My Triumphant Visit To The ENT

Yesterday I went to the Ear Nose and Throat specialist where I spent 1.5 hours in the waiting room (iPhone, you're a game changer). The weirdest thing happened, and in spite of myself I was touched.

Some rough-around-the-edges girls were sitting a couple seats away from me waiting for a friend who was seeing a doctor. One of the girls said she was going to smoke outside and told the other girl not to use her phone for more than 3 minutes because she was budgeting her minutes.

When she came back she looked at the phone and asked who she'd called. "You called him didn't you? Why did you do that? That's a lot of trust we just lost between us."

An older lady sitting across from the girls looked up and said, "Is that a shelter phone?"

(From a women's shelter?)

"Yeah, and she just called her ex-boyfriend who treated her like shit."

Older lady says, "Okay. I want you to listen to me. You are worth more than that. More than him. You need to stay away from him and find out how to love yourself."

Another lady, sitting a little farther away chimes in, "Never, ever give your power to any man. They'll use it up and use you up."

I wanted in on the moment so I offered, "Also never give a man a sandwich, he'll eat it up and want another."

No I didn't.

And that was it. They all went back to filling out paperwork or stewing silently about the breeched trust and the ex boyfriend who treated her like shit.

All this and I hadn't even seen the doctor yet. Intense.

I finally got called in and the doctor looked in my nose and my ears and in my throat. I told him how I've had my landlord's fist in my throat for the last week and how I also seem to be getting strep and tonsillitis at an alarming rate (my doctor and I counted: SEVEN times in the last NINE MONTHS!).

I thought I might have to convince him that I needed to have them taken out. You know since this has been a problem for my entire life. I guess in the 70's everyone was all, "Let's leave everything! Down with surgery! So what if your left tonsil is the size of an infant's fist. A few sore throats never killed anyone!"

Oh but they do. They nearly killed my family because I am, as we have established, a total fucking baby about being sick.

But I didn't have to convince him, he took a quick look and said, "Jesus, you have a man's fist in your throat. We need to get that out and your tonsils. In fact, they should have come out when you were a kid."

Thank you for all the natural medicine, Hippie Dr. Anne of my youth.

Still, I wanted to convince him because, as we have established, I am not only a total fucking baby, I also like to tell everyone about ALL of my symptoms because sharing the pain makes me feel better. So I started,

"It's so painful every time I get one of these things. It interrupts my whole life because all I want to do is talk about how painful it is. I want to describe the pain to anyone who will listen and, I have this website, and I can't even write on it because all I want to do is use metaphors to describe the pain and that's so boring...."

Then I heard slight snoring and the doctor had fallen asleep standing right next to me. Boring!

So I tiptoed out of the room and scheduled my surgery. They kept asking if I had any questions and I tried to think of something, anything to ask. Something other than, "Can't you just take them out right here, on the desk?"

But I couldn't come up with a single thing to ask, so I said, "How long does the surgery take?"

That was the best question I could come up with. Because, you know, I have a hair appointment afterwards! What?

I'm thrilled they're coming out. I know, it's going to be a hellish recovery and I'm going to be miserable and want to die.

But hopefully, when it's all over, I can spend about 90% less time fully aware of the what is going on in my throat.

November 11th I'll go in, hopefully I don't have uncontrolled bleeding during the surgery followed by death. That would ruin the holidays. I signed a paper saying something about how that could happen, or maybe it said it would happen. Maybe I signed a paper saying, "Let me bleed to death."

I should maybe call and ask about that.

Comments

[Melodie]

Just wanted to say good luck with the surgery and remember: when you want to eat pizza and think, "heck, yeah, I think I can do the pizza now" ... DON'T EAT THE PIZZA. Force yourself to choke down yet another serving of jello. Your throat will thank you for it.

[Sarah]

You are going to be sorry you did it during the recover, but afterward it is going to be sweet relief. I had the same sort of hippie doctor in the 70's and it wasn't until I was 19, and I had tonsilitis 2 tiems in one month that someone was willing to take those bad boys out. I can say with absoulute certainty that you will not get sick as often. I haven't had a sore throat since then. I've had colds and bronchitis, but never a sore throat. I warn you of one thing: do not eat red jello. You will be ineffective at swallowing at first, and a little bit of it will gather in the corners of yoru mouth and you will think you are dying. Stick with green or yellow jello.

[susannah]

I had my tonsils out at age 33. It was miserable and I wanted nothing more than my mommy to take care of me day and night (that and the pink antibiotic goo they gave me to drink because I couldn't swallow a pill was beyond WRETCHED). However, I can safely report that I no longer get strep/bronchitis everytime I sneeze. Life is much healthier now. You'll be so glad - about a month after you've fully recovered.

You're going to want to ask for extra family support during the recovery - because it really will kick your rear.

[Amanda]

Good luck...I just want to say that having mine removed was the best thing that has ever happened for me!!! My grandmother fought and fought to have mine removed from the time I was in 3rd grade until I was in 9th grade. When I finally got a good ear nose and throat doc she took one look at them and said your tonsils are basically rotten in throat. Isn't that a lovely thought...one of my own body parts rotting in my throat. Since they have been removed 13 years ago, I have gotten really sick maybe 3 times but nothing like when I had step or tonsillitis. Complete change from being sick like 9 months out of the year previously.

[Imfayedunaway]

Congratulations! I'm so excited for you. I had my tonsils taken out when I was real young around 3 yrs or so, I think. I've never ever had strep throat and rarely get actual colds or sore throats at all. I hope that's how it ends up for you too!

[Lora]

I had mine out as an adult and it was not the worst thing to happen to me. I will say that the first 24 hours I thought I might choke on my uvula, the thing was so swollen. And I didn't particularly care for the charred feeling in my throat but it was so worth it.

[Kermit]

Prepare your family NOW -- you will not be able to do anything but lie down and whine for two entire weeks. Book your reservation at a restaurant for Thanksgiving.

But yes, you'll be really happy about it 'round about January.

[Lisa]

After having strep throat nine times in a year, I had my tonsils out at age six. I haven't had strep at all in the past 21 years since then and rarely get more than a minor cold.

One note: if you think you can drink rootbeer shortly after they are removed you are wrong. And if you are like my six year old self, you will cry.

Best of luck!

[AnEmily]

Yes, I too was 19 when I had them removed. I also now hardly ever get any sort of throat illnesses, even 20 years later. When you start to eat solid food: small bites, chew thoroughly, keep it bland! Melodie is right-don't eat the pizza. And don't let anybody (I know you were just trying to help, mom) put raw eggs in a milkshake. For protein. That's an evil trick that is very difficult to swallow and that could give you salmonella, mom. Not that I'm bitter about it.

[Jen]

All I have to say is the scabs that come out of your throat after this surgery will most likely make you contemplate whether or not you are slightly alien.

At least that is what happened to me.

Oh, and I lost 10 pounds because I never ate so that was kind of cool too. My only trick for you is to eat spoonfuls of peanut butter. I know that sounds totally gross but eating is going to hurt and it kind of coats your throat and gives you calories and protein. Get a big spoon!

[Karen]

My daughter had hers out a year ago and she drank a lot of Slurpees. Her doctor said that the sooner she starts eating, the sooner she will feel better and that was so true. Good luck to you, Melissa. You will feel so much better in the long run!

[De in D.C.]

Perfect excuse to not have to prepare a thanksgiving dinner this year as you will surely still be recovering. Best of luck with the surgery, and welcome to the start of being illness-free for rest the of your life! (Ok, slight exaggeration, but I really hope this makes a dramatic difference in your health).

[Megan]

So, I had mine removed at age 10 and in keeping with everyone else's story - it worked like a charm, no more strep & rarely anything else since. However, given that you freely admit you don't like pain/discomfort...prepare the family! You won't want to eat ANYTHING for the first couple of days at least...not even yummy ice cream. You are officially forewarned...and the Thanksgiving reservations might not be a bad plan. But it is so worth it. Best wishes!!

[Jennifer]

Women are at their best when they are supporting and encouraging each other rather than tearing each other down. Those women in that waiting room, instead of ignoring the conversation between the two girls, took a chance that a stranger would hear their words and learn from their experiences. I hope she does.

And - good luck with the surgery.

[pseudostoops]

Isn't it such a surprise and relief when your doctor actually wants to do the thing you want him to do? I find that refreshing. And it is SO WORTH IT. (I did adenoids, too, for an extra-special treat, and it helped 1000%)

[Jana]

Hooray! I had mine out on Valentine's day this year (I was 40, BTW). It's been wonderful. Believe EVERYTHING you read about the recovery, pain (like swollowing glass for about 2 weeks after), etc. I would only add that cold drinks, food, etc. do not feel good. Slightly warm water and broth went down well. I lost 20 pounds as a bonus.

[Brooke]

Good luck with the surgery - I had it a fews years back, and it IS worth it...and (as everyone else has said) please stick with the jello, broth, etc. And the liquid vicodin. Don't forget one dose, or you will be hating life. Cheers!

[MelissaSfromGA]

All I have to say is we must be kindred spirits! Just ask my family about the mouth surgery I had last summer. They will all roll their eyes!

[Shawna]

I loved reading about the women in the waiting room. I agree with Jennifer. I'm happy they took a chance and I hope that girl truly heard what they had to say.

And I hope that your surgery is free from complications and your recovery is quick and easy with lots of pampering. :)

[Sara]

Great to hear, even with the pain of recovery. I had mine out as a kid (I also had to go through a year of illness first WTF). I remember the pain--sittting on the couch avoiding swallowing, and then spitting into a bowl. Soon, it will be a distant memory! Best of luck.

[Sandie]

I got mine out in college and never ever had strep again! The down side ( or good side, depending!) is that I was soooo sick as a dog afterwards I dropped 15 pounds. How's that for an early Christmas present?!

p.s. I actually have no idea if you need/want to lose 15 pounds. Please ignore this if you do not to lose weight. Now I am scared I have offended you. I'll hit post anyway!

[Cheryl K. Bennett]

o.k. "This one time at band camp..." well, not band camp actually, but I was in band, o.k.? and I was a flute player. And, our band was the #1 band in the state of Indiana. And I couldn't miss school because we were going to Florida.
But my tonsils were ulcerated and disgusting and it hurt to talk and swallow. When I would get up in the morning, I wouldn't speak for hours. I became immune to penacillin.
So, a few days after school was out, I had them out. I'll tell ya- as an adult, it is painful. BUT, it only lasts for a short time, and then it is over. No more sore throats, no more pain, no more sickness.
I lived on instant mashed potatoes with Campbell's Cream of chicken soup over it. I'm certain my mother dreamed that one up, but it was wonderful and tasted soooooo good! Cheryl (still in Indiana)

[Michele]

I am happy that you will no longer be in pain after the surgery/recovery - but I will miss the funny dying stories!

[patois]

Yummmmmm, ice cream. Good luck. Hope you can beat it until then.

[northportmom]

Good luck. My 12 year old goes in Wednesday for her tonsil adnoidectomey.(I think I spelled that right)

[Julie]

I had my tonsils out in my mid twenties and it was the worst pain of my life (worse than two natural childbirths by a long shot) and the best thing I've ever done. My chronic throat problems virtually disappeared, and I have had only one bad sore throat in ten years.

You'll be miserable, and then be elated at how much better you feel. Good for you.

[Barb]

Is the waiting for the surgery going to drive you crazy? I've been the caretaker for this three times - twice with kids and once with my adult husband. Don't forget to take your pain meds. Try to eat soft but solid foods as soon as you can - the more swallowing you do the faster you feel better. Good luck!

[Jenn]

Good Lucky~ I'm 26 and had mine out 2 years ago... Totally painful... and had BAD bleeding 3 days later... at the time I would have rather died... but I'm never sick now! Plus not eatting for a week... you totally drop a few lbs!

[Krysta]

Hooray for getting that surgury you've always wanted! To the commenter who had to follow up the idea of eating a spoonful of peanut butter with "I know that sounds totally gross": you are crazy. That sounds like my heaven. Well maybe not heaven. Although I do hope spoonfuls of pb are there.

[Denise]

First - was that Dr. Boucher's office? 'Cause I can totally picture that happening there. What a great story!

Also - I am headed to urgent care tonight to confirm what I believe is my very first strep infection ever! I now understand!!!

[Sara]

I had my tonsils out as an adult, and for two weeks I was useless for anything other than playing Myst and collapsing on the floor whimpering. But oh my lord, it's worth it to not be sick all the time. Do it!

[Anne]

My husband had his tonsils out two years ago at the age of 36 - his doctor said "jeez, your tonsils look like hamburger". As it turns out according to his mom, their pediatrician said to leave the tonsils in, you get more strep WITHOUT them. Duh, much? So husband says for the first three days you will want to kill yourself and think that maybe the strep pain was better than the no-tonsils pain, but then it goes away. We recommend popsicles/Freezie Pops in all sorts of lovely tropical flavors.

[Marjorie]

Oh, ditto on all the comments on pain. Had mine out at 27. Lost 10 lbs (yay!), but it was painful. Drink lots of water, if your throat gets too dry, that's when you run the risk of your stitches rupturing and having lots of bleeding. Get ice wraps that you can place around your throat and on ears (mine killed during recovery), the coolness will really help. And get help, you won't feel up to doing anything for at least a week, probably 2. But congrats, you will be so much better, and no more sickness!!

[norm]

I got sideswiped by the Great Flu Pandemic of 1968 which got me a secondary ear infection which went systemic and I had to have a humungous penicillin shot in the ass that made me cry and unable to walk for a long time (as I recall, I was pretty young at the time). They were gonna poke holes in my eardrums to drain'em but instead they went in the other side and hauled out the tonsils and adenoids and that's what was blocking the eustachian tubes all along. Been healthy since (more or less). So, um ... see if they can yank the adenoids, too. And I recommend the popsicles.

[Michelle]

Ah yes, that "if you die after this, you can't blame us because you signed this" form.

[Tameson O'Brien]

I had my toncils out at 16 (yeah what was up with the 70's anyway?). I never regretted it - ever! Even during recovery I felt a ton better than I did with my killer sore throats, and I only ate ice cream for a couple days and then I had stuff like spaghetti. I don't think recovery is going to be any where near as bad as you think it will 'cause the man's fist will be gone, and all you'll have is a platic taste and a light tightness. To this day commercial plastic wrap (like the kind they use in restaurants) always makes be think of having my toncils out.

[zandor]

Hello. I have never had mine taken out so I can't really offer any advice so just listen to the other people and also, good luck.

[tracy]

Dude... my mom loves to tell the story about how I had strep throat SEVEN times in a row when I was like 5... yet I still have tonsils....

Everytime I go to the doctor sick or not there is always a comment about how HUGE my tonsils are and why didn't anyone take them out?

I am so jealous of you right now...

[getsheila]

What? You say you want to hear yet ANOTHER story from a complete stranger about their tonsillectomy? Okay!

My doctor said the day after surgery is Day 1 and I would finally think I was going to live on Day 10.

I cussed him the morning of Day 9, the lying bastard, no way would I feel fine the next day.

BUT I DID. Freaky.

In the meantime, I had a love affair with milk shakes and Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese.

Good luck! You know we all want to see pictures of your grossly enlarged tonsils before they take them out, right?

Hugs and kisses,

TonsilsOutAt35

[RachelJ]

I am 37 and had my tonsils out 6 weeks ago. I'd had infections for years, then didn't go more than 5 days this past summer without having to go back on antibiotics. My doctor didn't tell me much about recovery, just that it would take "about a week." At my follow-up appointment, he was more open (figures!). I lost 12 pounds; couldn't even eat ice cream; cried at the sight of my family eating (I was sooo humgry!); etc; etc. I still have pain amd am often tired, but looking forward to being fully recovered and not having the infections. (write me if you want more info :) Good luck!

[RachelB]

Oh you will be so glad when it is all over! If you can talk the Dr. into taking the adenoids too that would be great for you. I had my tonsils removed for the FIRST time as a child and part of a tonsil was "hiding" under an adenoid and so they "grew back!" I had the honor of doing it again as a 33 year old mother of two. You will be miserable for 2 weeks and then so happy for year. Just be sure that the Dr. that you are using is very liberal with VERY strong narcotics. They will save you and your family. Yeah for mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving. Good luck.

I would recommend a "good bye tonsils" party with lots of chips and other scratchy stuff a day or so before.

[Amy]

I have no tonsils stories/advice. I just wanted to say, although I generally consider myself a nice person who doesn't wish to inflict or wish suffering upon others, you are much funnier in your posts when you're miserable. I'm looking forward to reading about your painful recovery. : )

[Vanessa]

I still have my tonsils, but my dad had his out as a child, and he says it was life-changing. He'd been the sort of frail, sickly kid that adults shake their heads sadly over, and after the tonsillectomy he got all robust and started building soapbox racers and playing Little League and doing all that other wholesome 1950s boy stuff. So if your surgery goes half as well, you can join Max's T-ball team in the spring. :)

[Lisa Kohara]

I had mine out at 29, and as others have mentioned, it was worse pain than natural childbirth. But you'll be sooo happy you did it!

Pros:
-Liquid Vicodin that tastes like cherries
-You might lose weight (although I didn't!)
-You will catch up on all kinds of TV, cause you won't be able to do anything else!
- You will feel SO MUCH BETTER when you are healed. No more stupid colds and infections.

Cons:
-Liquid Vicodin that tastes like cherries
-Ouch!
-Kill me!
-Every TV commercial that features ANY kind of food, will torture you like nobody's bidness
-KILL ME!

Make sure you have plenty of help around the house and with the kids. You will really be quite useless!

[Hetty Fauxvert]

Oh, man... so sorry you are going through this! I'm with you; whine to anyone who doesn't make it out of the room fast enough. Whining WILL make you feel better (though, curiously, it has the opposite effect on the person you whine to -- why is that?).

Seriously, though, this is the chance of a lifetime to eat ice cream. Or, better yet, gourmet sherbet or popsicles (because the milk in the ice cream might increase the gunk in your postoperative throat).

On a still more serious note, do you have nasal allergies? Because that will set you up for all sorts of infections in your throat, chest, sinuses, etc. I was sick all through my childhood from nasal allergies, and it got worse in college -- I actually got pneumonia from a roommate who was a closet smoker, from the leftover smoke in the room! If you do have nasal allergies, getting those fixed up (as much as possible) will really put you on the path to better health. When I finally got mine cleared up (I took shots for a couple of years), my overall health improved tremendously. I used to be sick literally from fall until spring every year. No more!

Okay, end of assvice. Hoping very hard you come through with flying colors and feel better soonest!!

[maddy]

Best of luck! I had my tonsils out as a kid and it made a huge difference in my health. I never understood the whole "leave them in" philosophy, because after mine were out, my frequent bouts of illness were gone.

[Slick]

I always go to Subway on Sunday afternoons here... Buy one sammich, get one free.

Best of luck with the tonsils...

[Melissa]

Groos to say, but BEST DIET EVER!! Had mine out at 19, took lotsa good drugs AND lost 22 lbs.. heck, it was a better diet than the break up with my first boyfriend 'cause he couldn't stand that I was ALWAYS sick and whining about how BAD my throat hurt diet.

[Melissa]

PS.... Find 2 very good and servicable ice bags for your recovery. You will want them to put on your ears and jaw. Promise.

[Deb]

I just had my tonsils out last summer - at the age of 31. Since then I have only had one sinus infection and NO strep throat (and I teach!) My suggestions - TAKE the pain medicine for the first few days - whether you think you need it or not - set an alarm to take it! Ice packs work great for the swelling and a heating pad works for the ear pain discomfort - it's a little weird to be using both at the same time! Popsicles will be your best friends for the first week. STAY AWAY from ice cream and dairy products - it will make you want to clear your throat from the mucus that builds up. Hope this helps and good luck!!!

[joaaanna]

Yes, Yes, Yes to what everyone else has said. And if they'll do the adnoids too - do it.

I was 20 when I had mine done after I went to an ENT doc on my own because my family doctor refused. (Once they had to give me a shot in the ass right in the office because my tonsils were so big they weren't sure how I was still able to breathe!) Ihad mine done over Christmas break - I needed that whole month. And when you think that the basically-chicken-broth TORTILLA SOUP is maybe okay. SWEET JESUS NO! Chicken broth was all I could do. I also had the 'spit cup' because I couldn't bear swallowing.

It was BAD. But worth it. Make sure your husband reads all of these comments so he doesn't think that you are just being a whiny baby.

[christine]

Getting my tonsils out at the age of 27 was the best diet I ever went on!

But seriously, the recovery from the surgery is worse than any C-section or other surgery. Be prepared to do nothing but lie around high on liquid codeine (and an aside - buy some laxatives for soon after because codine bungs you up good) and moan.

and it is a super diet to boot! ;)

[Krissy]

I read often but barely ever comment. However, I had to today.

Oh my goodness, your humor is hysterical!

Thank you.

[Gillian]

I highly recommend jello. Not only does it have flavor but it melts as you are eating it and says 'Oh, you poor dear.' all the way down your throat.

[amy]

I was you when I was in college. I had a pediatrician who didn't believe in taking tonsils out...even red round fire ball sacks of infection tonsils. So I went 21 years getting strep throat whenever someone said "strep throat" combined with horrible cases of tonsilitis. Then at 21 I went to an ENT who said I had to get them out immediately. I've not had strep throat again in 20 years! GET THEM OUT! Eat slurpees and popcicles and a few days you'll feel much better.

Good luck!
amy

[Susan]

It's no fun being sick. That old adage, "If you don't have your health you don't have anything" is so true. I'm delurking to wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. I love your writings--you make me think and best of all laugh.

[Jodi]

As a little kid I was sick all the time - tonsilitis, strep throat, colds. I was Queen of the Sore Throat. Yanked out those tonsils since then (30+ years) I'm rarely sick.

But do be really careful about that bleeding issue. My BIL had his tonsils out as an adult. He didn't realize he was bleeding because (gross out alert) he was swallowing the blood. Passed out while driving. Crashed his truck into a tree. Luckily someone was behind him and called for help.

[Katie]

I was one of those kids whose tonsils caused ear infections, I swear during the winter I had constant ones from grade 1 to grade 6 (when they finally wised up and booked surgery). Since then I've had like one earache and a couple of sore throats.

I remember throwing up blood after the surgery (just so you are forewarned) and then eating lots of frozen Jello pops. Although I don't think they make those any more... GOOD LUCK!

[Nicole]

Another tonsils out as an adult here. Painful recovery, yes. I rate recovery as so much worse than childbirth; the only benefit is after 10 or so days you feel great and don't have to wake up a million times a night with an infant. Also, NO icecream or dairy. Jello and slushies were great, but only after day 3-4. Those first three days I just slept and cried for my mommy whenever I woke. It's been 16 years since my surgery, and my throat has been fabulous that entire time!

[Dodi]

Great story about the waiting room!

As for the tonsils...like the other post-ers before me, I can totally relate. I used to have tonsils the size of tennis balls (or at least felt like it), seemed to perpetually have sore throats, and even when my throat didn't hurt, I had those gross white things in my tonsils. Yet, despite all that, my childhood doctors (yes, in the '70s) never thought they needed to come out when I was younger. Finally after being constantly sick even after rounds of antibiotics (Superbug, here we come!), I had mine out 3 years ago at age 33. It totally and completely sucked, but as others have said...was definitely worth it. Start using up the stuff in your freezer now, because I lived off of popsicles, sorbet, popsicles, frozen fruit bars, popsicles, smoothies and about a hundred more popsicles for at least the first week (no dairy though...b/c of the whole mucus thing, but sorbet is just as yummy as ice cream, right?!).

I agree with what someone said earlier...if you think Logan is not going to give your "whining" enough import, please force him to read these posts BEFORE your surgery because this surgery is TOTALLY worthy of some serious whining (and I am one of the worst sick people out there, with a husband who hasn't heard of the word empathy). I live in Metro-Detroit, so if you need someone to help convince Logan or just be a sympathetic ear, I've got your back!

[Dodi]

P.S. As a fellow whiner, I would also recommend finding a Dr. that understands the meaning of empathy! At my follow up visit, I complained to my Dr. that my tongue was super swollen and seemed to be gagging me, and he could have cared less. It would have been nice to hear..."I know this totally sucks, and here are a few things to try to help make it a little better...". But, no, my Dr. was an a**hole with zero bedside manner, which burned me up. (even my non-empathetic husband agreed that he could have at least acted a bit more concerned) Good luck & hope you have a better Dr.!

[WendyP]

There's still time to do what I did - catch mono and your tonsils may just take one for the team. In the words of Madeline L'Engle, mine Xed themselves, trying to battle the mono. I lost 20 pounds I didn't need to lose five months before my wedding. All I can recommend are ice packs, viscous lidocaine and lots of pain meds. Mom's homemade potato soup helped too.