re: Getting tonsils taken out as an adult

Do it only if you absolutely need it done.

It was a very painful experience because not only did my tonsils come out but they also had to do reconstructive work on my uvula and the back of my throat.

Liquid codiene for the win.

Uvula, not vulva.

The hanging thing in the back of the throat between the tonsils.

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Anyone with experience on this?

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Oh man….

Long post with lot of vivid painful memories:

I had them taken out in 2014 (age 32). I had absolute horrible sore throats with fever and illness twice a year, every year. My tonsils were massive and inflamed when I looked in the mirror. My final bout of tonsillitis, I had enough. I’m an MD, and I went to a respected ENT I know. I was almost in tears and told him that I can’t ever do this again. I need my tonsils removed. He agreed. He was onboard…

We scheduled my tonsillectomy for about 2 weeks later once my current infection would be resolved. I did great the first two days afterward and thought the stories were overrated. Then the post op steroids wore off and day 3 began. Days 3-8 were pure misery. I didn’t eat. I didn’t drink. Minimal water and Gatorade for a week. Ice cream ??? Lol. I didn’t touch ice cream. It was so miserable and painful. I laid on the couch for 5-6 days and hardly swallowed aside from sips of water. When it came time for my liquid pain meds every 4 hours, I would go and stand at the kitchen sink, and I would have to psych myself up. I remember one time I looked at the clock and realized I had been standing there for 30+ minutes. Each swallow was excruciating. Combination of severe burning and like swallowing broken glass. I lost 10lbs that week.

I still remember my first meal when I had the courage to try and was able to eat again. Big pasta bowl. It was and is still a top 3 meal of my life.

Once I recovered, I can honestly say it’s one of best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve never had another sore throat since. I’ve been sick twice in almost 10 years… flu and covid.

The immediate postop aftermath was brutal. But it’s been worth it ever since. Good luck if you go through with it.

Well got damn.
Y'all are kinda making me wanna see what the fuss is all about.
It can't be that frickin bad.

My daughter had hers out at 17 and this is pretty accurate. She’s tough as nails and it almost killed me watching her go through it. Pain meds were useless because she couldn’t swallow anything.

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Once I recovered, I can honestly say it’s one of best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve never had another sore throat since. I’ve been sick twice in almost 10 years… flu and covid.

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That would be my hope but this thread is scaring the hell out of me.

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I had it done at 30 because of recurrent strep throat. I 10/10 would recommend getting a tonsillectomy to anyone having infections. My quality of life has improved drastically.

After three days you’ll be fine. My uvula filled with fluid and was choking me for 4 days, and I had to sleep in a chair but it was worth it.

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This gives me hope. I get probably 5-6 a year I'd guess.

Got mine out at 45.

Incredible pain. The pain is worse in week 2 of recovery.
You will be prescribed vast quantities of opiates (I got over a liter of Lortab and Tramadol).

You can't easily eat. I lost 15 pounds. I recall shaking I was so hungry, but the opiates and pain mask the hunger.

It requires at least 2 weeks off from work to recover.

I had my tonsils removed, and sinus surgery (deviated septum), at the same time (age 33). Tonsillitis always accompanied near continuous sinus infections. Sinus surgery recovery was easy in comparison to the tonsils.

That said, given the relief I've enjoyed in the almost 30 years since, I'd do it again tomorrow if needed.

It's a bitch, but you'll grateful afterwards.