Anyone had a tonsillectomy due to tonsil stones?

[MB34]

Recently I've developed tonsil stones, no apparent reason for them - not had tonsillitis/sore throat/infections - they just appeared 4/5 months ago and have got worse.

I went to see a consultant today and he seemed surprised that I had so many. I haven't popped any out since last weekend (to show him how bad they are) and my right tonsil had about 5 that he could see and about 2 in my left. After my appointment, I had a go at them and removed probably about 8 or 9 and can still feel a couple which I can't reach.

He said the only real cure for them was a tonsillectomy but he did say I could wait another 4 or 5 months to see if they clear on their own. Am leaning towards having them out but not 100% sure yet.

I know others have had them on here but has anyone had them clear up on their own or anyone had them out?

[Addy17]

Also I forgot to mention. Your breath will still smell badly after the surgery in till all your scabs have fallen off completely which is a bit upsetting but at least it isn't as bad as the stones itself. Have hope😄 it does get better

[Addy17]

Currently im on day 3 going into day 4 of recovery and today was the worst day let me tell you. Be prepared for pain and struggle. For me I had my tonsils removed because of tonsil stones. I had them for 6 months straight with no break. When I first visited the doctor he told me I had removed them all and would not get the pesky stones again but the next day I had more than the previous so another month went by and they were getting worse and bigger so I went to 3 or 4 different doctors none of which could see the stones(my tonsils were very small as I came to learn) so it was hard to get a referral to a ENT but in the end i got it. The ENT was reluctant to give me the surgery but after a while of explaining my dilemma he agreed although he was still as it seemed not truly beleiving I was having this much struggle. After the surgery he came and visited me though and shared his surprise. He had said that my tonsils were so small that I would have never been able to remove the stones my self and they would have continued to build up causing all types of problems. If you truly have been having struggles with your breath or other stone related problems I would most definitely consider the tonsilectomy because as my doctor said to me those pits will always be there unless something is done but really do consider the recovery I thought it would be nothing day 1 and 2 I felt great thought I came out the right side and wasn't going to struggle with pain. Boy was I wrong😂. This might not have been helpful but hopefully my experience will be a little insightful. Also most of the medications they give you for pain relief has not so fun side effects most sickness an anti sickness tablet id like to recommend would be ondesetran(I hope that's spelt right). A few tips for post op would be CHUG(not literally) water it does wonders and helps so much especially when you get closer to day 5 to 10 is what I've been told and to eat as you normally would but with caution of course.

[Katminer574]

Hi, all! I'm so glad I found this support thread. I am a 38 year old mom of three and I'm so disgusted with my tonsil stones and dealing with the foul sulfide-based (I did some research on these stones) breath smell and taste in my mouth on a daily basis from these stinky things! Every day all day I worry about my breath smelling because if I can smell it, I feel that someone else can if I'm close enough! So I'm constantly buying gum and flossing twice a day in addition to doing my typical tooth brushing. The problem is that I have a very sensitive gag reflex so I cannot reach back there to investigate and try to loosen. I cannot see many lately, but I keep feeling something stuck way down in my throat and feel mucus every time I swallow and I wake up at night coughing because of this. I have even almost choked on rice while eating at a restaurant a few times and got really scared because it got stuck and I didn't know if I should try cough it out or vomit. I have good hygiene and have gotten many sore throats over the years but this is sickening me and driving me nuts, these stinky things that I want out once and for all! I cannot afford a water pick right now and am not sure if it will even be effective at removing it or them! I cannot see it or them but feel it/them for sure! This taste is so gross and I'm sick of worrying about my breath and the sulfide taste every minute! Advice on adult tonsillectomy??? Thanks in advance!

[bravebird3479]

for anyone that had tonsils removed due to stones did you remove your adenoids as well? I am so tired of the stones and I'm seriously considering having them removed but just curious if I need to do adenoids as well.

Thanks!

[goose1964]

I had tonsil stones in my late teens, never saw a doctor, in fact I've only found out what they were from Mumsnet recently. I haven't had any for around 30 years.

[lauryloo]

Brilliant.

I still need to see go about a referral. I have a really big stone atm that I just can’t get out and I can feel others lodged where I can’t see them - yuk!

[Chops2015]

Hi everyone.
Had my consultation this week and they agreed to the tonsillectomy! So happy! 😁.
Just have to wait for letter now with date of op x

[Chops2015]

Good luck with your referral lauryloo.
I have my ENT consultation soon. Hoping
And praying I get accepted for a tonsillectomy. GP has written a supporting letter so it’s just down to the consultant now. I’m worried he will say my tonsils are too small to remove as that’s what GPs have said in the past who wouldn’t refer me. They are small, but I still have recurrent tonsillitis 4-5 times a year for the past three years and a daily struggle with tonsil stones. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 🤞🏻 Xxxx

[lauryloo]

I’ve had a sore throat for weeks now and just noticed I have several tonsil stones. I’ve had loads this year plus tonsillitis so I’ll be asking for an ent referral :(

[WeAreGerbil]

Yeah actually one side of mine hasn't healed properly and I need to go back and see the consultant.

[notabee]

A tonsillectomy definitely cures tonsil stones for life (funny that) but shouldn't be done lightly.
When I had my tonsils out (as an adult) I was one of the statistics who haemorrhaged post surgery.
Luckily I had someone with me but it looked like something out of a horror film.
Clearly I am still here to tell the tale but I've been left with a partially collapsed soft palate (and now snore).

[Arcadia]

Does anyone know if this is available on the NHS? -the lasering option I mean.

[Arcadia]

I am tempted to save up to get this done! www.mikedilkes-entlaser.co.uk/private-tonsil-stones-removal-costs
I generally get just one every couple of months but I am self conscious about it. I wouldn't want the full-on op really.

[WeAreGerbil]

I saw two consultants and they were both prepared to remove them whereas the GP was less enthusiastic.

[Chops2015]

Been to the GP again and he agreed to refer me to see a ENT Specialist.
One step closer! Just to wait for appointment now and hope he/she agrees to remove them!!! 🤞🏻 X

[WeAreGerbil]

I got an NHS referral because I'd paid to see an ENT consultant about something else and he referred me back to the NHS. I paid privately in the end but the NHS would have done them. There did used to be guidance about persistent bad breath and tonsil stones being a criteria, but maybe that has changed.

[Chops2015]

How did you all get referred. My doctors are so strict. No referrals unless 7 confirmed cases of tonsillitis in one year. They don’t even take tonsil stones into consideration.
I’ve just had a other bout of tonsillitis this week so I’ve made an appointment to try and fight for a referral to the ENT dept at hospital.
It’s affecting many aspects of my life now and need them removing!! X

[DB83]

I’ve recently figured out that my bad breath is coming from tonsil stones. I’m going to set a Dr appointment soon so I can get referred to the ENT Dr. Has anyone on here had their tonsils removed solely bc of bad breath problems? I have flaps in my mouth that blocks my tonsils and I can’t get to them to push the tonsil stones out. I gargle a lot and try to cough them up but that’s not getting the job done. I’m wondering is it worth it to have the surgery. I’m 34 and tired of the reactions to my bad breath. I don’t desire to offend anyone when I speak with them. My oral regiment is good but it doesn’t matter bc of the stones. What do y’all think I should do?

[Somanyillustrations]

Thank you thoughts

Day 6 today, and I have to say last night was the worst so far. The pain comes and goes, it has been mostly bearable as long as I take my painkillers every 4 hours and drink lots.

I wish I had pushed to get it done when i was younger- I had so many years of ongoing infections, and it's the scarring from these that has led to the damn tonsil stones. That feeling of having something stuck in the back of the throat is awful. Would much rather have recovered without a toddler demanding my attention!
Good luck to your DD with her appointment.

[Footle]

I had mine out in my late 30s, many years ago. It was a very busy time in my life ( small children ) and it really didn't slow me down for long. Huge relief to have them gone.

[intrusivethoughts]

Somanyillustrations
hope the recovery isn't too bad for you am watching with interest as my 17 yr old dd is waiting for a consultation with ENT.
It really gets her down, the constant sore throat and feeling of having a lump in her throat.

[Somanyillustrations]

I had my tonsils out yesterday for tonsil stones. I'm feeling pretty grim at the moment, and woozy from co-codamol. Wasn't expecting to be so wiped out by the anaesthetic, or to have such a sore neck/shoulders. I have very cracked corners of my mouth from the gag they use, and a numb tip of my tongue!

Am so pleased to have got it done after years of stones and terrible breath, but really not looking forwards to the next couple of weeks!

[winnybella]

What about having them lasered? My doctor recommended it but I chickened out in the end. It basically scars the surface of the tonsil so there's no more crypts iyswim.

[Onsera3]

My sisters had their tonsils removed and still get tonsil stones.

I get them too but find I can greatly reduce the occurrence by reducing dairy.

I was going to get mine out due to chronic infections but I stopped dairy completely (for sinus issues) and the tonsil infections stopped.

I heard you can get the tonsils lasered smooth and this can help?

A dr told me my tonsils are pitted with craters from the infections- like acne scarring