To panic about my throat?

[erja]

Another thread about my tonsils which seem to be taking over my life.

My tonsils swell up every 4 weeks or so. It's usually completely tolerable and unnoticeable (the pain).
This time, they swelled up on Wednesday (a week ago). I went to the OOH doctor on Friday night as I was in a lot of pain and I was told they couldn't do anything. By the time I got to Monday and could go to my GP, I was in so much pain it was unreal- I had to take half the day off work and drag myself in that afternoon. They gave me antibiotics and told me to just keep on top of paracetamol/ibuprofen. I've been taking antibiotics for just over 2 days now. I've had another day off work because the pain has kept me up crying at night. The swelling is not reducing, I'm really struggling to swallow, the pain isn't subsiding even slightly after painkillers anymore and generally, they're just getting progressively worse!
AIBU to panic now? Painkillers aren't working, antibiotics aren't improving anything.
Or do I need to be more patient?
The pain is just unreal, I write this awake because I'm almost crying the pain is so bad, I'm just drained.

Not to worry you but have you looked at it being quinsy? Call 111 for advice.

I think you should seek further medical advice. Particularly re the struggling to swallow. Can you call 111?
Longer term, if your tonsils are swelling so regularly I’d think you need to be referred to ENT.
Hope you feel better soon.

You need to be seen again. I'd start with 111 then consider A&E if it gets to the point where you can't swallow liquid.

In the meantime, try sucking an ice cube, cool packs on your neck and swilling mildly salty water in your mouth (gargle if it's not too painful)

@ChesterGreySideboard I've literally just looked at it being that and I'm a bit terrified.

@Mynameisnotthis I did think there should be a referral done when I stated how often it reoccurs in my GP appointment but she said she 'wasn't worried'?

I don't think I have 111 in my area - I'm not in UK.

@QuestionableMouse thank you. As it stands, I can still swallow liquid, it's just very painful!

Is this a situation where I should get a GP appointment in the morning or should I be more worried and cautious than that?

I would probably err on the side of caution and seek advice tonight if you can.
Re the referral, once you’ve recovered I would go back to GP. You mentioned the tonsils taking over your life so regardless of whether the GP is worried, that’s no way to live really is it?

@Mynameisnotthis thanks for your reply!

I'd definitely seek help tonight. 111 will probably be able to set up an ooh GP appointment. You probably need a change of antibiotics or them in a different form. I don't mess about with eyes, throats or chest pain personally though!

( Honestly, I've had no luck with 111so would probably get in the car and go directly to a&e. I know I'll probably be slated for that but it's all run out of the same place in my local hospital)

You’re welcome @erja
Take care

Erja, I feel for you. I’m going through the exact same thing. Terrible swelling from below my ear to the base of my throat, fever, headache, swollen tonsil, with nasty white bits on. The pain is absolutely indescribable. I’ve just started antibiotics tonight. I can barely eat or drink as well (I have lost 4lbs the last 3 days though!).

I’m dosed up on painkillers, using a difflam throat spray, and having the odd strepsil. It is horrendous. I hope you feel better soon.

@QuestionableMouse thanks for your reply!

@Meralia I'm sorry to hear you're going through a similar thing. Hopefully the antibiotics do start to work for you!

Difficult op. When i get tonsiltus I'm like you, BUT there's a chance it could be a quincey (sp) best get it checked

Has it affected your speech? If you start talking with a strangulated voice ("hot potato" voice) then it's probably quinsy and your doctor should refer you to the ENT dept of your nearest hospital ASAP.

You might need different antibiotics. It could be gram positive or gram negative bacteria and some antibiotics only work on one type.

If you are getting this a lot, why dont you ask about a tonsillectomy?

Also, if it is bacterial, dont leave it too long as it can lead to rheumatic heart valve disease. You have to stay on top of bacterial tonsillitis

@SingingSands I am sometimes due to the pain. I'm completely terrified!

On way to A&E now. Thanks everyone!

Hope you get some answers. Sounds horrendous

See your GP as I had this and ended up hospitalized due to throat swollen closed. I would rather give birth than have severe tonsillitis. Good luck.

Oh goodness, I'm literally in tears up here- it feels like the back of one has swelled so much it's literally touching the very back of my throat and I'm almost gagging. I'd say at least another 1-2 hour wait as well

Can you go up to the desk again and state your condition's getting worse and you're now really struggling to breathe. Surely you'll be pushed to the front of the queue.

Yeah, they've seen me. They've said it's "most likely" glandular fever so the antibiotics won't help as it's viral and there's nothing they can do!

@erja I hope you are ok. I had quinsy 18months ago. First tonsillitis then exactly as you have described. It is horrendous and insanely painful.
Please do not let them fob you off - I let it get so bad (I had no idea what it was) I was air evacuated to major hospital as it compromised my airway. It was drained twice (the relief!!!)

I then had recurring bouts of quinsy every 4 - 6 weeks for the following year (sounds like you are experiencing similar) until I had my tonsils taken out ( am not in uk so different health system). They can be so damaged/infected your system can struggle to clear the infection (even with multiple courses of antibiotics). My ENT said this is very very common. It is horrible and yes your tonsils rule your life. Iad them out in August my quality of life improved%100.

I hope you are ok and get seen to by a fab ENT 💐🤞

Erja which health area are you in? If it is south london, the number of times you have to be seen by a GP with a diagnosis of severe tonsilitis in one calendar year befrore they can refer you is ridiculous - but persevere. My DD got to the magic "9" just as she moved away from London, so then couldnt be referred (which in London is again a long wait anyway). In Durham they just looked at them and said they're coming out - they were gone eight weeks later and the difference in her life now is amazing. Make sure you see the GP or A&E EVERY time (they have to record the number of incidents for it to count).

How are you @erja? Did you get any painkillers prescribed?