[b34r]

I’ve begged my doctor to remove my tonsils and they refuse due to studies like this.

I get tonsil stones every single month and at least one severe case of tonsilitis per year (usually closer to 3-4.)

Anyone have strategies that worked to convince their GP to allow them to be removed? At this point I’m considering just paying out of pocket to get it done.

[graeme]

You probably know this, but note that removal doesn't necessarily end the stones.

Had mine removed as a kid. Then had a peritonsular abcess around age 20. Then had tonsil stones for a few years.

After a change in diet (no wheat, little packaged food) they stopped. Can't be sure of the exact cause.

Also, I've heard waterpik devices can help.

[tomohawk]

I had my tonsils out as an adult and it's been great. I'm much healthier now. YMMV.

Are you in the US? Get an opinion from a different ENT.

Not in the US? Try these guys:

https://surgerycenterok.com/specialists/

A lot of people fly in from other countries where they lack medical choice.

[arethuza]

I had my tonsils removed at age 24 after horrible problems with tonsilitis and tonsil stones.

Wish I'd had the ghastly things removed much earlier - my son had his out at 12.

Never had any problems afterwords - indeed only times I suffered from any allergies were before I had them removed but I suspect that is coincidence.

[wellboy]

You can do a tonsillotimoy instead of a tonsillectomy.

It's a much less invasive surgery and they only burn down your tonsils bit by bit and you can leave the next day.

[NegativeLatency]

Get a second opinion?

[nradov]

This sort of thing is just a matter of doctor shopping. Keep asking different doctors until you get an answer you like.

[tcfunk]

Whoa I never knew what those were, thanks for mentioning tonsil stones! I also get them, but mine are typically not very large based on some of these images that showed up on google.

This is entirely anecdotal, but for me they seem to show up when I do a poor job of keeping myself hydrated.

[wil421]

Have you tried using a water pick? I recently discovered there was such a thing as tonsil stones.

[eip]

It's pretty simple to remove tonsil stones. Just get a lighted tongue depressor and a tonsil stone tool.

Think of it as another maintenance task. Like brushing your teeth.

[astura]

Simple for you, sure.

It's not always that simple to remove them for everyone, depending on a number of factors; the topography of your tonsils, the location and depth of the stones, shape of your mouth, your gag reflex, etc., etc.

You're also forgetting the fact that digging around in your tonsils causes irritation.

[NegativeLatency]

Can you use a water pik?

[eip]

Not sure. Never tried. It would probably work less than 50% of the time at best.