Swollen tonsil

Hi ray
Thanks for replying to me again! I'm seeing my gp on Monday to see if these antibiotics have worked which in terms of swelling they have done slightly so will request a referral then! All my symptoms seem worse in the morning and the only thing that helps the pain in my throat whilst swallowing is throat sweets like Jakemans or stepsons but that only lasts whilst I've got them in my mouth
I've also started having quite a bit of reflux like bringing a bit of sick up every so often which seems weird but maybe I'm looking for things as I'm scared but we'll have to see how it goes I suppose
Thanks again rat

Hi Jellyman

I would definitely request referral to ENT when you see your GP Monday.

It's interesting you've noticed some reflux as I was going to suggest that this can also produce the strange throat sensation and hoarse voice you're experiencing.  However, as a precaution I would still see an ENT specialist who will be able to confirm whether there is a lump in your throat or whether the sensation is caused by something else such as acid reflux.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

Linda 

Hi Linda

thanks for taking the time to get back to me I will certainly be asking for a referral on Monday if only to put my mind at ease that at least something is being done the reflux I’m experiencing is very strange as there’s been no heartburn with it which seems odd to me. It’s just a very worrying time so every little strange thing my voice or throat does is worrying me. Having said that it’s not helping that my wife and 2 kids all have colds now so hard to tell what symptoms are which 

thabks again Linda 

The thing about reflux is that you don't always get any other symptoms such as heartburn.  There's something called silent reflux.  Anyway, best to get confirmation either way as you'll know what you're dealing with and how to treat it.

All the best

Linda

Cheers Linda 

I shall get to ENT as quickly as I can thanks so much for the reply and for trying to put my mind at ease( which you have done a bit) 

Hi guys went back to see the doctor today I was given another 10 days of antibiotics because she believes it's an infection and saw a ulcer at the back of my mouth/throat so she thinks this is the underlying problem with everything I left feeling very annoyed that I hadn't been referred to ENT I explained I had been hoarse since I had a sore throat so she took a swab of the back of my throat(which is going to take 1-2weeks to get results) I did explain to her that I was petrified that it was cancer explaining all my symptoms she then told me "it didn't look like cancer" but this didn't really put my mind at ease so guess I've just gotta wait again now getting very frustrated with how much effort it takes to see a ENT specialist
And you hear stories of people with cancer being given antibiotics wrongly as the GPS diagnose incorrectly 

Hi Jellyman

this sounds so similar to my husband - he was given 5 weeks worth of antibiotics altogether and that our go “didn’t think it was cancer”   We ended up at A&E as he was in so much pain, being told told back to go and demand a 2 week referral.  

If if I were you I would go back to your gp and demand this - make sure it’s a 2 week referral though as otherwise it could be quite a lot longer.  

Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about but gp’s can’t keep on doling out antibiotics.  Let us know how you get on

Sheilagh 

Hi Jellyman

How infuriating for you!  I was one of those given antibiotics for a throat infection when actually it was a tumour on the base of my tongue.  I didn't fit into the norm of any visible signs for a GP to see - no lumps,bumps anything other than a hoarse voice so therefore I had nothing to worry about.  It was only because I had never felt anything like it before (and I knew it wasn't a standard sore throat) that I took it upon myself to see someone privately.  The lump was quite visible on a nasoendoscope and I was seen within 2 days.

I've never paid for private treatment before and I'm a great believer in the NHS but on this occasion I just knew something wasn't right.  My consultant was full of praise for my GP picking it up so swiftly until I told her that actually 2 GPs had missed it.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.  As always, please keep us posted and fingers crossed that your GP is right.

Linda

Hi Linda

thankyou for your advice and how your diagnosis came about 

can I ask how long you left it until you went to see a private doctor?

its definitely something that I am considering but having just brought our first home and had a second child I only wanted to go down the private route if no other options as like you I am a massive believer and advocate of the NHS 

I too hope my Gp is correct 

thanks again for taking the time to share with me 

I'd had a hoarse voice and peculiar throat for 4 weeks when I made my first GP appt.  I was put on antibiotics for 10 days.  After I'd finished the course there had been no difference in my condition so I made another appt.  The second GP could see and feel nothing so sent me for a chest xray at which point I just lost faith.  The xray was going to take 7 days for the result to be sent to the surgery and within that time I made the decision to seek advice privately.  I was fortunate in that a close family member sees an ENT specialist for his hearing and he recommended him.  It wasn't cheap (£180) but the consultation probably took about 45 minutes and as a result the specialist had me fast-tracked through the NHS within 2 weeks for follow-up.  All in all it was the best call for me as my consultant said I would probably have been passed around for weeks and the tumour was growing rapidly.

I really wish you all the best whatever you decide Jellyman.

Linda