99 Problems but my tonsils ain't one! (nor are strep throat, sleep apnea, tonsillitis, or enlarged tonsils!! :))
Recovering from this tonsil surgery can feel like a long dark tunnel. Days on end of sleep deprivation, chronic pain, and a diet that boasts oatmeal as its signature dish, can be awfully depressing. These things are, however temporary. At the other side of this tunnel is a life without the nagging problems associated with enlarged, cryptic tonsils. You WON'T be getting tonsillitis anymore, will you?
One thing that's helped me along the way is focusing on how good I'll feel when this is over, and how much I'll appreciate small things like takeout pizza or a good night's sleep.
Another source of strength has been the chronicling of the experience, and reading about others' experiences. I've included a blog and encourage everyone to use it. When you lite a lamp for someone else, you brighten your own path too.
Thirdly, most of us are creatures of habit. An experience like this throws all of that out the window. Establishing a little structure in your day will give you things to look forward to, take your mind off of yourself, and make you feel more normal.
Many people get depressed at the end of their recovery. My feeling is that being on a narcotic painkiller for 5 to 10 days, then weaning off, has a chemically depressing effect. This is pretty normal and, in my experience, only lasts a few days.
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The Fransiscan Sisters of Perpertual Adoration have been praying before the Blessed Sacrament continuously day and night since August 1, 1878. If anyone can pray for you, they can!
