Partial tonsillectomy in a 48 year old woman: experience
I've been reading others' descriptions of their surgery and recovery for a few weeks, and wanted to throw mine out here for comparison. I'll update as things change.
Reason for the -ecotomy: I had increasing frequency and intensity of tonsillitis, culminating in a tonsillar abcess. (which was one of the more disgusting experienes of my entire life until now, and I grew up on a small farm)
Reason for partial: I read it's almost as effective, but comes with less severe recovery pain, potentially faster recovery and so on.
Getting the appointment for surgery: I just called an ENT office and got a consult. When the doc heard about the tonsillar abcess, he didn't ask any other questions, really. It was just straight to scheduling. Apparently those things can be dangerous as well as disgusting)
Prepping: I ran all over the internet and compared individual experiences with the (very scanty) research on people my age.
What I bought (or already had) and am using based on that research, and how effective it's been so far:
*Wedge pillows - Not my favorite position, but definitely effective for comfort
*Popsicles - Immediate release AND delicous
*Nutrional Fruit Smoothies - Tasted good, but high on citric acid. Can't use with the burning right now. These will probably be good later.
*Nasal saline rinse : Nose-blowing is verboten, but saline decongests and clears out the nose just fine with blowing. Reduces bleed risk by preventing sneezing
*Air filters: See above about bleed prevention
*Humidifiers (hot mist): My mouth isn't getting dry as much
*Dissolving Tylenol and Motrin - they do help, but nothing like the "Big Guns narcotics" or the honey and aloe I describe below
**Cold collar: VERY quick and relieving but hard to keep cold.
*Facial steamer: BRILLIANT in the morning and when things feel irritated
**Manuka honey +15 : Better than pain meds. Stops pain and coats throat in seconds. No side effects other than sweetness
**Aloe Water: Paired with the Manuka, brought my post op and first day pain from a 4 to a 1 or less when I'm not swallowing -and they both taste amazing
Surgery day 5/18: Pleasant nurse, pleasant surgeon - their clear knowledge put my mind at ease. I do not come out of surgery well. I get the post-op shakes bad enough to move the gurney. They wrapped me in a Bair Hugger, and that thing was amazing.
Came home feeling thick in the throat but no pain. They told me to expect this because of the nerve block, and warned that it would wear off gradually over the next 48 hours or so. And it IS wearing off. The pain is dull until I swallow. Then it feels like an early cold. I was able to eat VERY buttered rice noodles yesterday. They are better than regular pasta noodles because they dissolve quickly on their own if they stick to the back of your throat. I used Manuka after eating, and it helped immensely. Started drinking ice water and popsicles like there's no tomorrow - and that is clearly helpful for a short time
Day 2: Groggy and not much sleep last night. I made the mistake of getting up to feed all the cats and dosomething else. My body "noped" my right back to bed. I intend to stay here until I'm pain free. Bowl of rice noodles for breakfast. Banana and chocolate protein shake for lunch. Still able to eat with only a little pain, but swallowing is getting my whole attention more and more often. The sensation is still a mild burning soreness on swallowing.
Anticipating tomorrow: Practicing zen mindfulness with my exprectations and acceptance of what's coming.