28 Year Old Daughter Having Tonsilectomy

Updated on April 15, 2009
B.S. asks from Hattiesburg, MS
22 answers

My 28 year old daughter is having a tonsilectomy next week. I am very concerned as everything I read makes it sound like the procedure is so difficult and painful in the adult years. Has anyone had any experience with having a tonsilectomy in their adult years? Are there any tips or suggestions that you may have for me about what helped ease the pain? Also what should she have on hand to eat that is able to be swallowed? Are there any analgesic throat sprays or meds that helped anyone? Her surgeon is doing the procedure by the traditional method, not by laser or oblation method. Any advice would be so welcome. Thank you so much!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Tulsa on

B.,

I had my out when I was 26. I know I did not want to eat anything for about 2 days. I drink all of juice or water. They should gave her something. I eat a lot of egg and mash potato with nonthing on them. I could not work for 2 weeks. My doctor told me to stay away from everyone for a week. After the first week then I could start to be around people. I did not start to eat reg food tell about 3 weeks after my tonsilectomy. Drink a lot helped me with the pain. At first it was not fun.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I am 29 now, I had my tonsils out 5 years ago, the old fashion way. 1st the doctor should give her pain medicine. Mine gave me a shot of demerol while I was still at the hospital and then gave me liquid loratab to take for the next several days, plus antibotics. 2nd no dairy products (sorry no ice cream) Get her some popcicles, jello, applesauce, soft foods that can be chewed really well and not scratch on the way down. Also get her to ask the doctor for a prescription for the lozenge form of the yeast infection medicine, I ended up with thrush, because of all the antibotics. Hope things go well.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Jackson on

Hi B.! I had a tonsilectomy when I was 24, however I had laser surgery. It's been quite a few years ago, and I am sure with advanced medical technology the procedure may not be as painful. Before she leaves the hospital or clinic, she will probably be required to sip a full glass of sprite or clear liquid with a straw. Following surgery for about a week and a half, her diet could possibly consist of clear liquids, cream potatoes, light colored jello(nothing orange or red, popsicles(light colored), and ice cream. She should not consume anything with dark colors, especially reds because if she were to experience any bleeding, it would make it difficult to detect. Mom, I know she is 28, however do everything to make her comfortable, and have a pad, pen and bell near her, because verbal communication will be limited for a short while! Make sure to have some of her favorite movies on hand, and she will also drop a little weight!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I had my tonsils out at 24. I had been having tonsilitis for the two years prior to having them removed. I had them out in the morning and by afternoon I was up and moving around. I ate mostly liquids and cold things, then slowly moved up to soft foods. They put me on lortab for pain. I took it deligently for the first week or two and then I would try to go as long as I could before taking it again. I wanted to know when I could stop taking the medicine. Really the most painful thing for me about the surgery was the stitches. I had one stitch that rubbed my tongue for the whole four weeks it took for them to disolve. I may just be a quick healer or have a higher pain threshold than other people. I have also had two c-section and was up and around quickly after those too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I had my tonsils out when I was about 22. From what I remember, I was told the same thing, about being worse for an adult. It was very painful, but I did recover. I had lots of popcicles and jello. I also kept an ice pack on my throat. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.J.

answers from Birmingham on

A good friend's daughter (20 something) had this done recently too. She was in pain for about a week following the surgery. They heard to eat creamed/mashed potatoes, but really found those to be more uncomfortable because of the effort they require to swallow. Scambled eggs were the easiest type of food. Ice cream is good and filling. She'll be fine, just take the pain meds and be ready to do a bunch of resting and watching tv for a few days. DEFINITELY ask for liquid pain meds or anything she needs to take. We did this for our son and it was a huge help.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I see you got a lot of responses, but I'll add mine too. :)
I had my tonsils out 6 years ago when I was 22. My doctor told me it would be the worst pain I would experience, next to childbirth. I had my first baby last year, and honestly, the tonsils coming out was worse. I was out of work for two weeks, in bed. I ate lots and lots of jello, popsicles, pudding, icecream....you get the picture. The cold stuff was best because the cold numbed the pain some. Tell her to take the pain pills on time, don't wait, and hang in there because it does get better! And the results are so worth it. I was sick constantly with strep, etc, before I had them out and I have been sick SO much less since they were removed. Good luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Fayetteville on

I had my tonsils removed when I was 16. Not yet an adult but its something I definitely remember. It was two weeks that were very painful. The reason children heal so quickly is because they don't try not to swallow and that's what helps the healing. The only thing I could eat was Ramen Noodles. But the most important thing she can do is SWALLOW SWALLOW SWALLOW.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Biloxi on

B., I had my tonsils taken out when I was 27 and yes it was rough but for me it was totally worth it. I would get strep just about montly and raising 5 kids at the time just made it so difficult being sick all the time. I had 6 full weeks of my throat hurting but I ate lots of popsicles and shakes. The first week was the roughest. The first 4 days I just woke to take my drugs. She will be okay you are there are can pitch in to help. At least she will have a mother around to help I didn't have that. We needed to coordinate help through church members. She will be just fine!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from New Orleans on

I had mine out when I was 22 and I hurt for about 2 weeks after my surgery. I recommend lots of fluids to keep the throat wet so it doesn't get dry and a lot of sleep, oh yeah I don't recommend talking a whole lot while she's healing (it will hurt a lot). I slept a lot because of pain meds that they gave me and drank a lot of gatorade. It really isn't that horrible and I am the worst with pain very low tolerance. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Lawton on

Hi, I had a tonsilectomy when I was 17. It was really rough for the first week. My suggestion is to have someone with her most of the time and if she has children to take them a little extra during the day. I got medicine that knock me out for almost a whole week. Get a good recliner to sleep in because laying too far back will make you feel like your choking. I ate mostly mashed potatoes blended really well. Yogurt ice cream but nothing with chunks of fruit definately not nuts and don't try to eat normal food for at LEAST 11 days after your surgery. The food can cut your throat where the incision is.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.A.

answers from Biloxi on

i was 22 when i had mine out and i can't lie...it was BAD!! If i had it to do all over again i would not do it.

Bright side of things I lost 10 pounds (that i didn't have to lose at that time) and i have never had tonsillitis again nor strep throat.

I was down for awhile the only confort i got was drinking very warm beef boullion cubes in water. Total liqiud diet. they tell you to eat jello and pudding and all that but i couldn't because i couldn't breathe felt like i was choking so i stayed on nothing but liquids.

let us know how she does.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Montgomery on

I had mine out a few years ago. I suggest you make the doctor give you something for nausea. I was not able to take the Loritab they prescribed for me so I took liquid Tylenol and it worked for me. Do not drink or eat anything that is acidic. It will burn and dont eat anything to hot or cold. I ate mashed potatoes and milk shakes(let the milkshake warm in my mouth before I swallowed). I also ate scrambled eggs. Rest! The 3rd and 4th days are the worst! Don't be discouraged. Good Luck. Oh, and chew gum!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Jackson on

I had my tonsils taken out when I was 37. It was pretty painful. I couldn't eat much of anything for three weeks. I couldn't even eat pudding, ice cream, or popsicles. It was just too painful putting anything down my throat but water. I drank lots and lots of water. I kept trying different things but it burned too badly. My husband pretty much kept me sedated and kept giving me pain meds. It will be bad but the upside the first time I have been sick since was last month and my surgery was 2 1/2 years ago, and I got the flu not strep or tonsillitis. I would suggest getting some liquid aceteminophen (tylenol). I also had liquid pain meds to help. I thought after the 2nd week I just couldn't handle it anymore but then the pain started to subside and I started feeling better. By the 3rd week I had lost only 10 lbs :( but I could eat soft foods in small quantities again. I am glad it is over and I am glad I did it. I was getting strep or tonsillitis 3-4 times a year.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Texarkana on

i had my tonsils removed when i was 39 and i done fine,it was nothing to it ,no pain afterwords,went home and still had no problems an i am 43 now dont worry she will be fine.i was scared also, i heard it was bad to, but it is not.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Tulsa on

Oh yeah- painful! I was almost 18. I remember my ears hurting so bad too when i got home from the hospital. That was back in the late 70*s and my Mom gave me aspergum. Guess when i chew the asperin coated my throat to help. One thing tho- just when ya think you've waited long enough to try to eat solids- be ready for pain bad! I waited for a few weeks and was dying for a sonic buger. Took one bite-swallowed- and CRIED! I still remember that. Best of luck to her. Helped my throat problems.
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Tulsa on

Hi B., I had a tonsilectomy at 22 years old. It was also a traditional with stitches / non laser. Frankly, it is aweful...but doable. First, reassure her that she won't sound 'impaired' forever when she speaks, but it will likely last into the 2nd week. That was my biggest fear - that the doctor had messed up and I would never again sound normal...it was just swelling :-) For pain, you can get some analgesic suckers from an apothecary shop (with perscription) that are great for numbing the mouth. As far as food; ice cream, jello, pudding and slushes may be all she can handle. Also, she'll have to use a spoon, not a straw as the sucking pulls on the stitches - ouch! Best of luck to you and her!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.P.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

I had mine out @ 19 years old. It probably took me 48 hours to feel like moving around much, and a month before I could eat normally. At first I was told to avoid milk products, but after a few days milkshakes became my main meal. I had to avoid acidic foods (tomato, OJ, etc) for 4-6 weeks. Anything crunchy or sharp hurt too. I mainly ate cold things for a week or 2 (popcicles, pudding, yogurt, apple sauce, etc) and then added soft warm food (eggs, oatmeal, soup, etc.). I think I only took Tylenol 3 for pain. I also think I had the traditional procedure. Overall, it was a rough few weeks, but I was so much healthier afterward and even lost a few needed pounds!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Jackson on

My mother just had her tonsils out a few years ago at 48 yrs old. She was in some pain but nothing tremendous. I had mine out at 14 yrs old and bounced back pretty quickly. We were both down for around a week. It's definatley not something to take lightly but she will be fine I am sure. Just get lots of popsicles and milk shakes.

--J. C

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.

answers from Birmingham on

I had mine out 3 years ago when I was 26..I know this probably isn't going to make you feel better but it was the worse experience of my life (and I've had a few surgeries and a c-section)..I was in pain for a good full 2 weeks, and I wasn't able to eat much of anything..The only thing that did help a little was Tylenol Sore Throat Daytime Liquid with Cool Burst..I still remember sitting in a restaurant crying because I wanted to eat something so bad..I hope her experience isn't as bad as mine was..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Tulsa on

B.,

i had mine out back in 2004 it was extremely painful for 3 weeks afterward.

now she will nto be abel to talk while her throat heals.

s o have plenty of pen and paper for her to write what she needs and etc.

keep plenty of liquids for her to drink .

she wont feel like eating much .

after 3 weeks i was better and felt great every since.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.B.

answers from Tulsa on

I have mine taken out when I was 20 and it was horrible. The first procedure went okay but a clot ended up adhering to the side of my throat and when they tried to remove it in office, I had to be rushed to the ER for another emergency cauderization. It was so not fun! Suggestions for food are things like jellos, oatmeals, luke warm soups, mashed taters, anything really soft. However, once I got past the worst of it, scratchy yet soft foods, like french fries, were what I craved. That probably wasn't good to do but it really felt good. Anyway, I wish her luck! Just make sure to keep the mouth and throat swished out and clean after the initial surgery for several days.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches