General Instructions

• Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for fourteen (14) days.
• You have been given medications that make you drowsy and that will affect your reaction time. Therefore, do not drive, drink alcohol or make critical decisions for 24 hours.
• Plan a quiet day at home and have someone stay with you the remainder of today and overnight.
• Do not drive while on prescription pain medications.
• Gargling helps clear the throat. Use 1/3 cup Cepacol® or any mouthwash, 1/3 cup water, and 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide. Mix the above ingredients and gargle after meals and at bedtime.
• After surgery, a sore throat and earache on swallowing are to be expected. Encouraging fluids and soft foods will speed recovery from pain.
• Taking liquids is most important for the elimination of pain each day. A mild elevation of temperature usually means the patient is not taking enough fluids.
• Pain medication should be given every four (4) hours. Tylenol® elixir, Tylenol® chewable, or Tylenol® with Codeine elixir is recommended for pain. You will receive a prescription for Tylenol with Codeine elixir if appropriate for age. DO NOT USE ASPIRIN, ASPERGUM®, ADVIL®, MOTRIN® OR SIMILAR MEDICATIONS.
• Do not be alarmed by the presence of a white membrane in the throat; it will be present for 1-3 weeks after surgery. The membrane may cause an odor for several days.
• BLEEDING is unlikely, but may occur in very small amounts up to fourteen (14) days after surgery. If bleeding becomes heavy, DO NOT DELAY. Call our office (913-764-2737) or report to the Emergency Department of the Olathe Medical Center (913-791-4357).
• Call our office at 913-764-2737 if you have bleeding from the throat that does not clear with cold water, temperature elevation of 101º Fahrenheit or greater in the first 48 hours, or persistent vomiting. For temperature elevation after 48 hours or development of a persistent cough, call your primary care physician.

Dietary Instructions

• Encourage liquids.
• AVOID sharp foods such as popcorn, chips and dry toast for two (2) weeks.
• Soft foods can be added the day after surgery.
• Some patients do not eat solid food for 7 - 10 days. This is normal.

Special Instructions

• You are scheduled to see your doctor in one (1) week.
• You will need to rest and be off of work for 7 - 10 days.