A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time. These are above the tonsils and behind the nose. Your doctor will do the surgery through your mouth. You will be asleep. Most people go home that same day.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
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A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Sometimes the adenoids are removed during the same surgery. The tonsils and adenoids are in the throat. Your doctor did the surgery through your mouth.
Most adults have a lot of throat pain for 1 to 2 weeks or longer. The pain may get worse before it gets better. The pain in your throat can also make your ears hurt.
You may have good days and bad days. Most people find that they have the most pain in the first 8 days. You probably will feel tired for 1 to 2 weeks. You may have bad breath for up to 2 weeks.
You may be able to go back to work or your usual routine in 1 to 2 weeks.
There will be a white coating in your throat where the tonsils were. The coating is like a scab. It usually starts to come off in 5 to 10 days. It is usually gone in 10 to 16 days. You may see some blood in your spit as the coating comes off.
After surgery, you may snore or breathe through your mouth at night. This usually gets better 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Mouth breathing can make your mouth and throat dry or sore. Place a humidifier by your bed when you sleep. This may make it easier for you to breathe. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
At first, your voice may sound different. Your voice probably will get back to normal in 2 to 6 weeks.
It's common for people to lose weight after this surgery. That's because it can hurt to swallow food at first. As long as you drink plenty of liquids, this is okay. You will probably gain the weight back when you can eat normally again.
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