LymeNet Flash: Getting my tonsils out. Help!

This is topic Getting my tonsils out. Help! in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :

At 52, I am a little worried....ok, ok. I'm really scared about the pain during recovery.

Anyone have any suggestions of things I can do to ease the pain? BTW, I am allergic to milk and soy proteins, so can do none of that stuff.

Thanks for suggestions and prayers. Surgery is always risky business.

Luvs

Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :

Luvs,

I recently had my gallbladder out (tick-borne diseases destroyed it) and I was very worried about going through surgery, not only because of having Lyme but because of anesthesia allergies.

I came through far better than expected the first two weeks, didn't even take pain medication except when the nurse insisted one time before my ride home.

I'm not saying you won't need pain help, I'm just saying you may do better than expected - you and I are similar ages.

Heck, I'm always in so much pain from neuropathy and all the other symptoms, I've become a lot tougher than I realized!!! You are, too.

I will keep you in my prayers,

Jill

Posted by Nessa1815 (Member # 15697) on :

Isn't that right? Your pain tolerance definitely builds up after a while of being in so much pain.

Posted by Alv (Member # 15192) on :

yes your pain tolerance increases....MINe went above normal peopel said mY CHIROPRACTIC and he uses the machine ..in higher numbers...

Well I am a lyme patient so the pain is surreal sometimes with us 24/7 ..so do not be scared

I had tonsillitis thanks to lyme in europe when they had no clue what was going on with me.

My immune system was giving up and that is when I was assymotmatic.After that I became symtomatic !!

They had NO CLUE.

Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :

I sure hope you are right about the pain tolerance level. My doctor says my pain threshold is so high that by the time I feel pain, I am in deep trouble. Please, please let that threshold work for me now!

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :

luvs, this worked good for me!!!

SURGERY ELECTIVE TIPS FOR FIBRO/LYME PATIENTS!

http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/7330

i gave my surgeon and anesthiologist EACH copies of this printed guidelines; helped me a lot!!

Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :

Luvs,
I think you may be worrying about the wrong thing.

It's not the pain so much as the chance of hemorrhaging afterwards.

Bleeding can occur when the scabs come off.
The surgeon needs to be available, and the patient needs someone around who can check him.

I know of someone whose surgery was postponed because the surgeon would have been out of town afterwards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillectomy

Carol

Posted by Looking (Member # 13600) on :

You could try Breyer's all Natural Pure Fruit Bars (Popsicles) and get the large economy 48 pack. They will be soothing on your throat.

Also Homeopathic Arnica or Traumeel taken for a day or two before and after surgery will help you come through the trauma of surgery and anaesthetic.

I also think affirmations help so you feel more in control of the situation. Just repeat something positive & reassuring about coming through surgery safely & healing quickly and make up your mind that is what the outcome will be beforehand.

And maybe say something about your body adjusting to the loss of your tonsils is in your highest interests since they were too infected to be able to function well anymore. Also add that the pain will be minimal.

A friend of mine actually asked her doctor to ask the operating team to only say positive things while operating on her and the doc was all for it and she went through her appendix operation with no problems and very fast recovery.

You will be fine. No other option is permitted!

Posted by dontlikeliver (Member # 4749) on :

As Carol said, it's the bleeding afterwards that would concern me more than pain.

I had my tonsils out at about 25 and although it was not comfortable, pain is not what comes to mind when I remember it. It was difficult to eat though, and I ate only instant oatmeal for several days.

I didn't have any hemorraging, but that is the main risk of tonsillectomy.

I had mine in the morning and was sent homd a few hours later.

Hope all goes well and that the anesthetics do not have a bad effect on your Lyme.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Good luck, luvs!! I'll be holding your hand!!! [group hug]

When's the surgery? Did I miss that??

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

up

Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :

Surgery was Monday, 18th. I came through it well and recovery is going better than expected although the doctor says days 5-8 are the toughest.

I have followed all the recommendations such as lots of cold foods and ice packs. Nothing hot. This keeps swelling down. I have slept inclined to help with drainage and am up and moving around a good bit of the day.

I was put on Tylenol Codine and Ammoxycillan. I have taken both of these in the past without issue (ammoxycillan as recent as one yr ago) But today I am experiencing lots of itchy hives.

Since both drugs list this as a possible side effect, I will have to quit both until I can speak to the doctor tomorrow.

Bummer regarding the pain killer.

All joint pain has ceased since surgery but I know this is only temporary because they gave me a steriod during the surgery.

I know guys. Don't shoot me. It is the only steriods I have received and frankly I wanted it as I had heard and read nothing but horror stories about adults getting their tonsils out.

So far my pain level is equal to strep throat. Not comfortable but also not the end of the world.

Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and suggestions. They were very helpful.

Luvs

Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :

luvs,

thx for updating us on your surgery mon!! glad it went well for you, but sorry you broke out in hives!! darn it.

hang in there; later [sleepy]

Posted by DakotasMom01 (Member # 14141) on :

Hope you heal fast and feel better soon.

Posted by sunshinyday (Member # 14337) on :

Luvs,

Glad you came through surgery wo well. I will be praying for your quick recovery.

Sorry you got the bumps.

Glad you are sharing as I have a 20 year old daughter who has lyme and won't treat who is having her tonsils out, as one is continually abcessed(probably because of lyme). Her dactor did not tell her only cold, but I think that is more soothing.

Posted by leadmare (Member # 15431) on :

Luvs,

Good to hear it went well! Keep updating.

Mine come out on the 27th. I am NOT looking forward to it either.

Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :

I am sure hoping this gives me some obvious improvement, because it is one heck of a procedure.

Today is worse without the pain med, but doctor is calling a new one in. Today is day 3. 5 through 8 are supposed to be the worst. Heaven help me!

Honestly though, I am glad to have them out. It should have happened when I was a kid. I had strep throat and tonsilitis every year of my life.

Initially, all my sinus drainage cleared up. It is back today though and coughing it up is tough.

Cold food definitely feels best. Dr said hot foods would dilate the blood vessels and could cause bleeding.

The things that feel best and go down best are popsicles (of course I bought the healthy juice pops with no artificial dyes) and pudding. Hhmmm, pudding.

Ice pack on my neck too seems to keep the swelling down. I believe the only reason I feel worse today is I am without pain medication.

Otherwise, been feeling pretty good considering.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers!