My Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (Full Surgery) - Dalton Ear, Nose and Throat

My Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
©2011 - All Rights Reserved

On Friday, October 28, 2011 I underwent a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy at The Northwest Georgia ENT Surgery Center in Dalton, GA, USA. Dr. Stephen H. Ryals, MD, an otolaryngologist and surgeon performed the procedures and agreed to film the surgery.

This video predominately shows the removal of my right tonsil.

Many Thanks To:

Surgery
Dr. Stephen H. Ryals, MD

Anesthesiology
Dr. Brannon, MD

Camera (OR)
Kelly Carruthers (surgical technician)

Camera (Pre-Op)
David Reynolds

Camera (Post-Op)
Jackson David Reynolds
Portia J Shela Owens

Family Support
David Wayne Reynolds
Debbie Faye Reynolds
Portia J Shela Owens

Facilities
Northwest Georgia ENT Surgical Center

All footage was filmed using my iPhone 4 and was edited by Jackson David Reynolds (me) using my MacBook Pro and iMovie '11.

The opening music was "Cavatina" by Stanley Meyers, performed by rain Ogden from the album "The 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music." I do not own the rights to this piece of music.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• MD Dalton ENT Dalton Ear

[MotleyGirl66697]

WHY is there a tube going threw your nose D:?

[JacksonDReynolds]

@MotleyGirl66697 - That is a breathing tube. Before most surgeries, adults are given a paralytic drug to prevent movement during the surgery as well as to achieve other ends. This drug paralyzes the diaphragm (the muscle used to breathe), so a tube is placed down the trachea in a procedure called endotracheal intubation which allows a machine to respirate for the patient.

[Tu16]

I'm a Dutch second year student of medicine, and was allowed to do one of these in november last year. No worries - it was all safe, the professor gave me awesome guidance. My first cuts, those were, though. Was kinda excited. Here we don't do it by electrocoagulation, by the way - I used a scalpel and a few other cold steel instruments. The patient did not have much pain afterwards, recovered quickly.

[JacksonDReynolds]

@Tu16 - Wow! I bet that was exhilarating! I have observed several methods for removal including just simple cold steel and I've seen the advantages and disadvantages of each. My favorite is electrocoagulation with a suction Bovie :)

[JacksonDReynolds]

@autism4life16 - Expect near-constant pain in your throat that will only be numbed a bit by even the maximum dose of your pain medication. Your surgeon will likely prescribe hydrocodone or demerol, which will undoubtedly be in liquid form. Take your meds religiously even at night because if you go without them for even one dose, the pain will be unbearable. Tough it will hurt, drink AT LEAST 64 oz of H20 daily. It is very doubtful that you will be able to eat much of anything for at least a week

[autism4life16]

im getting my tonsils out in march what will i be expecting after them out ike what to eat/drink/pain medacation

[grrrbuddy]

I had my tonsillectomy five days ago. Honestly, the most painful part of this whole process was when he put the drugs to knock me out in my IV. My whole body stung immediately. It was so weird. Btw, I was prescribed Lortab in pill form & it works wonders!

[josephjp1000]

OMG! Im off to ENT outpatients tomorrow and i know that my monsters have got to come out im not looking forward to this but thanks for the insight.

[SeriusGamer82]

@Ellenemax thanks i am a sleep apnea patient and hopefully i will go home tomorrow. :D

[dcoverda21]

How long did it take for your tounge to feel normal again? I had mine out 2 days ago and my tounge still feels like its asleep. Thanks

[Ellenemax]

@MotleyGirl66697 yes, if they can't put the tube in through the mouth, they do it thru the nose, like, if you have jaw surgery or tonsils out. Oral surgery probably too. When patients have trouble swallowing, a feeding tube can get put thru the nose; I know, that sounds weird, but if a patient can't swallow they can't eat. I think a regular IV can provide a patient with hydrating liquid.

[Ellenemax]

@SeriusGamer82 Hang in there. It sounds like you're doing just fine.

[SeriusGamer82]

i JUST GOT MINE DONE lol i am in the hospital

[MissJP231]

For the person who is 19 and having tonsils out, I had them out at 21 and took two weeks for a full recovery. Though one of my stubs (where my tonsil was) got infected.

[JacksonDReynolds]

@Belwaer - It was exactly the same for me! I have not become ill once since the operation, whereas in the same span of time before it, I would have contracted strep at least once if not more. Things are exponentially better now. :)