POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
TONSILLECTOMY
Foods after Surgery:
The following are foods that you may find the easiest to eat on your first post-op day:
Water, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, juice, tea, coffee, carbonated beverages, milk, Carnation Instant Breakfast, popsicles, fruit ices, yogurt, sherbet, custard, ice cream, pudding, tapioca, Jell-O, broth.
The following are foods that you may find the easiest to eat on your second post-op day, and for the following week:
Cream of wheat, grits, oatmeal, Malt-O-Meal, canned fruits, applesauce, creamed soup, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, cooked vegetables, beans, noodles, pasta, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, bananas, rice, hot dogs, pancakes, Vienna sausage, bologna.
The following are foods that you may need to avoid for the first 7 to 10 days after surgery:
Crackers, chips, pretzels, tortilla chips, hard cookies, dried cereals, spicy foods, fish, raw fruits/vegetables, nuts, popcorn, rice cakes.
After the procedure here are some things to remember when you get home:
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Rest 1-2 days; resume activity as soon as you feel comfortable. No heavy activity for 2 weeks.
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If prescribed, take the prescribed antibiotics for three to five days following surgery.
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Take the prescribed pain medication for pain.
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Drink plenty of fluids, in small sips, as often as possible.
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Return to the clinic in 1-2 weeks. If not scheduled already, call the office to make a follow-up appointment
Here is what you can expect:
Appearance of Tonsil Bed
Normal, white patches
Bleeding
If there is excessive bright red or brown drainage, call the office IMMEDIATELY. Gargle with ice water for 10-20 minutes.
Pain
Can be severe with difficulty swallowing. Drinking plenty of liquids and resuming a normal diet will help.
Voice
There may be a change in your voice. This is secondary to increased flow through the nose and is usually transient.
Breath
May have some bad breath for one week. Please use regular toothpaste only. Do NOT use mouthwashes or rinses.
Nausea
Can last for 24 hours. Temperature Mild elevation up to 100 degrees F for 48 hours
Ear Pain
This is normal and will subside.