Tonsillectomy - FAQs
9.How many times do you have to get tonsillitis before considering a tonsillectomy?It is not possible to give an exact number of infections needed before a tonsillectomy should be considered because each person is different. However, generally people who have had five or more throat infections in one year could probably undergo a tonsillectomy and benefit.
10.What is a tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of tonsils, most often due to chronic infection.
11.Whom do I take my child to, who performs the surgery?
You could initially consult your family doctor; he will refer you to a specialist Ear Nose and Throat surgeon (Otolaryngologist).
I am a 44 year old mother of a four year old. I had the surgery done on 6/7/12. I am now into day 6 of surgery and I have never experienced anything like this before. I decided to have the procedure done at the advice of my physician, re-occuring throat infections and mild sleep apenea. I had heard all the horror stories about adults recovering longer than children and didn't think it could be that bad. Well I am here to tell you all it is very ture. This is by far the worst pain I have ever ever experienced in my life. If I had known it was this bad, there is no way I would have under went the surgery. Prior to surgery all I dranked was water and find it diffcult to do that now. My throat feels like someone has chips of glass scraping it. My ears, head, neck and shoulders hurt all the time. My mouth is constantly filled with thick salavia that makes me gag and I have to have a towel wrapped around my face so I don't soil my pillows and bed. I have done what they said......gargled with warm salty water, eat popsicles, drink fluids, and try to rest. I can hardly sleep at night because it's so painful and taken pain medicine has been a struggle becasue it burns soooo bad when I take it. I just sure hope that it was worth it because as of now I don't see how any good could come out of this intense pain. I didn't post this to scare anyone from this procedure by no means I am just letting you all know that this is very very very painful.