Need Some Insight

[ccmomof3]

Okay, I'm not sure where to begin with all this...My hubby has told me recently that he has had white spots in the back of his throat that if he's brushing his teeth he will run the toothbrush back there and they will break off not tasting very well, his tonsils are swollen, his lymph nodes are swollen, his gums are bleeding, his neck is swollen and stiff, he's having a hard time swallowing and chewing, his throat hurts along with his throat. He occasionally gets the chills and has been very tired. He loves his job and would do anything in the world to get up and go and he has a very hard time getting up in the morning. Apparently, this has been going on for the past few years and it's progressively getting worse. I told him he needs to go see a doctor and he's afraid to, because he knows what it is. Our insurance is changing as of Nov 1 and he has promised me to go see a doctor then. He is 36 years old and we have 3 young children. I have done my research and it all leads to some type of throat cancer. The thought has crossed my mind that it could be an infection, but my theory is I would have it and it wouldn't have gone on this long. The other thing is we were both on an antibiotic of 800 mg last year and there still there. They never went away. I'm trying to think positive but when I do all my research it all leads to the throat cancer. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[HelpMomof2]

Just a thought.  The throat things sound like Tonsil stones.  They are build up of "gunk" in pockets in your throat/tonsils. They are nasty tasting and tend to leave a icky taste in your mouth.  When they come out, if he would crush one in his fingers they are absolutely stinky and you can't miss the smell.
It is not caused by cancer but I believe they can irritate your throat and when you have sinus drip like a cold you get more of them.  
There is another name along the lines of Tonsiloths sp? for them.  

[ccmomof3]

I will definitely keep you posted. I'm very anxious for the new insurance to kick in. My life is on hold until we find out what is going on with him. Once again, thank you for the quick response.

[Jaybay]

Yikes!  I think we're married to the same man!  :-)  My husband is the same way and it drives me crazy.  He let severe reflux go so long that he's done permanent damage to his esophogus and has to have endoscopy done every year to see if he's got cancer.  I don't know why, but men are just stupidly resistant to getting medical treatment.  If it weren't for the wives kicking their rear-ends into the doc's office they wouldn't be with us for long.  Keep after him, and I look forward to hearing your story of the day you drag him in!

[ccmomof3]

I very much appreciate such a quick response. He doesn't want to go because he's scared. I've tried to explain to him what my life is going to consist of w/o him here with 3 young kids. I am making the appt for him and he IS going to go whether he wants to or not. I have been dealing with this for too long. He is a true stubborn german in my eyes. Like I said our insurance changes Nov 1st, but I will keep you posted thanks for your insight!!

[Jaybay]

Playing the ostrich game will do no good.  Chances are good that it's a chronic infection, and will take several weeks of antibiotics to cure.  The pustules in his throat can be cultured to determine exactly what bacteria is there and that will help the doctor decide on an appropriate antibiotic.  Not all antibiotics kill the same bacteria.  Just because he was on one last year doesn't mean it would have been effective for whatever infection he has.

You're right: your husband MUST see a doctor.  Why is he so resistant to going?  From what you write, I doubt cancer is the problem, but such a long-term infection can eventually become life-threatening if not treated.  It is more than foolish to ignore this problem.  Do whatever you can to get him to the doc.