Information about having tonsils and adenoids removed?

My sister is having her tonsils and adenoids removed and she's kind of scared. I had mine removed when I was 6 years old and I don't even remember it cause I was so young. My sister is 25. I'm trying to help her so she knows what to expect. One of her main concerns is the anesthesia. How do they put you under? With pills, a shot or how do they do it and does it make you goofy and make you say things you don't remember later? Also do they run any kind of tests before the surgery and what are the tests for? If you have any kind of information or helpful tips for her to put her mind at ease that would be great!

Well aren't you a sweet sibling... good for you looking out for your sis. I have these same questions. I actually have an ENT apt at 1:15 today to possibly schedule a tonsillectomy.

Maybe they can answer some of these questions. I have a laundry list to go over w/ them myself. They may refer me to the surgeon for all questions... we'll see. I'll keep you posted!

my sisters got hers removed at 4 yrs of age.
just surgery..

afterwards just eat lots of icecream and not a lot of activity.
good luck.

They will put an "IV in the back of her hand, start a drip going then walk you into the surgery room. Most likely they will put a pillow under her neck and she will wake up in the recovery room. Her throat will be sore for three to four days. It's possible to work but you don't feel like talking.

I had my tonsils out at age 25 also. They will give her a shot to "calm her nerves" before taking her to the operating room. Then they will put a clear mask over her nose and mouth to put her to sleep (the anesthesia). The operation is very simple, HOWEVER, it is a painful recovery. The older you are, the more painful it is. It is considered a major surgery for adults - kids do fine and adults do horrible.

She will not feel much pain at first (due to the anethesia), but that will not last long. She will also lose some weight because eating is difficult - pudding, soft scrambled eggs - that sort of thing will be what she needs to eat - anything soft - nothing spicy, too salty - very bland.

She will be very thirsty when she comes out of recovery - they usually give you chipped ice, etc. to let melt in your mouth.

Everything she takes for pain, antibiotic, etc. will be liquid.

Suggestions:

1. Drink things at room temperature and stay hydrated
2. NO SODA - it will burn her throat
3. About the 2nd or 3rd night she will feel pain in her ears - my doctor explained there is a "night pressure" in the evenings and throat, sinuses, etc. are all connected. I had to walk to the restroom with my fingers in my ears and my husband holding my arms tightly by my side.

She will need someone to stay with her at least 3 days. She will also need to sleep elevated. For some reason when you lay down flat it makes you feel like you are choking.

4. She should be out of work at least a week, of not longer - maybe 2 weeks.

5. At first, she will only be able to slightly whisper.

6. They made be gargle with peroxide to decrease infection.

Tell her the less she speaks, the better off.

Sorry to paint such a bleak picture - but it just the cold hard facts.

I feel for her. But it will also be better for her in the long run as she will not get as many infections, etc.

Good luck!

I'm not sure I can give you any info that will put her mind at ease but I can tell you my experience.

I had mine removed when I was 24. It was the worst experience of my life. As you get older, they say the surgery is more painful and it takes longer to bounce back. I was out of work for 2 1/2 weeks and lost 16 pounds (that wasn't so bad, lol.)

For anesthesia, they give you an IV and you go right to sleep. The procedure only lasts about 15-20 minutes. Everyone reacts differently to anesthesia, but generally you wake up quickly after the surgery. When I woke up, I was in NO pain. They offered me a popsicle which I gladly took since my throat was dry. You stay in recovery for about 4-6 hours depending on how you are feeling.

The main thing to remember once at home, is to stay hydrated. No matter how bad it hurts, you have to drink!! If you become dehydrated, you'll end up back in the hospital feeling horrible. They will send her home with pain medicine which hopefully will help.

Tell her I said good luck!! It will suck for a little bit but it will pass!!!

I got mine removed when I was 24. The procedure was smooth and not so bad but it very painful afterwards. (I know its not what your sis wants to hear.)

Overall:
It was a very simple fast procedure usually done in outpatient care. I was in and out within hours. They monitor your stats during the procedure so you're hooked up to an ekg. (temp, blood pressure, heart rate... etc) What they did to me was ran saline through me by way of IV (kind of chilly feeling) then introduced the anesthesia. Its general anesthesia. Next they brought me to the operation room and made sure that I'm out then did their magic. When I woke up, I was in pain and my throat was super dry. They gave me some ice to ease the pain and to adjust to make new throat. Next, they sent me home with some antibiotics and painkillers.

They gave instructions depending on your state of health, during the pre-op. What to wear and and expect the day of and after the surgery.

Side notes:
Anyway, first off no food for 12 hrs before the surgery for the anesthesia. They didn't recommend drinking either but I had to have something in the morning. Try to schedule it as early as possible because it makes the fasting easier. I had a sip of water a couple of hours before the appointment and threw up after the surgery which was painful because my throat was just sliced up.

When I got home I was fine but then the pain killer wore off... :| Anyway I had codiene and it worked well. I was all healed up within 3 weeks. I heard that it should take 2-4 weeks for healing in adults unlike children which is only 1 week.

Don't expect to speak for at the least a week or so.

VERY IMPORTANT to stay HYDRATED.

A humidifier helped me sleep because breathing was painful.

No milk/ diary/ even ice cream because it will form a coating around the wound and make healing slower.

No citrus or anything with a hint of citrus because that will burn your throat and it will be VERY painful. I had lemon jello and it actually hurted :(

Good luck!

OMG I am 20 and am having mine out next week and although I had major head and neck surgery last year I am kinda scared too. The anesthesia will most likely be via a drip in the back of the hand, it stings when it goes in but your out of it in about 2 seconds. As far as I know the only tests beforehand will be blood pressure and tempreature.

When waking up the throat is very sore which can last up to 3 weeks on and off. I have taken two weeks off as my surgeon reommended. All we will want to eat is ice-cream and jelly but you should return to a normal diet as soon as possible and it aids in healing.

Good luck to your sister