Strep, Strep, Strep, Strep, Strep

It all started the last week of September. My throat had been hurting and I was trying to decide if it was overuse since starting work again or something else. When I saw white pus on my tonsils, I knew I probably should go in. Sure enough, it was Strep. This was my first case since high school. I get sore throats all of the time but never strep. I decided to get a penicillin shot and was on my way. Then about a week before Thanksgiving, my same horrible sore throat came back. This time it was accompanied by chills, aches, and a fever. I had strep #2. Even then I wasn't too concerned. Almost exactly when I was done with my prescription however, my sore throat returned. I held off a little on this one convinced it wasn't strep this time. I was wrong of course and when the pain became unbearable, I went in to the doctors and had Strep #3. By now I had been given a large list of Ears, Nose, Throat doctors and was highly encouraged to go see one. 7 days later I was back at the doctors with strep #4 and this time the doctor recommended a certain ENT I should go see. I decided I was tired of being sick so made an appointment but wouldn't be able to get in until January 9th. By now it was Christmas break so I thought I was safe. I knew I would be away from all of my germy students. Once again, I was wrong and while still at home, suffered through another sore throat. I put this one off a lot longer but decided to go back to the doctor although I already knew my fate, Strep #5. Not only was this 5 times in about 3 1/2 months, it was 4 times in just over 4 weeks.

Finally I went in to see the ENT. He said I had developed a type of film over my tonsils which is impenetrable. That is why as soon as I was off a prescription, I would get sick again. It kept it at bay but wouldn't be able to get rid of it. Strep would basically never go away as long as I had tonsils. My tonsils are also gigantic even when not sick so that along with some other things made me a perfect candidate for a tonsillectomy. He warned me that this is one of the most painful surgeries for an adult  because there is a 10-14 day recovery. I just wanted them to be out so I could start working on getting better and I scheduled my surgery for as soon as possible. It would be just a week later on January 17.

Being a teacher, I was most concerned about missing so much work. This is only my 2nd year so I don't have very many sick days and finding a sub that's reliable for PE is another job in and of itself. Miraculously, two days later I had the ok from both Principals and had subs lined up. I would have my surgery just before a 4 day weekend so although getting 14 days to recover, I would only be using 8 sick days. Things seemed to work out quite nicely so I was confident I made the right decision.

I was able to thoroughly enjoy my meals for the rest of the week knowing I wouldn't be able to eat normal for 2 weeks. I also didn't feel guilty with my daily Dr. Pepper and extra desserts because I also knew I would probably lose 10 lbs while recovering. Plus, I decided I wouldn't start any resolutions until I was better. I had some good "last meals" with friends and enjoyed a great last supper the night before at my aunt and uncle's house. By now I was sure I had strep again as my tonsils were very swollen but that didn't stop me from enjoying a wonderful meal. My uncle and grandpa also gave me a very nice blessing which calmed my nerves a bit.

Here is a picture of my tonsils the night before surgery: Warning, it is disgusting!

Thursday, January 17 was the big day. I didn't get nervous until we were ready to go inside. Sarah was able to take some time off to help nurse me and we had to check in at 6:30 am. I got signed in, dressed, got my IV then at about 7:45 they came to take me to the OR.

I remember the anesthesiologist giving me the "brave juice" as he called it and then I was out. The surgery lasted about 40 minutes and it took me another hour or so to wake up. Once I was up, I felt the pain right away. Sarah said I had tears streaming down my cheeks when they put me in the recovery room. I was quickly given some pain meds and was much better. The doctor ended up taking out my tonsils, adenoids, and adenoid tissue. They said it is very unusual to have adenoid tissue as an adult but leave it to me to be the exception. My uvula was about 10 times its normal size but everything else was good. I managed to eat some crushed ice and an Italian ice but that was it. Sarah got my prescriptions and after deciding I felt ok, we left around 11. Going home was miserable. I was nauseous and way out of it. Sarah managed to get me inside and since then all I've done is lounge around, complain, and sleep.

Here is a picture we took right after I got home:

 See how swollen my Uvula is?

All in all, the pain isn't terrible but it is uncomfortable. I got sick of jello, ice, and popsicles quickly but those are really the easiest things to eat. I've managed a couple pieces of bread, eggs, and finally oatmeal today but don't mind being hungry. Most of the time I'd rather be hungry then go through the pain it takes to swallow. Apparently today was supposed to be the worst since I'm starting to form scabs. I would agree with that. It's also been hard being so tired and dizzy with the pain meds and I get bored but hopefully in two weeks, it will all be worth it! I can't wait to swallow without it being painful.