Tonsils Infection Help 3 weeks Updated

"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
10/31/2019 at 20:16 • Filed to: None

So I’ve been really sick for the past three weeks now. The first doctor said it was a sinus and throat infection and put me on an antibiotic that only helped with the sinus infection. I saw a second doctor after the throat didn’t get better and in fact got worse and started a second round of antibiotics. Yesterday I saw an ear nose and throat specialist who put my on a third antibiotic and I’m feeling worse today than I did yesterday. The ENT mentioned removing my tonsils but that it was incredibly risky and I would bleed out if something was done wrong because I’m 25 and not less than 10 years old.

My throat hurts at an 8 level, I have tonsil stones, it’s making it harder to breath, I’m extremely fatigued and it’s spiking my anxiety and depression. I can’t work or go to class at this point and don’t know what to do. My anxiety is incredibly high. I think I’m going to try to get an appointment with a different ENT tomorrow. Hopefully for early next week. I don’t know what my options are at this point and I’m melting down.

Does anyone have any knowledge, experience or advice with this? I could really use some help.

UPDATE:

Woke up this morning and was having some difficulty breathing so I took myself to the emergency room after finding out the next ENT appointment I could get within an hour radius was next Wednesday. I was there for a few hours and was diagnosed with viral bronchitis. Was given a throat steroid, and a breathing treatment. I also got a chest x ray that was clear and they did a blood test to check my white blood cells and something else which all came back clear. I’m sweating profusely (through my shirt) and breathing is better but not normal. I’m to rest for a few days and they think the steroid will help a lot. I’m also to continue staying on my asthma inhalers, Claritin, benzonatate all my antidepressants and anxiety meds and the ibuprofen and clindamycin (antibiotic). I’ve been home since 1 and have been coughing a lot but hopefully will feel better tomorrow. I’m confused by all the different diagnoses. I’m wondering if I’m picking up new stuff as the other infection start going away or if some of the doctors are wrong. I told the nurse about what the last ent said about it being incredibly risky and she was like “what” and hadn’t heard that before so I won’t be going back to that guy. I also wanted to thank everyone for you’re advice. It’s been over 3 weeks now and I’m hoping to get better soon.

DISCUSSION (18)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 19:52

D o you hav e strep? T hat’s the most painful throat thing I’ve ever had.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 20:03

You’re asking on a car forum?! Anyway... legal disclaimer: I’m not an ENT but have just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

Definitely go get a second ENT opinion like you’re thinking of doing. There’s a Bell’s Curve of ENT surgeon skills/judgement as there is with anyone. Another ENT may say “yes, you’re at increased risk but the risk isn’t that high and it’s worth removing your tonsils”. (Seems strange to me that it would be “incredibly risky and (you’d) bleed out” at 25 years old.)

If the symptoms get bad enough and I’m assuming you have half-decent insurance, go to the ER. On the off chance you have a tonsillar or peri-tonsillar abscess (especially since you have stones ) in which case they’ll do a CT scan of your neck. I would have assumed the first ENT would have thought of that but didn’t think it was likely so he didn’t do the CT.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 20:11

Have you gotten checked for Mono? I went through a similar situation last year (extreme fatigue, painful tonsils, antibiotics didn’t help) and it turned out to be Mono.

Captain of the Enterprise > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/30/2019 at 20:41

Tested negative.

Captain of the Enterprise > VincentMalamute-Kim
10/30/2019 at 20:43

Thanks! I don’t have other people to ask and seem to be having doctor competence issues.

I’ll see how tonight goes on the ER route.

Captain of the Enterprise > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
10/30/2019 at 20:44

I got tested for mono but it came back negative.

diplodicus forgot his password > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 21:06

I was 24 I think when my tonsils were removed and I don’t recall them saying it’s risky. Pretty sure they cauterized them out. You can remove the tonsil stones at home, it’s disgusting but it will give you some relief. Lo ng term they just come back until you get your tonsils removed.

Captain of the Enterprise > diplodicus forgot his password
10/30/2019 at 21:14

Thank you, I’m going to try to get an appointment with a different ENT tomorrow. I need to start feeling better and need a better doctor.

diplodicus forgot his password > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 21:27

Recovering from a tonsillectomy is very painful fyi

wafflesnfalafel > diplodicus forgot his password
10/30/2019 at 21:28

yeah, my little bro had the same thing late teens. He was frequently sick as a kid and it basically all went away when they nabbed his tonsils out. No issues with the procedure.

Captain of the Enterprise > diplodicus forgot his password
10/30/2019 at 21:34

Yeah, that’s what I’ve been reading. I’ve read some horror stories online. But I’m also in a lot of pain now and want it to go away.

whatisthatsound > Captain of the Enterprise
10/30/2019 at 23:34

I just did this at 28. Same symptoms and problems as you. I 100% recommend it. The recovery was miserable, but my life since has been so improved that I’d do it again if I had to. The first day I had a bleeding issue, went to the hospital and they fixed it without to much fuss.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Captain of the Enterprise
10/31/2019 at 00:26

Good luck in the ER. I’m the one who will read your neck CT scan ordered by the ER doc for “Neck pain, r/o abscess”.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Captain of the Enterprise
10/31/2019 at 03:11

i was 26 when i had mine out, nothing to fear

Captain of the Enterprise > whatisthatsound
10/31/2019 at 07:12

Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. I’m thinking this is probably the way to go at this point.

Captain of the Enterprise > pip bip - choose Corrour
10/31/2019 at 07:14

Thanks pip, I don’t know why that doctor told me that. I’m going to try to find a better one today.

smobgirl > Captain of the Enterprise
10/31/2019 at 21:03

I hope the steroid helps. I remember feeling about that awful when I had mono w ith strep (eons ago) and it was the worst, but at least I knew what was going on and the antibiotic kicked in pretty quick. Best of luck.

Captain of the Enterprise > smobgirl
10/31/2019 at 21:10

Thank you, I tested negative for mono. I’m hoping I’m near the end of this. I hate being sick and it’s been over three weeks now. The doctor couldn’t tell me when I’d feel better I’m just hoping it’s soon.