Jason Lancaster

143 Responses to “My tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and uvulectomy (uvulaectomy)”

1. Hev
   February 10th, 2005 at 7:13 pm

   Haha. Now you cannot oink like a piggy!

2. Daddio
   February 11th, 2005 at 1:51 am

   38 ounces of narcotic! Wow, you must be addicted by now!

3. Daddio
   February 11th, 2005 at 8:45 am

   I googled “tonsillectomy adenoidectomy uvulaectomy” and guess what–you’re number one! You’ve found a whole new audience!

4. Jason Lancaster
   February 11th, 2005 at 3:14 pm

   I’m a recovering addict who can’t oink like a pig, woohoo!

5. Anonymous
   February 17th, 2006 at 1:17 pm

   Hi jason,
   I am curious what side effects you are still suffering from the uvulaectomy? Was it worth it? My husband needs to get it done and I am very worried.

   - Lucy

6. Jason Lancaster
   February 17th, 2006 at 1:27 pm

   It took a while to re-learn how to gargle (but I can now) and I tend to have more times when I forget to swallow properly and gulp a bunch of water down my windpipe. It was worth it, however… I don’t really even notice the lack now, and the benefits (breathing and whatnot) are great.

7. Anonymous
   April 30th, 2007 at 2:15 pm

   Hi Jason,

   I have been recommended for UPPP with CO2 laser surgery here in Vancouver - Canada. I have been using a CPAP machine for about a year now as I have severe sleep apnia. My tonsils are the size of golf balls (have been for years) and the sleep apnia just got worse and worse until I finally found out what it was about a year and a half ago. Question for you???? On this comment card hiimlucyAThotm asked you a follow up question about a year later and you say the surgery seems to have done you well. Hows it going 2 years later now?
   Im a bit apprehensive after googling the UPPP and tonsilectomy and seeing all the pain and failures that people have written about.
   Thanks in advance,
   Josh

8. Jason Lancaster
   April 30th, 2007 at 2:46 pm

   No problems at all. I don’t know anything about failures — I had a good doctor I was very confident in. I guess things could always go worse, but I didn’t worry at all about the surgery.

   As for the pain, yeah, it hurt. It hurt a lot. It was just about as bad as my surgery the year after where they split up my jaw. In fact, I think the pain was probably worse, however the painkillers really helped — whereas with my jaw surgery the pain killers didn’t have as much of an effect. I think the best thing with the surgery was that I stayed with my parents, who ended up taking care of me and making sure that every 4hrs I got a dosage of pain killers.

9. Anonymous
   April 30th, 2007 at 4:41 pm

   Thanks for your quick reply, that helps me out a lot coming from someone who has had the surgery and posted results from a few mo`s after to a year after.
   One last ? for you! heh heh. Have you had any other complications/problems it being now 2 yrs after the fact? Has the surgery been successful? Do you breathe well? Has your voice changed? Do you get less colds now? (this question i posed to a few people who have had large tonsils with the relation to their getting colds/sore throats more often than people without) I am very confident in my ENT Dr (Dr Richard Smyth - Sleep Surgery Centre Coquitlam, BC Canada)as he has performed many of these surgeries not to mention being a leading ENT in Western Canada. - That gives me great confidence! But still I have reservations as my googling of UPPP w/co2 laser and tonsilectomy have shown about a 50 - 80% success rate. I know It is a big choice to make considering that my CPAP machine does “cure” me when I use it but saying that I want to be free of the machine. Hopefully with fingers crossed. Look forward to your answer.
   Thanks again for your info!
   Josh

10. Jason Lancaster
    May 7th, 2007 at 1:12 am

    No complications. Less colds for sure. Before, I’d end up getting tonsilitis about 2x a year and random colds mixed in, so it’s been nice. I think I’ve gotten two or three serious colds since I had them out. Not bad at all!

    It sounds like the laser stuff is a bit more serious than what I had. I’m pretty sure they just used a scapel on me. I really don’t know though. Sorry about that. It sounds like you’ve investigated quite enough though.

11. dee watson
    August 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm

    I had the operation and because I wore dentures , and had no structure for my palate I am no longer able to wear my dentures. Also I have a mucos pocket in the back of my throat and can’t swallow the mucos and have to continualy expel the mucos so that also keeps me from being able to wear the dentures. If you know of anyone else that may have this same problem I’de like to hear from them.

12. randy petralia
    September 9th, 2007 at 9:00 pm

    does anyone know of clinical data on the impact of UPPP on the sense of taste? None, subtle, a lot? Assume some taste buds around the soft palate will be removed during the surgery, but if the surgery kills one’s sense of taste, truly one of the great joys of life — eating — would be erased and (frankly) the surgery would not be worthwhile.

13. Sally
    September 27th, 2007 at 1:29 pm

    I had my tonsils out 7 weeks ago now and my taste hasn’t gone back to normal. I have a really low uvula and am starting to wonder if it has anything to do with that, as the smell of food is a huge part of taste. My uvula seriously hangs so low I can constantly feel it touching the back of my tongue all the time. It has made breathing a bit harder with such a smaller opening at the back of my throat and I am seriously considering getting it taken out. Has anyone else has this problem after a tonsillectomy?

    I agree losing one’s sense of taste is really annoying; it’s dulled a lot of foods I used to really enjoy. Particularly bread and butter, such a simple pleasure, I can hardly taste at.

14. Jason Lancaster
    September 27th, 2007 at 4:00 pm

    Didn’t affect my sense of taste. I find the past couple comments worrisome — although I don’t think things like that happen all too often.

15. Joanne
    October 2nd, 2007 at 11:27 am

    I had my tonsils out six weeks ago and my sense of taste still isnt right. I get bored of eating quite quickly, as everything always ends up tasting the same as the weird taste i now always have in my mouth. I don’t eat sweet foods generally, but now i eat them even less as it totally clashes with that taste.

    It also makes me wonder if its my sense of taste playing up, or if there is something in my saliva (which puts me off the idea of kissing anybody)

16. Paulette
    October 3rd, 2007 at 12:14 am

    I too had this surgery it has been 1 week and 1 day, I breathe a lot better now, I still have a hard time swallowing. I feel like what ever I drink or try to swallow goes up towards the nose for now but is getting better. The first three days were really painfull the next and until now getting better. Learning to swallow, tea helps, and drink a lot of water the more you use the muscles on the side of your throat the better it will be for you. and I found that childrens liquid tylenol coaded my throat so that I could swallow my other pain medication.

17. Rick
    October 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 pm

    I am scheduled to have the UPPP surgery along with the removal of my tonsils and adenoids. Also, I am having the sinus, turbinates, and deviated septum fixed. I have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but I do snore, and it has gotten worse. I’ve been sick a lot and the doctor said my tonsils are huge. My septum has a bi-lateral blockage so I can’t breathe through either nostril. Here’s my question….if I back out of the UPPP, but have all of the other procedures, do you think my breathing will improve and snoring will cease or be reduced? Also, do you recommend liquid pain medicine or should taking pills be ok, given the throat pain?

    Feel free to email private responses to doctorrosen@yahoo.com

    Thanks…Rick

18. jesi
    December 9th, 2007 at 10:05 pm

    I had my tonsils removed and a lump removed from my uvula on december 5th… I know it has only been 4 days but I am slowly losing patience with this.. I wasnt even sure I wanted to have my tonsils out but decided it would be for the better of not becoming sick anymore.. I since then have not been able to eat anything and can hardly drink anything.. I drink water with my meds and that is it.. I have seriously never felt anything more painful in my life… I just had a couple questions… my uvula before was never as long as it is right now.. will it shrink up in a couple days or am i going to be stuck with this thing hanging half way down my throat forever, also when should I be able to drink water?! Or better yet eat anything?! Like I could drink a cup of water if I wanted but I would be in alottt of pain… I am on demerol for pain but it doesnt seem to be killing the pain that much.. anyone got any suggestions?! I am lost and would do anything.. Thanks a bunch… Jesi

19. Jason Lancaster
    December 10th, 2007 at 2:12 pm

    Jesi, the pain for me was pretty awful for the first week. If I remember, things died down the second but I was still taking hydrocodone all the time. I have no idea why your uvula is so long, all I can suggest is to talk to your doc. Needless to say, this out of all of my surgeries/experiences with pain was by far the most painful of all so I understand where you’re coming from. Hope you feel better soon.

20. C Hayes
    December 15th, 2007 at 8:33 am

    I had my Tonsils out just over 3 days ago, and boy am I in agony, my biggest issue isn’t the pain (although it’s by far the worst physical pain i’ve ever experianced). My biggest issue is the fact that I cannot swallow anything, I’m barely able to get my hyrdocodone down, when I swallow that it feels as if the meds are getting stuck in the “flap” on the roof of my mouth, this then triggers my gag reflexes and I spend the next 5 minutes in pure agony. Water or any other liquid will not go down and I’m starting to get dehydrated, when I attempt to drink water 80% of the water comes out my nose the rest very painfully goes down my throat. I’m thirsty and want to drink!!

21. Jon
    December 16th, 2007 at 3:43 am

    Well, it has been about 36 hours since I had a tonsillectomy and adenoids removed. It was a tough deal. In the recovery room I began spitting up/swallowing an enormous amount of blood. They had to take me back into surgery, put me back under and “recauterize” the area. When I came out the second time I felt like I was hit by a truck! The first night was one of the worst I can remember, I was so swollen that I would wake up suffocating! Their was nasal discharge (snot) that was caught in my nasal passage, and this was the only way to breath! I would say that my throat passage was cut off about 90 percent!

    I gave up on the “cold drinks” it was brutal. I had my wife buy me some “on the go soup” (Campbells I think) I sipped that in a lukewarm state and my throat felt better! It was also nice to get something in my stomach! I was up about every 15 minutes, and by the end of the night, and a soup or 2 later, I felt better. (Creamy tomato, and the broth from chicken noodle)

    Today I have been gradually feeling better. I have been able to sleep an hour or two at a time, I have been very timely with my meds (Tylenol w/codeine and antibiotics) I actually thought I was going to get a good nights sleep tonight, but now I am having additional side effects. While the swelling of my throat has gone down significantly, and the soreness is slightly better, I am now salivating like crazy! If I fall asleep next to my wife, I think she might drown! This is insane! I have read that this is normal, and I hope it goes away soon!

    Obviously, it is still tough to swallow (very similar to swallowing with strep throat) but I have been able to survive on soup and water. I can already tell a difference in my breathing, it has dramatically improved already! I still am having a tough time swallowing meds, etc without it wanting to go up my nose….but other than that, I am encouraged at the progress I have made thus far, and I hope this speedy recovery continues! (minus the saliva!)

    Best of Luck to everyone!

22. Samuel
    December 21st, 2007 at 12:51 am

    OK. I just had my tonsillectomy. Like some others who have posted, I had a rough recovery, including blood, recauterization, and other complications.

    I too have this swallowing problem where water and liquids come out of my nose. One tip which has worked for me is that when I drink, I sit in a chair upright, with my body slightly leaning forward. After I sip water from a bottle, I immediately point my chin straight down, and I swallow while keeping my head down. For some reason, water doesn’t come streaming out my nose when this happens.

    I have no clue whether or not this technique helps you relearn that muscle-memory technique that your mouth/throat/tongue needs to know for swallowing, such as what Paulette mentioned above. For all I know, this prohibits long-term progress. However, if you are desperate for liquids as “C Hayes” is, perhaps this can help.

23. DJ
    December 23rd, 2007 at 1:31 am

    Did anyone have a problem with a fever after their tonsillectomy, and if so, did you need to go back to the the doctor? My duagher had hers out and is has had a fever off an on, for a couple of days up to about 101.

24. Rishi C
    December 24th, 2007 at 2:42 pm

    Just came across this article, through looking for an image of a tonsillectomy AFTER the operation. As I have white stuff there, thought the tonsil beds may be infected! Realised it’s just aftermath of the eletronic burning procedure.

    Thanks for all the info on here, really good POV account.

    I went through a lot of pain last year, through a lympoma scare, and long term illness.

    However, the tonsillectomy was much more painful. They wouldn’t even give me any strong pain releif, as the hospital didn’t have anything strong in soluble form. Obviously, couldn’t swallow tramadol pills!

    Has been 2 days, and so far haven’t bleed (apart from day or two after surgery). Have been eating as much as I can, mainly soft, but some crispy/hard food, whic is speeding my recovery.

    Feeling pretty beat from the anesthetic, propofol, i think it was. Has given me a lot of hypotension! I think the method of surgery was same as yours, the electronic burning type. Seriously painful.

    I can’t believe how people think the surgery doesn’t hurt much. They obviously had it easier on them, having it performed when they were children.

    Also, we’re generally more stressed out about work etc, as adults, which doesn’t help!

    I did have a fever after surgery, just put it down to the anesthetic.

    “When I came out the second time I felt like I was hit by a truck! The first night was one of the worst I can remember, I was so swollen that I would wake up suffocating” = I said the extact same thing, well it felt more like a bus…:P

    I did suffocate a lot during the night! But I did rough it and drink as much water as possible. Also drank, milk and tea. I know hot drinks, and especially dairy products are not advised, but it made sense to me somehow. Now I’m feeling good, can eat what I feel like, but having to swallow HARD to get things down.

25. Jason Lancaster
    December 24th, 2007 at 2:51 pm

    I had 2 major mouth surgeries… one was a pretty complicated mouth/facial bone reconstruction (Lefort) and the other was the tonsillectomy. By FAR the tonsillectomy hurt longer and on a higher scale of pain than the Lefort surgery. Based on real life experience… you’ll probably never have anything as bad again. I don’t think anyone commenting on this is at all a wimp for saying it hurt so bad. Perhaps my initial experience with the intense pain helped deal with the second surgery but I think the tonsillectomy really was just more invasive.

    If you’re interested in the other surgery I had, I have them tagged here in another part of this weblog.

26. berta
    December 27th, 2007 at 12:54 am

    I need to no did anyone split cold and did they have blood mixed in it?

27. berta
    December 27th, 2007 at 12:59 am

    Dec 19 2007 is when I had surgery I am 37 years old I did not think it was bad. I guess I can take pain. I had sinus surgery also.

28. Steve
    March 27th, 2008 at 6:34 am

    Hello All! I’m 42 YO and I’m day 14 past tonsils/ adenoids/ uvula/ turbinate/ septoplasty/ ethmoid surgery. The fact is: this is major surgery and you need to take it seriously BEFORE you have it done. We aren’t little kids any more and eating ice cream won’t make you all better. Plan on 3 weeks down minimum. Plan on setting an alarm to wake you up for timely doses of pain meds. Tell your doctor in advance you need liquid pain killers. Make arrangements for 24 hour company (I stopped breathing the night of day 7 from the swelling/ scabs/ drainage.) Take your pain meds and eat lots and lots of crushed ice. Dehydration is your nightmare. The most pain is the uvula - there is a muscle in the roof of your mouth that extends down into it - so it will hurt a lot - and often. Yes your tastebuds are traumatized. The dizzy spells and earaches are no fun either. The ability to breathe freely for the 1st time in my life makes it all worth while. I still have some sinus bleeding into my throat, which is not uncommon, and food tastes mostly like heavy salt, or ash. It will pass. I can breathe better than at any time in my life, and the swelling isn’t all gone yet. There will be bad days, and there well be very bad days. Accept it. You will heal. Pay attention to the literature given you by your doctor. It really has a lot of good info. I was attached to liquid vicodin for about 9 days. I weaned off a little and went to liquid tylenol. I also used chloroseptic spray to numb the mouth before meds for several days. Avoid company - they will just keep asking you questions, and it hurts to respond. It has been hell for 2 weeks. It’s not over. And YES I’m still glad I did it.

29. Steve
    March 27th, 2008 at 6:43 am

    Another thing - plan to sleep sitting up, 45 degrees at least. Drainage away from the wounds is extremely important for comfort and helped me breathe easier.

30. big rosie greenbaum
    March 28th, 2008 at 2:18 am

    Hi Jason,

    I had my tonsils and uvula removed in January 2008 and I am regretting it BIG TIME! Not the tonsils, but the uvula. My scar tissue doesn’t seem to have healed although my doctor says there is no obstruction at all that he can see in my throat. I had the best doc in the city so I know he did a good job. I can swallow pretty much anything but have constant dry mouth and have to carry ice water with me 24/7, not to mention a blast of cold air in my mouth every time I breathe in.

    It’s only been four months, but I’m always told I should be 100% healed by now. Can you tell me if you have any of these same problems 2 years on and where you at comfort-wise around the 4 month mark?

    Thanks a lot!

31. Jason Lancaster
    March 28th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Rosie, I was fine after 4 months. I can’t remember exactly what issues I had lingering but it was something more along the lines of a tickel. Nothing major, no pain, no real long term issues other than not being able to oink. Oinking is very minor though… I’m sorry I can’t help more but all I can suggest is seeing someone for a second (or third) opinon. I don’t think your situation is normal at all. Good luck!

32. Chris N
    April 19th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Hi All….I am so glad I came upon this site. Thanks Jason for starting this string. Well, I had UPPP 4 days ago alongwith nasal/sinus surgery for a deviated septum. All I can say now is OUCH! Seriously, this is the worst pain I have ever experienced. I have gone thru my first bottle of Roxicet and when I went for a follow-up yesterday the doc looked surprised when I told her about the meds an I needed more. Has she not had this procedure? Anyway, they have the cool suckers that numb the area. I started using them last night and it seemed to work well along with my pain meds. Yesterday I had the “splints” removed out of my nose. I think she had to practically kneel on my chest to yank these suckers out….I kept my eyes closed as I didn’t want to see how big these monsters were. I still have trouble drinking just like everyone else…it just plain hurts and I am getting frustrated. When I need to swallow I just suck it up, know it is going to hurt and go for it…..sorry no easy answers. Even the cold stuff doesn’t help like they suggest. I even have sucked on ice….some relief but not much, plus the area is aggrivated after.

    I did sleep good last night. My first night on my side…yes my side. I know they say sit up but this seemed to work awesome. The pain did wake me after a few hours but this morning, I felt very RESTED as I am brething soooo much better. I will keep you updated as the weeks goes on. I have also starting weaning myself off the narcs….still use them just not as much.

    One I thing I have doen that helps with the ear pain and throat pain is to use an ice pack. This really helps the ear pain go away and my throat feel soemwhat better.

    At this point I can say it is worth it. I am breathing better…..we’ll see how things progress in the long run.

33. big rosie greenbaum
    April 24th, 2008 at 3:06 am

    Hi All,

    Big Rosie Greenbaum here. It’s now nearing May and still no improvement with my scar tissue from my uvula surgery. I’ve had second and third opinions and all I’m ever told is to wait 6 more months, after that it will have been a year from surgery (Jan. 7 ‘08) and it will be as healed as it ever will be and if not, I have to learn to live with it. I’d rather sue instead.

    Will someone who has recently had the surgery please stay in touch with me to talk about our recoveries? So far Jason’s site is the only one I’ve found for answers on this stuff from people who’ve actually been through it.

    Thanks!
    bigrosiegreenbaum@gmail.com

34. mariocruz
    June 8th, 2008 at 9:47 am

    Just had a uvulectomy 4 days ago. This is the worst pain ever. Swallowing, burping, yawning, all hurt. Ice cream hurts at the very beginning, then it eventually numbs the uvula. I felt great on day 1 and 2, but since then has been difficult. I’ll keep you posted. I took percocet on day 1 and 2 but it was too strong and i was woozy and sleepy all day, my job won’t allow me to take percocet at work so i’ve been loading up on tylenol, motrin, and a half percocet (keeping in mind that percocet has tylenol in it). This seems to do the trick. Avoid spicy food (it’s like pooring salt ona wound). It is still pretty swollen, actually it is wider (but shorter) than my old uvula. Hopefully the swelling will go down soon. It was really small immediately after the procedure (which was a 10 minute laser procedure), but since then it has gotten quite swollen. The uvula moves all the time so know that it will hurt with just about any oral movement, especially swallowing. I’d love to hear comments about this. I feel like a wimp for being in such pain but it looks like others are having similar experiences.

35. bigrosiegreenbaum
    June 10th, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Mario, I’m confused about what you’re saying. A uvulectomy means that your uvula was removed, not made shorter. Why would you have a doctor shorten it instead of just taking it out? Did you have your tonsils out at the same time? Ten minutes seems like an incredible short procedure for throat surgery.

    I am now 6 months post-op from my tonsillectomy and uvulectomy. I am still experiencing a lot of dry-mouth and a feeling that there is tissue at the back of my throat. I’ve gone back to my surgeon and like every other doctor he has told me that there is no obstruction at the back of my throat - he even drew me a diagram of what it actually looks like now and what it would look like if it was not healed. Basically, there are no scars from the surgery and everything has completely healed. BUT I did have a barium swallow study done and what my doctor believes is the cause of the dry-mouth and a feeling that there is something stuck in there is…..ACID REFLUX! He says that it can be a common thing after throat surgery because there is so much more room in there now than before. He says that I have probably always had it but it’s more noticeable now. There’s no other treatment other than avoiding certain foods and taking medication.

    Good luck to all who are experiencing the same.

36. mario
    June 10th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    Hi Rosie,
    The doctor used a cauterizer (basically a hand held electric current) to remove the uvula while simultaneously causing the blood to clot. It is used all the time for other procedures. I’m not sure why they left a little nub of uvula. If you remove too much you can have side effects (like reflux of food/fluids into your nose when swallowing and some people even speak funny afterwards). It is now 6 days after, swelling is down significantly but the uvula has a really dry feeling and is very tender…even sorbet icecream hurts to eat because it is too cold. soup works well though, so does gatorade. Anyone else experience this? I hope this pain goes away soon, i’m almost out of percocet!

37. Jason Lancaster
    June 10th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

    Mario, as far as I’m concerned, 6 days is completely normal. I know quite a few people from my post on this procedure and it is very common to see extreme pain for at least 14 days. Your doc should absolutely give you more percocet if you run out — don’t fret!

38. big rosie greenbaum
    June 10th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    Hi Mario,

    Even 6 months post-op, I can still feel my uvula gone. Mine is COMPLETELY gone. When I breathe in, I get a cold draft into my throat. That will probably never go away. The worst is that there is no barrier in my mouth anymore, so I can’t breathe in aromas. Some things like air freshener, even powder, I can’t use anymore, because they immediately close up my throat. All the doctors say there’s nothing I can do about it other than try to manage the acid reflux and unfortunately that means giving up a lot of stuff that I love.

    For the first 4 weeks post op, all I could eat was jello, pudding, soup and what my mom calls “egg in a cup” and of course tons of water. I have literally not had anything other than water and smoothies since my surgery. There’s no more carbonated beverages or sugary juices in my life anymore, and I am still drinking through a straw. If I don’t I have a tendency to cough while stuff’s going down. In my experience, the colder the better - it numbed things a lot. The best advice I can give you right now is to completely chew EVERYTHING you eat before you swallow it. I didn’t do that and ended up in the emergency room.

    Keep us posted!

39. Ian
    June 11th, 2008 at 5:32 am

    Hello,

    I had a uvulectomy two days ago. My wife says I am still snoring a little. Is this something I should expect to go away as it heals?

40. Mario
    June 11th, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    Hey Ian, the uvula will swell for the first few days and will then shrink down to normal size. While its swollen you will still snore (i’m now on day 7 and i’m snoring alittle but less than i was on day 2, and certainly less than i was before the procedure). I haven’t had the scar tissue yet that i’d expect to see on the uvula, i saw the ent today, he said i should be fine and reassured me that these things hurt a lot and that i’m not being a baby!

41. Paulette
    June 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    I had my tonselectomy and uvula removed in Septembre of 2007. I no longer snore. I do have the sensation of loose or hanging skin in the back of my throat. The ENT specialist assured me that this was normal and that nothing was there. I also had my Dentist check and I was going in for another procedure and had the GI Doctor check and nothing so I have to endure, Also have major dry mouth but for the most part not to bad. For myself the first two days where bad only because the meds they gave me werer too strong and I was throwing up once that was settled things got better faster .

    Hope this helps yoou guys I felt better about my situation reading about similar ones and it set my mind at ease to know I wasn’t alone.

42. big rosie greenbaum
    June 11th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Hey Paulette,

    Whew! SO GLAD someone else is having the same exact sensations as I am! My doctors too keep saying I am completely healed, no scarring left, but these sensations of dry-mouth and having something in the back of my throat are here to stay. The tonsillectomy got rid of my psoriasis and tonsilitis but I still regret the uvula though - it was totally unnecessary to remove it, just a 2 birds with one stone thing. I miss you, uvula!

43. Mario
    June 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    Whew! 3 weeks later I am on a full regular diet after my uvulectomy! My girlfriend says that I don’t snore anymore but I can’t tell yet if it will improve my sleep. Only time will tell. Hang in there for the rest of you!

44. Mardi
    June 28th, 2008 at 2:41 am

    Hi everyone. I’m due to have both a UPPP and a transpalatal advancement done on Wed 2nd Jul 08. Anyone who has had both operations done? Pain rating please? I have 3 small children and just want to be prepared. I have heard that I will be placed on a morphine pump - Morphine makes me vomit - anyone else have any success with any other strong stuff? Thanks for your comments
    Mardi

45. Drew
    June 29th, 2008 at 9:07 am

    Hey all,
    I’m scheduled to have a septoplasty and uvulectomy on July 2. The focus of the surgery is to repair my septum. However, my ENT said that I have an elongated uvula, and that by removing it, I may stop snoring. I do have apnea, but it is as mild as it comes. I am hoping somebody could give me some guidance on whether to have the uvulectomy or not. Thanks

46. big rosie greenbaum
    June 29th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    Drew, I would NOT do it! I had my uvula taken out in January and it has been a nightmare (see my previous posts). I too had very mild snoring but my doctor convinced me that it would be like ‘two birds, one stone’ because of the tonsillectomy. Here it is six months later and I have constant mucus and cold air in my throat. The uvula is a cushion and a barrier and now I don’t have the benefits of that anymore. I would NOT do it - it is SO not worth it.

    Rosie

47. Mardi
    June 29th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Hi Drew,
    I have been visiting an Apnea forum which discusses all sorts of questions and comments regarding your surgery. I urge you to visit it:-
    http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php?sid=143e1a0e60f8cdb53d043b7d7db053e9
    I’m also having surgery on 2nd July.
    Good luck!

    Mardi

48. mario
    June 29th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    Hi Drew, As mentioned above. I also had my uvula out for mild sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome…it was extremely painful beginning from day 2 - day 12 or so after the procedure. I could not even eat water ice (too cold and my uvula was really sensitive)….all i had for that stretch was gatorade, slightly melted ice cream, jello, and pudding….I lost 7 pounds! I’m now about 3 weeks out and am on a full diet. No more snoring either (which is really nice for me…and my girlfriend). My experience has been different than rosie’s (Rosie, I hope you feel better soon). I agree with your doc, however, and would say that if both procedures are painful why not do them at the same time. Make sure you alot plenty of time away from work (at least 1 week, and probably more). The only way to contorl your pain well is with good pain meds (like percocet) that will make you unable to drive and think well.
    If you are really bothered by your snoring, then add on the uvulectomy….if not, then definately don’t. My snoring was interfering with my sleep so badly that it was worth it for me.

49. BobG
    July 4th, 2008 at 12:42 am

    My situation is a tad different. I don’t have apnea and I generally don’t snore. I did however awaken to a swollen uvula about 7 mos. ago. It never went back to it’s original length and now I’m considering surgery as it is driving me nuts. It feels like a N.Y strip hanging there, resting on my tongue. I keep trying to swallow it.

    This would not be a total removal of the uvula but a ‘trim’, just enough to get it off my tongue.

    If there’s any consensus in this blog about the procedure it has to be the pain angle and I’m ready for that. The long term post op complications scare me the most.

    I’m thinking that removing half of my 15mm long uvula will give me relief, but not cause any swallowing problems.

    Thoughts people?

50. big rosie greenbaum
    July 4th, 2008 at 3:10 am

    Mario, did you actually say ‘water ice’? You from Philly too?!

    Still no improvement on my throat. I have no choice but to accept that it will fee this way forever. Just like Bob G said, it feels as if there is something hanging in my throat as well, I have the instinct to “swallow” it every waking moment, trouble is, there’s nothing to swallow. Doctor says it could be acid reflux, but even he’s stumped and he’s the best ENT in town. Water 24 hrs a day and a teaspoon of olive oil down my throat - neither helps all that much, but at least emotionally I guess it feels like I’m doing something positive.

    Bob, your surgery might now be as bad as mine if you are only getting a “trim”. My doctor says that anytime you have throat surgery it makes every sensation in your mouth that much more intense and that’s why you could experience acid reflux afterwards. Good luck!

51. BobG
    July 14th, 2008 at 12:28 am

    Drew? Did you have the procedure? Do tell.

52. ScoutKC
    July 14th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    On July 7th I had a Uvulectomy and septoplasty. I suffered from some pretty nasty birth defects inside my nose - it was a zig zag and required a heap of work. Over time, it almost completely blocked breathing through my nose. It was also found that my uvula was too large. It has only been a week and breathing is already much easier. My face hurt so bad that it countered the pain in my throat, but all in all it wasn’t really that bad. I am just taking Tylenol now. I can’t yet account for the ultimate results as it is too soon, but I believe that they will be great.
    So - the reason I am on this site is not to brag that it wasn’t that bad, but to look for answers (which I found, thank you very much!) as to why the roof of my mouth feels like I have been kicked by a horse! Aside from the normal, stitches, hanging skin and other annoyances, that is the worst pain. It is sooo sensitive to hot and cold I can only eat luke-warm things. I was so looking forward to weeks worth of Chunky Monkey, but no go - it is too cold and very painful to eat!

    I hope everyone else is doing well and thanks for all of the great info!

53. Bob
    July 17th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    Hello All,

    I have seen three ENT specialists. The first indicated to have a UPPP. the second did not really believe in the UPPP but said Somnoplasty or Snoreplasty may help. The last ENT suggested to have the Uvulectomy and Tonsills taken out but actually my tonsils are not that bad. My relationship is in very bad trouble due to the snoring. Any suggestions, the many messages I see so far appear to show removal of Uvula can be disasterous.

54. Mardi
    July 18th, 2008 at 6:56 am

    Hey Bob,
    I have found a great support group in the Sleep Apnea Support Group at http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php?sid=424004b7a455ef8a0f52e1443bea49a9
    Give it a go - I’ve found it to be fantastic
    Good luck
    Mardi

55. bigrosiegreenbaum
    July 18th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    Mardi - DO NOT REMOVE YOUR UVULA! Go back and read my prior posts - I am 7 months post-op and regretting my surgery. You have to look at the facts - removing the uvula cures snoring less than 50% of the time. So say you have yours removed and the snoring doesn’t get cured, but what you ARE left with is what I have - every time you breath in, you have cold air going straight down your throat (the uvula is what keeps the air you breathe warm) and the result is a dry, tight throat 24/7. Trust me, you DO NOT want what I will have to deal with the rest of my life. Think about what little gain you might get and what you will lose permanently. I’d give anything to be able to do this over and say NO.

    Good luck

    Rosie

56. Mardi
    July 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    Hi Rosie, Too late. All done. I had to do something for my apnea hun - it was serious stuff. I also had a transpalatal advancement (palate removal). Yes I totally agree about the tight throat - mornings are the WORST! I am only just over 2 weeks post-surgery and now have a hole going from the roof of my mouth to my nasal cavity so everything that goes into my mouth ends up in my nose..eww tis gross. I’m trying to stay positive atm. I’m sorry to hear you regret your surgery - I’m hoping I don’t

    All the best

    Mardi

57. big rosie greenbaum
    July 21st, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    I wish you all the best, Mardi. I personally do regret it, but I am a whiner to begin with. The difference is that my surgery was definitely not necessary, like I said the doctor said he might as well take the uvula out while he was going in after the tonsils. I now think he wanted the money for the surgery.

    I am hoping things get better with this tight throat. What you have is to be expected only 2 weeks post op, me I’m now almost 8 months and no end in sight. Please stay on the board and give updates as the months go by - hopefully you won’t have as tough a time as I have, but if you do at least we can bond.

    Vive La Uvula!!

58. Rose
    July 24th, 2008 at 12:38 am

    Hi. I just got my tonsils and uvula removed last thurs (7/17). The pain from removing the uvula is awful. I haven’t been experiencing the cold and dry throat that Rosie had posted, but I kinda wished that found this website before removing the uvula. I had snored, not sure if I had sleep apnea, but I would often times wake myself up from my own snoring.
    I find that since I don’t have a uvula (the stitches are still intact), I often have a runny nose and that the liquids (I’m still on a liquid diet) go up my nose if I’m not careful. Any tips on how to swallow without this happening? I can just imagine myself squirting food or drink out of my nose by accident when I’m at a formal dinner or something, it would be pretty embarrassing. In addition, it is very uncomfortable. Thanks.

59. Jason Lancaster
    July 24th, 2008 at 9:44 am

    Rose, I must chime in on your comment and stress that not everyone here has had problems with this procedure. Both Mario and Chris N seem to have good results, as well as myself.

    The fact of the matter is that the people who go out and research this type of thing after are generally the ones who have had problems (or are very curious). There are lots of people every day who have this surgery and come out just fine, albeit a bit of pain.

    That said, I personally think you’ll re-learn swallowing and other things that the uvula assists with very quickly. Every person is going to be a bit different too depending on how much of the uvula was left after it was removed. I believe I could swallow easily after about two months and even upside down after about a year.

    Oh, and if anyone wonders, my ability to “oink like a pig” came back after about two years.

60. Rose
    July 24th, 2008 at 11:11 am

    Thanks for your quick reply. I was just concerned after reading all of this. You’re absolutely right in that everyone’s experience is different. Thanks Jason for also setting setting up this string, it’s a great resource.
    After all of the post op pain is gone, I will concentrate on re learning how to swallow, it’s just all so very new to me.l

61. big rosie greenbaum
    July 29th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    Ok all, for all my whining and complaining, it looks like things are getting better. At least my doctors have all pinpointed my problem - acid reflux seems to be the consensus. My latest ENT says that a large buildup of mucus in the throat is an indicator of reflux. I refuted the reflux theory because all the research I did about it said that heartburn and stomach cramps went along with it. Now, I know different. My throat being so dry has much to do with my habit - since the surgery - of breathing through my mouth instead of my nose. The doctor thinks my deviated septum is what has made me unconsciously start breathing through my mouth. I have noticed an improvement since I have trained myself to breathe in through the nose. I think that’s key. Also, other things like using Oasis dry-mouth mouthwash and a spray called Simply Saline - something I HIGHLY recommend (I use it right before bed and first thing when I wake up and NEVER leave the house without it) - helps a lot.

    As it turns out, the uvula really is a useless piece of tissue and not the buffer I thought that it was. It’s just that any type of throat surgery is going to intensify sensations in the mouth for a VERY long time. I am now focusing on the positive parts of the surgery - no more tonsilitis and my psoriasis is 99% gone. Who knew tonsils controlled that?

    Oh, and I can’t “oink” either - another positive, I guess!

62. big rosie greenbaum
    July 29th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Rose, as for tips on how to swallow, I remember after my surgery the best thing I could do was to hold the liquid in my mouth like a little puddle for a few seconds and then tilt my head back and just let it flow down and wait for it to go all the way down - that way it didn’t come back through my nose.

    Today, I don’t need to do that but I still find it easier to use a straw than to chug anything because chugging just goes straight down and makes me cough. I don’t know why but I don’t seem to have the “chug” control I had pre-op. Also, water is pretty much all I can drink now except for creamy things like milkshakes (which probably doesn’t help the reflux issue at all). I find that sodas and juices burn my throat and don’t taste good anymore and with wine, I can only do a few small sips and have to use the “puddle” technique because of the acidity.

    Good luck and I highly recommend using Simply Saline as much as possible.

63. Rose
    July 30th, 2008 at 12:20 am

    Glad to hear that you are feeling better Rosie. I tried tilting my head back and it works! Thanks for the tip. I can do without soda but no more wine? I can imagine like you said that the acid burns it, but I love my vino! I hope that that is just temporary. Did anyone else experience this sensitivity to alcohol after the surgery? If so, for how long or is it forever?
    I’ll look for Simply Saline at the store. When my uvula gets dried out it starts getting really raw, so this product should help.
    Thanks!

64. Paulette
    July 30th, 2008 at 1:04 am

    Hey there;
    My surgery was September 24, 2007 and I have to say I still have times where I gag because of the little skin I think I have hanging in the back of my throat. Turns out it is scar tissue and now I have to get used to feeling it there. For the most part things are greart, I no longer snore, I can eat anything and drink soft drinks, I cannot say for wine and other drinks as such as I do not drink. But I can drink gingerale and pop no problem. I am sometimes sorry I did it, and that just on ly when I am having problems with the so called hanging skin.

    Glad to hear everyone seems to be healing from the surgery. I do sometimes gewt really dry mouth. Supposed it will stop some day soon…..

    It is nice to see though that I was not and am not alone when it comes to having the surgery as well as some of the after effects.

65. Paulette
    July 31st, 2008 at 9:56 am

    Although I have the skin in the back of my throat sensation, it has cured my snoring, and to makes me drink more water. To anyone who just had it done, and cannot swallow send your other half to the pharmacy, most have a liquid form of what you need to take away the pain, I had children’s gravol as well as children’s tylenol ask the pharmacist he will tell you what to take and remember drink drink drink you cannot or do not want to get dehydrated. It does get better and some of the after effects are not felt the same by two people, we are all different.

66. Rose
    July 31st, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    How about the voice? Did anyone experience a change in your voice? I seem to sound nasally all the time, is that normal? Permanent? If so, is there a way to correct it?

67. Paulette
    July 31st, 2008 at 10:08 pm

    Hey Rose

    That will go away, I am a singer and I was so afraid that this would affect my singing voice and I am happy to report it has not. I was nasally for a bit but not anymore, my surgery was in September 2007.

    Paulette

68. Rose
    July 31st, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    Kool! I’m glad to hear that Paulette. =)

69. Kates
    August 6th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

    I just have one question…for any of you that had a tonsillectomy and experienced a change in your taste buds. I had my tonsils out over a month ago and still experience a generally bland taste of many foods. I’m starting to worry that my sense of taste will not return. My throat feels 99% healed - only minor tightness and discomfort when I sneeze or yawn. If any of you noticed a change in taste, how long did it last? Did your taste return? My sweet tooth misses tasting the sweetness of all my foods Although, I’ve noticed that overly processed foods taste gross and that’s not all bad since they’re not great for me anyway

    Thanks!

70. Vera
    August 13th, 2008 at 8:24 pm

    It’s day 22 since my tonsillectomy (and adenoidectomy). The first 4 days were hellish. I dropped 10 lbs, the liquid vicodin and codeine made my stomach upset (in fact I stopped taking them and just lived through the immense pain) and my breath was foul. Eating ice cream is a myth. It just creates phlegm! Applesauce and lots of ice packs to my throat were the only things that soothed me. My mom tried to make me drink Metamucil, one little sip, and I was done (it’s way too grainy).

    The second week I was starting to talk a bit, although like Elmer Fudd. What I found most distressing was sneezing. Even now, my sneezes are violent and everything just comes straight out my nose with such force, that it’s embarrassing. I’m grossed out by the amount of snot that gets deposited on my shirt. Will the sneezing ever improve?

    It’s the third week and my sleep apnea is just about non-existent…and I’m keeping the weight off. My voice is still not back to normal. I sound like a little kid, and one person even asked if I were “from the Islands” - whatever that means. I’m thankful I did this surgery despite all the pain.

71. Paulette
    August 17th, 2008 at 1:29 am

    It is almost 1 year since my surgery. September 24 will be my anniversary. My voice has changed on the phone I have to say that I like it a lot. My singing voice has not changed, however when I sing in French not the same, the little skin that is supposed non existing really bothers me and there are some words I have problems with. I am also greatful in some instances for the surgery but when I get so dry and the skin that is not at the back of my throat makes me gag I am not so happy. And the sneezing on one self will improve that is for sure. The nasal voice also goes away and things seem to remember where it is they come from and where they should go ie: throat, nose or elsewhere. there are the odd strays but for the most part everything back to normal. I too had experienced a lot of pain the first week and what is this ice cream bull I too could not take it down, nothing with grains it hurt even swallowing childrens gravol and children liquid tylenol but it knocked me out for a bit and I got some sleep. I wrote a lot of the things I wanted to say the first few days and I slep in the lazy boy in the livingroom not to bother anyone with my wimpering, everytimes you experience a new pain you think nothing is worse than this. I can tell you, I have had kidney stones, gull stones, ulcers, one natural child birth and nothing compares to the pain of this surgery because it not only affects your mouth but your ears. Once you have ear pain to go along with the mounth pain that is when grown adults become sad little children looking for their mommies. But all in all I am still alive better and still living my life thank you Doctors for the good job and thanks to my home support for being patient and helping me find the solutions to my pain control. Hope this helps someone.

72. Jim Archer
    August 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    I am having UPPP surgery this coming Friday, August 29, 2008. I am trepiditious to say the least after doing all of this research and learning about the negatives. I have mild sleep apnea and snore like a freight train. It affects my personal life and probably ultimately my health. Should I go for it in spite of it all? My number is 678.427.2142 if anyone would like to weigh in on my major decision. My pre-op is this coming Wednesday.

73. paul pantazopoulos
    August 26th, 2008 at 1:31 am

    Hi my name is Paul and I have never had to make such a difficult decision in my life.I do have severe sleep apnia that I was diagnosed with 1 year ago,the doctors told me that losing weight might make the sleep apnia go away which im sure was relayeed to all of you,Im 6′2 and when diagnosed with sleep ap I was 225 lbs,Im now currently 200 lbs,1 year later and I still have it.My doctor says that even losing 10-20 lbs more might cure the apnea.My reasoning to this is that im 36 yrs old and realistically speaking,I can’t be 185-195 the rest of my life,people do gain and lose weight over time.I tried using the sleep apnia machine.NO DAMN WAY i can live with a vacuum on my face the rest of my life,not to mention,I can’t naturally fall asleep at the beach or in any of lifes normal given circumstances,or even if I have a cold or a flu that the machine would be useless.My ENT suggested the super long named surgery which involves septum,turbines,removal of tonsils and Uvula which will open my passage ways and most likely help me sleep better,my decision was to only continue losing weight as well as getting the septum and turbine surgery.My ENT still stated that will not cure sleep apnia.Im confused! My surgery will take place on September 19/08 and Im strongly thinking of doing what my ENT recommends.I don’t mind going through pain if it will help me sleep better,after all, slep apnia can be detrimental to the health,even causing death. Its not the pain that scares me but more so the side effects from most of you with the removal of the uvula. I dont want to have a permanent feeling the rest of my life in my throat.Can you all please be so kind and help me with my decision making.I must say that sleep apnia is effecting my whole life in a negative .i hve no energy,im always tired,moody,nervous,indecisive and afraid of falling asleep.Sleeping and resting properly seems like a treat and I forgot what it’s like……

74. Paulette
    August 26th, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Hey there Paul

    Listen the feeling is not always there for the most part now I have to say that I only now and angain feel the scar at the back of my throat. I do say in the beginning drink lots of water that will help. The pain is intense the first four days and then it isn’t all that bad and you will be on the way to eating normal and having anything you want. I have to say I sleep much better and I sleep through to the morning now. I did not have sleep apnea but a little discomfort at the back of the throat is so worth not needing the cpap to sleep. Those machines are a pain for the individual and some are loud. Trust me today I am sitting here and cannot feel the scar my surgery was September 24 2007 and I am good.

    I gave Jim archer a call this morning and I was telling him the little bit of discomfort varies from person to person. Just like no two people has the same pain threshold. You may be a little nasal in the beginning but that slowly disappears and you will not notice it anymore after awhile it goes away. I am a singer and I have my total voice only in French do I have problem but again very minimal. And you no longer can snort like a pig but that is not a bad thing….lol

75. Jim Archer
    August 30th, 2008 at 6:26 am

    I had my UPPP surgery yesterday and approaching post-op day one. I went in to the place at 6:00 AM and was wheeled in at 7:30 AM on the dot. Surgery commenced at 7:50 AM and I was out at 8:40 AM. My uvula was removed and my palate was trimmed. 16 stitches in total. Pain index - a 4 on a 1-10. I was mostly bored yesterday having to wait there to ensure that I wouldn’t swell up or suffer from a blood clot which I didn’t.

    I am very glad I did it and I would do it again. I have one of the best ENT/sleep disorder doctors in the country here in Atlanta. He did my deviated septum surgery a year ago first which he found to be screwed up due to a cosmetic nasal surgery I had done with another doctor 5 years prior. I refused the UPPP surgery after the septum surgery with this new doctor. I had three sleep studies and all indicated mild-moderate sleep apnea and heavy (shake the walls) snoring, not a sexy thing for a guy who wants to keep a nice woman in his life. I am 6′1″ and about 215 lbs. but I’m come to learn it has some to do with weight but very thin people snore like trains, too. Unless you are 300 lbs. or more, I wouldn’t blame it on your weight. I am anatomically narrow in my airway. The CPAP machine sucks (or blows rather) and I kept taking it off at night. Hardly sexy looking either. So, that failed. A year after his performed my septum surgery, which was last month, I went in and “enlisted.” I called them and I told them, “I want UPPP surgery ASAP.” I went in for a consultation with the doctor and he said, good idea, but let me give you the options again: CPAP (no!) and laser assisted treatments that reduce the uvula and tighten surrounding tissues (4-5 of them, in office, less invasive, not covered by insurance companies) to which I said no.

    So, here I am: completing the first 24 days, and right now, I am very happy! And get this, my wife tells me I didn’t snore one time last night. Call me anytime, 678.427.2142, even this weekend if you’d like. I can speak just fine. Jim Archer

76. Jim Archer
    August 30th, 2008 at 6:30 am

    Meant to say, 24 hours, not 24 days…

77. Jim Archer
    August 31st, 2008 at 9:41 am

    Starting Day 3 - post-op recovery: If you take the pain medicine every 4 hours, it’s a good thing and keeps me very comfortable. I take the antibiotic every 6 hours but only AFTER 30 minutes of eating because it upsets my stomach very briefly. If I wait 30 minutes, it’s a no-brainer. I wake up every four hours and take the pain medicine. I eat oatmeal, apple sauce, soups, jellos, and drink lots of water. Take gulps of liquids, not sips and do not use a straw. Make the liquids ice cold — they feel better going down. You are getting used to a different kind of swallow where you don’t have anymore help from the uvula. Is it worth it? Yes. For now the third day, my wife says you haven’t snored once. That’s a nice thing to hear and I’m probably sleeping better, too. I can tell around the three-hour mark that my throat feels as if I have a couple of razor blades in it but in 5 minutes after taking the pain medicine, I am good to go. I will keep coming back here and updating everyone. Jim

78. J. Archer
    August 31st, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    Took a nap tonight for about an hour in a supine position and snored a lot for the first time. Wonder what’s up with that? Maybe congestion, who knows.

79. J. Archer
    September 1st, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Starting Day 4 - congestion causes some snoring; eating only applesauce, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and pasta — all of which taste and go down well. Sleeping most of today (cat naps) and it looks as if I’ve lost some weight already (not a bad thing, right?). Needed to lose about 15 lbs. anyway, and so I’m on my way. I am hoping that when all is said and done from this UPPP surgery, my metabolism will increase, sleep apnea and snoring disappear and recup a lot of lost good years of sleep and health. I should be able to manage my goal weight more effectively as I continue to exercise. Today, the pain is very minimal. Remember to take big gulps of liquid when drinking because you are learning a new way to swallow. You don’ thave the uvula to act as a “rudder” anymore. Also, when the I take the pain medicine, I have a tendancy to sip it and it likes to go up my nose which is annoying and stings a little. I suggest take it, hold it in your mouth, then gulp a bunch of water and down it all at once. That works very well for me. Watch a lot of TV and do mindless things. Reading is difficult because of a lack of focus.

80. Paulette
    September 1st, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    Very important to remember if you have any kind of surgery take the recovery time needed to get better. Although it is in the mouth you will still feel tired.

    And as Jim says do mindless things, I found the TV kept me company and then also helped me sleep. lol

    I also mentioned Big Rosie if you still come here this will be for you also. The scar tissue you will feel for a long while, I am almost 1 year post op and I have to say that I do not always feel the scar tissue in my throat only now and again. I does get better guys, think of it this way.
    When you have a scar on your arm it goes from dark red to light red then pink and then white to almost blend into your skin and it doesn’t happen over night. This scar at the back of your mouth is slowly going to disappear and you will no longer feel it. Took a long time and I noticed the other day that sometimes I feel it and most time I don’t.

    Things will get better, sleeping with a C-Pap or a Bi-pap machine is not only a pain it is in some cases depending on the machine noisy. This is much more comfortable. Within the first days of the surgery you should be able to sleep on your side or your back, but until the swelling goes down maybe sleep at an angle. And remember to ask your Dr for the liquid for of the pain killer and it is as effective if mixed with water to swallow, it softens the blow.

    Take care all an patience is what will get you through this.

81. J. Archer
    September 2nd, 2008 at 1:42 am

    Liquid pain and antibiotic medicines as Paulette says - yes, for sure. Also, if you were taking tablet form medications prior to surgery, I am finding that these are still OK to take but one at a time (to be safe) with a big gulp of ice cold water.

82. J. Archer
    September 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 am

    Starting Day 5 post-op - lots of congestion in back of throat and phlegm build up on tongue; snored a lot last night probably due to congestion (what else is left to blame it on??). I find that a really good tongue scraper you can buy from the drug store is excellent and removing all of that crap from your tongue. By the way, I scrape my tongue every day anyway–good for your cardiac health–and keeping you healthy in general and away from bacteria–Google! it and find out for yourself. Anyway…minimal pain and I’m finding that pain medicine is required in longer intervals (say, every 5 hours instead of 3 hours). I forgot to take it at 6 AM today and woke up at 8 AM with hardly any pain. I feel more rested today and than in previous days…it’s a slow process but fun and exciting to watch things get better slowly…I mean this seriously…Yes: I would do it again. Jim

83. J. Archer
    September 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 am

    Continuation-Day 5 post-op: Pain it is not; I would describe the feeling since surgery as “mild to moderate discomfort.” Pain it is really not. If you take your pain medication, you won’t have either. Make sense? The word pain has bad connotations to most everyone when they read it and fear sets in. I would not describe this post-op recovery as “painful.” Paulette????

84. Paulette
    September 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 am

    That’s right Jim, it is more discomfort than pain. It also depends on the individuals as to how they interpret their discomfort, no two people are alike. By day six I was humming and day 7, I was singing a song. The problem I encountered was that I was not drinking enough water and was getting dehydrated, you have to remember to drink a lot so as to not get dehydrated.

    I have personally spoke with Jim and he sounds great, did not sound nasal at all, that also depends on the individual.

85. J. Archer
    September 2nd, 2008 at 10:34 am

    I think I sound fine as Paulette states. Swallowing smaller sips is annoying and cumbersome at times because the liquid wants to come up my nose. Paulette tells me that that goes away. The congestion and phlegm build up are consequences of the healing process. I am using that little breathing exercise machine to strengthen my lungs so as to minimize the potential for pneumonia. Again, last night I snored which is annerving but that’s hopefully due to congestion only at this point. Again, I would not classify the post-op recovery as painful. If you say pain, my people going into fear mode. This is not the case for me.

86. J. Archer
    September 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    I ate some tender roasted chicken breast and pasta ravioli today for lunch - small bites - no problem in chewing and swallowing the chicken breast meat.

87. A. Barrera
    September 6th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

    I’m getting ready to schedule Septoplasty, turbinectomy, tonsillectomy, and uppp here in a couple of days. It’s been comforting reading all the entries. I’m almost 30, and I’ve had apnea and various nasal problems since I was 6-7. My sympotms have gotten worse in the past 6 mos. The fact that there might be some light at the end of the tunnel is exciting.

88. J. Archer
    September 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    Almost completing Day 11 post-op UPPP surgery - Yesterday, I turned the corner remarkably with respect to the discomfort index. Wasn’t needing any pain medication at all. I have lost 12 lbs. and able to fit into some old jeans. I am not snoring anymore. I have had some issues with congestion on Days 3 & 4 and Days 10 and 11 (today), predominantly in the throat and tongue area. I have been breathing heavy at times due to congestion but this is temporary. Bed partner says I haven’t woken her up once since the UPPP surgery. This is an accomplishment. A tongue scraper works wonder on getting rid of any phlegm or congestion build up on the tongue and makes you feel that much better. Also, it’s better for your health anyway to use a good tongue scraper on a daily basis. I highly encourage you to get one if you already don’t have one and use it at least once a day. What you’ll find is that you will use it 2-3 times per day while you are in recovery and it makes you feel so much better. Would I do this UPPP surgery again? Absolutely. No doubt. It is well worth the benefits, and I think I am going to be a signficantly healthier individual for it all. The stitches go away in 6-8 weeks. I had 16 of them and during post-op appointment today, my first one, one of the 16 stitches is loose but no big deal. All looks great. The stitches tickle me a little bit and it’s still difficult and slow eating bread, salads, and other foods because of the discomfort associated with swallowing. If you maintain a soft diet, it’s a no brainer but I want to get back to eating regularly. I enjoy the weight loss though, so I might not. I find that it takes a lot longer to eat a meal than ever due to the temporary nature of the recovery but that’s a good thing. Eating slower and swallowing more chewed food are always good things anyway. Helps with digestion, etc. People who ask me should I do this along with a septoplasty and a turbinectonomy procedure, and I said, yes. The nasal surgery is a cake walk recovery (almost zero discomfort and no pain medication for me) compared to the UPPP, so why not knock them both out at the same time? I would MOST certainly advise you to do so.

89. J. Archer
    September 9th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    I spoke with A. Barrera from British Columbia yesterday and advised him to do it all at once, and he thought it was a good idea and he was going to check on it.

90. J. Archer
    September 9th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    Spelling error…turbinectomy.

91. J. Archer
    September 10th, 2008 at 11:44 am

    Beginning Day 12 post-op UPPP - status quo today; no discomfort really of any kind and, therefore, I have not taken any pain meds; slept OK (but not great) last night and didn’t snore at all which makes her very happy. Good for a relationship - getting rid of the snoring. I am still physically tired from it all. Little naps here and there are wise moves. I am very happy about my results. Will check in later.

92. Lauren
    September 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    Im 16, & had my surgery thursday morning, it is now saturday night.
    I am still in constant agony,
    I cant actually open my mouth, i cant only open it very slightly.
    As it is constatnyl filled with saliva.
    I struggle extrememe amounts with eating, I have eating 1 sausage a mouthful of mash a slice of toast & 3/4 of a cheese pasty which isn’t alot at all as i am a very big eater.
    I can’t even swallow tablets.
    Just swalloing down the saliva brings tears to my eyes instantly & this happens 24/7 it is making it extremly hard to sleep also.
    My mum is constantly having a go at me to eat more else i cannot take tablets.
    But I’m in agony either way.
    I just want to know if anyone else feels as though there throat is literally blocked.
    I have also been told that it is where im too tense but it is almost impossible to relax with such agony.
    If someone could replu asap it would be extremly helpful….
    Thanks Laurenn.

93. J. Archer
    September 14th, 2008 at 12:21 am

    What surgery did you have Lauren? You didn’t specify anything. It’s hard to help you if you don’t explain the situation.

94. J. Archer
    September 14th, 2008 at 12:28 am

    Completing Day 15 - post-op UPPP surgery - drinking beer and carbonated drinks doesn’t feel really good and I hope this changes with time and healing. When I wake up in the morning, my mouth and throat are really dry. When I drink them, it feels as if I have a slight sore throat when I swallow. No snoring. I am napping a lot and sleeping as much as I can. Not sure how well rested I am yet. The body is still in recovery and I tire easily at mid-day. I haven’t resumed racket sports yet but I plan to starting mid next week. I hope that all works out well with physical activities.

95. Claire
    September 14th, 2008 at 2:21 am

    I am having a UPPP, tonsils out, and a back of the tongue reduction on Weds, Sept 17th. Is there a soft foods I should stock in the house before I go?

    I am also scheduled for one night in the hospital. Is that normal?

96. J. Archer
    September 14th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    Hi, Claire: Yes, overnight in the hospital for all that you are having done is normal. They are looking for blood clotting potential and you don’t want that. Everything soft like yogurt, jello, noodles, soups, apple sauce, and oatmeal and that’s about it. Nothing carbonated for a while and nothing spicy. Nothing more than these things for at least 10-14 days but listen to your doctor’s instructions. You are having quite a bit of work done and so your down time will be significantly greater than mine. Call me if you’d like at 678.427.2142 as I would be happy to further discuss. Also, if you read my blogs on this web site, you’ll know more, too. I just had the UPPP surgery. Jim

97. J. Archer
    September 16th, 2008 at 1:04 am

    Paulette: I had the first sensation of a cold drink going up my nose today. Will that go away with time or will that happen often? I was really thirsty today and stopped off for a big gulp at 7 Eleven and drank it fast and it came out of both my nostrils. Funny! Other than that, I am doing fine. Jim

98. Paulette
    September 16th, 2008 at 1:34 am

    Hi Jim
    Yes that too will go away, your body will retrain you to swallow and in not to long awhile your big gulp will be going down your throat again. wow that must have been sticky….lol I can’t say that anything went up my nose that way, just little bit and I catch it right away. I still sometimes asparate when I am drinking, being a woman seems I can’t wait to get what I want to say out before I am done drinking….lol

    I am almost one year post op, my surgery was September 24, 2007 and I am better swallowing is ok and if dry mouth occurs I drink water or something else. I has not affected my singing voice it has helped me sleep so soundly and much better, I also sleep right through to the morning without waking up. Oh yeah and forget about entering a pig calling contest you will loose…..lol have a great day everyone and good luck with any up and coming surgery and remember to relax and get plenty of rest if you are recovering from any kind of surgery let nature tell you when you can take on a full day.

    Good night signing out…..
    Paulette

99. Vera
    September 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    I was doing some biz dev work and I came across this Dreyer’s Fruit Bar FREE tonsillectomy care package. Wish I knew about it before I had mine taken out!!

    http://www.dreyers.com/brand/fruitbars/tonsillectomy.asp?b=135

100. J. Archer
     September 16th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

     Thanks, Paulette. It has only happened once but I was majorly thirsty and gulped several mouth fulls and swallowed them and one didn’t make it so well. It’s really difficult to tell if I am sleeping better. You are right, I can’t make a pig snorting noise anymore but that’s OK. I went into this as the objective to eliminate snoring, and I think it’s successful.

     Hope you are doing well. When is your next surgery we talked about?

     Jim

101. Paulette
     September 17th, 2008 at 1:44 am

     Hey there Jim

     My next surgery will be I believe in November sometime. I am meeting with the surgeon next Thursday the 25th of September in Utica New York. I am nervous and excited at the same time.

102. Claire
     September 17th, 2008 at 2:06 am

     Surgery is tomorrow morning. I will let you know how it goes! I have had other kinds of surgeries before but this one makes me more nervous……it’s the throat and mouth, used for two essentials things…..eating and breathing. When I got my gall bladder out, it was used for very little and I never missed it!

     Stocked up on all sorts of liquids and soft food. We will see what goes done well and tastes good.

103. Paulette
     September 17th, 2008 at 2:09 am

     Hey there Claire;

     If memory serves me right , on the first day try to get water down, the more you drink the better. I also was able to swallow luke warm broth that helped also.

     Good luck I will be thinking about you.

104. Paulette
     September 17th, 2008 at 2:13 am

     I also had my gull bladder out and I never missed it either but this is different. I remember thinking to myself there is nothing worse than a gull stone attack, then that got topped by kidney stones and then by ulcer but let me tell you no two people are the same, we all have our own way of dealing with pain. Myself I felt like a little kid, I didn’t complain but at first the pain was overwhelming than I remembered to breath and it got better real fast I was singing within a few days. So remember breath and relax and if you feel like sleeping do that also it will make time go by and if you can’t sleep watch PBS and that should do it…..lol I remember I couldn’t sleep and this is how I found this site and I have to say it helped a lot to come on here and share how I was feeling and knowing I was not alone.

     Take care and good luck

105. J. Archer
     September 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

     Recovery still underway - it will be three weeks tomorrow since UPPP surgery. Difficulty (moderate discomfort) in swallowing carbonated beverages (beer and sodas) probably due to carbonic acids. Paulette: Will this improve? Also, sometimes I hear a squeeky little noise when I eat fast and swallow. Will that improve, too? Removing the uvula has eliminated my snoring, but want to ask you, Paulette, if these things will improve over time. Also, I still feel my stitches and they say it’ll take 4 - 6 weeks for them to completely dissolve. Please advise. Jim

106. Paulette
     September 18th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

     Hi Jim:

     Yes these things get better with time. The scar tissue you will feel for awhile. Just think when you have a scar on your arm or leg you can see it because it goes from red to pink and then finally white to match your skin. Same with the scar in your mouth only instead of seeing it you are feeling it, another sensation. The weezing sound does go away but every now and then I catch myself when I breath a little whitle, specially when I am medatating and at the end of my breath I hear sound nothing but almost like my voice trying to coe out. It all gets better with time. I drink soft drinks, no problem I eat no problem sometimes I wish it was a problem lol….just kidding. I swear everyone it all gets better and time is the only healer in this situation. Everything in good time. I barely notice the scar now, only now and again but I am almost 1 year post op.

107. J. Archer
     September 18th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

     Thanks, Paulette. It sounds like a wheezing sound, exactly. Don’t feel any scar tissue, only the stitches. I have had a very minor sore throat for the past three days, and I seem to be very tired. I go in for another post-op appointment in October and for another sleep study in December 2008. We’ll see if the sleep apnea and the snoring are officially gone! Would be curious how my other health issues are positively affected - metabolism, blood pressure, and weight management. Jim

108. Paulette
     September 18th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

     Weight loss for sure, in order to loose weight when on any diet you need to get your sleep in. If you are not sleeping right than it affect weight loss. As for other things I am not sure

109. J. Archer
     September 19th, 2008 at 1:02 pm

     Paulette: Call me when you have a free moment, please, at 678.427.2142. Jim

110. J. Archer
     September 20th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

     Paulette: I wonder how Claire is doing and our friend from British Columbia. Too bad they haven’t checked in yet…also, Paulette, I am dreaming more now and seem to sleep a lot deeper and wake up a little groggy. Is that normal? What does that mean? Sleep apnea is finally gone??? Jim

111. Paulette
     September 20th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

     All it means is that you are now catching up to all the sleep deprevation that you have had over the years.

     Oh and the groggy maybe having to do with the pills not sure

112. J. Archer
     September 20th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

     I am on no pills. Are you serious about the sleep deprevation comment? What about the dreaming? Wondering if my sleep apnea has gone away…only time will tell after I get the sleep study done in December 2008…

113. Paulette
     September 20th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

     Yeah I am serious, you have been all this time without a good nights sleep. As well you are dreaming now because when you have sleep apnia you do not sleep a whole night, you can wake so many times that a dream does not have time to come along, if you understand what I mean. And your are groggy because it is a different kind of exhaustion.

114. lesa
     September 21st, 2008 at 11:22 am

     my husband had the septoplasty,tonsilectomy,uppp three days ago and the pain is unbearable,he can barely swallow the pain meds,can’t eat or drink and the mucus is horrible. he has sleep apnea and he is not snoring but he also is not sleeping. he has also been brought down by major panic attacks he said he would never do it again and would not advise it.However he may feel differently after the pain subsides some. Right now he is miserable. Any suggestions on anything he could eat, I am afraid of dehydration.

115. Paulette
     September 21st, 2008 at 9:16 pm

     Hey there Lesa
     Ask his pharmacist about getting the pain meds in liquid form. The most important thing is to drink even if he doesn’t eat drink. I also managed chiken broth when I had mine done and I totally identify with him as the first four days for me where hell also and I go dehydrated and that is when my honey went to the pharmacist and even children’s gravole worked to help me sleep, it was liquid form. again remember to ask the pharmacist as everyone is different.

     I at the time could not imagine ever doing that again, lucky he will not as this only gets done once poor dude.

116. Marla
     September 21st, 2008 at 11:01 pm

     My husband had UPPP surgery on 9/18 and he is miserable. Day 2 after surgery he was doing much better now we are on day 4 and he is a nightmare. He won’t eat or drink anything…says it just hurts too much so why would he do something that will just cause him pain. He was given pills percocet which he has been taking religiously every 3 hours and will run out in Tuesday. He also is very cranky and moody and not sleeping. Is this normal? How can I convince him he needs to be drinking and eating????

117. J. Archer
     September 22nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm

     Lesa and Marla: Get liquid pain meds like Roxicet and Hydrocodone. Don’t take pill forms of the meds. Roxicet you he’ll need for the first two weeks. I know because read my blogs aforementioned. I am nearly 3.5 weeks post-op and I’m doing very well. I would do it again. I am occasionally experiencing mild discomfort but nothing major. It just takes weeks and maybe a few months. What I can tell you with 100% confidence, they need to stay AHEAD of the pain management schedule. If they say every 6 hours, take pain meds every 4 hours, but listen to your doctor. Don’t let up on this schedule for at least 10-14 days. I had a full-time nurse post-op for the first 10 hours and she filled me head with great information and so I’m passing it along. Also, gulp water and liquids. Don’t sip. It’ll all work out; be patient and tell your mates to have patience. It’s all for the good. Jim

118. J. Archer
     September 22nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm

     Lesa or Marla, you are welcome to call me at 678.427.2142 to further discuss. Jim

119. dylan
     September 22nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm

     im 15 male in australia i had my tonsills and adenoids taken out 8 days ago i have a school camp to the goldcoast in 15 days im realy looking forward to it but right now im in so much pain constantly spitting up flem bleeding and havent eatin since the operation ive lost 6 kilos (which is nice:) ) but im reall worried about bein healed enough to go to theme parks and enjoy myself ? can anyone give me some advice im current taking panadol and thats it is there anything that helped anyone else

120. J. Archer
     September 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm

     Dylan: Read the aforementioned notes I’ve made regarding pain management, etc. I think they will address your concerns. Best, Jim

121. dylan
     September 24th, 2008 at 7:51 am

     thanx but i cant get the hydrocodone any other ways today i felt a tad better i ate chinese food
     was the best feeling finally eeating i just get really sore in the mornin and night what kinda things should i eat and drink to help and things that i should do to help

122. Claire
     September 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

     Sorry for the delay in my reply. The surgery (UPPP/Tonsillectomy/base of tongue reduction) went ok. Ended up spending two nights in hospital. Probably a good thing because I benefited from the IV fluids for one extra day. It is now 7 days since my surgery. The pain is awful. I have tried liquid vicodin and tylenol with codeine, and both upset my stomach. Do NOT want to throw up so I am trying to manage on just Children’s liquid tylenol. It alleviates some pain but not all.

     I am HUNGRY but find it hard to eat. I am so sick of the few things I can eat…..broth, jello….and I hope to never eat another popsicle again in my life after I get better! I feel stuck at home but too weak to go anywhere. I need to get this throat feeling better so I can eat again.

     I also don’t sleep well, especially without the benefits of the pain medication. Acid reflux is a problem. Got some liquid maalox which seems to help. I never knew I burped so much. Now, I know EVERY burp because even the tiniest bubble hurts.

     This morning I sneezed! Owwww.

     I just want to feel better! I always considered myself tough and have had a couple of other sugeries in the past and recovered quickly. This one is different. Even my doctor warned me about hard it was going to be, but really it is very very difficult…more than I had imagined. I keep hoping that each day I will feel a bit better…… One day I will be back to normal, I hope.

123. lesa
     September 26th, 2008 at 7:25 pm

     update, My husband is feeling some better, I have been giving him ensure drinks (they come in three different flavors) and they have a lot of vitamins and now I don’t think he seems so week from not eating,you may want to try them the pain is nowhere near gone but he has been able to drink these.

124. Cris
     September 28th, 2008 at 1:35 am

     Hello all, I had the UPPP/Tonsillectomy/base of tongue reduction back on August 22nd, so it’s been almost 5 weeks.
     I found days 3-10 were the worst, just as my surgeon told me. This is when you have to make sure you get enough fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.

     It has helped with my sleep apnea, snoring, and breathing. I have found my taste buds to be more sensitive to tastes now. I used the liquid Hydrocodone for pain, along with Tylenol. They worked well for me. I also slept alot - my sleep patterns were completely disrupted where I only slept about 2-3 hours, woke for 1-2 hours then sleep 2-3 hours, etc… for at least 1 1/2 weeks. Now, as my sleep patterns getting better, I sleep about 5-8 hours a night, and generally take an afternoon nap. I have noticed that I am starting to feel rested after sleeping now. I don’t think I’ve felt that since I was a child!

     I did had a set back though. On day 14, I woke up coughing - or really trying hard not to cough, and found I was bleeding. I spat up blood for about 7 hrs. (6 1/2 in the ER). The IVs helped to reduce the bleeding, but did not stop it. Everyone in the ER wanted to wait for my surgeon to come and cauterize my throat. ( He was operating in another part of town, and came to the ER from there). While it is not common for a bleed, it is not uncommon either. But most bleeds occur within the first 10 days of the tonsils being removed. Kind of set me back to feeling like I did just a few days after the surgery. My surgeon said I did not break the record, though. He had one that bled on day 15.

     Just be aware - I lost a lot of blood, I know it was over a pint. When they say to go to the ER if you start to bleed, they are not being conservative, get to the ER!.

     My main staples have been Carnation Instant Breakfast, jello, pudding, water and Freezer Pops. I much preferred the Freezer Pops to popsicles or ice cream.

     I am back to most foods, but much of the time I feel like I have something stuck in my throat when I eat because the taste buds in the back of my throat are enflamed. They are shrinking very, very slowly. I always have 1-2 Freezer Pops after eating too, as it lessens the stuck in the throat feeling.

     While I say this is a very painful and difficult surgery, I had periodontal surgery many years ago where they cut open all my gums and added bone to my upper jaw. That I would say was worse. It took a good 6 months before I could really eat solid food, and over a year to lose EXTREME sensitivity to hot and cold. Ever go to a restaurant or bar and ask the waitress if she can microwave your beer for 10 seconds?

     I add that bit of the periodontal surgery in to show that it may take longer than expected to really be Comfortable with eating, sleeping, swallowing, yawning, tightness, etc.. even though you can do these things.

     Still, at this point I think the surgery is definitely worth it. It has helped my breathing and sleeping.

     One last suggestion - make sure that your bedroom has plenty of humidity. If my throat gets too dry after sleeping, I have a bad throat day the next day - more liquids, probably no solids, and really hate talking, swallowing, or anything.

125. J. Archer
     September 29th, 2008 at 11:56 pm

     Paulette: Occasionally get the liquid in the nose, and when I eat fast I squeek a little right as I swallow my food. Will this subside and/or go away for good? Carbonated beverage including beer aren’t really enjoyable. Still irritates my surgical areas. How much longer or is this permanent? Stitches still in. It’s been 4 weeks and three days since UPPP surgery. Jim

126. dylan
     September 30th, 2008 at 7:52 am

     yaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy im better now
     i drink eat and everthing without even noticing
     i got em out goldcoast trip is next week
     sooooooooooo exited thanx for the tips
     

127. J. Archer
     September 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

     Glad you are better, Cris; do you hear a little squeek sometimes when you are eating or drinking fast? When you swallow in short frequencies, do you hear a squeeky sound? Read my aforementioned blogs and see what you think…Jim

128. J. Archer
     October 10th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

     Hi, Paulette: Call me if you would, please, 678.427.2142. Jim A.

129. j bornhorst
     October 11th, 2008 at 3:28 am

     anybody have trouble using a straw? I ad UPPP three days ago and cant get any suction which is really hurting my swallowing. Did something go wrong with my surgery or is this something that will get better. Not too much pain just no real ability to swallow. Thanks

130. big rosie greenbaum
     October 11th, 2008 at 4:43 am

     Hi All, Rosie here.

     Many of you have read my sob story about my tonsillectomy/uvulaectomy and the complications I have had since January 08. I have been finally diagnosed with LPR - which is the throat version of acid reflux. There is no heartburn associated with it, but it causes a host of complications in your throat such as what I have: severe difficulty swallowing, extreme dry-mouth, a constantly coated tongue, the feeling of a huge lump in the throat (globus sensation). All my ENT’s have said that this was probably already an existing condition (news to me) that intensified with the surgery I had because of the trauma involved. There is no cure other than lifestyle changes, which is going to be extremely difficult to do, but there’s no choice now.

     I guess the point of my post is that if anyone comes to Jason’s site because they are considering a tonsillectomy or uvulaectomy, my advice would be to have all kinds of scopes, tests done beforehand to determine if GERD or LPR is in your system. If it is, DO NOT HAVE THE SURGERY because you will end up with the same problems and regrets I have now. If I had it to do over again, I would have had those tests in a minute.

     Just something to think about, kids.

     Good luck!

131. amber2
     October 15th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

     Sally,
     Oh my God, I am so glad I found this site!! I thought I was the only one. I had my tonsils and adnoids removed on August 4th. Since then I have had the feeling like there is something stuck in my throat. Never had the feeling before.
     When I open my mouth, you can actually see my uvula resting on my tongue. I asked my doc and he said to “give it more time” I am not sure how much more I can take, as I feel like I want to gag all the time. If you have found anything that works, PLEASE let me know. thanks.

132. amber2
     October 15th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

     Rosie.
     What exactly does LPR stand for?

133. Paulette
     October 16th, 2008 at 8:46 am

     Hey j bornhorst

     It will get easier, I had the UPPP last September and I feel now that the only thing is that I feel scar tissue every now and then but asside form that I am very happy with the results. I no longer snor, every now and then if I am not careful and laugh while I am eating, but I mean a do not expect laugh it could come through the nose. lol

     Rosie sorry to hear about your problem. I hope that with time some of your symptoms settle down. I was not that happy myself after the surgery but a year into it, I feel lucky that I