Tonsil stones - Removing your tonsils?Hello all, I was just researching on tonsil stones and I did not know that so many other people have it. It's a chronic thing for me and I practically have to press below the tonsils every morning and night to remove these little nasty things. If I don't, I would have the sensation of wanting to cough all day long, and bad breath too of course. Tonsil removal seems to be the best option because it seems like my tonsils never feel normal and somewhat injured since I press them so often. My question is if tonsil removal when you're older (i'm 31) is more dangerous? My doctor says it takes a lot longer for an adult to heal. I have heard of the surgery where they take all of the tonsils out except for the inner most lining of the tonsil so that it's not 100% ripped out. Has anyone else done this? I'm just so desperate to fix this problem. I used to sing and I can no longer do so due to the coughing sensation I have in my throat. My throat doesn't feel whole anymore. Thanks!
Mary
i would get them removed, it might take longer than a child to heal, but it would be worth it in the long run. i had mine taken out when i was 11 and i healed in about a week, so it might take you two. but i would go for it.
Moxie Crimefighter
Your doctor is right, the older you are, the longer it takes to heal...however, I do not regret getting mine removed. I was 25 years old...always sick, sore throat, swollen glands,
antibiotics...I couldn't take it.
I'll be honest, I did not feel "myself" for several months and it took several weeks to heal and be able to eat like a normal person again, but now I rarely get sick or have to visit the doctor.
I can't tell you what to do, but if you are relatively healthy, get them removed...the surgery is less than an hour (plus you'll lose about 25 pounds).
Mandy Cat
I've googled this subject several times and just recently read about a laser surgery that "smooths the craters away". Maybe you can check into that....I'd really like to know what you decide, and how everything turns out for you...if you don't mind. I'm 43, and trying to decide what to do also...
Bakhan
Tonsil Stones (tonsilloliths) are caused by an accumulation of sulfur-producing bacteria and debris that become lodged in the tonsils. This debris (which can include mucous from post nasal drip) gets putrified in the back of throat, and collects in the tonsil crypts (small spaces or pockets on the surface of the tonsils).
When this debris combines with the sulfur compounds produced by the anaerobic bacteria,normally present in the mouth, along with the tonsil stones it can also create chronic halitosis (and other stubborn bad breath and taste disorders.
As we get older, tonsilectomies may be difficult,but generally are very safe proceedures.
The sulfur producing bacteria breeding beneath the surface of tongue (which are integral to the creation of those tonsil stones) are also the most likely candidates to cause bad breath.
Tonsillectomy is performed in cases of recurring tonsillitis that do not respond to antibiotics or if an infection threatens the patients well-being,or in case of many other indications,and the proceedure is quite safe under present day safer anesthesia.
New tonsillectomy techniques are currently being evaluated but are not yet widely used. Ultrasonic dissection, cold ablation, laser tonsillectomy, and diathermy tonsillectomy are all techniques that may be offered as tonsillectomy options in the future.
Although tonsillectomy is still the most common major surgical procedure performed,especially in children, it is not done as often as it was in the past. The tonsils are part of the immune system, and studies have shown that the reduction in future infections following tonsillectomy is not in itself significant enough to outweigh the risks posed by the surgery.
The best thing to do is follow your doctor's advice.
erin c
Hi - I don't want to fake you out so I am sorry if I did! I DONT have an answer for you, but I do find myself in the same exact boat. I have an apt. w/ my ENT who has offered to remove my tonsils due to my stones in the past (have had them for 15 years). I am now 27. My apt is in October (for the initial visit) and hope to leave w/ a date for surgery. I am scared but have considered this option for a LONG time.
I feel that this condition hampers my quality of life. I am so self conscious of my breath and used to obsessively pick at the stones. I don't want to discourage anyone, but my stones have gotten worse w/ age. For awhile during college they seemed to get better. Now that I am out working in "the real world" have found that it impacts my interaction w/ coworkers. I also never had a problem w/ my left tonsil - it has always only bothered my right. A few months ago I noticed one in my left tonsil, much to my horror!
I left it alone - didnt even touch it for a month. It got big and I pressed on it and now it's getting filled up w/ the crap, just like the other one. I have weighed the options and am willing to take the risks of the operation and the horrid recovery time (as I've heard) over having to live w/ this condition for the rest of my life. The thought depresses me and somethings got to give. I would love to keep you posted on my apointments and what my ENT says about surgery.
Good Luck!
Helpful answer below. Tonsillitis explained | Better Health Channel
Links to information about tonsillitis , including tonsillectomy.
Orignal From: Tonsil stones - Removing your tonsils?
No comments:
Post a Comment