Tonsil Question?

I know this is not a maternal or child related question but I just want to be able to ask people around my age if they developed problems with their tonsils as an adult?  I started to have a problem during pregnancy (like EVERYTHING else) and just ignored it.  Now they are swollen all the time and I started to get these GROSS things called tonsil stones.  Never had any problems until a little over a year ago and it keeps happening.  The ENT doctor said that I could get them removed but as an adult it has more risks and is harder to recover.  I would do it in a split second if I did not have a child but now that I do have someone depending on me I am actually worried about the risk and the recovery.  Please share any experience you may have?  Also - is this just a fluke that it started during pregnancy or does this get blamed on those extra hormones as well?  I did not ask the doctor that.  I go back on May 12th so I am trying to prepare myself.

Thanks.

[peekawho]

I had mine out when I was 16.  I remember it vividly.  It was very painful for a couple of days, but I don't it being too bad after that.  I don't think I missed much school at all.  Maybe a few days.  

I had frequent strep throats prior to that, and none after.  

[GNicole]

This isn't much help but I have had tonsillitis 2 times in the past 2 years and neither time was when I was pregnant. I never had it as a child but twice in adulthood. Do you have allergies?? I thought tonsil stones can be caused by post nasal drip. Just curious if you have allergy problems. I do!  I would go for a second opinion, maybe to an allergist before surgery. Good luck! :)

[cantwait4baby]

Thank you, I know you are in the medical profession.  I am 100% against pain killers.  When I had a c-section I did not take anything stronger then Tylonel once I got home.  I was ok with that.  Do you think I will be ok with this?  Plus, if you cannot swallow how do you take meds?  Sorry, I think I am more nervous about this then childbirth.

[cantwait4baby]

wow, thanks - I never thought of that?  I do have a good allergist too.  I am going to give them a call and ask.

[GNicole]

Good luck, keep me posted! :)

[peekawho]

I remember taking Tylenol #3 in liquid form.  There are also liquid forms of hydrocodone, another potent pain reliever.  I believe you might want to have something on hand to take for pain, just in case.  

But you will be able to swallow pills and food.  Its painful, but you can do it.  In fact, one thing the ENT recommended was eating potato chips.  He felt the salt in them took a lot of the swelling out of your throat.  Of course, you have to chew everything very, very thoroughly.  Its easier to eat soups, ice cream, and the like for a few days, though.

I think the first day was the worst.  I remember throwing up once or twice, not fun.  But it was much better the next day after that.  Much like any surgery, the first day is often the worst.

[1nana]

I was 14 when I had my tonsils out. I remember it all too clearly (had complications...will not go into any details, because I don't want to scare you), anyway I lived on jello and ice cream for almost two weeks and to this day I refuse to eat either one.

[Jame0223]

I have the same problem with tonsil stones. Just lately my tonsils have been swollen. The stones have gotten greener. They are DISGUSTING. I get them so often that I have permanent holes in my tonsils from where they come out. I get at least one a day pretty much. I can push them out...so nasty sorry tmi. I have been thinking about getting my tonsils removed as well. I heard it was painful and takes a few days to recover..but I am so sick of these annoying stones. And whenever I get sick, my tonsils get the worst of it. I had strep throat twice in 3 months time. Its funny were talking about this, I have a damn stone bugging me right now! My dad had the same problem, but got his removed at 14. He said that it was a horrible procedure, but that was almost 30 years ago..so maybe they have improved it in some way? I am not against pain meds and staying home from work! lol. I want to get them removed but I didn't know if I should even consider it. I wonder how expensive it is, anyone know?

[pertykitty]

i had mine out at 16 and i couldnt swallow anything, no ice cream, just room temp mashed potatoes.  it was more painful than my c section from what i can remember but it was very short, several days getting better each day.  i however am hardly ever sick since, that alone is worth it.

[cantwait4baby]

Thank you all so much - Jame - what does your doctor say?  They are gross and Thank God i dont get them often but Jeeze come on already - I have enough issue I dont need that. haha

I have an appt on the 12th of May.  Someone should just invent some type of dropper that can dissolve them?  Sounds simple enough right?  There you go I could be rich.