Anyone had their tonsils removed as an adult for sleep apnea?


Question:
I am having my tonsils removed in a few days. I'm 41 and have severe sleep apnea. ANY one else had this done as an adult? How was your recovery?

Answers:
I have a severe form of apnea, as well -- a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. If you're having your tonsils removed, I imagine you have obstructive sleep apnea. I know that a tonsillectomy is a viable option -- removing excess tissue in the back of the throat to have a larger airway when you sleep.

However, a tonsillectomy was not offered to me as an option, and I would only go that route as a last resort -- that surgery is very painful for adults. Don't get me wrong -- I would be all for it if it were my only option...but are you using a CPAP machine? A CPAP machine on a low setting cleared both types of apnea for me in just one night. I'm slowly getting used to the machine...I don't like it, but I like it better than the alternative: dying in my sleep!

Adult recovery after a tonsillectomy is usually about 10-20 days, with a very soft diet (especially 7-10 days out because of scabbing in the back of the throat -- you don't want those to come off too early!), lots of liquids and your fair share of narcotics for pain!

Good luck with the surgery, and I hope your apnea is relieved!
I would recommend against it, if you can avoid it. I don't know about sleep apnea, but I do know that tonsillectomies are one of the most unnecessary procedures done. I doubt that it will help.


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