After doing a shit ton of research, and finding some horrific recovery stories and some great tips, I have purchased supplies that I am hoping will make my recovery much easier.
The main thing I learned from my research are:
STAY HYDRATED.
My plan to help with this is to drink as much water as possible. In addition to that, I am going to drink Vita Coconut Water instead. I do not like sports drinks because of all of the artificial dyes and sugar. This is one of the only brands I could find that does not add some sort of citrus to it, which is a big NONO after a tonsillectomy. I got two case at Costco for less than $2/liter.
Other items I have purchased to help sooth and keep my throat moist (I hate this word but it applies here) are:
1. Coconut Oil: this will help coat my throat and it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/13-evidence-based-medicinal-properties-coconut-oil?page=2#_edn3
2. Raw honey and Manuka Honey: There were a couple of studies that I found where children that were given honey after tonsillectomy healed faster and had less pain. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821146/ I also found that Manuka Honey from New Zeeland has many healing properties. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses
3. Chamomile tea and marshmallow: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties Make sure it is pure chamomile to get the maximum benefits. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/chamomile-topic-overview Marshmallow is great for coating raw, sore throats. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/marshmallow Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat and Yogi Throat Comfort are great teas that I have used in the past for sore throats.
4. Aloe Vera Juice: The use for this is two fold. Aloe has been use as a burn treatment and because I am having Coblation Tonsillectomy, which is essentially burning the tissue, I am hoping this will help. It is also a natural laxative which will help with the constipation from the pain killers. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-aloe-vera
The other really important thing that my nurse told me is to make sure I get get enough nutrition. She said they want me back on normal food as soon as possible. The problem I am expecting with that is it is obviously going to be very difficult to swallow. I complied this list from foods that other people listed that were easy to eat after surgery. To ensure I get enough nutrients I picked up these food items:
1. Garden of Life RAW meal replacement smoothies I plan on blending these with almond milk and lots of ice.
2. Applesauce
3. Instant mashed potatoes
4. Jello
5. Mashed avocados
6. Scrambled eggs.
7. Over-cooked egg noodles with coconut oil (apparently these will "slide right down".
8. Chicken and veggies broths.
9. Oatmeal.
10. Almond Milk ( I don't drink cow milk and dairy products, including ice cream, are actually not good after tonsillectomy because they increase mucus production which is supposed to be awful).
11. Non acidic juices, i.e. peach.
12. Lots of ice!
I will post when I feel up to it after surgery next week and let you know what worked for me.
