Post-Surgery Complications: Managing Pain and Discharge Concerns After Tonsillectomy

Postoperative issues

Hello Doctor, I previously discussed my issues in detail.
I had my bilateral tonsils removed on the 1st and was discharged on the 3rd.
On the 7th, due to severe pain, I went to the emergency department of the surgery hospital, where the resident physician examined me and stated there was no inflammation, and I was given medication to take home.
I had my first follow-up appointment on the 12th, and the attending physician also checked my throat and said there was no inflammation, but this time I was prescribed antibiotics, which I have been taking for three days.
However, I still experience pain on the left side of my throat and the area around the tonsil, and the saliva that comes from my throat is yellowish-green, sometimes with blood or blood streaks.
I am having difficulty distinguishing whether the pain is coming from deep in my throat or from the surgical site.
It has been half a month since the surgery, and I am concerned about the persistent yellow-green discharge, fearing that I might miss the opportunity for treatment.
The pathology results for my tonsils showed benign inflammation.
Since the surgical hospital is in Yunlin and I currently reside in New Taipei City, I cannot continuously travel south for emergency care.
If I want to see an ENT specialist near my home, can a doctor who hasn't treated me before still assist me? Can you share if others have experienced similar situations? How should I proceed or what further examinations should I consider? This situation is really causing me a lot of distress.
Thank you, Doctor, for your help in analyzing and answering my concerns.

Miss Yang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/15

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you have yellow-green discharge, you may first visit a nearby otolaryngology clinic to check for other infection issues.
If there is no improvement or if further evaluation is needed, you can ask the clinic physician for a referral to a nearby hospital for further management.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/04/15

More Info

After a tonsillectomy, it's not uncommon for patients to experience significant pain and discomfort, especially in the initial days following the surgery. Your situation, where you are experiencing persistent pain on the left side of your throat and noticing yellow-green discharge, raises some important considerations.

Firstly, the pain you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors. After a tonsillectomy, the surgical site is healing, and it is normal to have pain as the tissues recover. However, if the pain is severe and accompanied by unusual discharge, it may indicate a complication. The yellow-green discharge you mentioned could suggest the presence of an infection, even if the initial examination did not show signs of inflammation. It's also possible that the discharge is a result of the healing process, as the body clears out dead cells and debris from the surgical site.

The presence of blood or blood-streaked discharge is concerning. While some blood-tinged saliva can be normal in the days following surgery, especially if you are coughing or clearing your throat, persistent or increasing bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Given that you are experiencing ongoing symptoms and are concerned about the possibility of missing a critical treatment window, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. You mentioned the difficulty of traveling back to the original surgical site for follow-up care. Fortunately, you can visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist closer to your home. Even if they did not perform the surgery, they can assess your current condition, review your surgical history, and provide appropriate management.
In terms of managing your pain, ensure that you are following the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This typically includes taking prescribed pain medications as directed, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants such as spicy foods or tobacco. If the pain is not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications or prescribed pain relief, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your medication or explore other pain management strategies.

Additionally, if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or significant changes in your ability to eat or drink, this should be communicated to your healthcare provider. They may recommend dietary modifications or further interventions to ensure you are maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration during your recovery.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort are expected after a tonsillectomy, the persistence of your symptoms, particularly the discharge and pain, warrants further evaluation. Seeking care from a local ENT specialist can provide you with the reassurance and treatment you need. Remember, it’s important to advocate for your health and seek help when you feel something is not right. Your well-being is paramount, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Tonsillectomy Concerns: Pain and Recovery Insights

Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized in May of this year due to tonsillitis with purulent infection and high fever, and I received antibiotic treatment. Afterward, I switched to oral Augmentin 1g twice a day, but every time I stopped the medication, the symptoms would recur. This si...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is no obvious fever and the pain is gradually improving, it is generally considered a normal phenomenon. However, if the pain continues to worsen, it is advisable to return for an earlier check-up. Before the wound is completely healed, it is recommended to rinse ...

Understanding Ear Pain After Tonsillectomy: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a long-term sensation of foreign body in my tonsils along with chronic inflammation. Recently, on the 1st, I underwent surgery to remove both sides of my tonsils. Before the surgery, there was a white area where the adenoids used to be, whic...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it is difficult to determine the causes of tinnitus, ear fullness, and ear pain, as there are many potential reasons for ear pain. In addition to the possibility that the surgical site from a tonsillectomy has not fully healed, chronic throat inflammation, temporomandibula...

Understanding Throat Issues: Post-Surgery Complications and Concerns

Hello Dr. Lee, I consulted with you two years ago when I brought my child in, and I hope you remember me. I am currently experiencing some symptoms that are quite concerning, and I would like your assistance in analyzing them. Previously, I had chronic inflammation of the tonsils...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
The area at the back of the tongue near the throat consists of the lingual lymphoid tissue and tonsils. Inflammation in this area can lead to a sensation of swelling. After surgery, it usually takes about three months for the sensation to completely subside, so please do not worr...

Post-Tonsillectomy Complications: Understanding Swelling and Breathing Issues

Doctor, I recently underwent a tonsillectomy due to chronic tonsillitis and was discharged after two days in the hospital. My surgical site is still swollen, and the uvula may have been affected during the procedure, resulting in a white swollen area. Over the past two days, whil...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Based on your description, the wound is currently quite swollen and has not fully healed. The swelling is expected to persist for about another 10 days after discharge. It is recommended to elevate your pillow a bit to help alleviate the swelling. Wishing you a safe recovery.