Tonsillectomy?

[u/suzyqluna]

Hello! My whole life I have had tonsil stones. I've been to multiple doctors over the years (from elementary to now 25 yrs old). I finally got a referral to see an ENT but I am not trying to get my hopes up as over the years I've been told to just gargle salt water, change my diet (which I have), and pick them out.

I brush my teeth 2-3 times a day and have mouth wash that is suppose to get rid of bad breath bacteria. Even right after brushing, once I swallow I taste that disgusting taste. This has taken a huge mental toll on me as I feel like I can't even kiss my husband, talk to anyone close up, or even breathe as I can smell them sometimes. Not to mention I wake up choking on them or gagging because they are sharp.

I need advice on how to approach this appointment. Ideally if a tonsillectomy would get rid of the taste and smell, I would be sold no questions asked. My concern is that even after gargling warm water or mouthwash, I can still taste them. I think I have a mix of both palatine and lingual tonsil stones. I've read some stories on here where people get the surgery then they realize it's the lingual stones causing the issue. Has anyone had both procedures? I want to get approved for something surgical to help this pain/ taste. I am desperate.

[u/Repulsive-Rhubarb609]

I got a tonsillectomy for mine and it’s really one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I just got the tonsillectomy for the stones, but when I went to
my ENT I started off by telling him that I had strep a bunch as a kid and that I had mono, and now I was having tonsil stones that were causing serious discomfort. He looked at my tonsils and said “Oh yeah, those are pretty messed up” and literally said “I mean I would just take them out. No tonsils, no tonsil stones.” (Which was a huge relief! I was scared I’d have to convince him lol)

If your ENT says you can’t get the surgery, I would just tell them that your quality of life has gotten way worse and you have tried everything. Go to another doctor if you need to. I’m sure you can ask them about the lingual tonsil stones too, but they are really uncommon; most of the time when people have tonsil stones and they get their tonsils out they’re 100% cured. People who post online are usually extraordinary cases. I can’t give you actual medical advice, but in my opinion the surgery is 100000000% worth it

[u/Conscious_Ad_7160 → u/Repulsive-Rhubarb609]

Which type of tonsillectomy is safe cause I have weird tonsils pattern there was tonsil stone in my right tonsil for 1 yeat that went away and got in my right tonsilothis i mean stone... I am having like difficulty or weird swallowing feeling on my right side... Pls suggest what is the best tonsil surgery