A Poem: "The Tonsillectomy"

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The Tonsillectomy

Five weeks have passed since a surgery I had.

My will to have it was most ironclad.

My tonsils had bothered me for 15 years plus,

But there wasn’t then a major issue to discuss.

I won’t deny that the first week was rough.

Just taking pain meds every three hours was tough.

A kid is excited for all the popsicles and ice cream,

But what I couldn’t have was my gnawing daydream.

Swallowing was painful or irritating at best.

It was hard that first week to feel that healing had progressed.

The pain didn’t stop me from wanting “real” food.

I know the lack affected my attitude.

The evening of Day 6, my pain upticked.

That lasted through Day 10. I wanted a breadstick.

Eventually, I could cut back on pain meds.

Oh, how I wished for a hunk of crusty bread.

Pizza and chips and hot ‘n sour soup.

I definitely yearned for a food recoup.

That cookie looked good. Fried chicken I craved.

I’d eat those soggy fries from the microwave.

At the two week mark, I tried some mild spice.

I could “feel” it in my ear, but that was a small price.

On Day 15, I ate pizza, and what a joy

To be eating without pain and all food, enjoy.

Five weeks have passed, and I’ve been feeling great.

Now that I’m healed up, I say, “Checkmate.”

I don’t regret the surgery, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

I have returned to filling up the grocery cart.

-Lisa K.

May 30, 2025

P.S. I’m so grateful to Dr. Fareeda Hussain and her team. I was in very capable hands from beginning to end and felt well taken care of.