My son (21), has had strep at least 3-4 times a year for the last several years. He is asking me if he can get a tonsillectomy. I have read some awful things, and before I go to a doctor- with him, I want him to understand what he will go through. If anyone wants to share their story, I'd be very appreciative. TY!

Oooh, I'm interested in hearing anyone's tales too! My husband is completely fed up with his throat problems as well, and has scheduled a tonsillectomy for later this summer. He's far from 21 (double it), but is willing to go through the short term extreme trouble for long term gain. He's a very thorough researcher, and has learned to expect a solid two weeks of complete downtime, forcing himself to stay hydrated (apparently drinking water is going to be awful), and loopy painkillers.

Side note... Deeq I can't believe your son is 21!!! Oh my, I feel old now.

My sister had hers out at 19. It was not a pleasant experience. She was down for about two weeks, in quite a bit of pain (painkillers helped, but she had trouble swallowing them), and pretty much a liquid diet until the swelling and pain started to subside.

My 20 year old daughter had hers out last June after about 12 mos of pure misery with recurring tonsillitis. She did exceptionally well, but I credit that to the surgeon. Don't get me wrong she had discomfort but she stated it was nothing compared to the tonsillitis. Days 3 & 4 were the worst, when you get the ear pain caused by the removal. She only needed Hyrdo's for a short time and then just managed the pain with over the counter medication. She was out of work I believe for 5 or 6 days. She had friends who had the surgery at the same time by another ENT and they suffered terribly.
Ask around and see what others in your area say about the ENT's that you have available. I you lived here, I would absolutely recommend Dr. Red she was great!

Ha, tell me about it!

Thanks all... He is a wuss (man) so I ma sure that everything will be worse for him.

I too had it done... at about 36. I had recurring tonscillitis and very large tonsils (just the thing a girl wants to hear). Because of their size, I was warned that my recovery might be a little tougher. I said pschhhhhhhh and only scheduled a couple of days off from work. I was very upset when my mom would not take me home that day and wanted me to stay at her house that night. I stayed for a week. Went back to work for a day and ended up off another week. I had no interest in eating... lost 17 lbs.

But, really it's a rough couple of weeks and then you're fine.

My sister had hers taken out at age 40. She said it was [censored] for two solid weeks. She had liquid pain medicine and would just chug it out of the bottle, and she got it refilled several times (more times than the doctor wanted to but she cried). She said if she had a gun she would've shot herself. That said, she also hasn't had strep or colds to speak of either. Annnnnd, my sister has a flair for the dramatic and she's a big huge baby about medical stuff so take this with a grain of salt. I have heard from other adults that it's a miserable experience but maybe the 2-3 weeks of miserableness would make it worth not being sick anymore.

My daughter had hers removed when she was 16, I think. She missed 3 1/2 weeks of school. A lot of pain and barely able to sip liquids. She hasn't had trouble since of course, but it was a longer recovery than we expected. We used a well respected doctor, so while that certainly makes a difference, everyone is made differently and how they react to many things including surgery.

DeeQ, check out www.tonsillectomyrecovery.com

I just want to thank all who have responded.
Rebekah, I will check out that link.

glad I could help

He read through the websites and declared: "No way."

(I am not a very good nurse...)

!

I had no idea it was such a big deal for adults. I'm glad I had mine out when I was 4. I remember being wheeled on a bed with a cloth over my face, and I called for my mom. She said, "I'm right here, honey." Years later I learned that it must have just been a nurse lying to me. Mom was in the waiting room. Other than that, I just remember getting lots of jello and ice cream until I could go home. I think I was just in the hospital one night. This was 1960. There was none of that outpatient nonsense.

Here here, MBH.

A little late to the party - but I had mine out at 16. I was down for about 3 weeks. The best way I can describe it is something along lines of

Week 1 - Terrible pain
Week 2 - Bad, but manageable pain
Week 3 - Routine sore throat

I was supposed to drink (60?) ounces of liquid a day until I was ready to attempt food. I found the best way for me to drink was to pour it in a small glass and drink it down without stopping. The first few days the pain was immense, but drinking it that way the pain was over at once, until time for the next drink.

I remember the first "meal" I had after surgery and it is still about the best thing I've ever eaten. About a week after, my mom fixed me very (VERY) thin mashed potatoes and a thin beef gravy poured over a slice of light bread.

The long-term relief is well worth it.

thank you.