How to Recover From A Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Member

By writedesign
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (9 Ratings)

Recover From A Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

The mere thought of having a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy makes people cringe, especially adults. If you have cryptic tonsils, tonsil stones or chronic tonsillitis, you should consider having them removed.

Having your tonsils and adenoids taken out doesn't have to be a painful experience. If you ice the area, get plenty of rest, eat blended meals, and take your pain medication on time, recovery can be more of a nuisance than a hardship. And you'll be so glad when the cryptic tonsils, tonsils stones and chronic tonsillitis are gone! Here's how to recover from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

LOTS of ice
ice water
ice pack
blender
soft foods (applesauce, jello, etc)
prescription medicine
salt

Step 1

Frequently ice underneath your chin towards the throat where your tonsils were taken out. This helps reduce swelling from the outside.
Step 2

Frequently put ice in the back of your throat where your tonsils were and let it melt. This helps reduce swelling inside your mouth and around your throat.
Step 3

Take your pain medication on time. If you don't take your pain medication on time, you'll find yourself in more pain than you bargained for after your tonsils are removed.
Step 4

Drink LOTS of ice water. This cannot be said enough! You need to keep the tonsil and adenoid area moist and cool. Ice water will reduce swelling and leave your throat feeling comfortable.
Step 5

Use a blender to mix up your meals. Make sure you include protein, complex carbohydrates and green leafy vegetables in each meal. For example, mix chicken, rice, broccoli, chicken broth and water. Blended meals go down the throat a lot easier than chewed foods. Eating even small portions of solid food can feel like sandpaper going down your throat after having a tonsillectomy, so avoid it at all costs.
Step 6

Avoid foods that have milk in them (yogurt, milk, ice cream, etc.) Milk products leave a film in the back of your throat after your tonsils and adenoids are removed.
Step 7

Eat jello, applesauce and other soft foods for snacks. Soft, cool foods go down very easily after having your tonsils and adenoids removed.
Step 8

Brush your teeth and gargle with salt water at least three times a day. This keeps your throat clean and the inflamed area free of food debris.
Step 9

Get plenty of rest even if you feel like you could run a marathon after your tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery. Your pain medication will keep you feeling pretty normal, but don't take advantage of it!
Step 10

Sleep on a 45 degree angle to help reduce swelling and throbbing in your throat.
Step 11

Take a shower twice a day and let warm water run down the front of your chin and neck. This will promote healing by circulating more blood to the sore area where your tonsils and adenoids were removed. Make sure the water is not hot though - you don't want your throat to start bleeding.
Step 12

Rest your voice. You'll be able to talk after the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, but the muscles around your throat will be sore. Try whispering instead.

Comments

gputscher said

Flag This Comment

on 11/28/2009 Your article on How to Recover From A Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy had brought back some memories of when I had my tonsils out in my 40's. I thought I was going to die. One of the worst operations I have had. Hope you are feeling better.