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Michele had her tonsils taken out on Thursday. They have been chronically infected for some time now and had to be removed to bring an end to the trouble they were causing her. But, as an adult the resulting pain from this procedure is quite intense. After reading a dozen or so medical news groups and first-hand accounts of the postoperative pain levels I have found that it has been rated as causing a higher pain level than many types of abdominal surgery. Also her type of tonsillectomy was electrocautery. A heated type of scalpel is used to burn and cauterize as it cuts. This procedure makes for an average blood lose of about 4ml and it is the fastest method in use. Unfortunately it is also the most painful postoperatively.

I am taking care of her while she heals and working from home. There's to be no physical activities exceeding 5lbs as any increase in blood pressure could cause bleeding. No coughing, no clearing of the throat, no nothing. Recovery time for this procedure, based on the posting I have read from patients, ranges from 12 to 22 days.

I have a new respect for Michele. i would likely not do it if I knew all this before hand. I love her and bothers me greatly that I can do nothing to reduce the pain. All I can do is keep filling the ice bags, keeping her full of cold water and get her meals and anything else she needs. I'm sure that the pain is a real downer too. Not being able to do anything other than wince in pain every time you have to swallow and is hard to sleep through.

I can't wait for her to be pain free. She'll definitely be better with her tonsils. But, I want my happy bubbles back. :(