While everyone else will be enjoying barbecues, family vacations, and trips to the beach this summer, I will be laid up in bed catching up on Dexter and the new season of Orange is the New Black. That's right, I am getting my tonsils removed.
After having recurrent strep throat several times a year since childhood, my doctors have recommended I go through with a tonsillectomy. Although strep throat has never been enjoyable, in the past I was able to fight through, take my antibiotics, and bounce back relatively quickly. Until the last couple of years. Now my fevers are higher, my throat is more painful, and the antibiotics take longer to work. Not only that but it takes me a couple of weeks to get back to normal. Now that I have children and a husband that is never home, it's not really possible to rest and sleep it off. Plus I am, ahem, getting more mature (I refuse to say "older"). So instead of suffering with strep four times a year, I am opting to put an end to it once and for all.
I had my consult with my ENT doctor in April. He checked me out, read my history and highly recommended I have the procedure done. But the first words out of his mouth made me seriously reconsider. He said "You ARE going to regret having this surgery." He proceeded to tell me it will be "the most painful experience of your life." Additionally, my husband would have to be with me at all times for a minimum of two weeks. I love my husband but I also like my space, so the idea of having James by my side (while I am in pain) doesn't hold much appeal. The consult didn't go how I expected at all. I mean, I have no pain tolerance and I was not expecting such a long recovery. He told me we would schedule the procedure and to go home and do some research. So that's what I did.
The first thing I did was watch a YouTube video of a tonsillectomy being preformed. Huuuuuge mistake. I almost called the office then and there to cancel my surgery. I kept on reading and found many blogs and websites devoted to providing information for adults undergoing a tonsillectomy. Recovery for children and adults is completely different. For some reason, children are able to bounce back in a shorter period of time. The recovery time for adults is about four weeks. That sounds like ages to a busy mom.
So I decided to compile a list based on my research. I am hopeful that this will help me to prepare and not be so overwhelmed when I return home from the surgery.
1. Stop watching the tonsillectomy video (I just can't help it!)
2. Start eating super clean and really focus on my fitness. I'm convinced it will shorten my recovery time.
3. Stock up on soft foods and smoothie ingredients, including plenty of ice.
4. Prepare my bedroom. I will be spending a lot of time in there, so I want to be as comfortable as possible.
5. Make a list of shows and movies to catch up on.
6. Get together some reading material.
7. Make a list for my husband. I'm not really sure how he will handle taking care of the household, dogs and kids and I want things to run smoothly.
8. Make some meals for the freezer so my family doesn't starve (lol).
9. Come up with activities for the kids to do.
And that's pretty much the plan. June 27 is the big day. I'm hoping I will at least be able to catch the fireworks on the Fourth. This girl will certainly be ready for some fun!
Adam got his tonsils out in high school. He's told me how rough the recovery was and how he was not prepared for that at.all.! Sounds like at least you're going in knowing what to expect! He's also told me it's pretty bad short term but in the long run soooo worth it! Good luck! And you are a brave woman for watching YouTube. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I'm glad to know he thought it was worth it. I know a couple of other people that have said the same thing. Thanks!
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