Post tonsilectomy question

I had my tonsils taken out on Jan 31 (a week ago today).  Surgery went well and I was sent home the same day with lortab liquid and darvocet pills.  Although it was painful I was able to eat some jello and drink water.  I was able to talk until the 5th.  I lost my voice and was in extreme pain.  The pain was on the right side and it felt like a huge splinter was stuck in my throat.  It hurt to just breath.  I also had a coppery taste in my mouth although it didn't stay long enough to call the doc.  I had been running a slight fever the 4th and 5th (normal is 97.4) ranging from 98.8 - 100.  

Yesterday the left side was in extreme pain while the right side felt better although still felt like something was stuck in there it didn't have the stinging burning pain.  Well yesterday the blob of scab on the left side came flying out of my throat. My question is should I call the doctor over this or if this is the normal healing process?

My new question is I ran out of the liquid pain meds this morning and my throat has been really really sore all night.  I have some darvocet but I can't even swallow my prilosec at the moment which is half the size.  Does anyone know if I can crush darvocet up and take it with some water?

I appreciate any help you can give me.

Katiescat

[Katiescat]

Oops I had to erase some of the message because it was to long.  I accidentally erased a little to much. I've corrected it below.

Well yesterday the blob of scab on the left side came flying out of my throat. Today there still feels like there's something stuck in my throat on the right side and I'm having a lot of problems with pain. My question is should I call the doctor over this or if this is the normal healing process?

[Katiescat]

No I wasn't given any antibiotics after surgery.  I don't know if they gave me any during surgery.

The fever is finally gone today.  I'm wondering if it had anything to do with the scabs sluffing off.

Ok thank you.  I'm still pretty sore on the one side but not so much on the other anymore.  If almost feels like I've got a papercut in my throat on the right side.  I'm not sure exactly how to explain how it feels.

I finally got the prilosec down but I'm having to crush up the darvocet to get it down.  It tastes sooo horrible that I don't know how long I could take it that way.  The doc isn't in today so I have to wait till tomorrow but I think I will do exactly that and ask for more liquid.

I picked up some juicy fruit.  I'm hoping it will work.  I'm really disliking that thick saliva bit.  I get it stuck and end up having to spit it out because I can't swallow it.

I finally called the pharmacy and the pharmacist said I could but warned it would taste nasty.  Ugh I wish I would have listened to him.  I ended up hurting my throat swallowing the meds down with cream of wheat and coffee.

Thank you I really appreciate your help.  : D

Katiescat

[borninquisitive]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the temperature but certainly keeping an eye on it. Are you currently taking antibiotics?

The nurse told me that I might have a slightly elevated temp and to get up and walk around, to see if that helps reduce the temp. In my case, it helped. That said, I was taking antibiotics.

As for the scab falling off, I wouldn't be concerned unless I was bleeding. Your scars will sluff off.

I would request more pain meds, as you are not out of the woods yet. Further, you need to take your Prilosec. Acid fluxing up a raw throat will slow the healing process down, not to mention adding to the discomfort.

As for "tastes"...I experienced weird tastes for quite some time. It really got to me and found that Dentyn Peppermint Ice gum helped "cut through" the taste and thick saliva. Further, it is recommended to chew gum to keep the muscles limbered.

As for crushing pain meds, I would first call your Dr. office with that question. If you aren't given an answer, you could call up the Pharmacy, give them a brief reason as to why you are asking and they should help you.

Best.

~Kate

[borninquisitive]

"The fever is finally gone today. I'm wondering if it had anything to do with the scabs sluffing off."

This is very good news, considering that you are not taking antibiotics.

This is what I have found, regarding personal body temperatures. Just before my menses, I have found that my temp. can reach 99.
Afterwards, can dip down to 96. Average being in the 97s.

If you are closely approaching your menses/during menses might explain elevated temperature. If your temp is under control: perfect.
If not and it goes beyond 99 or you begin to feel worse, would consult a Dr. beings that you are not taking any antibiotics after a tonsillectomy.

"I picked up some juicy fruit. I'm hoping it will work. I'm really disliking that thick saliva bit. I get it stuck and end up having to spit it out because I can't swallow it."

I tried various gums but the only one that worked for me was the Dentyn.

For whatever reason, the thick saliva REALLY got to me on around day 12-14. On account of it, I went to bed with that gum in my cheek.

As for taste, I experienced a metallic taste for a few months thereafter. I also experienced a smell/taste for a few weeks post tonsillectomy. I didn't know what it was and it bugged me. On day 11...I returned home (my operation took place out of town) and when I entered the door...was greeted with that "smell." Uck! My husband was baking a nice spiral ham. I couldn't help but wonder if that "smell" I had, was due to the burning of tissue. Which might make sense, considering the smell was the same as ham. A gross thought, I know.

It sounds like you are on the up-in-up.
Able to eat foods, taking pain meds (no matter how disgusting. lol), taking your Prilosec and temperature, as of your last post, in check.

If this continues to be stable, you are quickly on your way to full recovery, I think.

Best to you.
~Kate

[Katiescat]

"If you are closely approaching your menses/during menses might explain elevated temperature. If your temp is under control: perfect.
If not and it goes beyond 99 or you begin to feel worse, would consult a Dr. beings that you are not taking any antibiotics after a tonsillectomy."

Although that is a great idea I was spayed almost 3 years ago.  The fever hasn't come back but the pain has gotten much worse again.  I woke up at 12:30 tonight with my throat on fire.  I don't know if it was from me forgetting to take my prilosec or if something else was going on.  At the moment I feel like someone has put a razor blade at the back of my throat and every time I swallow it slices my tongue.  : (

I have been feeling like I had part of the scab on the right side hanging down down my throat by a thread of skin that keeps tearing my throat every time I swallow.  Last night I thought it finally tore off and went down but every swallow I take burns horribly and kind of feels like it's still there.  I don't know but I think it's time I called my docs nurse and had a nice chat with her.  At least now I can speak without sounding like I swallowed a frog again.

"I tried various gums but the only one that worked for me was the Dentyn."

Well the juicy fruit didn't work for me so I'll try the dentyn.  Thank you

"My husband was baking a nice spiral ham. I couldn't help but wonder if that "smell" I had, was due to the burning of tissue. Which might make sense, considering the smell was the same as ham. A gross thought, I know."

I was wondering the same thing.  : )

"It sounds like you are on the up-in-up.
Able to eat foods, taking pain meds (no matter how disgusting. lol), taking your Prilosec and temperature, as of your last post, in check.

If this continues to be stable, you are quickly on your way to full recovery, I think.

Best to you.
~Kate"

I called the docs office and they sent a prescription for the liquid stuff so I'm happily taking the medication again.  I feel a lot better. : )

Thank you again.  I really appreciate your help. : )

Katie

[borninquisitive]

It's definitely worth a try. It'd be one thing if you were someone who, out of the blue, called up stating you think you have an ear infection, call in a script please. lol

They know you've recently had a surgery and it wouldn't be a stretch to think an infection might be going on here. If anything, it'll prompt them to get you in sooner, rather than later. If it's protocol to see you first. Though would have thought it would be protocol to give you antibiotics upon release.
Just tell them that is what you think is going on, even if you are not sure.

I asked my ENT about the question of children with their tonsillectomy. He said no, physiology and the fact that we don't heal as quickly factors into how we feel. Too, I've wondered if because these "parts" have been in our body longer...when taken out, our body says, "Hey, wait one minute here! This is NOT right. Vengence is mine, sayeth the body. " lmbo

I agree, out mouths are quite germy.

My right side was more sensitive too and unfortunately, I have worse-than-average scar tissue on that side. The right arch is lower than the other and a scar band in the middle. I think it has affected some of my speech.

Stating that the ice pack burns the outside of your neck as well, does it feel warm to the touch and coloring different?

You've been more fortunate than me, in that at least you've been able to eat. For whatever reason, food wouldn't slide down right and it got hung up on my lingual tonsils. I didn't eat for 10 days. I tried...in vain.
Oddly, think a nerve was affected and finally corrected itself 4 months post.

The foods I found easier to eat, when I was better able was soft, scrambled eggs (little milk whipped in) and boiled red potatoes (minus skins). Boost & Slim fast, for drink.

You are welcome, Katie. If you are not up to writing, don't feel obligated. Rest is essential and when we aren't feeling good...most of us would rather not have to do more than we genuinely have to. ;-D

~Kate

[Katiescat]

I don't know how I'm doing. : (

I've been having a lot of problems with the right side.  Yesterday even my jaw and ear where aching and it hurt so bad I pretty much stayed drugged up all day to avoid the pain.  I almost had my mom take me to the ER to see if there was an infection.

This morning I woke up and it felt like someone had put a red hot knitting needle through my ear and down my throat and taped a razor blade to the back of my throat that slices the back of my tongue when I swallow. Now the other side is started.  I have one small spot that feels like someone is poking a red hot pin in it.

I've been putting off calling the doctor because I'm the only driver in my house and mom can't drive to my doctor's office.  I'd have to drive myself there and back no matter what happens.

With the way I feel right now I'm going to call and schedule an appointment first thing Monday morning.  I'm really getting concerned about this but don't feel it's bad enough to warrent an ER trip as I don't much of a fever anymore.  My temp is still around 98.6 so I'm normal even though my normal is 97.4.

[borninquisitive]

Sorry to hear that. Shoot. I remember around day 8 it was one of the worst days.

I wonder if the Dr. office (who performed your surgery) would call in a rx for antibiotics for you, prior to your visit. If you think you are heading in that direction, worth the try.

I had my tonsillectomy April of last year. I was 34 years of age. It isn't an easy experience for adults.

Ears often hurt afterwards; referred pain from the site of extraction.

My ENT prescribed antibiotics, pain meds (vicodin)and ativan (for nerves & sleep). I assumed that antibiotics were standard protocol.

I'm sure your freezer has Popsicles. Butterscotch candy seemed soothing as well.

I hope you feel better soon.

~Kate

[Katiescat]

I don't know if they will but you are right and it's worth a try.  I'm going to call them Monday morning and I really doubt that they will get me in before mid week.

OUCH!!!  I'm 35 and understand completely.  I wonder sometimes if the reason it's easier on children is because they forget the pain and we as adults don't forget the pain as easily ;)

Most of the surgeries I've had perscribed antibiotics after surgery.  I was kind of surprised that they didn't with this one but I figured they just didn't.  Makes me wonder though because we eat/drink a lot of stuff that causes bacteria.  I figured it would be a high risk area for infection.

I can't eat anything like ice cream, popsicles, or ice chips.  For some odd reason they make my throat feel like it's burning and now on the right side it stings horribly.  It's weird that it also hurts (burns) putting the ice pack on the outside on the right too.    

I'll have to try the butterscotch though.  ;)  That sounds yummy right now too.  I'm getting very tired of soup stock, creamed soups, pudding, and jello.

Thank you I really appreciate your concern and great advice. :D

Katie

[borninquisitive]

How are you feeling? Has your temperature remained normal? Hope so. If not, hope you received an RX for antibiotics.

Hope all is going well for you!

~Kate

[Katiescat]

I'm going to call the doc as soon as I get back from my son's speech therapy in the am and schedule an appointment.  I'll explain what's going on to them and see, if nothing else, if I can get in quickly.

I finally broke down and went to urgent care last night because I couldn't take the pain anymore.  They were busy as usual and treating who they wanted first.  There was a guy there who had fallen off a horse and was hurting in his back/neck and had been there for quite a while yet a few minutes after I showed up they took me in saying "we figured we could get you in and right back out".  They did too.  I spent all of about 2-3 minutes with the doc.  The doc said he didn't see any infection in his quick glances and then I swear put his fingers behind/underneath (by my ears) my jaw then wanted me to open my mouth.  He then asked did that hurt.... *duh* that hurts.  I just had my tonsils out and everything hurts.  In those couple of minutes he diagnosed me with TMJ and gave me muscle relaxers and said "definately go see your surgeon asap".  He barely listened to what I had to say.  He didn't listen at all when I tried to explain the pain and that it hurt farther down in my throat.  :(  Oh well I'll go back to the surgeon as soon as I can get in and see what's going on.

LMBO.... That is soooo true.  Our bodies are good at taking vengence.  LOL  Kids think they have it sooo hard nowadays.  I can't wait till they grow up and have to face what we face.  Although when my son had his tonsils/adnoids taken out he had a hard time of it and ended up with an IV in for 3 days.  I now understand how he felt.  Poor boy.

I'm kind of afraid that when the scab on the right side came off and got stuck in my throat it's done something bad to my throat and that's why I have the pain.  When that happened every time I swallowed it felt like it was ripping my throat a little farther each time.  I pray it didn't and it will heal quickly.

It has been hottish at times but other times it's nice and cool.

Ouch.  I couldn't have handled not eating at all.  Were you able to get anything down liquid wise for those 10 days?  I'm glad you came through it ok.  Gives me hope that I will make it through too. :)

I tried scambled eggs today and uuuuuuu they were sooo good.  Thanks ;)  I have tried mashed potatoes and they worked ok but it was when I had made meatloaf and I hurt myself trying to eat a little of that too.  I'm so far able to eat pudding, jello (when I can stand it now.  I've eaten way to much of that lately), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, certain types of soups, and chicken/beef stock.  I guess at least I have some food.  I feel sorry for those like you who aren't/weren't able to eat at all.

I don't feel obligated at all.  I appreciate the help you have given me.  I'm really glad I was able to find this place before I lost it with fear of what was happening. :)

Unfortunately my young one keeps me on my toes even when I'd rather be resting.  So this is a nice rest for me.  I can keep an ear on him and still sit and rest. ;)

Thank you again.
Katie

[borninquisitive]

I've had a few experiencing in my life with the E.R. and each time, thought, "this isn't good!"

Your experience adds to my growing opinion of how women (on average) are "treated."

Funny that you state that kids have it so easy. I agree, though too, don't minimize their experiences but...truth be told, they think they have it bad now...

I was just having this conversation with my 15 year old daughter last night.

As for the scab falling off and being worried...I don't know if this is what you've noticed but was my experience: after my tonsils came out, I was compelled to really look in my throat. Holy smokes! It looked like someone came in with an ice-cream scoop! I remember thinking, don't press on the sides of my neck...it's paper thin there! lol A few months after, those areas filled in. Flush as apposed to appearing concaved. This being true (for me), tissue to build up. Meaning, 'scratches' would be inconsequential.

I was able to get liquid down (but hurt so badly to the first 3 days)and was drinking lots of water and Boost (<--after 3 days).

I was starving the next day and tried to eat. Didn't work. I was starving for days and then...the hunger went away. Not good, I think but at least I didn't feel like I was suffering in that regard. I remember being so happy to get some food in. My "dinner" was barely enough to fill a small plate and it took me a long time to complete.

Thank God I was out of town. Staying the first part with my sister and the second part, with my brother. I had eating problems for months but at least the "sensitive" time was spent primarily alone. I have 4 kids ages 15, 12, 4 and 2 1/2. I could not have managed my home and if I was present, would have been left to it.

There were many days that I had to excuse myself from the table. Not only was I struggling but any stress made it worse.

I have a good feeling that you will be doing well and right on track. A follow-up with your surgeon, I think, is a good thing...even if everything was absolutely perfect for you.

As long as you don't have an infection or if you do, it's treated soon...think you will find yourself feeling "on top" of things in a few weeks.

As for kiddos going through this, I know that in some ways it must be worse. Not truly understanding nor having the patience that we learn as we become older.

Prior to being wheeled in for my surgery, I heard a small boy (guessing under the age of 6)weakly cry & whimper...I asked about him, he had just come out from surgery (tonsils). Laying there in my bed, I cried for him...I felt like getting out of bed and comforting him.
If I didn't think anybody would have noticed or cared...I would have.

After my ordeal, I'll never think this operation as being "no big deal." Yes, things could be worse but you still feel bad! For that reason, no need to lack compassion & empathy. I'm nowhere near the hard-case that I used to be. lol

You are most welcome, Katie.

When you are up and feeling your absolute best...go reward yourself, you deserve it. =-D

~Kate