Dietary Instructions:
1. FLUIDS ARE VERY IMPORTANT to maintain adequate hydration and ensure rapid healing. Encourage small and frequent servings of water, milk, tea, soft drinks, nonacidic fruit juices, yogurt, broth, and soup. Fluids that are slightly cool or slightly warm are tolerated with less discomfort than those that are ice cold or steaming hot.

2. Soft foods such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, milk shakes, pudding, jelly, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables may be added at any time.

3. The patient may resume a normal diet when he/she feels able with mild discomfort. Avoid hot, spicy, rough, and scratchy food for one - two weeks after surgery.

4. Carbonated beverages are fine if they are vigorously poured into a glass to allow part of the CO2 to escape. The patient may drink through a straw without an increased risk of bleeding.

General Instructions:
1. A moderate amount of throat discomfort and ear pain is to be expected. Pain medication will control the pain and allow the patient to swallow more comfortably. The medication may cause some nausea if given on an empty stomach. Try to administer the medicine with food or drink. Encourage additional fluid intake once the medication has taken effect. If the patient is allowed to sleep during the 4-6 hours the pain medicine is in effect, he/she will wake up with a sore throat and refuse to drink. The pain in the ears is from a neurologic connection with the throat (referred pain).

2. Activity should be limited during the first week after surgery.

3. A gray membrane on the sides of throat is part of the normal healing process.

4. Low grade fever (less than 101º F) is expected and improves with hydration.

5. The danger of serious bleeding is over the first 24 hour period. In a small number of cases minor bleeding may occur up to 10 days from the day of surgery. If this happens, do not become excited, for the bleeding is usually slight. Gargle the throat gently with ice water and remain calm. If the bleeding does not stop promptly, go to the nearest health center or come to the hospital where the surgery ws performed..

6. Come for the follow-up appointment as and when advised.