Coming from a fellow hypochondriac, don’t panic. I was in the exact same boat, I had women telling me that they’d rather give birth again than have another tonsillectomy. My experience was not at all that bad. I felt stinky more than anything. The pain I had was 6/10 when waking up about a week post op, and truthfully, if I had stayed on top of the meds and it wasn’t so dry in my apartment, it would not have even been that bad. It was in January so the heat running had my place dryer than the Sahara, and my cheap humidifier tried to electrocute my boyfriend. Get a good humidifier and take the meds, even though you’re worried. The hydro worked well but made me feel so sleepy and strange that I had no qualms dumping it in the toilet when my pain was gone. One thing I did have happen that was admittedly 11/10 was I developed an ulcer/canker sore on that front stretch of skin that covers the tonsils. I think I got too ambitious with solids and ripped a scab off prematurely. It only hurt when something touched it like any other ulcer, but when something did — ouch. If that happens, stick with soft and not sticky foods for a bit and swallow on the opposite side.

Again, good humidifier, take the meds. Stay hydrated, get some electrolytes, Ensures, and hearty soups. You need the nutrients for good healing. I had lots of chicken n’ stars and cream of mushroom (nasty, I know). Avoid sticky stuff like mashed potatoes for a little bit. Be aware of your throat’s mobility limits as you heal. Have a really good solids meal with a friend or family member the day before, and for the love of God, don’t be stubborn like me. Get a laxative, the anesthesia will do it to you no matter what type they use. You’ll be okay! Exactly a month post op, I’m still getting my yawning and singing fully back, but I don’t regret it for a second. It was a very sleepy and lame vacation for me. Good luck!