And here is my new post for today, which is the morning of DAY 4 if I count the day of surgery as DAY 1.

I haven't had any food except a small portion of applesauce 2 days ago.  Applesauce was a mistake.  Not only was it painful, but because it is not entirely smooth it tended to get hung-up in the stitches which forced me to swallow harder than I expected.  Yesterday was a very tough day.  I had a very hard time getting liquids down the hatch.  I managed to get about 12 ounces of Gatorade during the day and about 12 ounces of water throughout the night.

I've stopped taking the Tylenol since the Hydrocodone has Tylenol in it.

I've also stopped using the Chloroseptic as advised here on this board.  The doctor had given it to me in the hospital and told me it would help me through the pain, but I wasn't aware that it is a corrosive agent.  I would rather tolerate the pain than harm the tissue.

I will say that overall the pain is more manageable than I expected, although I would say I have it worse than NERVOUS15 has indicated in her posts.  When I'm not swallowing, the pain is almost completely gone, but during the act of swallowing it nearly puts me on my knees.  I tried a spoonful of Jello yesterday and thought I was going to pass out from the pain.  I can tolerate this, but it would be great if I could get to the point that I can easily swallow Gatorade, protein shakes, and a small portion of very soft food.  I feel reasonably good overall, but I'm afraid to spend any energy since I have no way of replenishing it.

I shone a flashlight in my mouth and looked at the wound in the mirror.  It's nasty looking.  The incision areas appear to have brownish flesh on the edges, which I imagine is the beginning stages of scabbing.

I've had a lot of hiccups, and those have been much more painful than coughing.  I have also experienced having water shoot completely out of my nose.  It happens when I take too big of a drink.  I have to stay with very small sips to make it pass through.  Will that ever change?

Overall, it's not any worse than I expected, but it is certainly no walk in the park.  I'm sure it would be much worse without the pain meds.

I am in day 5 of recovery.  Gotta tell ya I have maybe as much pain as yesterday which I rated a 1-1-1/2 or maybe less.  I feel for ALL of you that have posted FRIGHTENING experiences, but I havent experienced ANY of the horror you all have.  Question:  I had a UPPP/Tonsilectomy, is that what you all have had, or did you combine that with another proceedure?  I just CANT understand it.  EVERYONE just about on here stated that they have felt worse on DAY 3, 4, 5, but I gotta tell you I feel WONDERFUL.  This morning had a little pain in the back of my throat and roof of my mouth.  I took 200mg Elixer of childrens ibuprofen and the rest is history.   Maybe my WORST day is yet to come, but basically for now, I can talk without pain(although not to long), eat ( soft consistency foods), and because I havent eaten much food,  feel weak.  

OMG I feel so blessed that GOD had sent to me a TOP NOTCH surgeon as well as everyday bringing through this ordeal.

All in All I truly believe my quality of life has improved...with the GRACE OF GOD.

Alleluyia

Nervous15

All of you all take care good luck in your recovery and keep posting.[/b]

DO  NOT drink anything that is to acidic, it will mess you up and good.  Stay away from Gatorade, anything orange, applesauce,  even juices.  Get some BOOST, or ENSURE that is what I am using and it works rather well.

I know it is very hard to swallow but you MUST, for the healing.  Grin and Bare it hun.  The first day out of surgery, I drank very little...anything, but I tried hard.  From the 2nd day forward I have consumed at least 64 oz of water a day maybe more...you MUST get your throat back to working right for you, therefore you MUST swallow.  

You will be surprised how it aids in the healing process.  

Hang in there, you can do this...

Nervous15

I have tried Boost, Ensure, Gatorade, bottled water, hot tea, and apple juice.  I haven't found much of a difference in terms of difficulty of swallowing.  Apple juice seemed to go down the easiest, and the bottled water seems to be the toughest...maybe because of the metals that are common to water.  The Boost and Ensure probably provide the best nutrients, and the Gatorade probably provides the best energy jump.  It's all tough to swallow for me.  The Boost and Ensure seem to be a little too thick and goopy for me, although I've made myself put it down.  I keep forcing the water down because it seems like the most natural thing to do.

When I'm on the hydrocodone and not swallowing, the pain is a very manageable 2 or 3.  During swallowing of anything liquid it quickly jumps to a 7 or 8.  I think it has less to do with the open sores and more to do with trying to use muscles and flesh that have been so severely traumatized.

I have a very high tolerance for pain.  I've torn the ligaments in my ankle, have been bed-ridden for a severe back injury, and I've passed several HUGE kidney stones.  The throat pain is one of the worst pains I have ever experienced.  Manageable, but horrible.  There's no way I'm going to let myself miss a dose of the pain meds.

I'll be happy once it gets to the point that it's no worse than a severe case of strep throat.  I've had a severe case of it before, and I was still able to eat almost anything without taking pain meds.  Once I get to that point, it should be smooth sailing.

NERVOUS15, I'm glad that your recovery is going so well.  Hang in there!

I am wishing you better success with your recovery.  Tomorrow will be day 6 for me and hopefully I wont have a horror story such as yours.  They say around days 4 through  10 there should be time when the pain is the worst.  Then after day 10 it starts tapering off and finally goes away...so hang in there 6 more to go then it will be smooth sailing for you.

I think some of my sutures are gone, at least thats what it feels like on the left side of my throat and roof of my mouth.  I cant be sure though and truly havent looked...YUK  The right side of my throat hurts more tonite than past nights, however I was able to eat a big portion of mac and cheese...yummy tasted like a steak!!!  It hurt when I swallowed but I kept swallowing as I know that is the ONLY way this will heal the surgical site as well as aid in any affected muscles resuming to normal functioning.   I have had NO problem with taste or odd feelings in my throat like others have reported.  One Mediator even stated , very dramatically that the "surgeon can nik a muscle and you may never be able to taste anything again"  OMG!!!  I think to myself, "how rediculous does that sound".

Brave the pain brother it will be over very soon.

Know that every day you will have a different experience.  Did your Surgeon place you on antibiotics, mine did.  I am on penicillin elixer, maybe thats why my pain hasnt been excruciating as yet.

I am sorry the Boost didnt work for you.  I know there are alot of vitamins and minerals to help also with nutrition.  

Also I have NOT drank any juice at all, I dont know if that has helped me limit my pain, who knows.  

Who knows, everyone is different.  I am just trying to offer suggestions that MAY help with the pain.  

Good luck and try and get some sleep.

Nervous15[/b]

Well I must say last night and today are more pain than the past 5 days.   On a scale of 1-10 I would have to rate the pain a 3-3-1/2, so I may have to take some stronger meds today.  I feel scabbylike stuff in my throat so maybe I am at that juncture in recovery.  I must say it is not pleasant but not dreadful YET...lol

So off to the medicine cabinet for some TLC.  Man I had better drink more water, also.

I will post tomorrow for a day 7 experience.

Nervous15

This is DAY 5 for me.  It was rough last night.  I diligently woke up at scheduled times to take the pain meds, and it was like trying to swallow a ball of fire.  The pain has remained relatively unchanged for me since the beginning, but today it has gotten a little worse.  Today I have consumed 1 and half bottles of water, 1 bottle of Boost, and I finally had a pudding cup which was very hard to get down.  My throat is absolutely killing me.  I'm just counting the time between scheduled doses of pain medication.  I'm determined to get more water down the hatch before the day is over, but the pain is definitely worse today.

NERVOUS15, I'm sorry it has gotten worse for you.  My surgeon told me that days 5-7 are typically tough because the nerve endings are rejuvenating.  I don't know if it's true or not, but everyone seems to hit the same brick wall in that window of time.  Hang in there!

Many long years ago when my 12-year old daughter had her tonsils out, I was given (prescribed?) some drops to use when it was time for her to eat or drink.  They must have been some kind of topical anesthetic.  Is there anything like that now?

YIPESSSSSS!!!!  My throat hurts like heck.   I took my first dose of Lortab last night.  Pain is a kickin' my a**!!!  Also last night I coughed up a stitch.  I finally got the nerve to look at my throat yesterday and OMG does it look UGLY!!!!!!  White patches where my tonsils used to be, stitches all over the place in there, and a tiny little Uvula.  The opening is nice and big, lots of room for air...

Spider hang in there hun, we must belly up to the bar and endur the rest of this pain...you are 5 days out and I am 7 days out, the end of our ordeal should be in sight.  I am certain the benefits we both will discover will be worth this pain.

Some of the posts have stated to take your meds, then when the pain is subsiding eat a little something.  I think thats what I will try today.  Back on the Boost for me today, the heck with mashed potatoes, buttered toast w/ egg, little macaroni and cheese.  I have been getting away with murder for the past 7 days so I guess now it is my turn.

Frances, thanks for the suggestion.  My surgeon did not prescribe anything other than the chidrens Ibuprofen, and Lortab, for the pain.  I understand though that the throat number Chloreseptic, or the lozengers, can damaged the tissue.  I think the are corrosive agents (or something like that).  I bought the extra strength lozengers and would LOVE to just suck on one every couple of hours.......Thanks for your suggestion.

Spider we are older, so I think although many have not had success with this surgery, and it DOES depend on your personal case, we may have a pretty good chance.  I say that because, when you are young and have this surgery for obstruction, you have a tendency to "grown stuff back",  like for instance a weak palate, or elongated Uvula.  In our case I think we are good in that department. (much better chance than if we were in our 20's or 30's)  I strongly believe we must look at the physiological effects of WHY we were unable to get enough air in, our weight, excercise level, etc.  I think all of those components makes up
a "stands to reason" explaination.  Lets keep posting, maybe we can help each other through this.

Hang in there brother

Nervous15

The pain is getting worse now.  I called the "on call" doctor late yesterday afternoon to see if I could change my pain medication.  He said that I could increase the dosage of the Hydrocodone to make the pain more manageable.  I called my doctor's office today and spoke to a nurse and asked a lot of questions about this drug.  She wasn't very helpful, so I called the pharmacist.  My pharmacist gave me a lot of useful information.  He said that it is possible to take a stronger dosage of Hydrocodone and said that the limiting factor is the amount of Tylenol that is contained in each dose.  I'm now much more comfortable that I have good information about the drug that I am taking.  I also asked him about all of the info swirling here about the Chloraseptic.  He said that it is not a corrosive agent and can be used for post-surgical applications several times per day.  He said it was designed not only for treating sore throats associated with common colds and viruses, but is specifically designed to be used after throat surgeries.  He said that some surgeons recommend using a 50% water and 50% Chloraseptic mixture for mouthwash, but my surgeon did not say that to me.  I asked him about Phenol (Chloraseptic) and Benzocaine (Cepacol), and he said that both come from the same family of drugs and can be used frequently throughout the day to ease post-surgical pain.  He said that Benzocaine would be more effective than Phenol.  Call your pharmacist to get the straight info.

NERVOUS15, I'm sorry your pain is getting worse.  Mine is creeping upward too.  I think we are 1 day apart.  It looks like you had your surgery on Wednesday morning, and I had my surgery on Thursday morning.  I can barely drink sips of water at this point.  I'm forcing it down, but it hurts like H-E-double-hockey-sticks.  In the past 6 days, the only food I have eaten is 1 snack pack of applesauce, 1 snack pack of pudding, and a couple of spoonfuls of sherbert.  Other than that, it's been strictly liquids.  I'm hungry and weak.

I'm still glad I had the surgery done.  I know it will be much more manageable in a few days.  I just want to eat...anything.

Hang in there everyone!  For those considering the surgery, don't be afraid.  The pain is very real, but it is manageable.

Its hard to even swollow my siliva....OMG!   I am trying to  "White Knuckle" it.  Thanks alot for the information about the cepacol and stuff.  In the morning if the pain isint much better I will call the surgeons office and ask if I could use the lozengers. (just to make sure  he is ok with it)

Today I had a tad bit of mashed potatoes I thought it would help my stomach with all the meds.  OMG was that  ever a mistake.  3 bites and I was done.  All I keep doing today is knocking out (like 1 hour at a time)  I think I am getting pretty weak now.  When I woke from a power nap I tried to eat some pudding....YA that went well.  The roof of my mouth was on fire.  I cholked it down and that was it.  Another thing when I knock out for even an hour, it feels like I slept 4 or 5.  When I get up I am surprised it was only a short time....wierd!

When I fell asleep last night i had a terrible nightmare, it was soooooooooooooooooooo real.  I was screaming at a prowler trying to get in my home...(I hope I didnt really scream...i probably would have sprung a leak..LOL)

Do you have disolvable stitches?  When are they supposed to actually dislove, do you know?

I really want to stop thease meds....i could only guess what they are doing to the liver!!!!!! AND OMG the GAS!!! Poot poot here ana poot poot there, here a poot there a poot everywhere a poot poot.  LMAO (trying to at least)

I am getting over this now and all I want to do is be on the total mend and off meds...............and YES be able to eat.  Right now a turkey hot dog looks like a steak!!  LOL


Hang in there brother we'll make it

nervous15

NERVOUS15, I'm so sorry your pain has escalated so much.  Mine has been up there for a while.  I know what you mean about the saliva...sometimes your body automatically tries to swallow excess saliva, and it will make your eyes water.  It will put you on your knees.  I know exactly what you mean.  I've had such a hard time swallowing even plain water for several days, but I've been forcing it down-the-hatch.  Fighting the pain is exhausting.  Usually, when I've forced myself to drink I am wore-out and have to take a nap to recover.  Like I said before, even eating a small cup of pudding makes me want to scream.

I haven't had the problem with gas, but I've getting hiccups quite a bit over the past few days.  A single hiccup is torture!  I also had a coughing fit on Sunday, but that was not nearly as bad as the hiccups.  I'm totally weak.  Drinking Boost, Ensure, and Gatorade are surely helping, but it's no substitute for well-balanced meals.  It takes all the energy I have just to move about the house.  I took my daughter out to the mall for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon.  It was so nice just to get out of the house, but I was so exhausted when we got home.  I was completely wiped out for the rest of the day.

I know what you mean about the dreams!  I was telling my wife the same thing.  I've had so many EXTREMELY REAL dreams that I have a hard time distinguishing fact from fiction when I first wake up.  I don't like taking the narcotics, especially on a totally empty stomach.

My stitches are dissolvable.  My surgeon said that they will mostly dissolve by the end of the first week.  He said that sometimes there may be a couple of them that don't dissolve and he will need to take them out.  I'm going to see him in 2 days, and he'll remove any that haven't dissolved.

Be sure to call your pharmacist about the throat sprays and lozenges.  They will know more about the meds than the doctors.  Good luck.  I hope your day gets better.

The good news is that we are already deep into this, and it won't be long before it starts to get better.

Its good that you got out a while, but you must be in pretty good physical shape to have gone to the mall....(the price of being fit, I need to take a lesson) It's wonderful that you have a family to be there with you during all of this, you are very fortunate.  I live alone so I have had several people stop in and check on me....I am truly blessed

....I posted earlier about the extreme pain I had last night and this am...guess what.  By mid afternoon my pain was subsiding to a very bad strep throat pain.  I have take only Ibuprofen 2 x's today thats it.  I ate  2 white meat turkey dogs and some mashed potatoes.  Although it hurt afterwards the pain slowly disipated.  Maybe thats a good sign who knows.

Hiccups!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  OMG you must have been miserable, I cant even imagine.  Coughing, now that I have had, not TO bad of pain though, seems to go away right away.

Today I drank about 30 0z of water so I think that is pretty good.  You know whats funny.  The water being room temperature goes down much better than the ice cold stuff.

Hang in there brother we're almost there.

I'll keep you posted on day 8

Nervous15

I wonder where your pharmacist was trained.  Phenol is a corrosive acid which can cause major tissue damage.  Another name for it is Carbolic Acid.  Phenol is the active ingredient in Chloroseptic.  It is readily absorbed through the skin.  A spill of pure phenol on my coworker's leg sent him to the burn unit for a week because it is readily absorbed (where it can then cause neurological damage) and it destroys tissue.  Of course it is much less concentrated in Chloroseptic.  If you want to read about phenol, here is the toxicology review from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

http://www.epa.gov/ncea/iris/toxreviews/0088-tr.pdf

If your doctor thinks it is OK to spray this in your throat on raw tissue, then go for it.  This is one of those "Risk/Benefit" kind of things and those are your decisions to make.  I just want to make sure you are informed.  Personally, I would find less toxic ways to numb the pain.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki, thank you for the info.

I called another pharmacist to get another opinion.  He provided me with basically the same information as the first.  Phenol in it's purest form is deadly, which is true for many of the agents that are found in pharmaceuticals (for example, strychnine is an active ingredient for many drugs that treat neurological disorders but it's also the primary ingredient for rat poison).  I did a little more digging on my own to see what I could find on the Internet (although you always have to be skeptical of what you find on the web).  Here are a few perspectives from oral surgeons:

Here's one posted by a doctor recommending Chloraseptic after a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy:  http://www.entacc.com/forms/Tonsillectomy.pdf

And another doctor recommendation for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy:  http://www.doctorhoffman.com/ta.htm

One more:  http://www.collincountyent.com/documents/Tonsillectomy-AdenoidectomyPost-OpInst.pdf

Recommendations from an oral surgeon for post-op procedures:  "24 hours after surgery rinse mouth vigorously, using a dilute solution of Chloraseptic (one part Chloraseptic to one part warm water). Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days."  Link:  http://www.oralsurgerycenter.net/post_op/index.html

Thanks again for the info.  Your insights prompted me to dig further, which I should have done anyway.  You make a great point in that no one should just take medicine without fully knowing the potential consequences.  I was just blindly using the Hydrocodone without even knowing what is in it, as well as the Chloraseptic.  Each person needs to decide for themselves and should definitely be informed about what they are taking.  This site is great, and I really appreciate all of the information.

Best wishes to all.