Adult Endoscopic Sinus Surgery/tonsillectomy

I had my deviated septum fixed about 6 years ago. I do not regret it one minute, I couldn't breath through my nose or smell anything for about 3 years before I had it done. I was also afraid of the pain and anesthesia because I had never had an IV before this. I was out in seconds and next thing woke up in recovery. I can now breath and smell. I was down for 3 days with gauze up my nose, which was uncomfortable. But in the end everything was great, take the meds. I went from getting sinus infections one every 6 weeks so 1-2 times a year. I am so grateful.

I had mine out when I was 25 and I survived it just fine. I was actually nursing my daughter at the time, so I did not take many pain meds. Mine was also outpatient.
My hubby had his done last Feb and he was feeling better within a week (he also had some soft palate removed and turbinate surgery for sleep apnea reasons done at the same time, so his was even more intense!)
My best advice is to have LOTS of things on hand in the house to drink and eat- from soda, to bottled or pitchers of cold water, extra ice made or bagged, juices, Gatorade in different flavors, etc. Jello, chicken or other broth soups, instant mashed potatoes, applesauce, etc.
I prefered things room temp when I had mine out, my hubby prefered cold things. Another thing you can do is ask for an ice pack that can wrap around your neck (they can give you one at the clinic) and you can ask your dr for a prescription for pain lollipops too- my daughter used these when she had hers out and they really seemed to help. It is basically Morphine in lollipop form (hers were grape!) and you can suck on them for 30 seconds to relieve pain immediately.
It's not as bad as people make it out to be, and all 3 of us have benefitted from our surgeries GREATLY- my hubby has decreased snoring probs and better night breathing, my daughter and I have decreased allergy symptoms and less sore throats.
My surgeon did tell me that for adults, expect *some* residual sore throat pain off and on for a year because it is VERY slow healing, so don't expect to be sore-throat-free overnight :(
Good luck!
If you have any more questions for me, feel free to email me at ____@____.com
-Amanda

Take a deep breath! Now think most kids go thru this at 9-13 when they are having this problem....and most of them survive it...lots of popsicles and cool items to sooth the throat! I have gone the major back surgery and ankle reconstructive surgery and live without too many pain pills..You can do it..be brave...can't be worst then child birth! (I had mine out at 13...sore throat for a few days...then you never have to deal with the problem again!)

I've had a septoplasty about ten years ago. It was very painful(worse than childbirth in my opinion). However, I can breath much better and I no longer have frequent sinus infections. The surgeon did say I had one of the worst septums he has ever seen and they had to keep me under anesthesia much longer than they expected. Perhaps your experience will be better, but you can expect the healing to be painful and you will probably have to sleep sitting up for a few days. I don't regret having the surgery.

I had my septum fixed and I and tell you I felt nothing LOL It did not hurt at all. I was up and moving that day. But as for the tonsils, LOTS of popsicles and take your pain meds :) I have also been knocked out numerous times for surgeries and it's really peaceful, so I wouldn't worry about that. Tell them you are freaked out and need something to calm you down, they are always more then happy to help you with that. Good Luck

My husband had tonsils out and sinus surgery 2 years ago(33 years old). It was painful, but he is sinus infection free now. He insisted on going back to work a few days later. He was miserable. I talked to him and he recommends: There was no pain while it was done and the anesthesia is was fine. He counted down from 10 and then next thing he knew he was waking up in recovery. Please take at least 7 days to recoop. and try to have someone wait on you hand and foot. The first day is okay because you are on drugs. For the next two days, don't get out of bed. It was worse when he started walking around. He also would not get both done at the same time. You can't breathe out of your nose and it hurts to breathe out of your mouth. He would have had them done seperately. The first thing you'll want to is blow your nose-don't! They'll tell you that, but your instincts will tell you different. Finally, Vicodin is your friend!

my husband had this surgery 2 yrs ago. It was done at Delnor, and went well. It was day surgery. He was in pain for a good 1 1/2 weeks or so. Stock up on freezey pops, jello, etc.. soft, cool food. Your throat will hurt. My husband is thankful for doing the surgery. He is now much better, and can breathe ALOT better. He had to sleep in the recliner during his recovery.

It was scarey, he nor I have ever had surgery, but we drudged thru it one day at a time. Good luck to you. I will pass your note to my husband tonite, and maybe he will write you this evening regarding this. You will be alot better, he sure is.

hi K.-

I had similar surgery about 4 years ago. I am really glad that I got it done. I was miserable for about a year with a chronic sore throat. My sinuses are horrible too. I haven't had that surgery yet. It is very very painful(the tonsilectomy). That said, it is completely worth it.

G.

Never had sinus surgery, but had my tonsils taken out in HS. I will say it was the worst pain I have ever been through. Worse than my 2 c-sections....but I have had no throat problems since. Expect a week of terrible pain, I did not even want ice cream or anything else people say you will want. I lost like 30 lbs that week. No eating or drinking. My mom had to get a baby medicine suringe to administer my meds.

Good luck!
K.

My mom had endoscopic sinus surgery and is thrilled that she did it, as well as my cousin. Both experienced dramatic improvement in allergies, overall health, reduction in post-nasal drip and almost complete elimination of a persistant cough. Yes, your nose will be packed and nasty for a few days, but the end result will be worth it! Good luck.

My husband had to have surgery to remove nasal polyps which can't be any better than what you're about to do! You'll be fine! He was in and out in one day, took a week off to recuperate and said he would do it all over again because he can breathe! I don't recal him complaining at all about pain. Your throat will hurt I'm sure, but that's what pain meds are for!

Hi, I see this thread is rather dated, but I am facing the EXACT SAME SURGERY and am totally at odds whether I should have both procedures done at once or split them into two- I'm 30 and otherwise a healthy individual....not sure if you still chime in here now and then but I'm so curious to know the outcome of your surgery- did you end up doing both procedures at once, what was the recovery like? Your advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

I was 9 days shy of my 19th birthday when I had my tonsils removed. I won't lie, it was painful, but nothing unmanageable, especially with pain meds. My surgery was also outpatient. I got home that afternoon, and was able to answer and talk on the phone for a few minutes, so that shows that my pain wasn't too terribly bad. Just be sure to keep up with your pain meds, and you will be fine.
Good Luck to you!

I had the same surgery without the tonsillectomy. It was pretty horrible, I must admit. In the long run it was very worth it. The post op was the worst but that also had to do with the nurses. Make sure you take someone with you to take care of you the first night, don't try to do it alone. Good Luck and you will survive, we all did!

My husband had both procedures last winter. Some advice for you:
*Don't plan on working for 1-2 weeks.
*Stay on top of your pain meds!!! Take the next dose before you feel the pain.
*Have someone with you for the first few days.
*My husband had to stay over night b/c of sleep apnea but out patient would have been fine.
*My husband does not regret it!

Positive side you will lose some weight (if that is a + thing for you) and your sinus problems will go away.

Negative side it does hurt. Everything the doctors tell you will happen will.

But you will be fine and by the end of February you will have forgotten all about it.