Dodgy tonsils but 'not bad enough' to be removed - wits end here, what do I do?!

[fuzzpig]

So I've had sodding tonsillitis several times in the last couple of years (I am 26 and previously hadn't had it since having several bouts in childhood). I know my immune system is just shit anyway, I get a lot of chest infections too.

I have had CFS/ME for a couple of years now, and the problem is that whenever I get a 'normal' illness like tonsillitis, my ME symptoms get much worse too, it is like having full on flu every time because my body is so useless weak. I am sick of being on antibiotics - I take the full course each time and I am scared of becoming resistant but it doesn't go away without them. In 2011 I found that stronger ABs kicked a run of frequent infections, but now it appears it is back.

But I haven't had it quite often enough for a tonsillectomy (they require 6 times in 12 months). Should I ask to be referred to ENT anyway? And is there anything I could be doing to help prevent more occurrences - is it totally naive to think that vitamins/gargling etc would help?

I would. I spent the last year of university on antibiotics and eventually had them out when I was 22.

I also needed veneers on some of my teeth because apparently the antibiotics ruined the enamel.

I would probably ask to be referred anyway, even if they still won't take them out they might be able to do something to help. Tonisilitis is horrible.

If it's any consolation, I have had my tonsils removed and last year had the worst bacterial tonsilitis ever. I had to see three doctors before one said that actually it could be tonsilitis and that since I'd had it over a month, it did probably need antibiotics too. Except by that point my throat had all but sealed over and I could barely swallow the pills

I had mine out at 24 (1992) after a simillar pattern to yourself. Ask for the ENT referral & go for the angle of the long-running nature. I can see for kids that they state a high frequency in a short amount of time because their lives have been relatively short. I'd argue that a bit less frequency coupled with the longevity/risk of Ab resistance etc was a good reason for tonsillectomy.

Although I have to say, I'm still a bit doubtful that you can get actual tonsilitis without having tonsils. The doctor I saw said that they only take the big round things away but there is some tonsil tissue left in the throat and this can still get infected, but I think I also consulted Dr Google and he disagreed. It was probably something else. I was just glad of the antibiotics.

So yes, do push to get more opinions and to have them removed. It's no good for anyone having people on antibiotics long-term, it leads to resistant bacteria and much worse problems.

Eek that sounds awful :( I have heard that you can still get tonsillitis even after having them removed, which is somewhat counterintuitive and TBF when I was a child and saw an ENT they said that even with a tonsillectomy I would still get throat infections, as I had them frequently too.

I have also heard that the older you are the worse the surgery is, so in a way I'd rather have them out now than later.

If you have recurrent bad tonsillitis (I did) into your 20s, you really need them removed. It is impossible to hold down a job if you are off work several times each winter for a week or so because of tonsillitis. Say as much to your GP and insist on a referral to an ENT surgeon.

I had recurrent tonsillitis throughout childhood into my early twenties. I eventually had them removed at 21. The repeated infections actually resulted in vocal chord damage (nodules). I honestly haven't had one single throat infection or even a sore throat since and I'm now 43! Push for a referral.

Thanks all, I will ask then. It seems like just that part of my body - throat, ears, chest - is just completely useless. :( I don't get problems in other areas.

So true about the work thing - a lot of people really lose sympathy/understanding if you are of the 'frequently ill' type. You can practically hear the eye rolling over the phone!

Definitely push for the referral. The 6 times in 12 months thing relates to children, not adults. If you're having recurring problems in adulthood then you definitely should see an ent specialist.

I'm another who developed recurrent tonsillitis in my 20s. Had mine removed after I suffered with 4 months solid and apart from being incredibly painful afterwards, it was a godsend of an operation. MY GP was happy to refer me but the wait list on the NHS was 18 months so we opted to pay on a fixed deal surgery at the local private hospital. Saw the GP on the Thursday, telephoned to make appointment with consultant on Friday morning, saw the consultant Monday & tonsils were gone by Tuesday evening. Perfect!