Newly referred to ENT

Hi

 

Just wondering if anyone can advise what I can expect from ENT. 

 

I've had pain in my throat and ear, bad fatigue, loss of appetite, lost weight, constant ache in the lower part of the left tonsil which hurts more when I tilt my head down, breathlessness and allergens such as dust now trigger coughing fits and irritate the vocal cords extremely dry mouth. 

I lost my voice and when sound does come out it is so weak and hoarse.

 

Finally A LOCUM GP (after a year of complaining about this condition getting worse and worse]  has finally  said it is beyond a GP to treat   [other  GPS just kept telling me to take antihistamines and others gave me antibiotics that made me worse] , so I was urgently referred by GP to ENT as GP said it could be throat cancer.    The ENT WAS supposed to call me yesterday but I never got the call but day by day the pain in my throat often feels worse, like a lump inside my throat to the left deep in the middle of my throat,  but it's the fact I'm now so fatigued as well.  How do I do a phone consultation as I can't speak?  Is there a text speech facility to communicate does anyone know? I'm wondering how that will work out. GP was great as I emailed her everything and when she rang it was to give me instructions and advice and understood talking was so strenious). 

 

Sad thing is other GPs kept patronising me and now it's led to a serious issue...   Has anyone got any advice for me as I am a professional voice user and having no one around I just want to prepare ahead because it is such a lonely feeling with no one to speak to about this.  ANY advice support is so welcome 

 

Has anyone ever been referred with possible throat cancer and it transpires to be something less serious? Or if it is throat cancer what should I be expecting step by step. 

 

Does anyone relate to my symptoms 

 

  • Hi Annieee,

     

    Am sorry to hear of ypour symptoms and understand your frustration re GP diagnosis and having to eventually get ENT advice.

     

    To be honest, I would have thought it prudent to have ENT see you in person rather than phone but I'm not sure of current protocols re covid and testing.

    I was misdiagnosed and eventually diagnosed with throat cancer but I'm totally fine now after treatment and feeling great.

     

    I have had my checkups postponed because of Covid but I know our local hospital is able to adapt for referrals and have been taken place.
    You would have a scope having a look at your throat with a minute camera. Small tube fed through the nose with lubricant and you dont feel a thing and only takes a few minutes.

    That would be their first port of call as well as checking your neck and mouth and consultant would advice from there.

     

    I think the first priority is to try and be seen if possible as I;m unsure how they would be able to diagnose anything via phone but only my non medical view.

     

    I have get a blog from the get go but its a bit early to share with you as fingers crossed an infection or something easily treated.

    Let me know how you get on or feel free to ask away any questions you like and I'll help anyway I can.

     

    Stay off google and dont diagnose from there. There is so much information that is both inaccurate and out of date and easy to self diagnose anything from there.

     

    Best wishes

    Ian

     

    Remember you are being referred to ENT for further testing as GP's are not specialists in all areas but that does not automatically mean cancer or anything sinister.

    There can be various reasons for your symptoms and might be something can be easily treated.

     

    I had a lump that wouldnt go away and had for over 6 months before I was given referal but I didnt have any pain and loss of voice.