Everyone's experience is unique, but all I've heard, read, and experienced suggests that you'll need to take a full week off from work after tonsillectomy surgery. I went in on a Friday, and took the full week, including two weekends. Give yourself 10 days. If you can't you probably shouldn't go any further with this plan!
Some report that the pain is no worse than a bout of strep throat, or tonsillitis. Others describe pain worse than they've known ans liken it to childbirth!
Get support. Talk with family and friends in advance and let them know what's coming up and ask for their help. Don't be a hero. You WILL need them. If you have children, arrange for their care for as much of the ten days as possble.
Also keep in mind that you will be medicated much of the first ten days after your surgery and may not be able to drive. The more you can get done in advance, the better!
Clean your house and get caught up on laundry. Play all the games and online bingo you need to. You won't feel like it after surgery. You'll also do well to balance your checkbook and get bills paid or ready to send out. Tonsillectomy surgery recovery may be bigger than you think! These are the kinds of things that might slip by while you're medicated.
I want to share something that helped me as I prepared: Mental imagery. In the days before surgery, I mentally walked through the day- starting with the moment I would be waking up, right through going under. Fill in as much detail as possible as you imagine it.
By the time that day comes, it will feel familiar and much less scary.
Here are a few things I would pick up before tonsillectomy surgery:
Sports drinks
Popsicles- I blew through five boxes!
Beef and chicken broth
Jell-O
Instant oatmeal (no little chunks)
Macaroni and cheese
Liquid Tylenol
Movies
Puzzles
Ramen noodles
Pudding
Applesauce
Cous cous
Gravy
Instant mashed potatoes
Humidifier
Dentyne Ice Gum - helps with ear pain!
CEPACOL THROAT SPRAY! It numbs your throat in the same way that oragel does your gums, and it gives you that ability to ACTUALLY SWALLOW YOUR PAIN MEDS! Also, if you can only take them every 4 hrs., it takes away the pain for the last half hour
A Snow Cone Maker!
