Tonsil stones

emsjane
emsjane Member Posts: 351
edited 26. Oct 2014, 18:36 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All,

I have tonsil stones. Does anyone else have them? I've read they can be linked to autoimmune disorders.

If anyone can give me advice about getting rid of them, I'd really appreciate it as they're disgusting!!
LOVE EMMA X

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'd never heard of this so I googled. (I don't mind googling for others though I don't recommend it for oneself :wink: )

    I read that they're common with people who get frequent bouts of tonsilitis. The only lasting cure is removal of the tonsils but sometimes the particles can be dislodged by frequent gargling with warm, salted water.

    Prevention recommends frequent teeth (and tongue) brushing, flossing etc, avoiding the usual culprits ie cigarettes, alcohol and sugar and also cheese and dairy products. And drink plenty of water.

    What did your GP suggest?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry I haven't heard of these, thanks to SW for the googling..I just hope you can dislodge them some how...
    Love
    Barbara
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Tonsil stones sounds absolutely horrible - I hope you can "lose" them asap.

    Tezz x
  • emsjane
    emsjane Member Posts: 351
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I went to docs this afternoon. He said they're not linked to arthritis or Methotrexate, thankfully. But he's sending me for a blood test just to check to make sure my bloods are normal. He's also referred me to an ENT specialist as he said it's either that or put up with them!!!!!
    LOVE EMMA X
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Are they painful? I think I'd be trying anything to get rid of them starting with the gargling.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • daffy2
    daffy2 Member Posts: 1,636
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You have my sympathy Emma, I had these off and on for the best part of 30 years. Nobody I described them to seemed to know what they were or how to deal with them. Ironically, about the time I found the posh name - tonsiloliths - for them they became much less frequent, much smaller and quicker to dislodge themselves. In the past 3 years or so I have perhaps had a couple of very small, quick to go, ones and am hoping that they are now out of my life, but have no idea why they have stopped forming.
  • emsjane
    emsjane Member Posts: 351
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes they are painful. I have a sore throat all the time and earache too. Not severe but uncomfortable. I have tried gargling and I don't drink alcohol or smoke. I limit my sugar intake. I even tried being dairy free. I've tried it all, that's why I ended up at docs today. So I'm pleased I've been referred to ENT now. I think I'd even be prepared to have my tonsils out rather than put up with these for the rest of my life!!

    Thanks for help everyone :) x
    LOVE EMMA X
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done you for being so thorough. You done your part; now it's up to the specialist. I do hope he can help but preferably without a tonsilectomy :)
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • GraceB
    GraceB Member Posts: 1,595
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm sure I saw this on embarrassing bodies on the tv a good while ago. Think that person had their tonsils taken out. Good luck with the ENT appt.
    Take care.
    GraceB
    Turn a negative into a positive!

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