One Year Post Op - It’s worth it
I have officially reached one year post operation and I wanted to share my experience and even through EVERYTHING, if you need it, get the surgery. It was worth it.
I got my surgery done at an older age (27F) so I was aware that the pain and complications are more of a risk than the recommended younger age. It’s been an ongoing battle since 2014, but the years coming up to my surgery date was progressively worse. I was suffering with tonsil stones, cryptic tonsils, tonsillitis for two years straight, sinus infections every month, and my adenoids caused sleep apnea. I was beyond nervous because I was never put under anesthesia and I was worried about hemorrhaging. Luckily I would consider my recovery “easier” than most of the horror stories on this sub. The first week was the only time I did sob out of pure pain, but it subsided going into week two. I couldn’t talk for a few days and my soft palate did drop significantly (what was left of my uvula rested on my tongue for days) but even with the worst gag reflex known to mankind, I was able to push through and not vomit. I didn’t fully “recover” until two months later and l’m still working on eating spicy foods because it’ll still burn my scars.
Helpful Tips:
- Take note of how much water you’re drinking. You want to stay hydrated and consistently drink. If your scabs stay wet, the less likely they will try to peel prematurely.
- Don’t push yourself to talk. If you can’t talk yet, there’s no need to put pressure on your vocal cords and throat. I used my notes app for help!
-Sleep elevated so there’s less pressure. If your adenoids were blocking your breathing like mine, you’ll feel like you can smell colors.
-Don’t look at your throat if you don’t need to. I saw the cauterized flesh and I was terrified seeing the black/grey skin.
- Your breath is gonna STANK. Brush your teeth if you can but you’re not gonna get the smell/taste of burnt out of your mouth until you’re healed.
-Liquid extra strength tylenol will be your best friend and you better put alarms on your phone so you don’t miss the next time you need to take your antibiotics and pain meds.
Weird Stuff I Wasn’t Ready For:
-My uvula is basically gone. I watched it progressively go away as my soft palate rose back up, tightening all of the skin. There’s just a little bump there now but I know she’s still with me in my heart.
-My voice changed! It’s not significant but my voice is lower and less nasally now.
-I can hear SO well now. I didn’t realize my tonsils were pushing in my ears and muffling everything.
- I have an autoimmune disease diagnosis now. After three months post op, I never felt “fully healed”. Fatigue, fainting, joint pain, face rash, etc. My body was so focused on fighting my tonsil related infections and illnesses, that when the issue was gone, I started noticing that something didn’t feel right and after many months of bloodwork and seeing specialists, I have a diagnosis and now I can focus on taking care of myself in a different capacity.
All in all, it was an interesting year, but I would still recommend the surgery if you’re suffering. You’ll feel so much better afterwards.