Before Your Surgery
What to Know and Prepare:
- Plan for Your Recovery Period:
Tonsil surgery can be painful, especially during the first 3-5 days post-op. It is crucial to plan ahead for your recovery time. Ensure you have all the medications prescribed, stock up on fluids and soft foods, and arrange for someone to assist you with daily tasks for the first few days. - Pain Management Strategy:
Narcotic medications will be provided post-surgery to manage pain while in the hospital. Once you are home, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) should be your first choice for pain control. Your pain may peak during the first few days, but it should start improving significantly by day 10. If you feel you need a refill of your pain prescription, reach out to our office before you run out. - Dietary Adjustments Post-Surgery:
Expect some throat discomfort not only from the surgery but also due to the breathing tube used during anesthesia. Staying hydrated is critical for healing, so increase your fluid intake immediately after surgery. Choose liquids like water, electrolyte-rich drinks (Gatorade®), milkshakes, or nutritional supplements like Ensure®. Gradually introduce soft foods into your diet, such as eggs or yogurt, and avoid foods with sharp edges like chips, which can cause bleeding. For two weeks post-op, avoid using straws as they can increase the risk of bleeding. - Physical Activity:
While rest is crucial, getting out of bed and walking around three times a day will help prevent complications such as pneumonia or blood clots. That said, avoid strenuous activities that increase your heart rate or blood pressure for two weeks after surgery, as this can lead to swelling or bleeding.
After Your Surgery
Recovery Tips and Precautions:
- Managing Pain Post-Op:
It’s common to experience jaw pain and ear discomfort after tonsil surgery. This is due to referred pain from swelling in your throat, which may mimic ear pain. This should improve within 1-2 weeks. Stay consistent with your pain medication and consult Dr. Yip before adding any non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®). - Smoking and Vaping:
If you smoke or vape, it is highly advisable to reduce or quit altogether to support the healing process. Smoking can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications. - Oral Care and Hydration:
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing is important post-surgery. However, antiseptic throat rinses are unnecessary. Instead, focus on staying well-hydrated. Keeping your throat moist with frequent fluid intake will promote healing and ease discomfort. - Elevate Head of Bed During Sleep:
Elevating your head during sleep reduces swelling and pain by improving blood circulation. Try to keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle for at least three nights post-surgery. You can also use a cold compress (such as a bag of frozen peas) to minimize swelling and discomfort. - Nausea and Constipation:
These side effects are common due to anesthetic medications and pain relief post-op. Taking over-the-counter laxatives may help with constipation, but if you haven’t had a bowel movement within three days, contact our office. For nausea, sticking to small, frequent meals can help reduce discomfort.
Recognizing Post-Operative Complications
While most patients recover without issues, it is important to stay vigilant for any signs of complications. Proceed to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible or call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, emergency situations can include:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You develop a teaspoon or more of bleeding that lasts for longer than 15 minutes.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.
For non-life-threatening concerns, such as vomiting blood or persistent pain, feel free to contact our office directly or contact Alberta Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 if:
- You vomit blood or if you cannot keep fluids down.
- You may have signs of needing more fluids such as sunken eyes and a dry mouth, and you pass only a little dark urine.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- If you develop a fever, severe headache, bleeding, or consistent foul taste.
Tonsil surgery recovery requires patience and adherence to these guidelines for optimal healing.
If you have any specific concerns before or after your surgery, Dr. Yip is here to assist you every step of the way.
