Even though tonsillectomies are more common in children and teens, your doctor may suggest a tonsillectomy. Even though tonsils help to fight infection, it’s sometimes necessary to remove them. If you frequently get tonsillitis, sleep apnea, or other throat infections, your doctor may recommend surgery to get them removed. However, if you’re a stoner, you may be wondering how soon you can hit your bong after surgery. This is what you need to know about smoking weed after a tonsillectomy.
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Can I Smoke Weed After a Tonsillectomy?
Chances are, you’re feeling some pain after a tonsillectomy. While you may be tempted to reach for a blunt to dull the pain, you probably shouldn’t.
Dr. David Berger, owner of Wholistic ReLeaf, and Dr. David, MD. tells us that while weed is excellent for pain, you shouldn’t be smoking weed after a tonsillectomy.
“Marijuana can be an excellent way to control pain after surgery and can reduce or eliminate the need for opioid pain relievers. The area from where the tonsils were removed needs to heal. It should not be exposed to heat. And if the cannabis is harsh, it could cause irritation to the area as well.”
However, Dr.Berger informs us that you can use weed after a tonsillectomy.
“Both of these issues can be reduced by using a bong, especially if the water is cold or ice is added.”
Edibles may also be an option since they won’t introduce unnecessary heat your healing wounds.
The Advanced Sinus and Allergy Center also recommends avoiding smoking weed after getting your tonsils taken out.
In addition to not smoking weed, they say, “No smoking or chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol for 2 weeks after surgery.”
You’ll be able to smoke weed again after your mouth has healed.
Healing time will vary from person to person.
However, the Mayo Clinic says, “Plan for 10 days to two weeks or more of recovery time. Adults may need more time than children do.”
If you’re unsure whether or not your mouth has healed fully, you can get in contact with your doctor to be certain.
Can I Smoke Weed Before a Tonsillectomy?
If you’re nervous before your tonsillectomy, you probably want to reach for your weed vape or a blunt.
However, smoking weed before your surgery is a no-no.
While we’ve extensively covered why surgery before weed is not a good idea, we’ll summarize it here.
Weed affects how much anesthetic you’ll need.
People who use weed regularly usually need more anesthetic.
The American Society of Anaesthesiologists says, “Marijuana has a sedative [effect] and can interact with anesthesia, so it’s important to tell your physician anesthesiologist if you partake, whether by eating edibles, smoking or other methods.”
If you’re super nervous before surgery you can discuss your fears with your doctor or employ some other calming techniques.
What Can I Eat After a Tonsillectomy?
There is conflicting information about what you can eat after a tonsillectomy.
The University of Mississippi says, “As your appetite improves, solid foods and chewing are strongly encouraged. There are no limits on the sort of foods you can eat. You cannot damage the throat by eating any particular type of food.”
On the other hand, other sources recommend opting for softer food while recovering which is something you’ll have to consider if you’re having munchies.
Since THC is the primary reason you have munchies, you’ll get them whether you smoke a blunt or hit a bong.
According to the Advanced Sinus and Allergy Center, you should avoid pizza, chips, acidic foods, and very hot liquids.
For the first three days, they recommend:
- Fruit juice
- Milkshakes
- Ice cream
- Popsicles
- Pudding,
- Carnation breakfast drink
- Gatorade
- Ginger ale
- Pedialyte
From days 4-14, the Advanced Sinus and Allergy Center recommends opting for anything from the list above and
- Mashed fruits
- Oatmeal
- Soft-cooked pasta noodles
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Jello
You’ll also be required to drink a lot of liquid, especially within the first couple of days.
The Advanced Sinus and Allergy Center says, “It is important that you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and to help soothe the throat pain.”
Speaking of pain, if you don’t want to use your bong to relieve pain, you can opt for painkillers.
However, not all painkillers are appropriate after a tonsillectomy.
You have to avoid aspirin for at least two weeks after your surgery.
The University of Mississippi says, “Tylenol or the prescribed narcotic pain medicine should be taken as instructed. 24 hours after your surgery, you may add ibuprofen for pain control. NO Aspirin or other blood thinners are to be taken for 2 weeks after surgery.”
Takeaway
So, can you smoke weed after a tonsillectomy? No, you can’t. Smoking weed after a tonsillectomy introduces heat to the area where your tonsils are and that’s a no-no when it’s healing. However, you may be able to use weed in other ways, especially when it comes to dealing with pain after the surgery. You can opt for a bong with cool or cold water or maybe edibles. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions so that you can increase your chances of healing properly. You may also want to tell your anesthesiologist that you use weed so you can get a more accurate dosage.
