Q: How long should I take off from work after tonsillectomy surgery?
A: Based on hundreds, no- thousands of posts, and an online survey, I would recommend that adults take at least 10 days off from work, maybe 14.
Q: What is this white film on my tongue?
A: It might be thrush. When taking antibiotics, this yeast-like fungus -Candida albicans - often occurs. See your doctor.
Q: What are these gross white things in my throat?
A: After tonsillectomy surgery, the tonsil beds heal by creating a mucus over the area where your tonsils were. They are scabs, of a sort. It's a normal part of the healing process.
Q: Is bleeding normal?
A: Some bleeding is normal afer tonsillectomy surgery, particularly as the scabs fall off around days 4 to 8. If you have more than a tablespoon or two of bleeding, I'd gargle with ice cold water. If it doesn't stop, I'd seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY!
Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor. I am a recovered patient of tonsillectomy surgery. The answers provided here are not medical advice. If you have medical concerns, consult your doctor.
Q: I had my tonsillectomy surgery weeks ago. Things still taste funny. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Most people report odd taste sensations for many weeks after tonsillectomy surgery. It seems to return to normal within a couple months. I've read that taste buds are always growing, but normal eating cuts them back. When we switch to a liquid or soft diet, the buds grow out. This changes the way we sense flavors. Returning to a normal diet gradually adapts the taste buds to what we are used to.
Q: My ears hurt. Why do they hurt and what can I do for ear pain?
A. Ear pain is very common after tonsillectomy surgery. My doctor told me that it is what's called a referred pain. Chewing sugar free gum seems to help most people. Dentyne Ice is the brand I hear of most often. Icing the area also helps.
