I have a consult on Thursday. They have been bothering me for years and with this last flu/cold they got badly infected. Please share your experiences.
Well, I wasn’t exactly an adult–I was 17 and really wished I had had it MUCH earlier. Every year from about age 5 until I had the surgery I would miss at least 4 weeks of school each winter with strep throat and throat infections. I took massive doses of antibotics for YEARS. Finally, was referred to an ENT specialist and had surgery.
Surgery was simple (this was in 1978 BTW:thud:) ; general anesthesia; about 30 minutes in OR; back in recovery in about an hour; stayed in the hospital overnight; had a VERY BAD :ick: sore throat (but I was really used to that) and felt like I had the flu for about a week (sore, achy, head stuffed-up). My only complication was that about two weeks after surgery, I had a hemorrhage–NOW don’t panic! :fingerwag: It was the dead of winter, these was absolutely no humidity in the air and we had gas heat; my throat dried out and one of the scabs in my throat “popped” off (they didn’t put stitches in) and it bled. An ice pack on my neck and LOTS of water solved that problem.
The best part–for the next 10 years I didn’t even catch a head cold :achoo: much less have any strep or throat infections. It was wonderful for ME:yay:. I’m sure they have improved the surgical techniques by now–I bet you wouldn’t even have to stay overnight.
Hope my info helps. Take care!
I had mine taken out when I was 25. They were the size of golf balls and looked like them too. I had continuous strep throat and was so worn out most of the time it was affecting my life.
I did the day surgery route, went in early, got out around 7:00pm after the doc came in and asked me if I wanted to stay or go home. You’ll have a sore throat, if you’ve had strep alot like I had, the sore throat won’t be much worse. I did throw up that night and was pretty miserable the next couple of days but I realized it was the Tylenol 3 with codeine they gave me for pain not the actual procedure that was causing it. In hindsight, I probably just would have taken a couple motrin and been good. I have NOOOOOO regrets. Good luck!
I’ve been sick with a sore throat and everything for 17 days now, so I don’t think it could be worse. I know the down time is 2 weeks and I’ve already talked to work, I’d have to go on LOA. I talked to my mom the other day and she wants to be here for it. Huh, that shocked me.
HMMM, I want to be fair and warn you that my recovery was HELL, but if you absolutely need the surgery then I don’t want to scare you off…
Personally, I have a pretty high tolerance for pain and only agreed to have my tonsils out after multiple boughts of them being big as golf balls, oozing white chunks, and 105 deg temp. At that point I wasn’t really given an option. Recovery really sucked and you should now that up front. I was off work for 2 wks (and could have used another) and then couldn’t run/workout without my neck/throat swelling for like 4 months.
On the plus sides: you’ll lose weight, you will feel 100% better getting those infected things out of your body. I have not regretted it in the 15 years since I’ve done it.
Oh I’m expecting the worst but I’m also looking forward to it. Thanks for the help.
I know things are much better today for surgery. I had mine out when I was 21 but that was 44 years ago. I had a sore throat many times through the years so I did not hesitate to have it done. Back then they used ether to put you to sleep! That was nasty stuff. The ether made me very sick to my stomach the first day. The sore throat after was no different than before. I was told to drink loads of liquids and I did but my throat did not seem to be healing. Then I found out that my bridge had some plastic parts and I was alergic to it so that kept my throat from healing. Took the bridge out and within a couple days I was healed up. I never regretted having it done.
Had my tonsils removed at age 23…many, many moons ago! As a pediatric nurse I also took care of hundreds of children who had tonsillectomies. What helped back then would also be helpful now. Ice collar, fluids, soft foods, ice cream/popsicles, chewing gum to promote saliva production and prevent muscle spasm, Tylenol for pain as opposed to aspirin and other brands that may cause bleeding, limiting activities until you feel better. Steer clear of orange juice, tomato juice/soup, and other acidic foods until your throat is completely healed or you will feel every pore in your throat is on fire and wish you hadn’t 
. Ease back into a regular diet as tolerated.
Also, follow the instructions given to you after surgery. Beware of pain medication that might cause nausea and vomiting because you don’t have enough food in your stomach to accommodate drugs.
Wishing you good luck and a speedy recovery!
JudyD
I had mine removed when I was 32. After going around and around for about 3 years being sick on and off anti-biotics. Which is not fun or good for the body. Mine got so bad that one actually perforated.
Being a redhead my doctor told me to take two weeks off. I can honestly say that in the previous 3 years before I had mine out, I had worse sore throats than the recovery one.
Don’t let anyone scare you. It seems from what you are saying that it’s time for them to go. It’s surprising how run down you can get from something most peoole got rid of when they were kids.
Work the system and eat oll the ice cream you can handle…
:knitting:
A year and a half ago- I was 24. Other than my bad reaction to percocet, it wasn’t too bad. The sore throat was only barely worse than what I got when I had severe tonsilitis.
A few tips-- keep water with you at all times. You also may want a humidifier. If your throat gets dry, that’s when it hurts the most.
Carnation instant breakfast-- meal supplements. It has all the vitamins and nutrients you need, so your body can heal faster. It’s also yummy chocolate or other flavors so you will be able to convince yourself to drink it.
Ice cream was actually too cold for me, but mcdonalds milkshakes also felt wonderful. Oh- and pudding 
It was worth it for me. I do still get minor sore throats if I get a bad cold, but it’s barely noticeable compared to what I used to get!
My appt is at 2 this afternoon. I woke up with the worst sore throat this morning. I’ll post what they say.
Good luck on the appointment. 
Let us know what the doc says.
Yup, he took one look and said they’re coming out! I’m scheduled to have surgery on Friday 10/5.
Jessica:hug: Dang it! I kinda thought that’s what the doc would say. Better out than in.
Will it be a one-surgery procedure or will you have to stay overnight? At least you will have time to rest and relax (and plan what you will be knitting :knitting:during your recuperation:teehee:) before surgery. Now don’t stress over it (easier said than done I know) and remember you’ll feel so much better after its all over. 
Best of luck for an easy surgery and recovery. You really will feel so much better when it’s over.
Good luck with the surgery! I had mine out at 42; and it was six weeks before I could swallow without discomfort.
MMario
YEEKS!
I think it’s just going to be out patient. I had all 4 wisdom teeth out when I was 20 and I did well with the anesthesia and pain meds. My mom hopefully is going to be here. I may board the dogs again for everyone’s sanity.
I would like to know how I can be sick on top of being sick? I left work early today just not feeling the best. Got home and crashed on the couch. Woke up at 9:30pm and my temp was at 101.7! Holy cow! I can’t wait until this is all over.
Wow, I sure hope you feel better soon! I wish you luck with the surgery, and hope it’ll help!