Tonsil Stones

[Bronnie]

DD has been to the GP about what looked like a white spot at the back of her throat. GP said it was a tonsil stone, which I'd never heard of, but if you google and youtube there's loads of info about how people extract them themselves with tweezers, cotton buds, water piks etc and yucky video!
GP said she can live with them or else be referred for tonsils out, which is a bit trickier as an adult.
Not requesting medical advice here.....have already sought that.....just other peoples' experiences .Has anyone else had tonsil stones and how have you dealt with them?

[SparkyG]

I suffer from tonsil stones about 3 - 4 times a year, and have done most of my adult life. Also frequently have the feeling of food being lodged in the back of my throat, and 'low grade' sore throats which persist for a week or two.

I am 54, and have just seen a ENT surgeon who said the only permanent solution is to have the tonsils removed:eek:. I must admit I was shocked, but on reflection, think I may go for it. The problem isn't going to resolve on it's own, and who knows what health problems I may have in old age (eg. swallowing difficulties etc) which are going to make my life even more miserable. I'm reasonably fit and healthy, so will probably go for it. I have until November to make up my mind:rolleyes:

Regarding shifting the stones, I have tried cotton buds, cuticle sticks, and my latest weapon, a dental waterpik which is brilliant:D There is instant relief if you can get rid of the little b*****s.

My ENT consultant says that tonsillectomy isn't such a big deal in a healthy adult. But then he would say that, wouldn't he!!:cool: He reckons a sore throat for a week or two then permanent relief. Sounds tempting.....:p

[marrowgirl]

I've had them (and I work in ENT) -I tend to get them when I am run down or been overdoing it. In my case they are there for a while and then I end up coughing them up (yeuch!). Since going on my health kick (lots of veg, fruit and reducing lovely choc and sugary food) I haven't had one but this could just be co-incidence.
My consultant wants to "whip the tonsils out", which is a quick procedure but at the moment they are not troublesome enough.