Tonsillectomy Aftercare (adult)

How will I feel after my operation?

-       Pain is usually the main issue after tonsillectomy.

-       It can be quite severe, usually peaking around day 3-5.

-       Taste can be affected for at least a few weeks.

-       The pain can radiate up to your ears.

-       The inside of your mouth (back of throat where your tonsils once were) will look grey and sometimes will have tinges of brown and green: this is the normal appearance after the operation.

-       Your breath may be a little mal-oderous for a week or two. It will pass.

What Pain Relief should I take? (providing there are no contraindications)

-       You should take regular paracetamol and ibuprofen (these can both be bought over the counter and you should take the maximum doses of both. The maximum does will be written on the medicine box).

-       You could consider trying difflam spray. This can also be bought over the counter. Some patients find this very useful, others do not.

-       You may be provided with some additional pain relief such as oramorph, codeine or tramadol. Only take this when required.

-       Pain can be quite severe up to 10-14 days after the operation, but should improve quite dramatically after this period.

What can you do to help the healing process?

-       Take regular pain relief.

-       Eat and drink as normally as you can.

-       Continue with your normal oral hygiene: brushing your teeth normally is fine.

What should I look out for:

-       It can be very painful but you must take your pain killers and continue to drink. If you are not able to drink you should contact the team or attend A+E.

-       if you have significant bleeding (more than a tea spoon amount)- you should attend A+E.

When can I go back to work / studying?

-       Patients usually take at least 2 weeks to recover. Occasionally people feel better a little sooner and sometimes it takes a little longer than 2 weeks.

Can I fly and go on holiday?

-       I recommend no flying for at least 2 weeks. 3 weeks is safer and you are more likely to fully enjoy your trip.  

When Can I exercise?

-        During the first 2 weeks- do not undertake any strenuous activity.

-        During 2-3 weeks you can gently start increasing your activity level.

-        After 3 weeks – go back to normal activities.

-        If you undertake any extreme activities such as skydiving etc, please ask Mr Sinnott for individual advise.