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.
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.
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.
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.
It's a much less invasive surgery and they only burn down your tonsils bit by bit and you can leave the next day.
This is entirely anecdotal, but for me they seem to show up when I do a poor job of keeping myself hydrated.
Think of it as another maintenance task. Like brushing your teeth.
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.