How bad does it hurt when you get a tonsillectomy?

It's manageable: Individual pain tolerance plays a role, certain surgical techniques hurt less than others. Pain isn't too bad the first 2 days then is worst days 2-3 postop, starts to decrease, sometimes increases 4-6 days postop as the scabs shed and is almost done at 10-14 days. Suggest narcotics, advil, (ibuprofen) and topical Lidocaine to get you through.