Looks like tonsils are coming out!!!

jashmir3 · Post by **jashmir3** » Wed May 04, 2005 7:54 pm

Hi all, just an update for those who remember me. I went to see my sleep specialist yesterday, and he is sending me to see an ear nose and throat doctor now so I can get my tonsils taken out. He wants also to check for polops. So anyone have thiers out? And how did it help? Thanx 4 any feedback.

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Wed May 04, 2005 8:53 pm

Adult tonsil removal is very serious stuff and extremely painful fromthe cases I've read about You can drink nothing but liquids for 2 weeks or more, can hardly swallow and if they remove too much of the tonsil, the palate or the uvula you will end up with a terrible gag reflex, aspiration of liquids and a lot of other problems, and it is not a cureall. You might stop snoring but that might all that happens and you will still need a CPAP. All it may do is reduce your pressure or last a few years and you are right back at stage one.

luckylinda · Post by **luckylinda** » Thu May 05, 2005 5:48 am

Is your sleep doc suggesting removal of tonsils for treatment of OSA or because you are constantly sick because of infected tonsils?

Big difference! Unless you are suffering from numerous throat infections, don't do it.

My young adult daughter is a school teacher who had her tonsils out two summers ago because her exposure to strep throat was high because of her profession and her tonsils were HUGE. The surgery significantly decreased her illnesses.

And surgery for nasal polyps is useless. They just return. Ask the ENT about Rx nasal sprays and other methods of shrinking the polyps. If you need turnbinate reduction, that is something that can help OSA. But keep in mind that ENTs are surgical oriented. If you have surgery, research the procedure and make sure you have the best surgeon. Teaching hospitals are great.

Good luck,

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 06, 2005 9:22 am

I had my tonsils out when I was 30. Not fun. But I am a firm believer that if you are prepared - it helps. So prepare yourself.

Make sure to ask your doctor for a gargle that they can give out which numbs your throat. That was the only way I could even take my medicine. You can also request the pain meds in liquid form.

TAKE YOUR MEDICINE! Take the pain pills - regularly - before the pain gets too bad. If you wait until the pain is too bad you won't even be able to take the meds because you won't be able to swallow. I suggest taking the meds the first week or so whether you feel pain or not. If you wait for the pain - it can be too late.

DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! Use the gargle to drink. Stay hydrated - even if you can't eat. The pain can lead to dehydration - which can lead to more pain - which can lead to more dehydration. You get the picture. I ended up back in the hospital to get IV liquids. Trust me - you don't want to spend any more time in the hospital than you absolutely have to.

Good luck!

Pam

jashmir3 · Post by **jashmir3** » Fri May 06, 2005 7:28 pm

This sounds absolutaly horrifying!!!!!! I always thought it was an in and out thing a few days to recoupe and back to life as usual.

As far as why he wants me to look into it, it is not for many infections. I used to get strep throat at least once a year really badly, but have not for a few. He (my doctor) feels that I should be feeling better with my download as good as it was. So he feels there may be more blocking my airway.

Those of you who have had it done...how long was your hospital stay? Any websites I can check for info? Thanx.

Scared Sh**less!!!

luckylinda · Post by **luckylinda** » Fri May 06, 2005 7:51 pm

jashmir3 wrote:He (my doctor) feels that I should be feeling better with my download as good as it was. So he feels there may be more blocking my airway.

Those of you who have had it done...how long was your hospital stay? Any websites I can check for info? Thanx.

Scared Sh**less!!!

jashmir3,

Half of this message board must be posts written by people who are frustrated that they should be feeling better. There are many, many other things to consider. Certainly not removal of tonsils that do not generate frequent infections. Read the posts here to learn more.

I see that you are located in Wisconsin. I highly recommend that you visit an ENT at a teaching hospital. Check US News & World Reports on the best docs in WI for ENT issues.

It is an operation that you do not want to have unless you are sick all the time. My 23 year old daughter was in serious pain for about 10 days.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri May 06, 2005 9:31 pm

If you do decide to have the tonsils removed, check out this topic on the TAS message board (clickable link below), especially the second post by "billinseattle". He has a suggestion about asking for a "capsule sparing" tonsillectomy. I don't know anything about this kind of thing, but his posts about all the surgeries he's been through seem very well researched and well reasoned.

Apr 30 2005 subject: Surgery and my throat?

luckylinda · Post by **luckylinda** » Fri May 06, 2005 10:23 pm

[quote="rested gal"] He has a suggestion about asking for a "capsule sparing" tonsillectomy. I don't know anything about this kind of thing, but his posts about all the surgeries he's been through seem very well researched and well reasoned.

quote]

Excellent idea Rested Gal. When my daughter had to have her tonsils out, I discovered this procedure. They do not recommend it if you are having them removed because of frequent infections. But it is supposed to have an easier recovery.