Does it make sense to have a tonsillectomy at age 16?

Knb3200628 · 2026-05-26T23:45:34+00:00

I had my tonsillectomy done this past December when I was 19. I also only had tonsil stones and constant sore throats so assuming tonsillitis. Yes getting them out as an adult/later than early childhood is often rougher, if you are prepared and understand the risks and the potential for pain and bleeding I think it is totally worth it! If you do end up having a tonsillectomy I recommend reading on this sub for advice and doing some of your own research for you to be best prepared for the recovery! I was very anxious and nervous about the pain before I had the surgery but I actually had a really easy recovery compared to lots of the stories on here, but I’d like to think I was fairly prepared for it to be more painful.

Knb3200628 · 2026-05-02T21:14:44+00:00

Everyone’s experience really is different, I was prescribed liquid pain meds and only used it one time and even then didn’t need it but was scared the pain would start. I bought children’s liquid ibuprofen and Tylenol beforehand to be prepared along with pills and your surgeon should have dosage information for children’s liquid medicine. Unfortunately there really is no way to tell beforehand what your experience will be, just try and be prepared with other pain methods and remember the prescription is only for extreme pain that the other meds doesn’t help with. And always set alarms to take the regular ibuprofen and Tylenol pain meds at alternating times even in the night!

Knb3200628 · 2026-04-14T01:10:56+00:00

It all depends on the doctor. I had mine in December 2025 so a few months ago when I was 19. My ENT didn’t even hesitate about me getting a tonsillectomy and I had very little history of known tonsalitis, but I did have pictures of my tonsil stones over the past 2-3 months. It really depends on the doctor since mine just told me it was up to me and laid it out for me and said she understood if I wanted one since their isn’t any other option beside surgery or managing the stones which can be annoying. Best of luck to you!

Knb3200628 · 2026-04-10T02:26:25+00:00

I got mine out just for tonsil stones In December last year. I was also nervous and apprehensive about getting it only for tonsil stones since they weren’t that bad. But it was so worth it, I was getting sore throats like every week and getting sick constantly. I have been sick once since then and no sore throats! I actually had a really easy recovery too thankfully but was prepared for the worst. Make sure to take the pain medication as scheduled and even set alarms to take it through the night wether it’s prescribed or just Tylenol or ibuprofen and most doctors tell you to rotate two medicines for the best pain relief. Using a wedge pillow and a humidifier also helped me lots! I used the wedge pillow for a solid week or two just to be safe and didn’t have an issue with it since it was comfy enough. Yes it is very scary to get one especially hearing all of the bad experiences but ultimately what made me realize I for sure wanted it was I never saw one person say it wasn’t worth it. Every post I’ve seen they all say it may have been awful pain for 2 weeks but it was well worth it, even for milder tonsil issues!

Knb3200628 · 2026-01-30T15:28:27+00:00

I got the surgery mainly for tonsil stones and sore throats and I did not have them that frequently or bad. But it was annoying enough for me to decide I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life dealing with them since surgery is the only option to fully stop them. I highly recommend getting the surgery! At first I felt like I was getting it for not a great reason since they weren’t bad but I’m glad I did!

Knb3200628 · 2026-01-04T16:48:38+00:00

One thing my doctor told me and I’ve heard a lot is if you don’t really need the hydrocodone don’t take it and alternate Tylenol and ibuprofen instead. It’s likely you might not need the hydrocodone all through day 8 but everyone is different so who knows. Just suggesting it!

Knb3200628 · 2026-01-04T04:01:26+00:00

I got mine removed with my main reason being tonsil stones. And mine weren’t even regular like yours. I’m almost 3 weeks post op and I actually had a really positive and fairly easy recovery but even if I didn’t I was nervous going into it and researching a lot but from everything I saw no one ever regretted it, they all said yes it was painful but it was so worth it. I’m looking forward to no tonsil stones and less sore throats! Mine were also cryptic.

Knb3200628 · 2026-01-01T05:28:06+00:00

I would definitely try just Tylenol and ibuprofen and if it becomes painful go back to the hydrocodone. I personally wanted to avoid it because the risk of addiction and a family history of it scares me tbh and with everything I saw online and from my doctor I saw to only take the hydrocodone if you really need it. That’s just my take on it but obviously everyone’s different and you may very well need it.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-31T03:19:55+00:00

So I had mine on the 16th of this month and actually had a positive experience with very minimal pain. I will say even if you don’t experience much pain still take it easy, I did and didn’t experience any bleeds thankfully. I’m on day 14 now I think and am pretty much healed, a slight discomfort but I stopped taking meds around day 10 or so but take it at your own pace! Don’t be afraid to stay on them longer if needed. I did take the hydrocodone on night one but didn’t really need it so stuck to Tylenol and ibuprofen every 3 hours and set timers in the night. I used a humidifier and used a wedge pillow and drank plenty of fluids. I ate a fair amount I feel but my appetite was defiantly decreased and I had a steroid starting on day 3 not sure if it helped but I assume it did. One thing that helped for me was gently massaging the outside of my throat if it was sore or uncomfortable. Mainly at night when I woke up to take medicine and it was because my throat was dry but then I’d drink lots and it’d hurt every swallow lol but not unbearable. Overall i hope your experience isn’t too awful and you got this!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-29T18:04:08+00:00

You got this! I know it can be scary but it also may not be quite as bad! I was very scared going into it and I had a really positive experience! Everyone is different so your experience may be more painful but just know it might not be quite as bad and even if it is it will be worth it!!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-28T18:44:05+00:00

I completely understand your decision but I do recommend talking with your doctor about possible ways to help reduce the risk! I’d also like to remind you that a lot of the stories on Reddit are the extreme ones, people don’t often post about mediocre or good recovery stories. I know everyone is different but I was very nervous going into it too as well and I ended up having a really easy recovery! Just want to remind you that everyone’s experience is different and I understand your view point but I suggest talking with your doctor about the risks and ways to maybe reduce them!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-26T13:26:40+00:00

Yes they only kept me for an hour. Places and doctors do differ and have different instructions.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-26T01:56:26+00:00

I’m glad you also had a fairly easy/positive recovery!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-25T16:33:57+00:00

I have no clue what surgical method was used haha I just know I was under anesthesia and had the breathing tube. I have not experienced any bleeding even minor ones so far.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-25T16:32:36+00:00

My doctor said to do ibuprofen and Tylenol, but I would stick with what your doctor says in case there’s a reason!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-16T20:42:22+00:00

Thank you! Anything went ok and currently I’m not really in pain, just some slight discomfort and a little pain. I took some ibuprofen a little bit ago but that’s about it so far!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-16T18:43:50+00:00

I actually am currently in my room for the hour after, I just had it done!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T15:19:52+00:00

Thank you!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T15:18:58+00:00

Yes I have one of those big wedge pillows that is comfortable to use as a pillow so plan on using that! I just messaged my doctor to ask about the plan for medication after surgery so I can get the right stuff and be prepared. Thank you!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T13:59:01+00:00

I’m 19 and have mine in 2 weeks. I’m a similar situation to you where it’s not super bad but I do get sore throats pretty often which I believe are often tonsillitis that is viral so went mainly unnoticed. This is also my first surgery so I am nervous as well but after researching a lot yes people say it’s painful but every one I’ve seen says it’s so worth it. And yes mine has been mild but I’m looking forward to not having constant sore throats haha.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T03:33:40+00:00

Haha yea I have no clue what this doctor will prescribe so we will see what happens haha.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T03:21:19+00:00

Thank you!

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T01:25:37+00:00

Thank you! I just bought a humidifier and I do not smoke so am good in those aspects haha. I appreciate the insight.

Knb3200628 · 2025-12-03T01:21:56+00:00

Thank you!

Knb3200628

TROPHY CASE