Surgery recovery time?

[fshbreath]

I was hopeing some other divers could relate their recovery times from tonseilectmy/ uvuloplasty? surgery til they could dive again. I just had this done to cure sleep apnea and looking forward to getting back in the water.

Thanks,
Adrian

 

[doctormike]

Hi, Adrian...

It takes about two weeks for the tonsil beds to fully heal over. There are a number of types of uvuloplasties (palatoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, etc..), so you might ask your surgeon for more specific information about that part, but generally after about two weeks the risk of bleeding drops off.

Bleeding would probably be the most concerning postoperative issue, and the reason to hold off diving for at least that long (if not for an additional week or so for you to feel fully recovered). Bleeding after tonsillectomy is rare in children, but more common in adults. Depending on the type of surgery, this risk may be more or less, so ask your doctor.

Good luck!

Mike

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Adrian,

Provided the surgery goes as planned and there are no complications, a wait of at least 3 weeks before return to SCUBA should be anticipated. Healing will need to be complete and the pain subsided without the help of current narcotic medication. The diver must be able to swallow normally and grip and breathe normally through the second stage of a reg.

Of course, the diver's treating physician will have the final say.

If the diver or his doctor have lingering concerns about return to SCUBA, they may contact DAN at (919) 684-2948 (Mon - Fri, 9am to 5pm EST) or submit questions via e-mail to a DAN Medic (https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/myaccount/mscc/emailmedic.asp)

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.

 

[fshbreath]

Thanks for the replies,

Today is day 14 out of surgery, still sore. Was hopeing to plan a dive for next week with buddies but gonna sit out for another week atleast. Had a little bleeding 2 days ago and feeling muscle spasms when fatigued at the end of the day.

The good news is I'm sleeping much better.


Adrian

 

[DocVikingo]

Hey Adrian,

Seems you're on the mend, and sleeping better definitely is a plus. But, "Had a little bleeding 2 days ago and feeling muscle spasms when fatigued at the end of the day" is nature's way of saying, "No SCUBA just yet."

"...a wait of at least 3 weeks before return...." still appears to be sound advice.

Please do keep the board posted.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[fshbreath]

Recovery update:
No more bleeding since the one occurence on day 12
No spasms in the last few days.
Yesterday ( day 20) made a short dive with buddy in the local training quarry.
Spent about five minutes on the surface breathing through the regulator relaxing, no signs of discomfort.
Dropped down to 10ft platform for five minutes every thing felt great.
Took 15 minute tour around a few of the features to max depth of 25ft.
3 min saftey stop and called it a day.

Felt good to be in the water again.

Adrian

 

[DocVikingo]

Splendid. A conservative return to SCUBA post-surgery of any type is almost always wise. Good for you.

You should be back full tilt next dive outing.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo