm 4 days post op and tasting this awful awful taste in my mouth... i'm trying everything to get rid of it. I think I let me throat dry out too much last night and it hurts to swallow water again... And apparatly it's impossible for me to chew gum because I keep somehow choking on it.I don't know if i should force myself or not. Any suggestions? I'm trying slowly but not doing as good as i was yesterday keeping up with the water. Also, someone gave me the tip of u

sing ricola honey lemon cough drops, but i'm afraid that might burn... any thoughts?

Carrie

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 9:23:39 pm

Beth, sorry to hear that it has been so hard for you! I liked your description of the stuff coming off your throat. I am not looking forward to the time when mine start to come off, but I will be very glad when they are gone.

I use a surgical mask over my mouth and that has helped a lot to keep my throat from getting dry at night. You can find them at the pharmacy or maybe can get one free at the doctors office.

Good luck. Hope each day gets better for you.

I used a tongue scraper to get the build-up off my tongue. Holy moley! There was a ton of jusnk stuck on my tongue towards the back. i have been brushing my teeth and tongue regularly, but the scraper got SO much stuff off! Made my mouth feel much cleaner, but then could feel the scabs on my throat with my tongue more. I hadn't realised that the scab on my uvula was touching my tongue that much at the back. Kindof an odd thing.

TMI I know... Sorry.

Jonathan

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 9:36:26 pm

That is 100% disgusting and I completely resemble those remarks.

ABeverage - day 3

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 9:46:03 pm

Carrie do you have scabs on your tongue? I don't think I could get back there with the size of my uvula and the feeling that mouth has caved in! I hope it starts to rebound bounce back a bit more. I got sick once before and my Uvula never looked right since lol.

Allison

I have read people do heal faster when they have companionship and encouragement! :)

Carrie ~ day 4

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 9:54:26 pm

I know I keep posting.... Hope you all aren't too annoyed.

Erin, I wish you weren't feeling so bad. Hope that you don't have any more nausea. I have been super careful about not missing my pain meds and I can't imagine what it would be like to forget one dose. Hope that tomorrow is better for you.

Carrie

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:03:21 pm

ABeverage, no I don't have scabs on my tongue. There was a bunch of build-up on my tongue towards the back maybe from not eating normal food that kind of scrapes as it goes down. I just used a narrow thing called a tongue scraper to clean off my tongue toward the back. Now that all the stuff is off I can feel the scabs rubbing against my tongue. Not the best feeling.

I haven't had any trouble opening my mouth or moving my tongue after my surgery. Maybe because I asked my doctor to be gentle??? It's possible, but I might just have been lucky or have a big mouth or something.

ABeverage - Day 3

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:35:15 pm

Are you telling me I could have asked my Doctor to be more gentle??? MAN! I wish I had known that! LOL just teasing.

I would be a little scared about bumping something by cleaning my tongue. Guess I should brush but I am scared. I did do a H202 gargle OMG my mouth almost filled with foam LOL. And it was half water half hydrogen peroxide it felt really weird.

Jonathan day 8

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:39:00 pm

During coughing, I feel like maybe I must have dislodged a scab or something real deep in my throat. I am going to be pretty careful from now on to make sure those things stay in place as long as possible because what was underneath now hurts like OMG it was not ready for its day in the sun.

Erin

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:38:41 am

I'm in the wee hours of day 3 post op. I woke up with phlegm in my throat and immediately my body started coughing. Holy crap that hurts. I'm just waiting for my 2am dose of meds.

Carrie, I bought a tongue scraper and was considering using it before bed last night - glad I didn'! I guess I'l hold off. Also, I am very particular about taking my meds every 4 hours, it's just that when I felt nausea I consciously didn't take it, thinking it would do more harm then good.

Luckily I don't feel nausea now!

My jaw is tense/sore. Also my neck is visibly swollen under my ears. I've been icing. I think I need to go out and get another ice pack to throw in the rotation. I may call the dr today about a stronger med? Or something to supplement with?

Allison

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:13:06 am

Carrie, now you know what I was saying about the food bits getting stuck in the scabs, lol. It's annoying but not nearly as unpleasant as the feeling of an embedded tonsil stone (yay, no more of those!)

Beth, glad you found the site even if it's a little late. I'm now post op day 9 and my scabs are slowly starting to come off too. But, I haven't coughed up any pieces. I think they're just slowly dissolving, maybe cause I'm drinking a lot of water. You are brave for getting a septoplasty / tonsillectomy combo! I had septoplasty as a teenager and can't imagine them both at the same time. You seem to be on track with the healing, which is a wonderful feat considering the dr kind of left you high and dry. Good luck, it's almost over!

Erin, glad to hear the nausea is easing up.

Like some of you guys, I've had my fun with the tongue scraper as well. I'm glad to report the white area on the tongue has been getting smaller and smaller, to now where it is just a small patch toward the front, and the rest of the tongue is back to its normal red color. Thankfully there is no bad taste, but I look forward to when the white is completely gone :-)

Greg

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 9:11:46 am

Good Morning All!

Wow- some great/ horrible stories. Hang in there.

I've archived comments to

http://tonsiltalk.weebly.com/tonsil-talk-forum.html

Just click BLOG ARCHIVES at the top left of this page.

Thanks,

Greg

Carrie ~ day 5

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:46:24 am

Well, I was feeling some nausea while I was up an about this morning talking with my mom and getting breakfast figured out. I got up to pour some coffee and started to black out. Next thing I know I fainted and am on the floor. I was really pale and took a while to come out of it.

I think it might have been low blood pressure? Not sure how concerned I should be about it. I don't think that I have ever fainted before that.

What do you guys think?

ABeverage Day 4

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:51:24 am

At least I think it is day 4. Not to bad today the throat is about as sore as my normal sore throats I used to get all the time so tolerable! My tongue however is a piece of beef jerky OUCH! I snored pretty hard last night (slept to hard I guess).

So is that a yes or a no on the Tongue scraper?

Erin are you eating before your meds? Even if I am just getting Jello it seems to help even at 3 a.m. I also have some anti-nausea pills (but have not needed them). Don't be miserable call the Dr. tell them how you feel.

Jonathan OUCH! were you clearing your throat? I am just getting to a point where I can almost stand swallowing I don't want to start all over again yet!

ABeverage Day 4

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:58:15 am

Whoa Carrie! That is not good you should call your Doctor. Did you get up to quickly? I know the meds I am on I do not do anything real fast! But you should check in, just in case it is something else ok?

Erin

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:59:17 pm

Carrie - definitely call your doctor!

I'm feeling nauseas right now. AB I think it's because I took my meds on an empty stomach.

I call the dr about the pain. He says I can take the meds every 3 hours. (instead of 4)

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 1:26:59 pm

I am sorry about the Nausea Erin, I took one on an empty stomach and felt horrible. Now I take the swish and then eat, then take the meds like clock work. Dang it something deep far back of my throat on the left just took off in the pain department. ARG

I just hate that the liquid does not last long enough and the pills make the room go swimmy

Sorry if I just blah blah too much guys just a little stir crazy :(

Carrie ~ day 5

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 1:47:35 pm

I called the dr and she said that as long s it doesn't keep happening, then it is probay okay. Just some conmbination of meds and too little in my tummy or something. ER visit if it keeps happening.

I have felt okay since I fainted and so I am going to be very carefull about the way I take the different meds and hope it doesn't happen anymore.

Now it is time for some tv and butterscotch pudding and beef broth. Yum.

Good luck getting the nausea under control, Erin.

Allison, there are just some things that should NOT be on a tongue. Hope that you get oll of the stuff off soon. I completely understan about the egg bits you were talking about. LOL

ABeverage, Hope that your pain isn't too bad and you can find a combinaion of meds that make it better. I like to hear your thoughts. You aren't alone in feeling stir crazy. :)

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 2:24:47 pm

Carrie please do not mess around though ok? Not to be bossy but if it happens again go in to the ER.

Thanks funny how shared experiences can make for good company.

that pais is in an area that doesn't seem to want to be touched under my left jaw. The swish usually can numb at least topically, can't seem to get to it. oh well couple more hours and I can take a pill.

I have not tried pudding yet seemed to creamy or sticky?

Arg stupid food commercials LOL

Karibeth

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 3:03:04 pm

Post-Op Day 18

Wow Carrie that sounds pretty scary. Hope it was just a one time thing!

Erin hope the nausea subsides soon, not a pleasant feeling.

ABeverage I found the pudding was one of the best things to eat. Went down so easy. Still eating it regularly.

Well I never believed my doctor when she said 2-3 weeks recovery maybe longer. It's day 18 and while the pain isn't like it was it's still there, especially in the ears and I get a weird almost stabbing/burning pain in the front of my neck right below the corner of my jaw. Starting to eat a little better but still needs to be soft. Tried some tortellini and chicken yesterday but it didnt go so well. Still have a fair bit of scabs in the back of my throat too. My uvula is still swollen and grossly out of shape.

I've taken myself off the narcotics and just using extra strength tylenol. I was tempted to try advil but my doctor said that was a big NO NO!

I understand the stir crazy feeling. I ended up going out for a bit yesterday. The cool moist outside air felt so good to breathe. Its just amazing how quickly you get tired out though. It will take time to build strength back up.

Hope everyone is doing better today. I love reading everyones posts...its nice to have people who understand what you're going through!!

Erin

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 3:03:18 pm

Well, I just threw up. Disgusting.

AND it hurt like a mother; BURNS!

My mother is here with me and called the dr - just to make sure the blood we saw was 'ok'. (totally freaked me out) He says he's quite sure it's old blood. He said the bleeding is typically days 5-10 and I'm too early for that. I asked if I would know I was bleeding. He said I would. He said he's never had someone who didn't know..... <sigh>

So now I'm icing my throat inside and out. The good news is all that mucus build up is gone for now.

Carrie

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 4:17:19 pm

Oh Erin! I am so sorry! Hang in there and take it easy. Good luck. Thinking of you.

ABeverage, I would go to the ER if I faint again. I have been pretty good since then though. Thanks. Also, pudding has gone down fine for me too. It seems to slide down more easily than jello. I haven't had too much trouble with mucus and build-up.

Karibeth, Glad that you got out today. Hope that you are feeling stronger and more back to normal soon.

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 4:30:21 pm

I am afraid I am being really short tempered :( I get on the back edge of the meds and it is a good hour till my next ones I am getting a little cranky :( Plus they make me a bit moody and itchy!

I had to stop talking again which probably will help my wife LOL!

Erin :( Please get better.

To anyone...Not to be too gross (yeah I know right) I cannot remember going number 2 since my surgery on Wednesday. I mean I have eaten a little and I do not feel to bloated so I am not worried just a bit confused maybe its all the liquids?

jill brush

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 4:44:16 pm

Hi guys..I'm on day 1 post op. Didn't expect to feel as much pain as I felt last night or right after the surgery. Everything I have read talks about pain starting on day 3, so I was shocked and am now worried that it's gonna hurt worse than this? yikes! I just posted my first 2 days on my blog if you want to check it out!

Jonathan day 9

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 4:47:45 pm

ABeverage -- I've seen similar comments about the #2 on this board previously. I think it's an effect of the codeine syrup. If it doesn't happen after a while, you might have to take something to move it along (is what my dr told me before my surgery).

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:03:05 pm

Thanks Jonathan, kinda figured that was the case.

Jill it is different for everyone it seems. But yeah it does get a bit worse after your surgery meds wear off. But you might not get worse.

Have you read though the tips? I have found all of them usefull and helpfull! Greg did a great job setting this up! I am actually going to recommend it to my Doctor as another resource for them!

There are people at various stages in here so if you need anything just yell (lol oh bad humor).

Val - Day 3 post-op

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:26:24 pm

Hi - my extremely kind and loving hubby found this website and encouraged me to share in the misery and lessons learned with you all. :)

I had the worst experience of my life last night. It started around 10pm and ended at 3:30am when said kind hubby brought back anti-nausea med back from a 24-hr CVS pharmacy. I don't know what happened but I just started throwing up and throwing up - to the point that I had nothing left but my body kept wretching. He called the very sleep physician on call who said I probably was constipated from the percocet and not having any solid food. So she called into the 24 pharmacy. He came home and I was wrapped around the toilet, dry heaving and balling.

Note to anyone - don't get constipated! Consume some sort of fiber in your drinks. I'm doing a lot better today, but holy cow did I think I was dying last night. Cuz throwing up is bad, but a million times worse when it involves scabs on tonsils.

Val - 3 days post-op

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:46:27 pm

Hello All,

My very kind and loving hubby turned me onto this blog and recommended I share my misery/lessons learned.

Last day was one of the worst nights EVER. It started around 11pm with my throwing up and ended around 3am with said loving husband bringing me back anti-nausea meds from a 24 hour pharmacy. I have no clue what happened - I was doing fine. Then suddenly I started throwing up and throwing up until I had nothing left and then still kept dry heaving. He called the sleepy physician on call and who said it was probably constipation from the percocet and no solid foods. Who knew? So she called in some meds, he got them, and came home to find me wrapped around the toilet, dry heaving and wishing I was dead. I was miserable the rest of the night, but at least I stopped dry heaving. I was doing much better this morning.

So lesson learned - do not get constipated! Take some sort of fiber in your drinks. Cuz throwing up is bad, but a million times worse when you've got scabs on your throat.

Val - again

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:47:24 pm

Sorry - the website crashed and apparently posted my first version anyway...

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 5:57:14 pm

Well I am going to go walk around the block get things moving I guess and try something with fiber (more applesauce)?

I have the opposite problem (I have had ulcerative colitis for 5 years). So this is a bit weird for me. I have been very lucky and not felt too much nausea (other then the spinning room type).

Ugh I really feel for you girls I had some heartburn and that stomach acid made me fly out my skin.

I am gonna take it easy and not push it. I had felt I was healing really fast but it looks like there could be some other things that could happen.

I hope no one minds my humor its how I deal and after telling my daughter about stuff I just get well that is just gross out dad! :) hang in there all!

Anna-post day 10

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 6:17:02 pm

I am feeling wonderfull. Yesterday I had lasagne (tomato sauce) and today also real meal- ham, eggs and cheese, so everything but no spicy and no bread yet for me.

I had pretty intensive day and was walking arround and talking for 4 hours. I am exhausted and my throat hurted more right after it but I laid down for 30 min and I am good again.

Can even sing!

Still on the Tylenol pills, I don't know when I will be able to stop them.

I have a lot of phlegm in my throat and don't know what to do about it, I cannout cough this out so I am waiting when this stuff will go down :(

Scabs are still there but just in some places- there take a lot of less space than yesterday!

I wish everybody speedy recovery that I had!

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 6:34:16 pm

ANNA! Great news! I was going to ask you and anyone else get closer to recovery. If it was worth it, If this helped whatever problem you had to have them taken out.

I mentioned before I can breath through my nose (before it was much more difficult!). So oddly I feel lighter! It was interesting cause the Dr said he would take my Adnoids if they were bad, I should have bet him they were!

Anyway I have read about lot's of people who have had bad sore throats and other conditions and once these nasty buggers come out things get better! I hope to raise some spirits and hopes as at least to why I did this. Share things that are working or helping too.

Take care fellow Tonsilectomides (ectomies?) lol

Carrie ~ Day 5

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 6:42:40 pm

Welcome Jill and Val!

Jill, I read your blog and am sorry that the pain has been so bad. It sounds like you are doing a lot of good things though. Good luck!

Val, It sucks that you are so nauseous! Glad that you got it to stop and I hope that it doesn't come back!

I have been taking a mild anti-constipation pill 2 x a day and it seems to be helping. I have been taking lortab since the surgery on Tuesday. I also have been trying to eat things with fiber. I am a little bound up, but I think it will move along, just slowly.

Tons of water!!!

Anna, Glad that you had such a nice day with all that yummy sounding food. Congratulations on getting past the worst of it!

Erin, how are you doing?

Now it is time for my dinner. Yogurt, mashed potatoes and pudding. :)

Carrie

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 7:00:46 pm

Jill, just wanted to say that you are not the only one with the burping. I have that too and I don't know what it is from either. ;) Strange.

Who else has lots of burps after surgery?

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 7:13:28 pm

Carrie, I was seriously burpy till about a day and half after the surgery. For two reasons. One is the anesthesia it will cause air in your stomach. Then I found it hard to swallow normally so I was gulping a lot of air. Slow down when you are drinking might help.

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 8:33:32 pm

just had a wendys frosty little thick but i could taste the chocolate! THE CHOCOLATE! lol

Hayley

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 8:40:27 pm

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all having a speedy recovery!

I'm 10 days post op and I'm wondering if anyone has an idea of how long it usually takes for the scabs to fall off? I can feel one with my tongue that is just bothering me to no end! It's like an annoying booger that I just can't get rid of!! I had no idea the scabs were going to be so disgusting. I just want them gone, but at the same time my throat is very sensitive in the spots where the scabs have fallen off! Darn tonsils!

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 8:55:07 pm

If you could stand it. Try some courser ice or some toast. It will help srape them off. Not sure if I will do that when I get to that point.

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 9:09:23 pm

Hayley,

Wow can't spell when medicated. Anything a little course would help scrape off the scabs. Toast would be as far as I would go when I get there though. Let me know what you do I am curious.

Erin

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 9:09:46 pm

(day 3 after surgery)

Thanks everyone for your concern.

Val, I , too, was throwing up today. It was so terrible. After that I was weary of eating any of the foods I threw up. (jello, freeze pops, etc) and I was also weary of taking the pain meds on an empty stomach. So I was sort of caught in a pickle. I iced my throat and sucked on ice. The burning in my throat was horrible. I took a brief nap and woke up hungry and sore. I had gone 8 hours without any pain meds. So I decided to eat pudding, it went all right. Then I took my oxycodone.

My husband, in his efforts to help, got me some baby food - doesn't taste so hot. He bought prunes (baby food) too since I told him of the conversation on here regarding #2. I haven't gone since before surgery either.

Carrie and AB I've also been burpy.

I just had coffee ice cream (no sugar added) and I think it's my favorite thing so far. Nice and cool, smooth. Yum.

Here's hoping tomorrow is better. Anna I can't believe that I could be eating all that food in a week. Thanks for throwing some optimism in here for me!!!

Hayley

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 9:21:29 pm

That's a great idea!! Thank you! I'm going to make some toast with my eggs tomorrow morning.

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 9:58:40 pm

Erin, everyone is different tomorrow might be much better. I have heard baby food works wonders, in fact I have really slowed down myself. I did mac & cheese and it turned a little more difficult than I thought. Most people for at least 5 days should stick to broths or liquids, so no worries!

No one here should push themselves unless they feel they need to. Overdoing it or exerting yourself can make it worse. Relax and if you have someone to take care of you let them!

ABeverage

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:04:50 pm

My wife is the worse patient. I am glad she is there to help me but if it were the other way around she does not like to rest (busy body). And I have found even though its in my throat I need lots of physical rest.

Hayley do let us know!

Anna

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:05:05 pm

ABeverage- I think it is too early for me to tell if the surgery will change all my defects:) My problem was sore throats-always, every day. Little sore throat, more pain next day, always sore at night and awlasy my throat was red. First the Doc's were thinking that it was from allergies but ENT clearly identified tonsills as a cause for constant infection.

I still have some sore throat at this point. I am anticipating to be able to fully judge my health well being I think in 1-2 month after surgery.

I am kind of scared and have a thought in the back of the head-what to do when I will get one day a sore throat...? I will be devasted to find out that I went thru this and no improvement.

But so far so good so I need to be optimistic right????

Erin it is really suprising how fast recovery speeds at some point. For example day 5 for me was stil paintfull and I was weak, and day 7 I was able to work from home, talk over the phone for extened time, and felt a huge improvement.

Now just 3 days later I am eating with everybody, entertaining for hours. I am little more tired than usualy but I think my overall experiance after has been great!

The only sick part that is left is that I still need to sleep on the sofa. tried to sleep in the bed with extra pillows but get this extra tension inside the throat...

Wish everybody good night!

Karen

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:12:23 pm

Day 19 Post Op. This site is really important. It sounds like we all have wonderful loving families and friends, but only those experiencing the tonsillectomy completely understand the intensity. I'm in my 3rd week of recovery and like you, Karibeth, expected I might be completely healed. I worked productively four days at the office this past week but the fatigue in the evening is absolutely overwhelming. I think I've done reasonably well because I weaned from the narcotics quickly (and substituted the forbidden ibuprofen, with no bleeding or other problems) and consumed close to normal food quickly (even had a salad on Thurs; I was craving something green and crunchy). I've been walking an hour a day for over a week now. But I'm annoyed by head pain which is migrating around my head. I know it will take time and I know I'm probably the oldest tonsillectomy patient on record, but it's frustrating and a bit depressing now. Recognizing that, I checked out another stack of books from the library and will consume those for my 3 day weekend. The mental distraction/stimulation will do me good. Take care everyone. Take stool softeners, drink loads of water, think spring. I'm glad I had the surgery. I'm not tasting the poison which was lurking in my throat for 2 years. I also had septoplasty and can breath for the first time in five decades! We'll all be stronger for this experience.

Carrie

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:20:27 pm

wimper

ooww

They were right when they said that day 5, 6, 7 are bad. This pretty much sucks now.

You all hae even MORE of my sympathy because I have started to feel more of your pain.

Take care of yourself, everyone. Please vent on here if it makes you feel any better. The more I understand, the more I want to do everything I can to help you guys through this.

Carrie

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:33:31 pm

ABeverage, Thanks for making me think about chocolate!!! Now I am drooling. :) Thanks also for the distraction from the pain right now.

Man, I wish there was a Wendy's around here...

Karen, I am hoping to start reading more in a day or two. Watching tv is most of what I have been doing today. My eyes get tired when I read right now. Really hope that you have more of a full recovery pretty soon. :) Glad you can breath too.

Erin, I am totally going to have someone get me a bit of coffee icecream tomorrow. Sounds yummy!

Allison

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 8:48:37 am

I was burping my brains out too for the first maybe 5 - 6 days! lol. Like someone said, I think it was from swallowing air everytime I would take a sip of anything.

The constipation seems to be a common problem problem after this surgery because of the low food intake/liquid diet. I drank metamucil for the first few days and it seemed to have helped. Until you are able to start eating solid soft foods, I really recommend that stuff. The kind I got was a powder you mix in water and tastes like orange.

Well I finally made it to post op day 10 :-) Last night I slept more than any other night since the surgery, still getting up every 4 hours to take the meds. I'm still on 1 vicadin, and suppose I should wean off soon. I haven't eaten anything yet this morning other than jello, but yestereday it was still really painful to eat. We'll see how breakfast goes.

To all of you experienceing nausea and/or vomiting, I really feel for you. Remember, "this too shall pass". It really does get better. Keep drinking water and icing that throat.

Carrie, sorry to hear you fainted - hope it doesn't happen again. You sound like you are doing better, other than the pain!

Hayley, I wish the scabs would all disappear too and wonder when they will. I just figure they'll go in their own time. I'm trying to keep my throat moist so they keep dissolving since I don't want to deal with coughing them up.

Hang in there everyone - there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Brittney

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:02:45 am

Well i'm 9 days post op... i'm actually not doing too bad at all. I had lasagna yesterday with garlic bread (minus the crust actually), and a little cesar salad. I takes a bit to chew down and is still a little painful but i got it down, hello real food!

Anna, I was having the same problem with the mucus, I actually started taking some Mucinex and let me tell you it has helped amazingly! Not to sound too gross but it did cause me to cough up a fair amount of mucus which helped me sleep a little better considering i could barely breathe out of my nose. I don't know about you but i havn't had any problems with even a slight bleed so even after coughing it up i think i may be in the clear... haha

However, its still pretty difficult for me to sleep, I have to sleep elevated on two pillows and I find myself waking up at least every two hours to have something to drink and my mouth is COMPLETELY dried out... I'm even sleeping next to a humidifier and drinking water ALL day. Also my uvula has still not really decreased a whole lot in size, but most of my scabs are coming off, but i had more than most. The doctor told my fiance that they were very deep set into my throat... so thats been super fun. I feel like i've had to re-teach myself to swallow and breath through my nose!

Erin I would try some Ensure it's a little like a milk consistancy going down, but there isnt any lactose in it... and it has a TON of vitamins and stuff to help you heal... it was great for me on day 4...

Pat - post op day 24

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:47:27 am

Day 24 - first day of coffee since pre- excavation! Still can't drink it too hot and still doesn't taste quite right, but moving forward! Wine doesn't taste right either -- nothing does :-(

Took a walk with dogs yesterday (beautiful day in OK yesterday - snow on ground today)

Starting to feel human again - still tire pretty easily. Scabs are finally off (at least as far as I can see!)

Hang in there ! There's light at the end of the dark, dark tunnel!

Erin

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:08:39 am

(4 days post op)

So I tried to eat scrambled eggs this morning. That didn't go well. It's like it got stuck to the back of my throat as well as in crevices between my teeth and where my tonsils used to be?

After I took a shower this morning I also felt very fatigued and then thought I felt nausea coming on again. So I took anti nausea pill and ate some ice cream. I've decided to try to substitute extra strength tylenol in for the oxycodone when possible. We'll see how that goes.

Brittany and Allison - my husband is going to pick up metamucil and ensure for me. Thanks.

Carrie, I was told ice cream (dairy) is okay, just drink a lot of water after to get it all out of your throat. Actually my 'papers' say I should be drinking 2-3 liters of water a day. Ugh.

The ENT on call this weekend that I called yesterday just called me. He's going into Providence to see Avatar and wanted to make sure I was all set before he went. Ha. How nice.

Where's everybody from? (Just curious)

I've been hanging out in the Tonsil Chat if anyone is bored.

I love this site!

ashleigh

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:56:07 am

Pat- Haha not being able to drink coffee or wine sounds like the most depressing thing ever!I was wondering about coffee and alcohol, 2 weeks after I get my tonsils out I'm at huge events where I want to drink wine but you're at day 24 and say it doesn't taste right :(

Carrie ~ Day 6

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 1:13:41 pm

I have been drinking luke warm coffee for a couple days already. I found a VERY mild kind that has super low acid and it seems to go down fine. The reason I am bothering with coffee is because the caffine helps to stimulate my bowels to be more active (nice) and keeps the headaches at bay from the fact that I am usually a big coffee drinker.

My scabs are all nasty feeling in there. Like there is a bunch of stuff caught in my throat. There is more pain still today, so I haven't slowed down on the pain meds yet. Each day I decide if I can move the doses farther apart or if I can reduce the dose a little. I am planning to switch over to extra strenght tylenol as soon as possible. Starting with daytime wen I can tolerate more pain.

Ensure has been a good thing for me. It goes down well and doesn't seem to coat my throat that much. Gives me more energy. My dr said I should drink something like that with protein and vitamins twice a day. It helps to promote healing and gives the diet a little more balance. There isn't much nutrition in jello, pudding and icecream.

I am in Iowa.

My day the last two days have been spent on this site, hulu, facebook... reading, crocheting, sitting in a recliner and wishing that I had more energy to play with my two kids (2 & 3) and talking to my mom who came from MT to help out and take care of me and the family.

Nervous that I won't be able to taste very well after this is all healed...

I have had strep once or more times every year that I can remember. I had very cryptic tonsils so I had junk in them all the time and they were always getting infected and causeing sore throats. After I had my kids it was like I was sick with a sinus infection or sore throat about 50% of the time. REally got old....

Hope that you all are having a good Sunday.

Hayley

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 1:17:41 pm

ABverage- Well I chickened out with the toast. I'm still having quite a bit of trouble eating anything I have to chew at all so I figured it might be too early for toast :(

Pat- I was just saything this morning at breakfast when I was trying to eat a real meal that nothing tastes right! I don't know if they took my taste buds out with my tonsils or what, but it's really worrying me. My stomach wants food so badly but it tastes gross so I'm not sure what to do. Hopefully our taste buds will recover and we'll all be tasting delicious foods shortly!

For anyone having troubles with nausea, I vomitted my first 6 days after surgery. I talked to my doctor after the 6 days and he recommended that I take extra strength tylenol or ibuprofen, and my stomach has felt great since I stopped taking the narcotics. It's a win lose, it seems like you can either have the pain under control and feel nauseous or feel good with a very sore throat.

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 2:29:33 pm

i had a bad night and am having a bad day...on Valentines no less. I started coughing (actually choking on something) last night. I was doing realy good now I feel I am two steps back. :(

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 2:43:09 pm

@Hayley...chicken ;)

J/K don't push it too hard. I am learning that the hard way.

Hayley

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 3:08:43 pm

ABeverage- I'm sorry to hear you had a bad night and now a bad day. I have had many of those on this road to recovery! I have also had that coughing jag in the middle of the night several times. I'm not sure if it's a scab, or some mucous going down your throat, but it's awful! Rest up! I'm sure enjoying the olympics! It's distracting me from reality!

Karibeth

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 3:28:34 pm

Post-Op Day 19

Sorry to everyone who is having issues today with nausea/vomiting, coughing, pain, loss of taste or just feeling miserable.

Got up and did some housework today. Then had a bleed that took over an hour to stop...grrrrrrr. As long as you still have scabs in your throat apparently bleeds are still possible.

I agree with everyone who says nothing tastes right anymore. Ive heard it has something to do with the lingual nerve getting disrupted when they remove the tonsils along with the clamp they use on your tongue during surgery. Will be happy when taste returns to normal (it will return to normal right????)

My hubby found an awesome way for me to get some protein into my system. He went to the deli and got some shaved ham and turkey. Its super thin and it was pretty easy to swallow. Gotta love him!

Hope everyone is hanging in there.

Oh ya...Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!

Val - day 4 post-op

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 5:38:00 pm

Hey all,

This is what's working for me so far, in case it helps anyone:

1) lightly scrambled egg whites (I added in some very finely chopped shitakes mushrooms for fiber). This helps with my salt-cravings. Good protein.

2) Mango nectar and yogurt probiotic drinks - both seem to coat the throat really well.

3) Peptobismol - coated my throat well and helped with my upset stomach

4) Insant oatmeal with a little maple syrup - slid right down. Avoid steel cut oats.

5) Coconut milk ice cream (lactose free) - very creamy

6) Pastinas - my very italian mom has always given this to me when I'm sick. they're tiny so are easy to swallow and digest.

7) Silky tofu - slides right down too

This is what's made matters worse:

1) Apple cider - I think it makes me really gassy (to be blunt)

2) The chocolate on the Edible Arrangments bouquet my folks sent - way too rich and hard (thanks anyway, folks!)

3) gingerale - too fizzy on my throat. it stung.

I'm also having the craziest cravings right now. Like, seriously, I want caviar. I have never had caviar. but I want caviar. I think it's the salt. Maybe hubby should just get me a salt lick or something...

anyone else having crazy cravings? (And no, I'm not pregnant.) :o)

Val - oh yeah...

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 5:42:05 pm

And I'm located in Maryland. Right where we got nailed with the Snowmagedon last week... like, the NIGHT BEFORE my surgery. The ENT and the Hospital both called to confirm if I was still going to come in. VERY kind neighbors loaned us their pick up truck - was the only way we got to the Hospital the next morning. Yay for community!

At least no one can ever accuse me of wussing out...

Val - a few more suggestions

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 5:59:36 pm

Sorry if this is annoying - just a few more ideas from a cabin-fevery person...

1) if you had your coblation of the turbinates done at the same time like I did (they're in your nose) - saline/aloe nasal spray has been helping keep them moist.

2) if you can get your hands on a surgical mask or one of those masks everyone wears when freaking out about the swine flu, I HIGHLY recommend wearing it. My dad's a scientist and sent me somee, but you can get them I think from your doctor. I wear them at night to help keep moisture in while my mouth is open.

3) Soaking in a hot bath. The steam seems to help keep my throat/nose moist.

4) Ice pack around the neck, if you haven't done it already.

5) Humidifier is awesome too. Have that running 24 hrs with distilled water.

Okay, now I'll be quiet. Hope this helps someone. :)

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 6:32:58 pm

I want some popcorn...

I am in Idaho

Carrie ~ Day 6

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 7:14:23 pm

Good thoughts, Val. Coconut ice cream sounds awesome. Surgical mask!!! Humidifier!!! Cold pack!!! Oatmeal with maple syrup!!! Cream of wheat with maple syrup, also.

AB, popcorn would be the BEST right now! You keep making me hungry! :) Hope your day has gotten better.

When with these gross things come out of my throat!!!! They keep touching my tongue. Stop it already! I haven't had any bleeding at all yet. When the scabs come off is there almost always bleeding? Bleeding makes me worry. It is hard for me not to want to scrape these things off my throat. SO gross! There is one on the end of my uvula that is particularly annoying. The ENT trimmed off the end of my uvula to keep it from swelling up and I think it worked very well. Now it is time for the thing on the end of it to stop TOUCHING me. :)

John - Day 23

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 7:37:19 pm

Like Pat and Karibeth, I'm well into my recovery and I'm still experiencing a couple of annoyances, like trying to drink continuously (have to drink in mouthfulls). Also, the taste of food is still distorted - there's an everpresent (mild) bitterness to almost everything, including the sweet stuff. And, my throat is still a little sore but I think almost all of the scabbing is gone. I do still have some of the white build up on my tongue and I assume that that is associated with my 'taste' issues. Anyway, it's day 23 and I'd say that I'm at about 95% with the 'taste' thing being the most inconvenient annoyance at this point. Good luck to all of you that are still in the thick of the recovery process. It was my experience that right around day 10 things improved dramatically.

Take care,

John

Karibeth

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 7:54:40 pm

Cravings for things..oh ya!!...ive been screaming "I want nachos" for the past couple of weeks. I'm not particularily a fan of them, but for some strange reason I've been wanting them (maybe its just knowing Im not supposed to have them being both crunchy and somewhat spicy).

Erin- Im located in Ontario

Karibeth

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 7:58:02 pm

One more thing....is anyone else having issues with things going up the back of their nose instead of down their throat? It happened from the first drink they gave me in the hospital and unless I swallow little tiny sips it ends up going up and out of my nose..yuck! (Wasn't so great when it was a Wendy's frosty shake!!)

Mary - Day 4

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 8:36:42 pm

Hi everyone! I found people doing what I'm doing, sitting around trying to get healthy. I think this just made my day (and perhaps the first shower I took today since surgery)!!

I had a T&A on Thursday, Feb. 11th, sounds like the same day as Val and Erin?

I'm in Ohio.

Day 1 was great, I thought it wasn't going to be that tough to recover...

By Day 2 the happy, anesthetic drugs had worn off and I was facing things a little more realistically...

Yesterday, Day 3 was the worst thus far. I was sick of drinking Ensure before every dose of pain meds so I decided to try Gatorade and green jell-o and that was a mistake. It didn't look so good coming back up.

Day 4 (today), I'm drinking 1/2 an Ensure about 45 minutes before every pain meds dose and so far no more nausea (keeping fingers crossed). I've also eaten some mac 'n cheese (w/out the cheese), applesauce, scrambled eggs, it takes forever to eat though.

Now I know to be wary of days 5, 6, and 7 from everthing I've read, so here's hoping for the best but being prepared for something a little worse.

Carrie - to respond to one of your earlier comments, I was telling my husband earlier today that I seem to be burping like crazy and wondering when that's going to stop?

Is anyone else able to sleep more than 20-60 minutes at a time? I am sleeping at about a 45 degree angle and I either wake up because I have to use the restroom (which is good that I'm drinking that much water) or because I'm choking on my own phlem/mucus. ugh, I keep having dreams of drowning, and I'm not a fan of this!!

I'm so happy I found this board!! It's good to celebrate small victories/milestones during recovery right??

Carrie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 8:43:19 pm

Karibeth, I have a little trouble with water going up and not down, but only when I gargle water, not when I am drinking normally.

I hope that it is only temporary for you. If it continues you should definitely talk to your doctor about it.

Good luck resisting those cravings. SO HARD! :) And I am only on day 6.

Pat - day 24

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 8:49:36 pm

I can live with the weird taste for a while longer - I'm not really too worried it will never come back! I too am still having that troubling "liquid coming out the nose" thing sometimes when I drink (gross, I know, but seems to be the theme on this board;-). Drinking from a straw and little sips seems to help. Water's not so bad, but chocolate milk! ouch! think that's why I'm sticking to water still so much. Still tough to swallow from time to time too -- not ouchy, just awkward. Feels like it just kind of gets stuck back there. Tough to go out to lunch with colleague or clients though!

My ENT says not to worry, that you have to retrain those small muscles back there. Suggested practicing a "K" sound to strengthen them. Never thought much about that, but makes sense.

Erin

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 8:59:32 pm

I've been craving cheeseburgers and fries with a Mt Dew, Yuuummmm.

I'm from Newport County, RI.

Earlier I got some Mac n Cheese down. It hurt but felt good to have something in my stomach.

I tried the baby food my husband bought. I don't know if it's high in sodium or what but it burns the back of my tongue and throat.

I'm having a tough time with the pain this evening; my throat, tongue, jaw, neck ears... ugh. So I wouldn't take meds on an empty stomach I choked down an Ensure. (not so great but I *definitely* don't want to throw again)

Good list Val, another thing I really like is the Dentyne Ice Peppermint gum. It makes my mouth feel clean, helps loosen my jaw, not clench muscles and keep things moist. The classic ice pack, humidifier, water and notebook to keep track of meds are my most used items, I'd say. Oh and blistex/chapstick.

Thanks for being here.

Carrie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:01:00 pm

Hi Mary!

The crazy burping is odd, huh? I think it is just that there is more air that goes down with each drink than normal probably because it hurts and so we hold our mouth differently before we swallow.

The choking feeling it awful. I have been sleeping in a recliner to keep me on my back and not totally flat and that has helped me. I get about 3 1/2 hours in a row between pain meds because I take a small amount of Ambien. I have always had insomnia and have been taking Ambien regularly so I know how my body responds to it. I wouldn't recomend it to anyone who isn't normally on it because it can make it hard to wake up if you have an interruption in your breathing with mucus or swelling. It has been a really great thing for me though. Wish everyone could have that kind of help while they are trying to recover from this.

I also have really liked cream of wheat and how easy it goes down and that it is so mild. Never stings for me. I wonder if something like that would help if you ate it before the pain meds, Mary?

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:07:32 pm

Mary,

Erin and I were on Wednesday and Val on Thursday I think.

Today and last night have been a bit of a Roller Coaster feeling no pain then I have a coughing fit and dislodged a scab. I was feeling no pain and I was all hmm I don't need my meds for another couple hours maybe I can skip them...NOPE. And till at least a week into this I am not going to worry about it.

LOL I can feel stuff moving in my tummy at least it seems to be going somewhere my wife tried some Miralax. So I hope later tonight or tomorrow! grr!

Pat I have read there are several voice exercises that will help strengthen that soft palate.

Cheese covered popcorn...

Mary - Day 4

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:13:16 pm

Hmmm I reread my post, I meant to say that the highlights of today were finding this board and taking my first post-surgery shower. What I actually wrote sounds weird.

Carrie - I haven't tried cream of wheat yet but I think it's in my stack of foods and I'll have to give that a try tomorrow. Thanks!

I have had some luck with sweet potato baby food too, I've been adding a little bit of syrup to make it sweeter :)

My husband made a frozen pizza for himself for dinner tonight and I almost cried from the wonderful smell. I was very tempted to try it but luckily realized the pain wouldn't be worth it. He had me put a date on my calendar for 2 weeks from now for us to go get our favorite pizza. We'll see if I'm actually able to eat it then!!

Oh yeah, silly question, but how are we counting the days post-op? I counted Day 1 as my day of surgery since my surgery was at 8 am. Thanks!!

Erin

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:23:54 pm

Hey Mary - just want to say 'welcome' to our little group. I got sick yesterday - the worst feeling ever. I'm waking up pretty much every hour whether I have an alarm set or not. I take the opportunity to drink water. We must keep our throats moist.

AB my husband spiked my water with Benefiber (tasteless) no luck yet. ;)

I'm still hanging in the tonsil chat if anyone is bored. (yes, I'm a loser)

Carrie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:28:48 pm

AB, stop, you're killing me!

I really want popcorn. The rest of my family had popcorn tonight. That cheesy popcorn sounds just right. Sigh. :)

Instead, I ate an egg to get more protein and bits are stuck in my throat I think. I am going to try to move them along with some pudding.

I know that you all are so happy to know that.

AB, did you have bleeding after the scab came off? I am also not skipping meds until a week out, then I will start trying to lower and switch over to tylenol only. I have been lucky and not had much nausea.

Erin, Sorry to hear that you have had so much pain today. Evenings seem the worst. Being tired really makes the pain bad I think.

meg

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:32:47 pm

Hi I am day 4 post op. I had read everything I possibly could have before the operation but I guess until you are in it it is hard to really fathom! I had my adenoids and tonsils removed, I am currently waiting for pathology to come back and only then will I breath a sigh of relief.

I am currently just taking panadol as I have a baby whom I have been breastfeeding but have had to stop due to anesthetic in my system so I am trying to have the least amount of drugs in my system as possible.

This of course has caused me so much pain and discomfort.

I will ( we all will) get there in the end but wow what an intense journey this is!

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:38:35 pm

Carrie,

Your family a bunch of jerks? LOL kidding kidding I would be mad if my family had popcorn. What happened near as I can tell is the scab was thick now I see yellow pink and little dots of red on one area that hurts worse. I have one that is really funky looking reminds me of a tonsil stone I had ICKY!!!

I feel pretty bloaty right now and I really wanted some grape jello or some chocolate pudding!

I too I am so glad I can gross people out and be grossed out by fellow tonsilnauts!

ABeverage

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 9:45:02 pm

Mary glad you found us tonsilnuts

I am not having any oddness with stuff backwashing(?) but I have a weird flap feeling with my giant uvula & palate that flops when I breath and my tongue can not get more numb and has gone funny shaped! A zillion other things that I have given up on worrying about unless it is a couple of days or a week like that.

Being as I had a freaky uvula once before I feel this will pas in time...arg time!!!

Erin

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:09:59 pm

Thanks, Carrie. I don't think I'm tired - it's just me and my husband here and I can sleep whenever I want.

I'm glad I don't like popcorn! I call my husband a jerk if he has something in front of me I can't have. haha. I've been spending a lot of time in 'my' room anyhow, since thats where the humidifier is. So I just eat here, mostly.

Mary, I have sweet potato baby food on the menu for tomorrow. I hope it works out! I don't seem to like sweet things?

Get this, our fire alarm just went off! We're not supposed to raise our blood pressure? yeah, right. What a mess!

I still haven't looked down my throat. I think I lost a piece of scab when I was sick yesterday. There used to be one touching my tongue. Not any more! Plus I can tell I have a few raw areas since that incident.

Carrie I can't imagine how annoying a scab at the end of your uvula must be!

Carrie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:35:46 pm

Erin, I just used a Q-tip to poke the scab on the end of my uvula until most of it came off. There is a little left so it is still healing and it isn't bleeding. Yay! Gross! SOOOOO less annoying! It was driving me CRAZY. There are still scabs touching my tongue, but not the crazy one in the middle.

I have been looking in my throat all the time to see what is going on in there. Not a pretty sight, but I like to know exactly what is going on. I have a flashlight and a hand mirror.

That stuff in there is completely not like anything that should be on a human body, ever. Just saying....

Carrie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:43:20 pm

I am getting addicted to writing on here. There is so much I can't talk about to my family because it is so gross...

One more thing before I go to bed.

Welcome Meg, I cannot imagine having this surgery while I was still breastfeeding. You are amazing to do that. Hope that you get through the recovery okay and can enjoy your baby without pain and sickness. Good luck to you!

Stephanie

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:53:19 pm

Hi, so I'm 20 and am going to get my tonsils out in 10 days. This last case of strep has gon through 3 different antibiotics over like 2 weeks and is still not completely gone. But my main questions is how hard is it going to be to take care of myself? My new roomie will be moving in a couple days after my surgery but my dad is super pissed at me and is not to thrilled about having me around (as in doesn't want me there and will be a pissy unhelpful baby) He hasn't talked to me for 3 weeks over some tattoos...my mom feels bad whatever...but what am i in for being alone and how long do you guys think it will be before i feel up to going back to school

Erin

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:54:28 pm

I'm addicted too, Carrie. Glad you got some of the scab off without consequence, however, I wouldn't get in the habit of picking!

I can't hold my tongue out of the way to look. Maybe a blessing in disguise.

You should join us in the chat! It's nice to be 'around' people going through the same thing.

I think any of you doing this with kids are amazing.

meg

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 2:16:09 am

Thanks Carrie for your support, it is so hard dealing with the pain from surgery as well as pain from engorged breasts! It is like a living hell right now!! I am trying to remain positive and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel but the pain from my huge uvula and all the other wounds tends to diminish that light at times!! I am just waiting to see when the "peak" of the pain is re: days 5-10? My surgeon said that I should expect a longer recovery as they also had to use stitches as my tonsils were so big and vasculated. I guess that each day will pass and so to will the pain but My Goodness it does hurt! Which days did everyone else notice an improvement?

And a big thank you to GREG for bringing us all together and making me not feel so alone in this experience

Erin

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 3:46:33 am

Stephanie - as far as I know they will not do your surgery unless you have a responsible adult with you to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. After that I suppose you could get along alone as long as you have everything you need since you won't be able to drive. The concern is if you have an emergency. 2 days after surgery I was throwing up - I would have hated being alone for that, it was frightening.

Meg - sorry I have yet to see improvement. This is my 5th day after surgery.

It's 4- something AM and I'm here posting. That should be an indication of how things are going. I awoke at 2 very nauseas. I took my last nauseas pill and had my husband get me a cool compress for my head. I laid back and did not budge falling in and out of sleep for about 2 hrs. I think the nauseas is almost gone but my throat feels terrible. It's drying out and theres a ton of mucus in it that I find my self trying to clear it or it gets stuck and I have to cough. Both ways suck. My ears hurt more I have a headache. I'm definitely still decling. :( Missing my scheduled meds due to nauseas is always a set back too.

To those of you in my class of tonsilnauts, feel grateful you haven't been nauseas. It really ruins everything. <sigh>

Mary - beginning of Day 5

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 4:26:34 am

Hi all (good morning?),

Erin - I'm so sorry you are having so much nausea. That makes this all the more difficult and painful, especially in the middle of the night!! As incredibly painful as it is, I'm making myself drink 1/2 an ensure at least 45 minutes prior to pain meds (doing this right now, ugh really sick of Ensure) and then after I take the pain meds I stay awake another 45 minutes to make sure there isn't any more nausea. The one time I didn't do this stupid routine around pain meds, I threw up. The issue after I got sick was trying to get back to "normal", I didn't want to drink anything. My husband was annoyingly persistent those couple hours after I got sick and kept handing me my water to drink. No matter how many "i'm miserable" looks I gave him he didn't give up and made me drink, drink, drink. Since water tasted pretty awful, I also had him make me peppermint tea with a zillion ice cubes and I drank that - it was soothing. At one point I considered having having him go buy ginger ale because I always need ginger ale on planes to calm my stomach. My thought was that I planned to let it sit out and lose the fizzy before I drank it, but the peppermint tea and water got me through it. I know everyone's different so I'm not trying to tell you what would work for you, just sharing my story!! Hang in there, I'm thinking of you!! Also, the sweet potato baby food wasn't too sweet (just don't add syrup like me!). For as much as I typically LOVE sweet things, I have not wanted anything sweet the past few days (I seem to be avoiding popsicles, I haven't tried pudding, I don't want the chocolate ensure, etc.). Hopefully the baby food sweet potatoes work for you.

Meg - for the days of improvement, I've noticed it seems like I take a small step forward then about 3 backwards if I'm not careful. I've noticed that after the pain meds kick in if I talk too much, eat things that require too much chewing or do too much physical activity I'm hurting more when the meds wear off. I thought Day 3 was the worst so far but I'm only starting Day 5 (and it sounds like you are on the same day schedule as me). I using a ton of ice packs still on my neck, face, etc and that's really helped when the pain has gotten to be too much. How long until you get the pathology reports on your tonsils? My tonsils were irregular sizes hence the need to take them out and biopsy them and find out why, so I'm in a similar position. I haven't heard anything on them yet and I wonder if I'll have to wait until the 2 week follow-up appointment? I hope not!

ABeverage - your humor and nicknames for all of us (tonsilnuts) cracks me up. Keep it coming!!

Carry - you are brave to look at your throat. I am NOT going to look at all. My husband and mom have been checking for me, but I've taken the stance that ignorance is bliss!! I don't want to know!

Stephanie - You'll definintely need some help if anything type (or write) a list of instructions of what you'll need so maybe your roommate can help? My biggest two things I've needed help with: (1)The hour before pain meds I've need someone to make sure I'm coating my stomach and helping me with the meds. After the pain meds for the 3 hours of pseudo-pain-free bliss I manage okay on my own. Tonight is the first night (day 4 going on day 5) that my husband hasn't needed to get up to help me with the meds. He premeasured them in shot glasses for me ;) (2) I've needed help picking up foods that appeal to me. I did some pre-shopping but I didn't realize how much Ensure I would need/rely on and how many other things like baby sweet potatoes would appeal. I definitely do not have the energy to get out of my pj's, let alone leave my house. I guess my conclusion would be if you could have someone around for days 1, 2 & 3 and then have someone checking on you either by dropping by or by phone or text for days 4-10 you should be ok. I don't knoow yet how long until you'll feel up to stuff. I have not yet had any urges to pull up me work email and start looking through them, it's probably not a good idea for me to try to respond while I'm on these pain meds anyway, the replys wouldn't make too much sense ;) Good luck!! Keep us posted!!

Wow, so that was long, but it got me through my 1/2 an Ensure, a round of pain meds and now I'm feeling pretty decent again. Amazing how that works when you can distract yourself a little bit... I think i'm going to try napping again....

Kayleigh

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:41:22 am

Hi guys, I am so glad to have found a forum with so much support! You guys all seem great. After reading a lot of the posts, I feel much better knowing I am not alone in this! I am 23 years old, female, 7 days post op and it has been ROUGH. It feels like I have tonsillitis and strep at the same time. Its been really hard to eat anything besides jello and ice chips. Also I've got a good collection of DVDs and a wonderful husband to help me get through this. Boy is it painful! I'm on those pain meds every 4 hours. I am just getting over oral thrush from all over my tongue also. No bleeding at all so far and it looks like I've still got quite a bit of white stuff in the back of my throat. Just wanted to share my experience so far and hope to get some support through the rest of the ride. I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run. =]

Carrie ~ Day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 9:12:02 am

Stephanie, Welcome. :)

Speaking from my experience, this can be done alone as long as you have someone (a friend or family) who you can call if you need something or you have an emergency. Since everyone is different in their experience and recovery, I would not rely on that opinion. If you have no choice but to try it alone, be VERY over prepared with everything you even could want plus some more and then a little more stuff. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will feel and that might make the recovery a little easier.

Depending on your recovery, my guess is that you might be able to go backe to school after day 10 or so. Good luck! Be prepared. You can do it.

Erin, Thanks for reminding me not to get in the habit of picking. :) That thing on my uvula just looked like with was hardly hanging on and so I poked it to see how much was still really hooked on. It didn't look like it was going to bleed so I got it off. Oh the JOY! I am really still just basking in the happy feeling of not having it always draging on the back of my tongue. :) I know I have made my point, but sometimes it is the small things that bring the greatest happieness.

Man, I am a cheesy monkey this morning.

Hope that you can get the nausea to stop soon. I am having technical difficulty with the chat working on this computer.

Meg, For me the worst pain has been day 5, 6, 7 and I am on day 7 right now. I can't tell if tomorrow with be bad yet. I had been very lucky with the level of my pain being fairly low. Since you had deep tonsils and also had stiches I really can't say what it will be like for you.

I am thinking about you and how you and the baby are doing. Hoping that you have lots of support. Hang in there, you will get through this and then it can be just a memory while you enjoy the little one and less trouble with sickness from your tonsils.

Are you pumping a lot to get the engorgement down? Hope you are doing okay.

Time for me to find food and show my mom what my throat looks like. :)

Kayleigh - Day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 9:21:22 am

Also wanted to add that days 5, 6 and 7 have also been the worst for me! Sometimes it feels like the pain meds haven't even touched it!

Allison

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:07:06 am

Day 11 and I had awesome sleep last night :-) Also, it's been almost 24 hour that I took myself off the vicadin. I'm taking extra strength tylenol now, but I don't even need to take it every 4 hours surprisingly. I guess that magic day 10 thing is pretty on target.

I'm in Florida btw.

I had someone with me from surgery day - day 5 post op. Day 6 I finally felt like I could be ok on my own. While it can be done solo, your recovery will go a lot smoother if someone is there to bring you food, water, encourage you to drink (extremely important!), and just be there for support.

Karibeth, on Friday I asked my dr how long do I need to be concerned about bleeding, and he said if I make it past this weekend (which was yesterday,day 10) I'll be okay. But you had a bleed on day 19?? I guess it makes sense that as long as you have the scabs you can have a bleed. Maybe he meant the kind of severe bleeding that requires an ER visit is less likely after day 10.

About taste distortion, thankfully I have not really had much of this. The exception being my coffee yogurt tasted extra bitter for about the first week post op. But I'm eating some right now and it tastes great again (unless I have just gotten used to the bitter taste :-)) In any case, I'm not noticing any taste issues now. Also, the white coating on my tongue disappeared a few days ago. I hope this means I'm in the clear on this? I would love to hear some feedback on this from anyone who is like 2 weeks or more post op.

I know my dr is the one to ask about this, but I wonder how much longer til I get resume my normal activities like surfing? I feel mostly okay (throat discomfort but not pain), but I still have scabs and don't want to cause a bleed. I'm so sick of sitting around. You guys have been GREAT and I will continue to drop by this site for the rest of my recovery :-)

Carrie

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:07:33 am

HI Kayleigh! Gald to see you here. Tell us more about how things are going. Did you get trush after the surgery? Hope that it is not too bad. Take care!

Kayleigh day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:33:47 am

Hi Carrie, thanks for the welcome. I'm so glad to have found others who know exactly what I'm going through. I actually got thrush on the 6th day which was a day after I completed the antibiotics. So I am sure that's what caused it. I still have a bit on my tongue but it seems to be getting better today and its not as sore. Hubby just left to go get me some cream of wheat! I have lost 5 lbs so far. Sometimes my pain meds make me nauseated and then I don't want to eat anything. Also if it weren't for my hubby forcing me to take in fluids I'd probably be dehydrated right now. Family help and support is amazing.

Val - day 5 post-op

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:29:41 pm

You're all awesome - I love coming back on this forum, reading what you've written about the ups and downs and saying to myself "yup. same here. uh-huh. ditto." to all of them!

For example, my incredibly kind and patient husband has been starting to eat real food in front of me. I really really want to be nice about it but find myself being the cranky sick person who just stares at him to be guilt-inducing until he goes into the kitchen to finish. I never say anything. I just stare. But what am I supposed to do? He chooses the extra smelly real food! Like peanut butter sandwiches. And fried chicken. Rude. >:-)

I think I'm starting to feel a little of the flapping scab, but I would think it's early for that at day 5? Hubby has been a fluid-nazi with me, so there's really no risk that my throat gets dry much, other than overnight a bit. But I have been waking up in the middle of the night and indulging myself in a wee bit of italian ice because it ROCKS.

Speaking of scabs, about how big are all of yours? I haven't looked at mine yet, but based on what my husband as said, I'm feeling a little scab-challenged. They're apparently pretty small. Which might be a good thing if the ENT caught them at a time when they weren't inflamed. (Though I will note, just to add to the visual effect, the ENT did say he squeezed them and a "bunch of gunk" squirted out, so it's still a good thing they're gone!)

I ended my percocet prescription late last night with a really nasty headache which made me start to wonder if I was having a weirdo withdrawal or something. But I transfered over to vicodine, which is less troublesome, I've heard. I've definitely developed the throbbing ears that I was warned about. And being prone to migraines, that makes it really frustrating.

Oh, and I'm not burping, but I am hiccuping like it's an Olympic sport. Seriously? What the heck did we do to our bodies???

Val - note to Stephanie

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:41:12 pm

Hi Stephanie,

Sorry you're in a lousy situation. That sucks. :(

Honestly, I don't consider myself incapable of taking care of myself by any means, but I think I would have found all of this really hard without someone supportive and present during the beginning few days of it. You would definitely need someone to get you home and to take notes from the doctor, who specifically told me he wasn't going to bother giving them to me because I was too doped up. And the first few days SUCK - emergencies come up (like, I was vomiting and dry heaving for hours one night until my husband called the physician on call and drove to a 24hr pharmacy @ 3am for nausea meds). Also, you need someone to wake you up every hour to take fluid. YOu can probably do that yourself with an alarm, but it helps to have another person nudging you.

My husband is back at work today so I'm on my own and doing fine, but I really needed him in the first few days. I would recommend either a really close friend or family member to at least be there for the beginning days. And make sure there's someone trustworthy to call in an emergency.

As for recovery time, because of your age, you'll probably recover pretty fast. But the surgeon told me the real trick was to drink lots and lots of fluids to keep your throat moist - that will drastically cut down on recovery time.

Good luck!

Mary - Day 5

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:59:28 pm

Val - I had a few hiccups earlier and started to get really worried, luckily they ended pretty quickly. Hiccups weren't something I had previously thought or worried about!!

baby food sweet potatoes: I said yesterday that these tasted good. Well today they burned my throat. I wanted to let people know this since I was all about them yesterday. What appeals and works one day doesn't necessarily hold true for the next day. Argh.

I did get some chocolate Ensure today. chocolate ensure is today's wonderful food. I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring....

Stephanie

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 1:05:31 pm

My mom is gonna take me to/from the hospital and probably hang around for a little while when she brings me back to my apartment. I'm working on the getting stocked part and I have people i can text and she'll be by her phone should i need her. I do have someone coming by the day after surgery to keep me company and baby me and my new roomie (yay i'm so excited for him) moves in the next day with the help of my friend since obviously i won't be of much help for him (what a shame...NOT...moving sucks and i'm glad to be missing the up and down the stairs with boxes of stuff). Thanks for the advice guys

To all of you Constapatees...

since getting your tonsils out means general anesthsia and that stops everything in your digestive tract it can take a few days for everything to get up and running again at full speed...which totally sucks but look on the brighter side when my dad got his hip replaced the MD had him taking iron pills and when he finally did get ready to poop he said it was like "shitting the liberty bell" which totally sounded like a lot of fun haha nope

Val

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 1:10:00 pm

Ironically, Mary, I just wrestled for ten minutes between choosing the sweet potatoes baby food or the carrot baby food, and the carrots won. They're as boring as humanly possible, but your raves yesterday did almost sway me in the other direction.

But wow, ten minutes to choose between the incredibly important decision of "carrots" or "sweet potato" baby food... We're leading really exciting lives right now... REALLY exciting. Watch out! Step back! Exciting stuff here...

Kayleigh day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 1:27:01 pm

Meg

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 2:42:31 pm

Hi Everyone!

Today is day 5 for me and i had the worst night of my life! On the up side I have found, used and fallen IN LOVE with difflam spray!!! Wow it has really helped me so much. It is a numbing spray and anti-inflammatory and my doctor prescribed it for me. It had just been sitting there but as there was alcohol as one ingredient I was hesitant to use it as I did not want it drying out my throat.... I am so over that way of thinking!!! I honestly cried last night after spending nearly 2 hours trying to put my baby to bed with extremely sore boobs(yes I am pumping but it just creates more milk..ARGH!) and my ears and throat were killing me, I could barley sip water with out shaking. I finally got him to sleep only to realise that my pain had surpassed what I felt I could handle. I was tossing up between the morphine tablets he has given me which I can't really have due to breast feeding or the spray.. WELL AMAZING. I have felt very dizzy ever since using it but at this stage I don't really care!! I think my body got a shock when I had so little pain in my throat!

I think where he stitched my throat is pulling as the pain down there seems extreme.

Mary- my surgeon will email me or call me when the results come in. I expect it to be a few more days. I had a scope whilst still sick and there were other nodes etc that were swollen so they are testing for Lymphoma DON'T READ THIS AND FREAK OUT...IT WILL NOT HAPPEN TO YOU!!!! I will just have to wait....

I am in Australia so I am unsure if you all have difflam but if you can find it it is a miracle!!

Meg

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 2:46:30 pm

And I forgot to ask.. After surgery I have had an intensified scene of smell and taste! it is like being pregnant and being able to smell and taste everything ten fold. I know a lot of people have had the opposite experience but I was wondering if anyone shared this with me?

It was as soon as I awoke from surgery.

Joe

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 2:51:00 pm

I'm 23 and I'm 5 days post-op. I feel like my recovery is going less like an adult recovery should and more like a teenager recovery. Suppose that's a good thing, guess I'm lucky.

I haven't felt much pain (I've been taking the painkillers, of course) and I can eat a lot of stuff (macaroni, baked beans, ice cream, ice cream, ice pops, i had a little tiny bit of pizza (not hot though), chicken soup) and I am drinking a TON of water. I sleep okay and I'm not having any ear pain. I was a little worried about how bad it would be after hearing such horror stories, but unless something really nasty starts up soon, or I start bleeding or something... this seems pretty uneventful! I may even go back to school tomorrow...

ABeverage

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 3:18:34 pm

I think 23 would have been a great age to have this done! I could party all night and do it again the next night at 23. I would ski all day and then bounce back and go the next day. I have the feeling you will bounce out of this very quickly!

Enjoy it while you can!

ABeverage

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 3:51:05 pm

I do not want to poop a liberty bell!

The tip of my tongue is so numb...

Finally called the Dr. I went off the meds last night to see if that would help yeah that did not help and I was just in pain!

meg

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 5:07:43 pm

ABeverage,

The tip of my tongue was also very very numb, I believe the doctor burnt it during surgery. Have you asked your surgeon if that could be your case too?

ABeverage

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 5:49:33 pm

We I finally went! Feeling a little better but can't wait till all the ex-lax and stuff kicks in! LOL omg that cannot be good. I think it is drugs I don't think it looks burnt.

ashleigh

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 7:07:58 pm

So, I finally decided on a day, March 2nd...not the best day but we will see how it goes. I am really nervous and don't really know what to expect, I do not like how I have to be there at 6:45 in the morning! I have class until 11 the night before and by the time I get home and eat it is midnight so that is kind of going to suck since I can't eat after midnight. Ughh...any advice is needed and welcomed for the day of surgery. I am very stubborn however = )

Carrie ~ Day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 7:35:23 pm

I feel terrible this evening. I didn't rest enough this afternoon. Spent a bunch of time with my kids putting them down for nap then playing with them all afternoon. I realized at 5 pm that I really needed to get away. I have felt dizzy, nauseus and a lot of pain for the last couple hours. I shouldn't trust how I feel at the time and just make myself rest more.

My brain feels like mush.

I read all the latest posts, but I am not sure I really comprehended what I was reading. Hope everyone is doing okay today.

Big welcome to any new people!

Thanks for all the support you guys.

Carrie

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 7:44:59 pm

I just figured out why I feel so bad now!!! I was busy doing things and didn't drink as much as when I spent my time in a chair. I was a little dehydrated. That is almost certainly what I did wrong. I probably over did things too, but now it makes sense about HOW bad I feel.

Don't ever stop drinking as much as you can. It will help a lot even if it is annoying that you have to pee all the time. DRINK!

water

tea

juice

coffee

flavored waters

popsicles

jello

ice cream

ensure

All those count to keep you hydrated. Don't be lame like me. DRINK! :)

Anna-post op day 12

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:16:14 pm

I went back to work today and had a breakfast with everybody. I am exhausted after 8 hours. My job doesn't require talking but my throat hurts after all day. I sneeze a lot and do not feel good, no fever. My stomach hurts every day since I had my diahrea problems (week ago!) and my stools don't have a right color.

I wonder why?

My scabs are pretty much gone, only some areas have them (I am talking only about parts that are visible for me, don't know what is down the throat).

I am glad to have them taken out and will think positively that my overall health will improve after it!

Anna

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:20:01 pm

Carrie from you list I would definately gave up on coffee-it makes you dehydrated and upset your stomach not mentioning rising the blood pressure (and the same time pressure in your blood vessels inside your throat).

I had 7 galons of water in just one week- amazing!

Mary - Day 5

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:21:45 pm

Hi all,

ABeverage - congrats :) and whew what a relief I'm sure!

Carrie - it really is true that the amount you drink is directly related to how you feel later but peeing every 30-45 minutes does get rather old!! hopefully tomorrow is a little better for you, and you get a chance to catch up on drinks and rest.

I did okay today, the left side of my mouth/throat/tongue hurts a million times more than the right. I guess I'll take one side feeling okay rather than no sides. Blah, I'm feeling pretty low right now...

Meg - I should find out my bioposy results tomorrow, they are supposed to call. (My mom called for me today and asked and they will call me back tomorrow). I'm not too worried about the results as I don't have any other signs of lymphoma, BUT it will be good to know for sure. Good luck with yours - I'm keeping you in my thoughts!

Ashleigh - To be honest the anticipation of the surgery was almost worse than the actual experience. Instead of spending time / energy being nervous try to focus on preparing. I created a silly document for those taking care of me with tips on what I bought at the store, how I really needed to stay hydrated, I included the doctor's phone numbers, etc. I also did something that I'm almost embarassed to admit but since it's helped, I'll share. I wrote myself a short note for days 1-13 of recovery. Mainly they just remind me to DRINK like crazy, rest, relax, stay positive etc. but it's kind of nice to read something from my healthy self and know I'll be back to that state eventually :) It also gave me something to do when I was full of anxiety/nervous energy. The actual day of surgery I was at the center at 7 am and back on my couch by 11:30 am drinking. It's a surprisingly quick procedure.

Val - your sweet potato v. carrots story was awesome. Hey, we might not be on the edge of excitment but at least we make the best of it ;) I'm glad you selected carrots...

And finally Joe - enjoy being 23 and having a speedy recovery! If you do go back to school tomorrow don't push it too much and keep drinking.

Good luck tonight with sleeping everyone!! I know I need some good sleep so here I go to give a whirl...

Mary - Day 5

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:23:09 pm

PS sorry for being the long poster I don't even want to go back and read what I wrote it's too exhausting...

ashleigh

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 8:31:46 pm

Mary

Thanks. Believe it or not I have to write myself notes everything haha like "get gas" or "bring water to class" haha I am very forgetful...or busy.

I think where I worry most is I do not take any sort of pain medicine...ever. No Tylenol or Advil for headaches and muscle aches even. So, I am debating not having any pain medicine...

Kayleigh Day 7

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:57:21 pm

I am really enjoying reading everyone's posts. I would like to mention that I may be a bit jealous of Joe lol. I am 23 myself but definitely do not feel like I'm healing as quickly or smoothly as a teenager! But good for you Joe, I'm happy to hear you are having a speedy recovery :) I was hiccupping much more frequently than usual the first few days but it has stopped now. Also I had my first bowel movement 6 days post op. Since then its been diarrhea and I have a lot of gas. Today my diet consisted of mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, mac n cheese and I have fouund that eating fried chicken without the skin in very tiny pieces works. Its very slippery and slides right down. So there's my protein! Drinking lots and lots of water does make a big difference in how we feel too. Tonight I am feeling much better than this morning. I will keep updating! Thanks for all the useful tips everyone posts, they have made me more comfortable!

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:21:38 am

Ashleigh

I went off my pain meds last night till afternoon. It was horrible but I did not feel like I would ever have a BM. But I have found that if you take some Exlax it will work eventually. Anyway I get a little freaked out at night and have some really wacked out dreams when I am able to sleep. However not having pain meds vs. having them I would rather have them. Take the edge off and relax.

This is evening was not a bad evening I hope that all the Notonsilites get rest and have a good night!

Kayleigh

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:46:13 am

Ashleigh- I don't usually take medicine for little things either but I do think in this case its better to take them at least for the first week. Its a painful recovery I won't lie, and the pain meds can really help to take the edge off. Your body will thank u for it, it makes it easier to rest and keep urself hydrated which are two of the most important things during the recovery process. Just make sure to prepare yourself for everything!

ashleigh

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 1:50:54 am

Kayleigh and Aberverage,

I am thinking having the hospital give me some right after surgery which I was not going to do. My surgery is on Tuesday March 2 and I do have to drive on Thursday so taking them Wednesday or Thursday might not be a great idea : / I don't know, I am SUPER stressed out.

Kayleigh

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 4:57:04 am

Ashleigh - You can do that but another idea would be to just have your Dr prescribe u the pain medication, and you can just take it as needed at home. If you know your going to do some driving, then maybe you could try something like liquid Tylenol? My Dr had me prepared b4 the surgery, he called all my meds in about 3 days before my suurgery, so I picked them up beforehand and everythibng was there and ready when I arrived back home on the day of surgery. I do think it would be a good idea to have it just in case you need it like when your trying to sleep. You don't have to take it if yoy know your driving or if you feel you don't need it but at least you have it there. I am a nurse and one thing I've learned in my career is that preventing the pain is better that allowing it to get out of control. Its a lot better and easier for you if you control it before it gets too much to handle.

Allison

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 6:10:50 am

Day 12 and back to work. I'm not ready and wish I could go back to sleep! Even though I got a good night sleep the last 2 nights, it doesn't make up for the all the interrupted sleep I've had. I yawned like crazy last night, and each time it hurt like hell. I hope the yawning won't cause a bleed...it feels like it's ripping my throat apart.

Since we're on the digestive system topic, mine was ok for most of recovery, but yesterday I had diarrhea and this morning some too. Not fun. I guess I'll have to take pepto with me to work.

AB, I can relate about the wacky dreams!

I don't have much throat pain any more, just discomfort and I can feel the scabs still in there, though they look like a much thinner layer. Well better get ready for work now. Have a good day everyone!

Jaime

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 7:44:00 am

Hey Everyone,

I am getting my tonsils out at 10am tomorrow morning. I am 21 years old and I am very nervous about the whole thing. I had booked 2 weeks off of work and I am going to live with my Mom during my recovery. I worry that her house is very dry. I am not sure how I am going to manage sleeping without my throat drying up. At what point does the pain start to subside? Is it better to drink cold liquids or hot liquids? Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Greg

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 7:50:40 am

Jaime,

Cold Liquids! Avoid hot.

Take some time and read over the main site at www.mybigfattonsillectomy.com, or just click on my name above.

Good luck,

Greg

Jaime

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 8:17:42 am

Thanks Greg.

Your website is very informative. I will be posting on this blog during my recovery as I'm sure I will be questions, complaints, and personal experiences.

Thanks again for taking the time to create this website. I don't feel like the only adult going through this anymore.

Jaime

Mary - Day 6

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 9:06:40 am

Hi Jaime,

Welcome and good luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking about you! The first few days you will want the coldest water/liquids possible and even ice chips to chew on. It's great to numb your entire mouth & throat. You'll also want ice packs on the outside to help minimize swelling.

I'm on Day 6 of my recovery and let me tell you that it IS manageable and the anxiety about it all was worse than actually going through it! Yes, it can be painful but the #1 most important thing is to drink like crazy. It hurts but it it hurts much more when you don't. The #2 important thing is to take you pain medicines on time, everytime regardless if you are feeling pain yet or not!!

And finally to answer your question about your throat drying out, you might want to buy a humidifier if you can. Mine has been running continuously in the room that I'm in since surgery. It helps. Also, know that you probably will not get a lot of sleep the first few days. I have yet to sleep more than 90 minutes at one time since surgery. The first few nights I had an alarm every 60 minutes to wake me up so I could drink an entire glass of water. Now, I typically wake up because I have to pee!! Last night I made it the longest - 90 minutes and my throat was so dry. After an entire glass of water I felt so much better.

Again, good luck and let us know how you are doing :)

Jaime

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 9:21:48 am

Mary,

Thank You so much for answering my questions. I have made a list of everything to buy and I think I am well prepared. This is my first surgery and first time being put under. I am a little anxious but over all I am feeling okay. I am taking your wonderful advice and will be drinking like crazy and in turn peeing like crazy ;). This might even double as a handy weight loss / clense for me. (can't complain)! Can I continue with my normal routine of brushing and flossing my teeth at night or will this irritate my throat? The Dr. said he is perscribing me liquid Morphine. Should this suffice? Or should I go and buy alternative pain killers or throat numbing medications?

Thanks again for the support, I'm glad to have found this site :)

Mary - Day 6

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 9:36:10 am

Hey Jaime,

I've already lost a few pounds ;)

I am brushing my teeth (although I didn't on day 1) and I'm using a smaller kids sized toothbrush that works pretty well. I can't get to my back teeth though so I don't quite have the best taste in my mouth. I haven't tried flossing as I can't quite get my mouth open very wide. I know others on here are flossing though so I'd say do whatever you can. I was told not to gargle but it sounds like different people get different advice from their doctors on this one.

As for the pain, the liquid morphine should work just fine the first week or so. You'll probably want some over the counter stuff on hand for later as you wean yourself off the morphine (e.g. I bought children's liquid tylenol but I haven't yet stopped using the prescribed pain killers).

The doctor sent me home with 5 prescriptions: liquid hydrocodone for the pain that I take religiously every 4 hours, a liquid antibiotic that I take 3x a day, an anti-nausea pill that dissolves in my mouth and I take as needed (i've taken 2), a suppository if I'm vomiting (I haven't needed this) and some numbing mouth wash that I used once and didn't like how it made my mouth feel so I stopped using.

I bought some over the counter throat drops and spray but I really haven't used them - I've found that chipped ice really works when I need my throat numb. It probably wouldn't hurt to buy them and have them on hand if you want to.

Maybe a good hint for the liquid pain killers - it is NOT good to take them on an empty stomach (I learned this lesson once and threw-up, it was not fun). So now I have a routine that 30-45 minutes before any pain med dose (even in the middle of the night) I drink 1/2 of an Ensure to coat my stomach. Then during the day about 30 minutes after taking the pain med I try to eat some soft food (applesauce, pudding, baby food, etc. etc.) This routine has worked really well for me.

Let me know if anything else comes up today. I'm just hanging out on my couch!!

Kayleigh Day 8

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 9:42:14 am

Hi Jaime,

Morphine can be a pretty strong pain medication depending on what dose your Dr prescribes to you. I would suggest not taking it on empty stomach, it can make you feel nauseated and may make you vomit which is not good for you or your sore throat. I see a lot of people on here drink Ensure before taking their pain medicine which is a good idea because that helps to coat the stomach before putting thoser strong meds into it. Also we cannot stress enough how important it is to drink plenty of water. - think you sound very well prepared and you should be fine :) I would look into getting that humidifier though cuz you don't want your throat to dry out. Another good idea is a surgical mask while your sleeping, you can get those at a drugstore or maybe even from your Dr office. Good luck, and keep us updated throughout your recovery!

Kayleigh Day 8

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 9:46:13 am

Mary and Jaime,

By the way I have also lost 5 lbs since my surgery day! Probably not the best way to have lost it though hahaha! But I've trying to lose those last 10 lbs for the longest time!!

Karibeth

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:20:43 am

Post-Op Day 21

I CAN FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL...YAAYYYYY!!

JAIME- good luck tomorrow!

ALLISON-hope your first day back goes well.

CARRIE-hope youre doing better

AB-can definitely identify with the whole weird dream thing!

Aahhhh finally I am starting to feel human again. Throat is still a little sore but not excruciating. Still a bit tender when swallowing and it feels like there is something stuck in the right side. Still have a bit of ear pain but it too is not horrible right now. (had me pacing the hallway Sunday night til 6 am Monday morning!) Starting to eat "normal" food but still staying on the soft side because some things are still hard to swallow. Had a turkey wrap yesterday. My stomach was very happy. Now I just need to work on building my strength back up.

My main issue with eating now is either things have no flavour or I get left with a disgusting after taste. I find after a couple of bites I don't want to eat any more. I try to force myself to eat but just end up gagging...ick!

In the weight loss department I've lost 17 lbs but that will change quickly once I start eating again.

Hope everyone is doing well today!

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:01 am

JAIME!

Liquid Morphine? I am hoping just for the surgery! That is too strong to take for more than a day or two or for a more severe surgery. You should be fine with a liquid narcotic like Hydrocodone. Making a list is a good idea and you will be just fine. It is a little scary even after a few surgeries. Loosing weight this way is not a fun or healthy way to do it. You must try and stay hydrated and well fed!

You can brush and floss in about a day (don't push it too hard if it hurts don't do it). Good luck and stop back in when you feel up to it after your surgery if you need support!

I am almost at 1 week and feel not to bad I hope my fellow tonsilnaughts (get it no tonsils) feel the same or better than me!

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:38:44 am

To anyone losing weight, I am not trying to be mean but this is not a YAY!! moment!

I have lost 6 lbs in 6 days. That is not healthy (even my Wii says I might be sick LOL). So by no means encourage or endorse this as a means to loosing your ends... You need to eat to build your strength and get healthy. Sorry to harp on anyone but there are some people who may read this and then get sicker because it is easier to not eat during this.

Stay Health set times to eat (at least a broth!) keep hydrated! And in 2-3 weeks when you are stronger and more healthy then worry about your weight. Surgery is never a time to be weight conscious other then you are loosing it too quickly and in a unhealthy manner!

ashleigh

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:59:28 am

ABeverage-haha the Wii knows all huh?

Kayleigh- Good idea I will probably do that so I have them just in case :)

Now, what is this pre op appointment all about? It isn't even with my doctor and I just want to know what to expect.

Thanks!

cindy

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:11:50 am

My 16 yr old daughter is at day 5 today. This has been the worst day by far! I am so glad I found this blog. You guys have some wonderful stories and tips! She is also recovering from mono, which caused complications resulting in the tonsillectomy. She's missed a ton of school & is receiving her assignments at home. I would like to start weaning her off the tylenol with codeine (because it makes her a zombie) so she can attempt some homework. She says she's in a LOT of pain today. Any suggestions???

Mary - Day 6

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:37:59 am

Karibeth: Congrats on being a tonsillitis graduate :) Thank you for still posting to let those of us who are wallowing (me! me!) know that it will get better.

Oh ABeverage, I agree, I know it's not a good way to lose weight. I don't even need to lost weight. I don't like feeling like a weakling that can't get up a flight of stairs without needing a nap...

I believe I will never again take for granted the ease of eating again!!

Is it weird that I feel jealous when my husband or mom coughs or sneezes or blows his/her nose?

Cindy - I'm day 6 today and I have yet to start weaning myself off the pain meds. I have a few hours of work to do from home tomorrow, Thurs and Fri so I was hoping to have some mental clarity soon. I guess I'd say let her focus on getting healthy first and not feel the stress of homework. I keep telling myself that if I don't get my work done tomorrow or Thursday, the world is not going to end... when did others start cutting back on the prescription stuff and switch to the over-the-counter??

cindy

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:08:10 pm

Thanks mary. From what I'm seeing here, it's not uncommong to still be in a lot of pain 5 days out. You are right. Getting her healthy is the primary focus. She goes to an extremely challenging magnet school, and is feeling pretty overwhelmed with the amount of work she's missed, and is still missing. I would also like to know from others reading this when they were able to cut back on the narcotics and be somewhat comfortable.

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:34:21 pm

Cindy hi!

Tell your daughter it gets better. I am also on day 6 (Tomorrow is 1 week).

Here are some things I know help me.

During the day:

Get up get moving for at least part of the day! Get your rest but you need to move too!

Take the meds but at a little (lower) dose, based on pain.

Get back in a routine (sleep at night not through the whole day). take a nap if you really need to.

Today I was up at 8:30

GUM GUM GUM chew chew chew get those jaw muscles moving!

Eat toast! Yep dip it in a little broth it will hurt a little.

Lots of shaved ice it is a little scratch to but oddly I think this works.

Night:

This has been harder for me cause i get a little panic attacks.

Take what meds you need to sleep if you feel better take a little less (don't think just quitting helps!).

Sleep at 30 degrees (prop yourself with pillows or get in a recliner).

Get a humidifier!!!

Wear a mask (keeps that throat moist at night).

LAST and most importantly drink LOTS OF WATER! Measure it out if you have to! Seriously you might think you are drink a lot but most likely you are not (or your daughter in Cindy's case).

And Cindy yes tell your daughter you know it hurts but she has to move and fight and get better if she just zonks out it will take much longer to heal!

Today I can see that my uvula is the size of the tip of my pinky (still big but much better). I have very few scabs and the yellow and brown/purple (blorange) bruises are healing well. And I think I passed a liberty bell (OUCH) but hey I am going potty! YAY!

Today is being a good day! Tonsilhockey in the Olympics or maybe just hockey!

Jaime

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 1:11:01 pm

Just to clarify, I am not using this as an easy way to lose weight.. by no means. But if it results in me shedding a few, I won't mind as I have room to shed a few ;)

Has anybody ever heard of gettin tonsils lazered off? Aparently its also a quick process and you could be back to work in a matter of days. Something someone mentioned to me today.

Is it bad to drink dairy products post surgery for the first few days? I am interested in getting those Ensure drinks to keep my body full of nutrition. I'm not sure when I am able to start drinking those. Also, when can I start eating over cooked pasta? I'm really really going to miss my food! I just ate a hotdog and fries for my second last mean pre op. (sorry to those who may be craving such food) but I'll be in the same boat tomorrow.

Well this will probably be my last post till after surgery. I have to be in for 7:30am tomorrow. I don't want this day to end. I'll hopefully be writing progress posts on here. Good luck to all who have yet to have surgery and to those who are recovering. WE CAN DO THIS. (I may have a slightly different opinion tomorrow..)

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 2:12:24 pm

I wish that I was not loosing weight not this way it is painful and annoying! I am freaking starving! And to eat so very slowly is no fun! And to watch commercials for food or your friends/family enjoying the food you want! This is not a diet mind you because you are not denying yourself food oh no you can't eat it cause you can't swallow! Then in a week if you are lucky like me you may have a BM that hurts like hell! Or because your stomach is so empty you throw up from your pain meds!

Sorry to harsh on anyone but I was trying to point out that this sort of weight loss and starvation is in no way healthy.

Jaime let's see if you feel the same after the surgery... oh and ;)

Val - Day 6 post-op

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 2:27:21 pm

Hi all,

I've been antsy all day to get out, so haven't been online much. Actually worked for a few remotely before people in the office starting thinking they could email me more work to do.

I had a rough night and finally decided to get off of the vicodin because it's messing with my head too much. Am trying extra strength tylenol. Finally this morning I went to the bathroom for a few - not much happened but I was starting to get stressed out that it wasn't happening at all. Yuck.

Husband finally said he really needed to get some sleep. Then he proceeded to keep checking in on me all night if I needed anything. Kind of ridiculous.

Am going to try some potato gnochi tonight. Been craving it. Still haven't had my dang caviar yet... >:-)

Good luck to those having the surgery done soon!!

Karibeth

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 2:28:25 pm

AB- I never intended for this to be a method of weight loss by an stretch of the imagination but unfortunately it does happen to be a side effect of the surgery. The doctor did warn me it wasnt unusual for people to lose up to 20 lbs. I figured I would drop maybe 5 or 10 but i sure never expected 17. And as i previously mentioned it all comes back when you start to eat anyway so it wouldnt be an effective way to lose weight anyway.

ABeverage

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 2:43:22 pm

Ok, everyone please read.

I know that weight loss is inevitable, I had just read that some people actually looked forward to this. And frankly it made me upset.

The sad and funny thing is once you are healthy you can quickly gain this weight back because of the way you are loosing it is unhealthy. You may also gorge yourself from starving for so long. So your body really never sees the benefit of healthy exercise & diet way of loosing weight.

I guess I am being grumpy cause I am hungry and I know how hard weight loss is. It took me 10 years to put on an extra 20lbs and its silly to think you can loose that much in a healthy way in less than at least a year! So to hear oh good I lost weight struck a nerve.

Carrie ~ Day 8

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 3:46:22 pm

AB, {HUG} I'm grumpy too. :) Plus, I haven't bothered to weigh myself this whole time. Not really thinking about that, just trying to heal and feed my body what it needs to do that. I plan to think more about weight after this is over and I am back to normal health.

I think that people understand where you are comming from when you are talking about it not being a healthy way to lose a few pounds. You make a very good point.

Good luck tomorrow, Jaime. :)

I am getting behind with all the people who are on here right now. A huge welcome to all new people here. Good luck to all those to have the surgery soon. Keep on talking everyone!

My setback with not drinking enough yesterday has made today slow and harder to focus on things. I went out with my mom to the store this morning to get some mac and cheese and a few more things. I wanted to get out of the house! It made me tired, but I enjoyed being out for a while. My kids are home now and only spent a half day at daycare so I have been up and about with them a bunch. It makes it hard to get enough rest and it is really bad when it gets close to time or my meds again. The pain makes me crabby.

I think that the scabs are starting to thin and a few bits have fallen off today. I am hoping that the tissue that is under there will heal up and not be so sore soon. I am ready to start getting off this vicodin so I can drive and feel more normal. The pain is lot more in my ears now, than it was before.

For all the people dealing with constipation and then diarhea (sp?) I am wondering if some of the diarhea that comes later on in the healng process might have something to do with coming off the vicodin or other pain meds? Just wondering if some of that might be related, especially if some laxatives were being taken while on vicodin? Maybe that doesn't make sense...

I am thinking to try and go out again tonight. There is a pancake supper happening in town tonight. I bet I can get a couple pancakes down and then I can see some people too.

Cindy, I just want to say that I am still having conciderable pain at day 8 and I am still taking vicodin until tomorrow at least. I am 32 and probably a slower healer than a 16 year old. I would just make sure to ask her how she feels and see if you could lower her vicodin if she is up to trying it, but make sure she is taking Tylenol instead. If she took half a dose of vicodin/tylenol liquid then it should be okay to give her one tylenol at the same time. If that goes okay after a few doses, than you can see if she wants to try just the full dose of tylenol instead. If it is not enough, then you can always go back on the vicodin. I am not a doctor, but that is how I would do it. Good luck!