How to Recover From a Tonsillectomy

Most people think a tonsillectomy is a surgery for kids and they recover in a day or two by eating popsicles and ice cream. The fact is that many adults require this surgery and it can be quite serious with a full recovery taking as much as three weeks. If you find yourself facing a tonsillectomy, here are some things you can expect after the surgery and tips for your recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Extra pillows
• Ice packs
• OTC pain relievers
• Paper and pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay in the hospital to recover as long as your doctor feels is necessary. Though most people come through this without any post operative complications, this is a major surgery requiring a general anesthesia. So don't rush home until you know everything is OK.

• 2

  Talk as little as possible and try to avoid coughing and clearing the throat the first few days following the tonsillectomy. Have paper and pen handy to write notes so your throat can rest.

• 3

  Elevate your head for the first few days in bed by propping yourself up with pillows. Keeping your head above your heart will help reduce swelling.

• 4

  Apply ice packs to your neck to reduce swelling and help numb the pain.

• 5

  Drink lots of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated after surgery. It promotes healing and will help prevent post operative bleeding.

• 6

  Stop taking prescription pain medication a few days after surgery. Prolonged use of narcotics can increase chances of an addiction. Over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be used in the long term.