Thomas F. Neal, MD, PA3621 22nd Street, Suite 300Stan E. Potocki, MDLubbock, TX 79410Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery(806) 792-9417

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Information SheetAverage recovery periods: For children under 10 years old: 4-7 days before relieving of severe discomfort For older children and adults: up to 2 weeks for recovery with a recommendation of staying home from school/work for 1 weekWhat to avoid: Exercise and strenuous activity Going outside to hot temperaturesWhat to expect: Low-grade fevers (up to 101.5 degrees F), ear pain and throat infections are typically seen in the first week and do not require medication Nasal regurgitation with eating and drinking can be expected for the first 3-4 weeks. Soreness of throat can last for up to 1 month Change of voice may be heard if the tonsils and adenoids are very large due to the throat having more space. Small drops of blood in saliva are normal for 2 weeks but large amounts of blood can represent an emergency and medical help should be attained right away Vomiting is common 24 hours after surgery and can contain blood clots. If blood clot is seen in vomit after 24 hours, medical help should be attained right awayTo relieve pain: Patients will be given pain medication containing Tylenol and synthetic codeine (unless allergic); Do not take separate Tylenol with this! Use smaller doses of pain medication as pain lessens (can cause constipation and nausea)Progression with food: Try pushing liquids 30-45 minutes after pain medication is taken to prevent dehydration even if pain occurs from swallowing Experiment to see if room temperature or cold fluids work best, and if milk products cause irritation Soft foods should be eaten for 2 weeks as scratchy food can cause bleeding from scabs in throat