It’s been quite some time since I had my tonsils removed but I still remember it quite vividly and overall it went very smoothly as its become such a routine surgery and most people I know have had there tonsils removed.

The main reason tonsils get removed and why I had mine removed is that they were constantly become inflamed and swollen, gathering bad bacteria, giving me sore throats trouble breathing and just a nuisance in general.

Before Tonsillectomy Surgery

My surgeon was very comforting and assured me that it was a very simply procedure and shouldn’t take much time at all. He explained the following things before the surgery data.

- No Food after midnight the night before the procedure

- No Alcohol/Smoking or anything that will thin the blood (make you bleed more than normal)

- Will be under a general anesthetic for the entire duration of the tonsillectomy surgery

- Will be held overnight at the hospital for observation (check on bleeding, healing, blood pressure checks)

When I was getting ready to have the tonsillectomy surgery done I wasn’t at all worried about the pain as I knew I would be unconscious for the whole procedure and I was able to take regular pain medication to deal with the pain for recovery.

Arrived at the surgery in the morning after a night of fasting after dressing up in my fancy hospital robe and shower cap slippers  ,the anesthetists came into the room to get me ready for the General Anesthetic I would receive later on. It was a pain free prick into the vein on my arm and a little cap and nozzle for the intravenous anesthetic.

I was put on the moveable bed. I was then taken into the lift and down stairs to the operating room, for me the experience was even more interesting as a bunch of medical students were waiting for me all ready to take notes on there colorful notepads:P I felt a bit like E.T but everyone was very friendly so as a kid it seemed like a lot of fun.

They asked me to move myself from the moveable bed to the operating table, and then when I was ready they administered the General Anesthetic. The General Anesthetic was amazing they said “Now slowly count to 10” I got to about 2 and at threeee I was unconscious.

I woke up a couple hours later quite dazed and trying work out where I was , I looked around and could see plently of other tonsillectomy people around me all waking up. As you wake its important to

- Take your time in waking up , there is rush they will wait 45 minutes or so before moving you and you may even fall back to sleep.

- Move slowly , turn your head slowly to get your bearing back

- Some people may feel like vomiting so remember to relax and just let the anesthetic wear off. (I personally did not feel like vomiting even slightly.

It is very normal to have some blood on your face or hair and its nothing to worry about even if you do get a bit of a shock when you run your hands through your crusty hair. I was too dazed to know what it was at the time so it didn’t bother me at all.

Tonsillectomy Recovery – Observation Overnight

After you have fully woken up you will be moved into your room shared or private depending on your hospital or cover. Your parents can come in at this time and see how you are going but you will still feel very dazed and sleepy.

The nurses will come in routinely to

- Check your blood pressure (that band they tie around your arm and pump)

Check if your bleeding excessively (some bleeding is normal

At the hospital I expected ice cream and soups but was served very normal foods some pasta salad and a drink. Things to note at this time

- They will feed you normal foods to help remove any gunk that builds up (even toast)

- You probably wont feel hungry at all but you are encouraged to eat

- You may feel like vomiting when eating

Going Home and Recovery

When you are ready to go home make sure you slowly get out of bed as I made the mistake of jumping out of my bed and did end up vomiting this is normal and mostly blood and stomach fluids will come out , again this is very normal.

At home things to remember

- Recovery will take around 2 weeks

- You can eat normal foods but of course take it easy

- Drink plenty of fluids

- You may feel some scabs developing let them drop off naturally

- Take regular pain medication if needed

- Lots of Sympathy:)

and that's about it let me know if you have any questions, and for those worried about adults having tonsillectomy the guy next to me was around 27 and he was chewing up his toast like an animal 30 minutes after the surgery :P I used to wonder if he couldn't feel pain or something