Strange lump feeling in my throat

[georgiasmithy]

so, um. since about 2007 it has felt like i have had some food stuck at the top of my throat, it doesn't cause pain ive never had a problem with it, it just feels like it's there. i know when i was little i had to have my thyroid checked but they said it was fine. i dont know what to do as i havent told my mum because i dont know how to bring it up. i would like to know what to do as it is really worrying me, i am worried that it could be something really serious. it doesnt cause me any discomfort but i can always feel that it's there. PLEASE HELP ME! PLEASE PLEASE PELASE!

[ILADVOCATE]

I would think if they believed there was a potential for any form of inflammation that they should have done a standard test to determine if there was anything occurring which would probably be a throat culture (for starters I agree with people about the other tests). I know that any time I had swollen glands or a sore throat that got worse and didn't clear up on its own that is what a doctor would do. From there they might have done some further testing just to rule things out depending on what they found. Did they tell you why they felt that eating a healthier diet (which is good advice in general depending) would be the only needed follow up? Its best to ask them why they might have made that decision or if not have someone else speak to them whom you trust and you can authorize to speak on your behalf who can find out. That way you could see your chart and your diagnosis and how they came to this conclusion.

[caregiver222]

My goodness gracious.

You are correct in your assessment that "this doesn't seem good enough".

The question is, what to do at this point.

The suggestion to "eat more fruit and natural yogurt and it will go away" seems silly.

You are in a very difficult situation. And I am sure your mom cares about you and I don't want you to get into difficulties with her.

Nevertheless, the duration of your problem concerns me.

I would really like you to see another doctor.

[georgiasmithy]

I saw my doctor and she said that my mum was right, my tonsil was swollen and so was part of my throat, however she didn't really do anything to help me, she just told me to eat more fruit and veg and some natural yogurt and it will go in its own time. To me this doesn't seem good enough, any other ideas to help me get rid of this?

[caregiver222]

It appears you may have tonsilitis, which is generally caused by a strep bacterial infection. You have had this a long time. The little buggies like to make happy-homes in the lymph glands.

It is essential that you get to a doctor as soon as possible to look at this and decide whether to initiate antibiotics or use a minor surgical procedure.

You have done nothing wrong to get this problem, and don't be afraid to talk about it with mom.

I want you to post back her after you have seen a doctor and what he says.

[SassyLassie]

Hello~I am glad that you told your mother about all this, she needs to know.

I would still see a doctor about this however. It probably is not serious, but, when something like a lump or swollen glands is involved, it is always a good idea to get some blood work done to find out exactly what the problem is, then, it can be taken care of in the correct manner.

The swollen tonsil could be due to some hidden infection, it should be checked so it does not spread or get worse.

[georgiasmithy]

thank you both so much for your comments, i really appreciate them! i feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing that 2 people don't think it's massively serious :-)
i told my mum and she looked down my throat, she says i have a swollen right tonsil, i don't suppose either of you know what could have cause this or what i could do to treat this without having to go to the doctors?
i have tried gargling salt water and it's vile! :-(

[aldunn72023]

I dont know how long it has been since you had your thyroid checked, but it probably wouldnt  hurt to have it checked again. Not only would you need blood work, you might also need a Thyroid Uptake and Scan to check for thyromegaly (which a doctor can usually feel) and possible areas of inflammation.  You should let your mother know and let her take you to the doctor.  Just tell her that you are having discomfort in your through and would like to have it checked out.  Im sure she will understand.

[CherylAu]

Hi Georgia,
Although, the 'lump" in you throat is probably nothing to worry about you must tell your mum or some other adult you trust.   As a mum, of a 21 year old, I would want to know, particularly when she was your age.  

While mums can, sometimes, seem to magically know things we are not mind readers and would, as general rule, like you to talk to us if something is worrying you. I'm don't know why you are reluctant to tell your mum but if it's because you don't want to worry her, I can guarantee it's not working.  Worrying about our children is what mums do.  She's probably aware something is bothering you and, if she's like most mum's I know, out of respect for your changed status of no longer being a child, is allowing you the space to come to her about it when your ready. From experience, nothing you tell her can possibly worry her any where near as much as all the things she's imagining that could be the causing your distress and not knowing how to help you because you won't confide in her.

Trust her to look after you.  It's the reason you still have parent's round at your age - to help when you feel overwhelmed and don't know what to do. Once our daughters reach your age, we realize you are no longer little girls and are in the process of blossoming into beautiful young women.  Most mums start to feel a bit redundant.  Let your mum know you still need her by telling her your concerns so she can do what ever is necessary to discover why your throat feels strange when you eat.

Maybe you can bring the subject up by saying something like you remember (being told?) you had your thyroid checked when you were younger and asking why.  Your mum is in a much better position, than you, to get a doctor to listen to her concerns about your health and get any appropriate testing done.  It's one of the advantages of being a grown-up.

If you really can't talk to her about it do you have a friend's mum you trust enough to talk to about it? Or a teacher, perhaps?  If there are no adults you feel comfortable confiding in you should, as a last resort, go to see a doctor by yourself.  Obviously, this strange sensation is not going to "just go away".  It does need to be investigated.  Like, I said, it probably is 'nothing' but if it is 'something' and, especially, if it is 'something really serious' you need to find out as soon as possible.

Worrying is ONLY useful for making us aware that there is a problem. The antidote for worry is ACTION.  So  . . .  (*drum roll in the background*)  ;-)  . . .  your

___________________________    THOUGHT 4 TODAY   __________________________

   Worry without Action is like stagnant water ... the perfect breeding ground for disease.
__________________________________________________________________________


Please let your mum do her job of looking after you.

Hope all goes well.

Best wishes . . .. Cheryl



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