Anyone had issues with tonsilectomy later in life?...

[speber]

I'm 41, and looking at getting my friggin' TONSILS out in a week!

My wife Renee is very worried about this procedure as I'm currently on a wagonload of drugs for various attempts to eradicate a chronic cough (and I don't smoke) I've had for almost 6 months now!

The ENT(ear-nose-throat specialist) who is doing the surgery says there should be no problem, but Renee wanted me to ask the fine folks at CWE if any of you have had issues with either a tonsilectomy, or just anesthiesia in general? The ENT promised there would be major pain...I would be out of work for at LEAST a week...and that I would not handle it as well as a child would.........great.

Thanks in advance guys!
Speber
:rock:

 

[RobinN]

Ok.. you asked.

There were many times that I probably should have, or could have, had my tonsils out. Smart mom, said to me that that is where the infection was held. If the tonsils weren't there, the infection would travel to other places.

Now older, and learning all that I have at the University of Internet Research, I believe there is a reason, a cause for your chronic cough or inflamed tonsils. There is a reason for your immune system to be out of control and not able to handle this.

Have you been off of all dairy for 6 months? Have you then tried eliminating all allergens? Sorry that is where I would go first, before surgery.

Our GI doctor told me that there wasn't a connection between the gut and the brain. I just question these doctors knowledge of the whole body and how one mechanism effects another.

That's my opinion Speber, and I voice it because you asked.

 

[speber]

Thanks Robin!...

I value your opinion very much!

The chronic cough seems to be the result of a reaction to a high blood pressure medicine (now replaced since it was very likely the cause!). The high blood pressure COULD be a result of the tonsils interfering with my sleep! My diagnoses of Sleep Apnea may be partially due to the tonsil problem!

The tonsil problem is this...on the right side I have one the size of a GOLF BALL! But it doesn't hurt or seem to interfere with life!?!?! I never even noticed it had grown in size until a doctor pointed it out...I mean, really, who monitors their tonsil size? Not me...maybe I'm an odd man out...oh well.

I've been told over the years "some day you'll probably want to get those tonsils out...but cross that bridge when you get there" by numerous doctors. Well, looks like I'm here. On the bright side, this MIGHT get rid of some other issues! (hope-a-hope-a-hope!)

We're just trying to research the masses to see if any seizure related incidents have occured due to this procedure in case the doctor(s) involved aren't as well-informed as we'd all like them to be!

Thanks again Robin!
:rock:

 

[Bernard]

You might check with your pharmacist to make sure that anesthesia isn't going to cause any problems with your meds. I'm not sure an ENT is really going to be aware of all possible drug interactions. Wouldn't hurt to discuss it with your neuro too.

 

[paradise survivor]

Hey speber, funny you should mention tonsils-my hubby is also getting the yank 'em out talk and his are HUGE!! always have been. I don't think he should if it is not life threatening why risk it...he's had them all these years and only sometimes do they flare up - seems to me they have served some sort of purpose so far. Of course part of my theory is because I hate pain and I hate a husband in pain even moreonder:

 

[speber]

Valid points....

You might check with your pharmacist to make sure that anesthesia isn't going to cause any problems with your meds. I'm not sure an ENT is really going to be aware of all possible drug interactions.

Very good idea, Bernard! A pharmacist is free to talk to as well!

Wouldn't hurt to discuss it with your neuro too.

That was a specific request of ours in the ENT's office...but I doubt it happened. A phone call is probably warranted.

...my hubby is also getting the yank 'em out talk and his are HUGE!! always have been. I don't think he should if it is not life threatening why risk it...he's had them all these years and only sometimes do they flare up - seems to me they have served some sort of purpose so far...

I would agree 100% if it weren't for the fact mine weren't always this large! Even when they would flare up they wouldn't swell to this size...so I'm concerned.

Thanks guys!
Speber
:rock:

 

[brain]

I had mine removed when I was so little,
that I can't even remember what it was
like because I was far too little! Sorry
I couldn't be of any assistance here.

(((((((((( hugs ))))))))))))))))

Here's wishing you a very speedy recovery!

 

[RobinN]

You get to eat ice cream... there's a positive.

 

[speber]

I have almost gotten to the point where I don't LIKE ice cream???...

call me Bird...I mean...weird. he he he.

This will definitely bother my coffee habit!

 

[RobinN]

Did someone say Coffee Ice Cream:bigmouth:

 

[speber]

Oh YEAH!...Robin you so rock!...


:rock:

 

[paradise survivor]

Speber-oops didn't think of that! That would be a real pain in the neck....ohhh someone stop me please

 

[speber]

Opday.....

I'm the proud new owner of some newly forming scabs...ick.

The doc removed the tonsils and 'scraped the adnoids' (something done while he's in there to further treat the bs symptoms I've been having).

I was able to speak normally and didn't even feel like I had received surgery for about 1 1/2 hrs after recovery!.....weird. However, upon getting myself 'setup' at home (thank God for my lovely Renee!)...IT HIT!

PAIN!!!!!....


I have been taking the more powerful pain killers ever since.

Can't talk...can't even whisper. I use the computer to communicate using good ol' dorky 'Microsoft Sam'...the kids enjoy that anyway.

No other issues to speak of (yet...knock on wood), but this is day one!

I'll keep you all updated on this thread.

Speber
:roll:

 

[paradise survivor]

Boy how are you handling the no talking thing (I think my husband would consider that torture given his booming voice)op: I am glad to hear your out of the surgury though:clap: as for the pain meds...I am totally against pain...pop 'em if ya got 'em...for your wife's sake! Look foward to your 'writings' :banana:

 

[epileric]

I never had my tonsils out but

Here's a couple of suggestions I found. Hope one of them works for ya.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080124072123AAwjoOv

 

[brain]

Hope you recover soon! And yes it will hurt for
a few days but it will soon be over with! Like
Robin says ... ICE CREAM!

 

[LynnW]

WHAT, SPEBER? SPEAK UP, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

You'll feel better in no time. Take care of yourself. I'd make you a milkshake, but it would probably melt before I could get it to you.

 

[speber]

Opday+1...

A little better now that I've learned to take the pain killers FIRST...wait 30 minutes...then intake other stuff (like seizure meds or meals).

Curiously, cold water is THE WORST!...it seems to wash away any protective coating forming down there. So being I need LOTS of fluids....I'm drinking TONS of water AFTER the pain killers kick in as well.

Very uncomfortable I promise.

The 'adnoid scraping' is causing the most discomfort (I suspect) because I'm now having a harder time breathing solely through my nose without a 'snoring effect'. I really hope that goes away!
I wake up from sleep with my tongue completely dried out from my mouth being open the whole time and it feels like nearly-dried Elmer's Glue...ick.

Oh well....onward!
Other than these prob's I'm feeling pretty good so far (knock on wood)
Speber
:rock:

 

[speber]

Opday+6....

I wish I had better news, but I don't.

I have the same amount of PAIN as I did in the beginning AND I'm rapidly running out of pain killers to stave off the sensation of a bobcat trying to claw its way out of my throat. I have about 30-45 minutes after taking pain killers that I can classify my status as 'upright and clear thinking'. The rest is lying down half-asleep or fully asleep due to the toll the pain killers, antibiotics, and no-so-pleasant diet are taking on me. The anti-biotics cause diarrhea and subsequently dehydration. The diet (a little better now but not much) started out with warm liquid jello---ONLY. I'm now attempting noodles, but they hurt...which starts a pain killer cycle. Cold water actually hurts! Too much room temp water hurts as well as it tends to wash away protective coatings on the wounds I guess.

Other than that, I'm okay, no seizure activity yet or expected as the AED's (anti-epileptic drugs) seem to be doing what they are supposed to.

I can truly see why the doctor said 1-2 weeks recovery time. I was hoping for 1 week but I didn't make it...sigh. I hope it wraps up soon.

Sincerely
Speber

PS. I wrote this after taking some PK's...I'm going to lie down soon!

 

[Georgiagirl88]

Hey there,

I was 16 almost 17 when mine were taken out. (I'm 41 now)This was before all the new laser and new techniques. I had pain..but from what I hear it is not nearly as bad nowadays. Now I have heard the surgery is pretty bad for apnea. I think it is more tissue removal. I have apnea as well..but I don't qualify or have a problem with enlarged neck or throat..just weakened throat muscles. Is your cough better since the switch in meds.? Was the BP med. Hizar(?) they actually thought that maybe that was causing my Mom's issues. It was not in her case. If it isn't better I know that reflux can cause that and even some pulmonary issues as well as allergies like Robin mentioned. We have dealt with this alot in our family. We all have asthma/allergies (which can represent as coughing spells)
and our son goes to a Pulmonologist. He is actually doing great now. Some people think you can "outgrow" asthma. That is actully not true. You just may not be having flare ups. Chronic cough is definitely something to be checked into. There can be many causes. My sister has sarcoid and a chronic cough at times. I would try to find the root cause if it doesn't improve, just because there can be a bunch of different causes. Keep us posted. Good Luck everybody:bigmouth:.

Michelle