think my tonsills may be colonized...

bettyboop · Nov 5, 2004

im thinking about going in for a consult. my tonsils are swollen and red constantly and anytime i have any sort of ailment they are enlarged and my throat gets red and painful. i think they may be colonized by some type of bacteria (strep or...). I used to get strep every year as a child, i think my tonsills are destroyed and need to come out, but i have never even had dental work needed, i am a bit of a chicken, what is the procedure like?

your poor thing

I am an ENT nurse and see all sorts of throat infections daily and also look after post tonsilectomy pts, the tonsilectomy is performed by laser at my unit which has little or no post operative bleeding. The pain is very well contolled with tylonol and brufen, i must inform you however that the pain on the 3-4 day does increase and despite informing pts this is part of the healing process at pre-admission most forget, the best way to heal a tonsilectomy quickly is to increase fluids significantly and not to eat a soft diet, eat normal diet especially toast and crunchy cereals :eek: this really works, also when i had my tonsils out a couple of years ago the pain post operativly came no were near to the pain from tonsilitis or strep throat, also a wonder ENT nurse at the time told me to by lots of gum and chew it all the time, I also tell my pts to do this now and it really works :) Have you had you throat swabbed? because this would tell you colonised bacteria etc and antibitic senstivity for the time being. But be very assured if you do have a tonsilectomy and follow their instructions and the above tips, it will be the best decision you have ever made, i no longer have time of work chronich throat pain etc i only wish i'd had the courage to do it sooner :)

Bettyboop

smk1, LPN · Nov 5, 2004

thanks betty that was so informative! I am still a student so im thinking christmas break sounds like a good time to have them taken out. Just the thought that some bacteria may have "colonized" my tonsills is grossing me out but, i can't come up with any other explanation. I'm going to make an appointment to get them checked.

missmercy · Nov 5, 2004

I have been "chatting" with my Doc about this too -- constantly irritated throat, allergies make it truly miserable, snore like a hurricane and have apnea too -- he thinks it may be a good idea to get them out and give the airway a bit more "breathing room" so to speak. Have heard pros and cons to laser removal as opposed to "the old fashioned way" -- most guys around here are lasering.

My son had the same difficulties: allergies/drainage, swollen/sore throat,snoring etc. He doesn't have any trouble now --occasional seasonal bouts with allergies but no more LOUD snoring, no more constant colds.... sounds good to me!!!

leslie :-D · Nov 5, 2004

i remember having my tonsils out when i was a kid and evidentally i was instructed not to talk....and evidentallly i talked and talked and talked.

i eventually had to go back to the hospital because of post-op bleeding.

so if the same still holds true, smokeypokey, keep your mouth hushed.

leslie

missmercy · Nov 5, 2004

i remember having my tonsils out when i was a kid and evidentally i was instructed not to talk....and evidentallly i talked and talked and talked.
i eventually had to go back to the hospital because of post-op bleeding.
so if the same still holds true, smokeypokey, keep your mouth hushed.
leslie

Uh-OH! I'll probably hemorrhage and die!!!:rotfl:

smk1, LPN · Nov 6, 2004

i remember having my tonsils out when i was a kid and evidentally i was instructed not to talk....and evidentallly i talked and talked and talked.
i eventually had to go back to the hospital because of post-op bleeding.
so if the same still holds true, smokeypokey, keep your mouth hushed.
leslie

ooh maybe i should have them out now and bring a doctors note to A&P so i don't get called on for improptu "learning discussions" anymore for the rest of thsi semester!