Indie Music

Greg

I've had a sore throat for 6 weeks now. I went to the doctor 5 weeks ago, and he said I had Pharyngitis, and prescribed antibiotics. For 10 days, I felt good, and then it came right back.

It's getting on my nerves more than anything else.

Just curious, because I have a feeling my tonsils are not in good shape - has anyone had a tonsillectomy? And how did it effect your singing voice?

GregK · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:22 pm Post subject:

Greg, hey.. I remember having my tonsils out- I was a teen though. I recall that it hurt like crazy afterwards (regardless of what they say about being able to eat lots of ice cream- ICE on top of THAT PAIN was not a great thing- plus they got you on drugs that make the ice cream taste funny!) However, if this is what needs to be done, dude..you gotta do it!
Really it isn't all that bad- sure it hurts and you are out of it for a few days A) don't even THINK about doing this around a gig date. B) give yourself a slow process to heal and get back to the point where you are comfortable with singing- especially deep resonating notes that come from the back of your throat!
I really cannot say about the singing part since it was so long ago and I don't wanna scare you into thinking that you'll sound as bad as me after your tonsils are out! Shocked

Seriously- if you are that concerned- talk with your doctor-best to speak with the surgeon who will be performing this- what are the risks involved- tell him you are concerned about your singing voice and any affecting that may be caused by this- weigh what he says for side effects against what would happen if you refuse the procedure.
When I had to have 2 surgeries on my arm and hand I was terrified as a guitarist of the risk involved- I spoke with the surgeon and told him this is my life and if he thought for one second it was too risky to let me know because I would go crazy if I could not play. He told me the risks were less than 1% and that he was the guy that basically wrote the book on hand surgery around here-and if I did not have this that the risks would be permanent damage. So ask the doctor lots of good,solid questions. Odds are you really have nothing to worry about- thousands have their tonsils out every day and within a couple days-to-maybe-(pushing) 2 weeks they are back on track! Good luck! -GregK

Reconsiderate

Greg

songbirdgp

Greg · Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:40 am Post subject:

Thanks. That was helpful to read! Smile

yourangel · Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject:

i just went through that a week or too ago. ended up i had badly swolen glands. after a few weeks (thanx to my mom whos a doctor) gargling salt water is the best thing to do. slowly the swelling went away and im fine now.

ethanross86 · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:56 am Post subject:

just a kittle concoction from an israeli mother that could help... hot water with cayenne, lemon & honey

Tawanaa · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 9:11 am Post subject: About Having Surgery

Hello,

I just read your inquiry. I had a surgery where they took out my thonsils & adnois (spelling?) in the late 70's (early elementary school age). I got it done the old fashioned way. But eventually, I got better. As I got older, I started singing & it never seemed to cause an issue with me. I would suggest maybe getting more than one dr.'s opinion before having surgery though. I had chronic sinus problems even after they took my Adnois (spelling?) out. They thought removing them would solve my breathing issues. However, I didn't find out until 2 years ago, that I had a birth defect where my part of my sinus passages didn't develop like they should have (along with a deviated Septum-Spelling?). So, there were other issues but good thing, it was 2005 since medical technology has advanced since the mid 70's. You might have them check for Acid Reflux disease as well (Heartburn on a daily basis triggered by certain foods & stress). It does affect your throat/vocal chords if you don't get a handle on it. A Gastrologist can check that out for you. I went to a vocal specialist first. But the gastro dr. can let you know if there's any stomach problems (people don't even know the stomach has anything to do with it).

Anyways, I'd have them "check things" before proceeding to surgery & get at least a 2nd opinion.

Blessings--

"Tawana"