Anyone had tonsillitis as an adult?

[MrsDoolittle]

I've have had it a few times, mostly when I was younger.
I've got it now, but this is nasty. I have been constantly sore since Saturday. I can't sleep, I can't eat, can't drink.
They don't prescribe antibiotics for this now (unless I become iller) just strong analgesics, which still seem to be pretty ineffctive if you ask me.
Worst thing is, I had assumed it would be all over in a few days but apparently it can go on for THREE months!!!

Can anyone who has had this tell me how they dealt with it?

Thanks

[weebleswobble]

I had it 3 times over the last 3 years out of the blue. I hadn't had it since I was a toddler. My GP gave antibiotics each time and the worst was over in 4 days. It took a few more days to feel ok again. It made me more sympathetic towards children that have it! My dcs have never had it.

Worse thing for me was trying to eat icecream because my mum told me it would just slide down and it tasted of pus

Hope you feel better soon and not in 3 months!

[margoandjerry]

Yes I got recurrent tonsilitis and couldn't take much in the way of antibiotics as I am allergic to a number of them. Had it several times in a year and eventually had my tonsils out as the tissue was permanently swollen and they were just harbouring permanent infection.

But I've not heard that they don't prescribe anti-bs any more. That's what you need tbh. Have you got a fever with it? That's always what makes you feel really ropey.

Don't think you need to worry about being ill for three months. It should be over in a few days unless you end up with recurrent tonsilitis as I did. But I think that's unusual. More normal just to get it and then have it go away.

[octoandflash]

I had it 7 times when was pg with ds1 Took antibiotics for 3 of them - learnt to live with it after that! Would ask for antibiotics personally to shake off any nasty bugs.

Have only had it once since when ds1 was 5 months.

I think it is related to stress/being generally run down.

[MrsDoolittle]

Thanks.

Well I've had it 5 days now and it is still as bad as ever. I am now starting to feel it in my ears.
Apparently the children are more likely to get viral tonsillitis which is milder than bacterial tonsillitis which adults usually get.

My brother had it earlier this year. He had it 3 weeks, he said he basically was told he had to live with it.

My poor children and OH, Mummy is not very happy at the moment

[pobletsmum]

Sorry to hear you're suffering. I get tonsillitis 2-3 times a year. I've learnt from experience that it can sometimes go away by itself, but if it's still hanging around without improvement after 5 days my GP gives in and lets me take antibiotis which usually work quite quickly. My symptoms are worse now than when I was younger. Apart from the obvious sore throat & swollen glands, I get really shaky & shivery then hot & sweaty, ache all over, can be sick lots of times or not at all, in fact it's a bit like having flu. I am incapable of looking after DS for a couple of days, then usually manage to get by on day 3 with the help of CBeebies! Try to keep fluids down, or suck lollies and if you're not better in a couple of days, see your GP.

It's NOT NICE! You have my sympathy.

[margoandjerry]

If it's in your ears I would go back to doc - tonsilitis that turns into earache is just the worst thing.

[octoandflash]

My dh, nephew and ds3 (possibly) had it recently - horrible. ds3 was diagnosed as ear infection but I think he had it too - he got antibiotics - but doc did say they don't like giving them out - said 'I NEED SOME SLEEP FGS' and so he prescribed them!

[newlifenewname]

Keep checking your throat as it can progress to Quinsy and then becomes life threatening. I had this and had an ambulance ride to hospital . You need to check for white spots growing and swelling that becomes extensive.

[MrsDoolittle]

I copied this from NHS direct, it's more or less what the GP told me. They don't give antibiotivs for this anymore, unless you're dying.

Tonsillitis caused by streptococcal bacteria is sometimes treated using antibiotics. However, research has shown that the effects of using antibiotics to treat the symptoms of a sore throat are limited. The results of a clinical study showed that the maximum benefit was seen by day three, and that, on average, the illness time was reduced by about one day.

[pobletsmum]

sorry didn't realise 5 days are up already. I'd go back to your GP.

[MrsDoolittle]

I'ce had the white spots but they're exactly the same. "Crypts" said the GP. My glands are swollen but I really don't want to go back only for her to turn me away again.
I was in the waiting room for 50 minutes last time.

[MrsDoolittle]

Thank you pobletsmum. GP's are a pain, I hate feeling like I need to fight my corner with them.

[newlifenewname]

Okay well, if it gets really bad then you won't be able to swallow your own saliva. This is the point you need to get to A&E but otherwise codeine will have to suffice. Poor you.

[startouchedtrinity]

My GP prescribed abs for my tonsillitis and it went within 48 hrs. Before that they were so swollen I was gagging on them. My dd2 had it earlier this year and she also got abs. If it i sbacterial they kick in so quickly. I am very for you and def. think you need to go back to your GP.

[margoandjerry]

I just don't think you want to let the infection take hold in your ears because that's awful. See how you feel tomorrow but don't be afraid to go back if you need to.

[MrsDoolittle]

Actually, I was assuming I was going to just have to 'live with it' for 3 weeks or more.
How do I cope with work? I teach, the academic year starts the first week of September.

I guess I'm going to have to ask my GP again next week aren't I?

[startouchedtrinity]

Maybe you could try telling your GP that you will go to A&E unless you get some abs - I know other mnetters have got good results with this kind of thing.

[margoandjerry]

I find some GPs think tonsilitis = sore throat

Mine completely floored me - raging fevers, ear infections, vomiting. By the end my tonsils were the size of small plums - permanently. Was having trouble speaking. Very glad to get rid of them.

Sorry you are having to deal with this. It's really horrid.

[startouchedtrinity]

My medical encyclopaedia says that where tonsilitis has a bacterial cause antibiotics are a fast and effective treatment with benefits felt within 24 hrs.

[MrsDoolittle]

Thanks Ladies. I have to admit to being rather annoyed to see the GP typing sore throat on the computer. I had never met her before so she didn't know me from Adam but I don't even sound normal.
I sound like I have a sock stuffed down my throat!

[MrsDoolittle]

I've been looking on the net.
The problem with nooks is that it is hard for them to keep up with current thinking, especialy in medicine.
Recent research has said that there is very little evidence that antibiotics actually reduce infection time.......

Err why am I defending the GP who didn't give me antibiotics???

[MrsDoolittle]

Anyway, I'm pooped. I need to grab some shut eye before the current lot of analgesics wear off (about 2 am)

Good night and Thanks for the support ladies

[startouchedtrinity]

Ah. yes, but who is to say that recent research is right and that the book is wrong? My GP goes by 20 odd yrs of practise and seeing what works and what doesn't.

(and my book is only four yrs' old!)

[startouchedtrinity]

Hope you get a good one. xx

[pixie54]

I've had it several times this year - all r eally badly with the pus spots, high fever and an abscess which was excrutiating, In my experience antibios do work and clear it up quickly.
My daughter ( age 4) has had it 7 times since Christmas - always nasty with high fever and vomiting. She had just had tonsils out and is a changed child.
It can be a serius illness - I'd go back to your GP.