General Information about Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy, in simple terms is the surgical removal of tonsils; two masses of tissue located one on either side, at the back of the throat.
Tonsillectomy, in simple terms is the surgical removal of tonsils; two masses of tissue located one on either side, at the back of the throat.
Usually, only the tonsils are removed. However, in some cases, it might be necessary to remove the adenoids, which are located by the side of the tonsil.
Tonsils (also called palatine tonsils) are two masses of lymph type of tissues located on both sides of the back of the throat.
Adenoids (also called pharyngeal tonsil) are also types of tissues lying by the side but extend sometimes higher up almost behind the nose.
Both these play an important role in fighting the infections in the body; they are believed to produce antibodies against the bacteria, which enter through the nose and the mouth. But if these become infected or enlarged, the normal breathing and drainage is affected, leading to serious health harm.
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.