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Post-Operative Information

EAR

 

Post-surgery care

  • There is often a small cotton ball inside the ear. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze. Under the cotton ball there is a yellow gauze dressing. Please do not remove this.
  • Do not get water into the ear.
  • You may wear glasses.
  • The stitches are typically self-dissolving.
  • You can blow your nose after surgery.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.

Follow up appointment

You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound in front of the ear DO NOT remove this. There is often a small cotton ball inside the ear. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze. Under the cotton ball there is a yellow gauze dressing. Please do not remove this.
  • If you have been given eardrops, on the first day of surgery apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • If there is an incision in front of the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. 
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery do not perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery. No swimming.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery care

  • After surgery you will be given drops to use in the ear(s). You will use 3 drops per day, in operated ear for 3 days.
  • Try to keep the ears as dry as possible.
  • We recommend using ear plugs while in the bath or swimming. Our office has proper fitted ear plugs for recommended protection or extra precaution while swimming or bathing. Alternative to the ear plugs would be a cotton ball in the outer ear canal with Vaseline to make a seal.
  • Submerging your head under bath water is not recommended. Showering is preferable.

Follow up appointment

  • You will be given a follow up appointment date to see the doctor 2-3 weeks post surgery.
  • Generally tubes will stay in place for 6–18 months unless long term tubes are placed. You will be informed prior to surgery if long term tubes are needed.

When To Call The Office

  • You should call our office if you develop a FEVER GREATER THAN 38.5 degrees Celsius.
  • If you develop a low grade (below 38.5) fever, you may take Panadol use as directed from the manufacturer.
  • Bright red bleeding from the ear canal in moderate amounts, however it is normal to have blood tinged discharge that may occur for up to 3 day post surgery.
  • If you notice drainage that smells and is crusting in and/or around the ear canal.

 

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound behind the ear DO NOT remove this. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • If eardrops have been prescribed, on the first day after surgery apply drops to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If there is an incision behind the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, these will be removed in the rooms at your post op visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • If you wear glasses, either remove the arm on the operated side or make sure that the glasses do not rest on the incision behind the ear for one week.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood -tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul – smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7–10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound behind the ear DO NOT remove this. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • If you have been given eardrops, on the first day of surgery apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If there is an incision behind the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, these will be removed in the rooms at your post op visit.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery symptoms

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal. If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow-up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery Care

  • Remove the gauze bandage the day after surgery. If there are Steri-strips on the wound behind the ear DO NOT remove this. Take the cotton ball out of the ear. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal. Leave this in. You can replace the cotton ball if there is an ooze.
  • If you have been given eardrops, on the first day of surgery apply them to the packing or sponge inside the ear canal. Often the drops will not penetrate into the packing and seem to dribble out. This is okay, just try to keep the packing moist with the drops twice a day until you see your doctor.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. IF the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep from soiling your clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear. It is okay to shower but place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
  • If there is an incision behind the ear, keep it dry for three days after surgery. The stitches are typically self-dissolving. If you have staples, these will be removed in the rooms at your post op visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights it is best to sleep and rest on 2 or 3 pillows.
  • If you wear glasses, either remove the arm on the operated side or make sure that the glasses do not rest on the incision behind the ear for one week.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for four weeks after surgery.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.

Post-surgery 

  • Some blood-tinged drainage from the ear canal is seen after ear surgery and is normal.  If the drainage is copious or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Some dizziness and nausea is common after surgery. The vomiting typically subsides on the second post-operative day.
  • Popping sounds, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed in the ear during the healing process.
  • For several days after surgery, the ear may feel plugged and the hearing may seem very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. This will improve as the packing dissolves and is removed.  If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) in the ear, call the office.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7-10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

Post Surgery Care

  • Remove the dressing on the day after the surgery. Take the band-aid off and remove the cotton ball. There is often a small sponge inside the ear canal.  Leave this in.
  • Change the cotton ball as needed to catch any blood draining from the ear. Some drainage is normal after surgery. If it becomes profuse or foul-smelling, call the office.
  • Beginning on the second day after surgery, try to leave the cotton out of the ear as much as possible. If the ear is draining, replace the cotton as needed to keep blood from running onto your neck and clothes.
  • Do not get water into the ear canal for four to six weeks after surgery. When showering or washing your hair, place a piece of cotton coated with Vaseline into the ear canal to prevent water from entering the canal.
  • The small incision behind the ear should be kept dry for three to five days after surgery. The stitches will be removed by the doctor at your post-operative visit.
  • Keep your head elevated as much as possible. For the first three nights sleep and rest on two or three pillows.
  • Do not blow your nose for three weeks after surgery. If you must sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open.
  • For four weeks after surgery, do not lift anything heavier than 9 kilos, do not strain or bend over, or perform any vigorous physical activity. No airplane travel or dental work for a minimum of eight weeks after surgery.

Post-surgery 

  • Some dizziness, nausea and vomiting are normal for three days after surgery. If the dizziness becomes severe, call the office. It is normal to experience mild dizziness when moving your head for several weeks after surgery.
  • Immediately after surgery, the ear may feel very plugged and the hearing may be very muffled due to packing in the ear canal. Improvement in hearing is not expected for four to six weeks after surgery. If there seems to be a TOTAL loss of hearing (complete deafness) after surgery, call the office immediately.
  • Popping sounds, echoing, a plugged sensation, ringing or fluctuating hearing may be noticed during the healing process.
  • It is common to experience a metallic taste or sensation of tongue numbness after surgery. This is usually temporary but can last for several weeks to months. It is rarely permanent.

Follow up appointment

  • You should have an appointment to be seen 7–10 days after the surgery unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery Care

  • Leave the bandage in place. If the bandage seems to slip off the head, snug it down back in place. Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • You may shower and hair may be carefully washed but the incision must be kept dry for 10 days. After 10 days it is okay to get the incision wet.

Post-surgery

  • Some dizziness, nausea and vomiting may be experienced after surgery.

Follow up appointments

  • You will have been given a follow up appointment to see the doctor 7-10 days after surgery. Stitches, if necessary, will be removed at this visit.
  • You should have an appointment with the audiologist at 4 weeks after surgery for your initial stimulation (turn on).
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

 

Post-surgery Care

  • Leave the bandage in place. If the bandage seems to slip off the head, snug it down back in place. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. The primary dressing under the bandage (white healing cap and square pink dressing) should be left in place. Hair can be washed but dressing must be kept dry and in place.

First follow up – one week after surgery

  • Hair may be washed on the morning of the appointment. It is okay if the dressing becomes damp. The doctor will remove the dressing and clean the wound and reapply the dressing. Hair can continue to be washed but the dressing must be kept dry.

Second follow up – two weeks after surgery

  • The doctor will remove the stitches and clean the wound. Hair may be washed. If the healing is complete, no further dressing should be necessary.

Audiologist appointment

  • You should have an appointment with the audiologist after surgery to attach the speech processor.

Patient cleaning routine – two to five weeks after surgery

  • During weeks 2 – 5 following surgery, clean around the titanium abutment daily with gently soap and water or baby wipes. Dry the skin carefully.

Five weeks after surgery

  • You should begin to clean around the abutment with a soft cleaning brush and gentle soap. This should be done daily or a minimum of 2 – 3 times per week.

NOSE

 

What can you expect in the 14 days after this operation that is “NORMAL”.

  • The inside of your nose will feel blocked, swollen and sensitive and your sense of smell may be temporarily affected

  • Tingling and numbness in the tip of the nose and front teeth due to internal swelling

  • There may be sutures inside the front of the nose. These are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. They are really small but because your nose is sensitive, they may feel relatively large. Please do not pull on these or try to remove them. This can affect the outcome of your operation

  • Do not be alarmed at what comes out of your nose. Often there is dissolvable sponge like packing that when mixed with dry blood and secretions can appear very strange

  • Mild to moderately severe sinus pressure headache and discomfort (particularly between the eyes).

  • Thick blood-tinged mucous (clots) in the nose and throat that may persist for up to 2 weeks after surgery

  • Elevation of body temperature ranging from 37.5 – 38.5 degree Celsius for 1-4 days

  • Allow 4-6 weeks for internal nasal/sinus feeling to return to normal

    Post-operative directions

  • Arrange for transportation to take you home from the hospital

  • Please do not “fiddle” with your finger inside your nose

  • Gently apply ice packs over the nose and affected sinuses for initial 24 hours post-surgery (15 minutes on/30 minutes off)

  • We recommend giving prescription pain medication every four hours for the first 24 hours, then as needed after the 24 hour period

  • Start antibiotics (if prescribed) the day after surgery and continue taking for the full 7 days

  • Elevate head with pillows for 2 hours at a time

  • Avoid any lifting (over 7kg MAX), bending, pulling or straining activities for 2 weeks following surgery

  • After 2-3 days, you may blow your nose very gently

    It is recommended you use 2 types of applications for your nose;

    1. The first is a Decongestant Spray that will make your breathing easier

    • Begin the decongestant spray the day after surgery

    • Do this up to 3 times per day for 1 week only post-surgery

    • Wait 10 minutes before using the next application

2. The second is a saline wash bottle/douche that will give you great relief and prevent crusting and scar formation

  • Begin the sinus saline irrigation the day after surgery

  • Do this 2 to 3 times daily for 2 to 3 weeks

    For your convenience, irrigation and spray packs are available for purchase from the Joondalup rooms

    If your nose bleeds excessively, use the decongestant spray every 5 -10 minutes, sit forward and pinch the nostrils closed AT THE FRONT OF YOUR NOSE. Wait at least 10 minutes for the bleeding to stop. DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE AFTER THIS for a few hours, as you will dislodge the clots and restart the bleeding. If this does not help, please go immediately to your nearest emergency department

    Follow-up appointment

    You will have been given an appointment to see Prof Friedland for a post operative visit and review between 7–10 days after your operation

THROAT

 

What is a tongue-tie?

  • Everyone has a small band of tissue (frenulum) that attaches from the undersurface of the front part of tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this band is very short it can limit the natural movement of the tongue and is called a tongue-tie. It occurs in 1 in 20 babies and is more common in boys.
  • If your baby has a tongue-tie, this may sometimes cause breastfeeding problems. These problems include difficulty with latching and persistent nipple pain. A tongue-tie may interestingly cause no problems at all. If it is very thick and markedly short, it can limit your baby’s ability to push its tongue out, lick it lips and may affect its speech development later in life. These severe tongue-ties are rare.

Releasing or repairing a tongue-tie (frenotomy)

  • Your paediatrician and lactation consultant may have diagnosed a tongue-tie due to problems you may have with breastfeeding, latching and nipple pain. The release of the tongue-tie is a very simple, almost painless procedure that takes a few seconds. Complications are rare. A tiny amount of local anesthetic is sprayed in your baby’s mouth and the tongue tie is released with sharp scissors.
  • You are able to breastfeed immediately afterwards and your baby will not feel any discomfort. As a neonate this procedure is done under local anesthetic in the ward or doctor’s rooms but when your baby is older than 3 months, will require a general anesthetic.

What to do after a tongue-tie

  • As with all medical procedures, there are always different opinions. Some believe that massaging the floor of the mouth under the tongue before each feed prevents the tongue-tie from re-attaching or developing, whereas others feel that this exercise is not necessary. A reoccurrence of a tongue-tie is rare.

Classification of tongue-tie and should we have it released?

  • Tongue–ties are graded as mild, moderate and severe and the fibrous band is either thick or thin.
  • If your paediatrician and lactation consultant have recommended a frenotomy, I strongly advise you to consider their advice. Bear in mind that you may hear conflicting advice because there are some people who believe that this procedure is totally unnecessary.

Complications

  • These are extremely rare. Immediately after the procedure, you may notice a tiny bit of blood in your baby’s mouth. This is normal.
  • If you are concerned about any problem related to the procedure, please contact me immediately.

 

Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids. The adenoids are pads of tissue located behind the nose in the top of the throat (tonsils of the nose). The surgery is less commonly performed in adults in whom the adenoid is much smaller and less active than it is in children.

Energy and activity:

  • Following surgery, your child may lack energy for several days and may also be restless at night. This will improve over three to four days after the adenoidectomy.
  • Your child should rest at home for the first 24 hours. Activity may increase as strength returns. Generally children return to school two to three days after the surgery. 
  • Your doctor will advise you of any activity restrictions. During the first two to three days children should be kept out of larger groups where they are more likely to contract a viral illness.

Food and drink:

  • It is important that your child drinks plenty of fluids for the first three days. Begin by offering you child clear liquids the day of surgery. Clear liquids might include apple juice, soft drink, jelly or ice blocks. 
  • Many children begin eating a light diet the first day of surgery. These foods may include soups, potatoes, bananas, eggs and applesauce. Your child can eat a normal diet when he/she feels ready. Your doctor will notify you of any diet restrictions.

Post-surgery:

  • Is it not unusual for your child to feel sick after an adenoidectomy.
  • If vomiting persists for more than 6 hours – contact the office on 9300 9800.
  • Your child may experience a mild sore throat of headache for two to three days that can be relieved by Panadol or Nurofen. Do not use Aspirin. If your child has been using a prescribed narcotic pain medication do not give additional Panadol unless you check with your doctor.
  • Bad breath is very common due to healing of the back of the throat. Your child may gargle with a mild salt-water solution to improve the bad breath (mix ½ teaspoon of table salt with 250 mls of warm tap water). Your child may also chew gum. Some children mouth breathe or snore during the recovery period due to swelling. Propping your child up with pillows may lessen the snoring.
  • There may be a minimal trickle of bleeding from the nose. If the bleeding if profuse, sit your child upright and squeeze the nose.
  • It is normal for a child to have a slight fever (38 degrees Celsius) for the first few days following surgery. Have your child drink plenty of fluids and take Panadol to keep the fever down. If the fever is over 38.5 degrees Celsius – contact the office on 9300 9800.

Follow-up Appointment

You will have been given a follow up appointment date for 2 – 3 weeks post surgery.

 

What you can expect in the 14 days after this operation that is "NORMAL"

  • Pain and discomfort in the throat especially when your mouth is dry after waking up in the morning or sleeping during the day. “A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT
  • Bad breath as the tonsil areas are raw before they heal.
  • The areas where the tonsils were removed will appear yellowish–white. This is normal as this is how “raw wounds” in the mouth heal. This is not an infection.
  • Your taste may be abnormal for a few weeks and everything may taste “metallic”.
  • Earache – this is referred pain from your tonsils and jaws and NOT an ear infection.
  • Being tired and grumpy – the pain relief medication and effects of the operation can cause this.
  • Increased pain over several days, adjust pain medication as required.
  • Some medications may cause constipation, if this occurs please purchase an over the counter laxative from your pharmacy.

What can you do to make your recovery easier?

Pain Control

  • Take your pain medication regularly and keep the pain under control. Do not wait for severe pain to start taking medication.
  • The pain is worst in early hours of morning and late at night. Drink as much fluid as possible. Remember, “ A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”.
  • Cold temperature fluids like ice chips, icy poles and ice-cream can help soothe the throat.
  • Gargling with a mouthwash that has a local anesthetic is excellent. This may burn for the first few seconds but then numbs the throat especially before eating and early in the morning on awakening.
  • You will realize very quickly, which of the pain medications that you have been prescribed works quicker and better for you.
  • Chewing gum (not very strongly flavored) regularly will help your throat muscles and prevent spasms.
  • MAKE SURE YOU EAT REGULARLY (as close to a normal diet as possible) AS THIS HELPS YOU HEAL FASTER AND CLEANS THE TONSIL CAVITIES. NOT EATING CAN LEAD TO INCREASED RISK OF BLEEDING.
  • In the case of younger children, adequate fluid intake is more important than food intake and any favorite liquid or icy poles should be encouraged.
  • Avoid spicy and very hot foods as the throat is more sensitive.
  • If you become nauseous and sick from your pain medication, try work out which tablets are causing this and stop them immediately. You may be sensitive to its ingredients (e.g. Codeine, Tramadol).

What to do if there is any bleeding

  • In the immediate period after your operation, it is normal to taste a little blood in your mouth or see a few specks of blood in your saliva.
  • If scabs loosen in your throat after a few days, you may experience a little bleeding which will usually stop on its own. Try not to panic, remain calm and gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes (young children can suck some ice), rest sitting up and wait at least a few minutes for the blood to clot and for it to stop. If this does not stop go immediately to your closest Emergency Department.
  • In very few cases, you may experience stronger blood flow from one tonsil that will not stop and that is distressing. Try gargling with ice cold water and go to your closest emergency department. If you are concerned, you can always hold your finger inside your mouth over a gauze or tissue pad on the area of the tonsil.

You should have an appointment for a follow up  and review between 10 days and 3 week after your operation.

Once you have completed this 14-day recovery period, you will soon see the benefits of having your tonsils removed and hopefully enjoy greater health in the future. 

For more information: Health Direct Website

 

Post-surgery care

  • Expect a sore throat for the first few days to one week.
  • Ensure you drink plenty of water. Avoid hot or spicy foods for the first 3–5 days.
  • Please try to avoid coughing or clearing your throat as this can promote bleeding.
  • If you experience bleeding, gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes. If the bleeding is heavy, go to your nearest emergency department.
  • If your throat swells and breathing becomes difficult, please phone the office or go to your nearest emergency department.
  • A white or grey coloured membrane may form over the surgical site, this is normal and should disappear in 1–2 weeks. You may also experience a bad taste or smell in your mouth, this is also normal.
  • Unless you have been advised by your GP, do not take Aspirin for two weeks following surgery as this can increase the possibility of bleeding.
  • Take the medications prescribed. If you experience an upset stomach, diarrhoea or vomiting, please contact the office.
  • You can return to work the day after surgery.

Follow up appointment

  • You will have been given an appointment to see Dr Friedland for a post-operative visit and review between 7-10 days after your surgery.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office on 9300 9800.

SNORING

 

Normal symptoms 14 days after surgery.

  • Pain and discomfort in the throat especially when your mouth is dry after waking up in the morning or sleeping during the day. “ A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”
  • Bad breath as the tonsil areas are raw before they heal.
  • The areas where the tonsils were removed will appear yellowish –white. This is normal as this is how “raw wounds” in the mouth heal. This is not an infection.
  • Your taste maybe abnormal for a few weeks and everything may taste “metallic”
  • Earache- this is referred pain from your tonsils and jaws and NOT an ear infection
  • Being tired and grumpy- the pain relief medication and affects of the operation can cause this.
  • Some medications may cause constipation, if this occurs please purchase an over the counter laxative from your pharmacy.

What Can You Do To Make Your Recovery Easier?

  • Take your pain medication regularly and keep the pain under control. Do not wait for severe pain to start taking medication.
  • The pain is worst in early hours of morning and late at night. Drink as much fluid as possible. Remember, “A DRY THROAT IS A SORE THROAT”.
  • Cold temperature fluids like ice chips, icy poles and ice-cream can help soothe the throat.
  • Gargling with a mouthwash that has a local anesthetic is excellent. This may burn for the first few seconds but then numbs the throat especially before eating and early in the morning on awakening.
  • You will realize very quickly, which of the pain medications that you have been prescribed works quicker and better for you.
  • Chewing gum (not very strongly flavoured) regularly will help your throat muscles and prevent spasms.
  • MAKE SURE YOU EAT REGULARLY. This helps you heal faster and cleans the tonsil cavities. Not eating can lead to increased risk of bleeding.
  • Avoid spicy and very hot foods as the throat is more sensitive
  • If you become nauseous and sick from your pain medication, try work out which tablets are causing this and Stop them immediately. You may be sensitive to its ingredients (e.g. Codeine, Tramadol)

What to do if there is any bleeding

  • In the immediate period after your operation, it is normal to taste a little blood in your mouth or see a few specks of blood in your saliva.
  • If scabs loosen in your throat after a few days, you may experience a little bleeding which will usually stop on its own. Try not to panic, remain calm and gargle with ice-cold water for a few minutes, rest sitting up and wait at least a few minutes for the blood to clot and for it to stop. If this does not stop go immediately to your closest Emergency Department.
  • In very few cases, you may experience stronger blood flow from one tonsil that will not stop and that is distressing. Try gargling with ice cold water and go to your closest emergency department. If you are concerned, you can always hold your finger inside your mouth over a gauze or tissue pad on the area of the tonsil.

Follow up appointment

  • You will have have an appointment  to see me for a follow up and review between 10 days to 3 weeks after your operation.
  • Once you have completed this 14-day recovery period, you will soon see the benefits of having your tonsils removed and hopefully enjoy greater health in the future.

VOICE

 

Preparing for surgery

  • Do not rest your voice. It is easier for the surgeon to detect any pathology if you have not rested your voice.
  • Plan your schedule to that you won’t have to talk after surgery.
  • Change your voicemail message.
  • Cancel any engagements that require talking.
  • Pre-operative speech pathology therapy may be recommended to provide education on voice care to instruct post-operative voice exercises.

After Surgery: Day 1–3

  • Do not speak at all for three days (unless otherwise specified by your surgeon).
  • Use an ipad, text messaging, email or pen and paper to communicate.
  • Do not whisper at all (this can actually cause more damage).
  • Do not sing or hum.
  • Do not cough or throat clear unless necessary.
  • Drink a large amount of water (2L per day).
  • Reduce intake of caffeine (e.g coffee, tea, cola drinks).
  • Strongly recommended to prohibit ALCOHOL and SMOKING.
  • Strongly recommend the use of a HUMIDIFIER.
  • Avoid menthol lozenges.

After Surgery: Day 4

  • Your speech pathologist will recommend gentle voice stretching exercises to commence from Day 4 to aid in wound healing.
  • Commence gentle talking up to 5 minutes per hour.
  • Gradually increase the amount you talk over the next few weeks to your usual level unless otherwise advised.
  • Stop voice use with the sensation of fatigue or pain.
  • Further Speech Pathology therapy may be recommended for a period post surgically to ensure ongoing maintenance of your voice.

Call Dr Friedland’s rooms if you:

  • Develop a persistent cough or fever.
  • If you experience any bleeding or difficulty breathing.
  • If you have severe symptoms, proceed to the nearest emergency room IMMEDIATELY.
  • Continue to take your regular prescription medications unless otherwise instructed by Dr Friedland.

You will have been given a post operative appointment 7 - 10 days after your surgery