FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT
COMMENTS
_
DATE:
TIME:
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SIGNATURE
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DATE
WRH 0911 (REV 08/02)
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AFTER
YOUR
TONSILLECTOMY
SELF CARE AFTER YOUR
TONSILLECTOMY
The tonsils are a collection of tissues; they are a
part of your infection- fighting immune system.
The tonsils contain many blood vessels, which
helps them to do the job of protecting against
infection, as foreign materials enters the body
through the mouth.
7.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Use Tylenol (Acetaminophen) as ordered
for discomfort (if not allergic) use as
Please give us the opportunity to improve our
directed for age and weight.
care by answering the questions below.
THINGS TO AVOID
1.
Avoid going out in cold weather without
1.
proper clothing.
2.
provided prepare you for the procedure?
Avoid foods with small seeds, sharp edges
Yes
(e.g. chips), citrus fruit and juices.
Tonsillectomy is done under general anesthesia
(patient completely asleep). There are many
reasons for a tonsillectomy and many different
ways in which the tonsils may be removed.
3.
Did the explanation and the information
□
No □
If no, please tell us how we can improve.
Avoid straws, vigorous gargling and tooth
brushing.
4.
DO NOT SMOKE
5.
Aspirin products may affect blood clotting.
1.
You may have tarry (dark) stools after your
THINGS TO REMEMBER
operation because of blood that was
swallowed. You may also vomit dark, old
2.
Did you feel your pain was well controlled
after the operation?
Yes
□
No □
bloody fluid for the same reason.
2.
You may be constipated, drinking more
fluids and a mild laxative may be helpful.
THINGS TO DO
1.
An ice collar (bag of ice chips wrapped in a
towel) may help the pain.
2.
Rest at home until advised by your doctor
to return to school or work (usually a few
days).
3.
A diet of soft foods and liquids may be
preferred on the first and second day.
4.
Drink as much as possible to decrease the
risk of dehydration, bleeding and infection.
5.
Chewing gum encourages swallowing and
THINGS TO REPORT
3.
Bleeding may occur up to 5-10 days after
surgery. If it happens:
a)
stay calm
b)
gargle gently with ice water
c)
If lying down, turn on your side
d)
Call the doctor or come to Emergency if the
bleeding does not stop within 5 minutes.
4.
Report heavy bleeding, temperature 38°C
or 101°F and above, chills and sweating to
your doctor.
saliva flow, and could speed up healing.
6.
Ear aches and foul breath for a few days
after surgery may occur. The pain is coming
from the throat and not the ear.
If you experience any of the above, please seek
medical attention or go to the Emergency
Department.
PLEASE TEAR OFF THIS SECTION
AND RETURN TO A STAFF MEMBER.