Hi Worried30something, im in a similar situation to you. I too had many problems with tonsils until my 30s but didn't have them removed as recommended!  Im waiting for a fast track appointment now (at docs yesterday) after 3 lots of meds which didn't work.  I feel like I have something I my throat too plus its very red and angry  im also croaky at times too.

I hope you get seen soon and that both our outcomes are good.

Hi Kingy61,

It came to a head for me after 6 infections within 12 months they finally referred and got them whipped out May-2019. The doctor did say if next week no improvement after the acid reflux meds that they will get me sent up to ENT the same day. 

Keep me updated on your situation as definitely feel your pain!

Hi its awful waiting and wondering and when you've suffered with your tonsils a lot you know when things don't feel right?

Please keep me updated and I will too!

So I followed up with the doctor after week of no improvements with the proton inhibitors and still not eating properly. Luckily the doc was very sympathetic and I have now been referred to ENT clinic with urgent request so will be seen within 2 weeks. Am a bit nervous as I know you only get 2 week referral if they are worried especially at the moment with Covid-19.

[@Kingy61]‍ how are you getting on?

Hi there 

So sorry you still have symptoms  its goid they're seeing you quickly, that's what happened to me. I saw ENT specialist yesterday which was a week after referral. He examined my neck and looked in throat, i had a camera through nose to have a look (its painles  just a strange feeling at first) and he said clinically he doesnt think anything sinister is going on but I'm having an MRI on neck just to be sure. I do have a fungal infection due to all antibiotics I was given so on anti fungal meds now. So quite relieved now. I hope you get on OK, please keep me posted ?

Take care

Christine

Hi Christine,

You are lucky - I got my referral yesterday and then straight after received a text message saying due to COVID-19 my appointment would be over the phone - which has really disheartened me because how can they even possibly diagnose over the phone. I have called the hospital this morning and they did say that if the consultant felt warranted they will get in to see me. But just so worried about being fobbed off over the phone when I know it's not normal for me to be like this.

Hope the fungal meds have kicked in and you are seeing some improvement. Good luck with your MRI - do you have a date?

Thanks

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Hi Christine,

You are lucky - I got my referral yesterday and then straight after received a text message saying due to COVID-19 my appointment would be over the phone - which has really disheartened me because how can they even possibly diagnose over the phone. I have called the hospital this morning and they did say that if the consultant felt warranted they will get in to see me. But just so worried about being fobbed off over the phone when I know it's not normal for me to be like this.

Hope the fungal meds have kicked in and you are seeing some improvement. Good luck with your MRI - do you have a date?

Thanks

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Hi Gemma

Thats a joke but obviously not a funny one! How on earth can they diagnose over the phone?? Thats not fast tracking really is it?

I hope you do get to see someone face to face soon.

My MRI is Thursday ( they scare me) but I suppose its a necessary evil.

I have a slow improvement thankyou.

When is your appointment?

Take care

Christine 

@Worried30something 

Hi Christine,

Haha you telling me! I was so upset and angry when I got the message through - I thought what a joke. I even chosen a hospital that wasn't the closest but was a bit further out of London thinking that maybe would be safer COVID wise.

My phone appointment is at 8.50am on thursday so same day as your MRI. They are horrid but like you say necessary evil and hopefully it rules out cancer and its just a *** infection for you. But glad to hear you have an improvement even if it is slow :)

Take care,

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Hi Gemma

We'll have to touch base again Thursday and swap notes lol. Just on our way to the south to visit the mother in law!

Good luck for Thursday!

Christine 

@Worried30something 

Hi Christine,

Hope you had lovely visit south to visit the MIL!

How did your MRI go on thursday? I hope it went well - was thinking of you.

My appointment with the consultant went surprisingly well! He listened and took me seriously. He said something is definitely up and wants to see me in person to do a proper examination but he also wants me to get bloods and ultrasound ASAP.

Luckily I got bloods done on Friday as these needed to be done as priority before the ultrasound and by time I got back I had a letter from the hospital with an appointment for a ultrasound guided neck biopsy. He did say they would do a biopsy if they see anything on it.

So now I have to wait until 20th October for that but luckily it's once again in that must see 2 week window. I'm hoping I will get some answers there and then be able to see him in person before the end of October. 

I wish my symptoms had eased but sadly they are still the same which isn't great as now been 5 weeks of not sleeping, eating properly and hardly any voice.

How are you symptoms?

Stay safe!

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Morning! 

Sorry I've had so many appointments this  week I've lost track (other problems)

MRI  went fine, I discovered closing my eyes and talking to myself throughout worked well! I was thinking of you too and hoping you wouldn't be fobbed off,  I hope they see you soon and its a good outcome. I'm just waiting for results now which is the most nerve wracking for me.

Take care and let me know how things go.

Take care

Christine 

Afternoon :)

How are you doing with your appointments? I hope everything has come back clear for you.

Are you still getting symptoms?

I had my US this morning and the good news is they couldn't see anything in the lymph nodes they said they are normal. There was one in the Thyroid but it was only 4mm and they said for them to be concerned has to be 10mm so they've given me the all clear there and pushed me back to my ENT consultant.

I'm waiting for a physical appointment with him as he said he wanted to see me after all this and I haven't had any relief from my symptoms which have been going on now for 7 weeks and its just getting really hard :( I looked in my throat and it's still red raw and swollen and on the right hand side I can see a lump thats got a white/yellow tinge to it but isn't like the normal bactieral ones you see with an infection. It's around where my tonsils used to be.

I'm just hoping that I get an appointment soon thinking if I dont hear anything towards end of this week I will have to call up and find out what is happening as not eating, sleeping, hoarse voice and feeling unwell for so long is just getting too much.

Thanks

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Hi there,

sorry been on a muddy rainy walk on the beach with my grandson

I'm still getting some symptoms although not as bad but my throat is still red. I haven't yet had the mri result back yet either!

I'm so sorry you are still getting symptoms and feel unwell. You won't be able to settle until you have seen him face to face and maybe had an mri too, although its good news about the lymph nodes. The not sleeping won't help either!

I'm sure you will get an appointment soon but as you say you can chase it up if needs be. Keep your chin up Gemma and look after and be kind to yourself, im thinking of you and sending lots of good positive wishes. I'll let you know if I hear anything  as I'm sure you will too.

Speak soon

Christine

@Worried30something 

Morning

Update as of today. I've had a call for a follow-up app with ENT specialist for next Wednesday. I'm worried now as in his letter after last app he said if there was nothing on mri I would be discharged but if there was any 'significant' pathology he would call me back???  Im quite edgy now, just hoping that he forgot what he put in the letter :confused:

speak soon

Christine 

@Worried30something 

Afternoon,

Oh no, I am sure that it's just a formality. I've had letters for phone calls that go nowhere I think it's just part of the system. Try not to worry though I understand that is easier said than done!

I had a call today with ENT center in central London that I was referred to back in May for reoccuring ear infections. After chatting to her she told me since they are all connected I should only be in the system once. However, she became very concerned when I replied letting her know how long I had had this hoarseness for and asked me what had been done so far. I told her about the bloods and the US on my neck and thyroid to rule out lymphoma and thryoid cancer but she was insistent on knowing if I was actually going to see the consultant. I explained I am hoping to get an appointment through in next few days as all the tests he requested had been done and he did say over phone he wanted to see me in clinic to do an examination. So she said she is calling up my GP now to get them to push this in person appointment as she says I need to have an endoscopy done ASAP and potentially a CT to rule out other bits and she asked me to also call the hospital up so tomorrow I will call them (as waiting to see if appt comes in post) and chase myself.

She's booked me in for a phone call consult with herself again next week and if there has been no movement she said she will transfer my care to her team and get me seen ASAP. I was so relieved that I started tearing up! I only got 4 hours sleep last night and just getting too much now.

I will keep all fingers and toes crossed for you that it is just routine for you and everything comes back all normal :)

I've also sent you a friend request in case you feel more comfortable having this over private chat :)

Thanks

Gemma

[@Kingy61]‍ 

Hello, 

Wondering if you had an update on this? 

I've been having problems since October 5th, started with swollen tonsil now it's painful to swallow and I feel like I have to force my body to be able to do so. 

I've had bloods taken this week and I've been referred to ENT for suspected malignancy (based on my symptoms) I've had 2 lots of antibiotics which seem to have done nothing for me 

I'm 27 and terrified.