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Barnjai's avatar

Antibiotics! So, back when I was a youngster, under the age of 5, I suffered from recurring tonsillitis. I’m sure I received lots of penicillin but the ear and throat infections were endless. Finally, our family doctor suggested I have a tonsillectomy. Tonsils and maybe adenoids were removed. Since that time I have never had a serious sore throat or ear infection. The doctor did not up my prescriptions or suggest tubes in my ears. He just yanked out the whole shebang. I am almost 73 years old and have been mostly healthy since 1956 when I had what used to be a common childhood surgery. It seems that now days doctors very seldom recommend tonsillectomies. Could it be that they are relying heavily on antibiotics? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Am I crazy?

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Nik's avatar

My daughter had recurrent tonsillitis and strep throat. We think sleep apnea too. We had her tonsils and adenoids taken out a few months ago. I hope we did the right thing. Your story gives me hope! Ps Kids still get their tonsils taken out regularly.

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Barnjai's avatar

I would be interested to know how your daughter's health changes, for better or worse. I remember vividly being very ill with almost chronic sore throats. I never attended kindergarten because I was always so sick. Since the tonsillectomy I have been pretty darned healthy. I had all the childhood illnesses (measles, mumps, chicken pox) and I've had colds and the flu a couple of times but no more tonsillitis or ear infections. I hope your daughter has the same results.

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Barnjai's avatar

I really hope so, too. Kids do still get tonsils out but not like when I was a kid. The doctor advised my mom to have my tonsils out and, while he was at it, he also yanked out my little sister’s tonsils. 2 for the price of one!

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INGRID C DURDEN's avatar

I think in the US they still remove the tonsils. I was in Belgium, had the tonsils peeled but not removed, with the same effect. I read somewhere that tonsils keep allergies at bay. So I am glad I still have mine. 12 years ago I had tonsillitis probably from driving in an overheated car with my mouth open! Only had it once and lasted only a couple days, yes, with antibiotics, because the herbal treatments don't seem to work for that. I also seem to have had quite a few ear infections but was not even 4 when they did the surgery and do not remember. A cousin about 30 had hers removed in Belgium this winter and said it is the worst pain she ever had, and she has undergone several surgeries already, throat is one big open oozing wound. Surgery at adult age is quite dangerous

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CMCM's avatar

When I was a kid in the 1950s, getting tonsils removed was almost a fad, as I look back at it. It seems like half the kids I knew had them out at some point in the 6 to 12 age range. I always thought it was odd. Thank goodness I never succumbed to that!

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Barnjai's avatar

That sounds horrible. Glad I had it done while I still healed quickly. I have had very few allergies. Mostly poison ivy and various insects and mites (like chiggers!)

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INGRID C DURDEN's avatar

glad you excaped the allergies. I get lots of insect bites, mostly mosquitoes and horseflies, and some smaller insects, spiders and ants. Friends think I eat too much sugar LOL that I must smell sweet. Chiggers and fleas do not bite me, and so far so good with the poison ivy. Yes we were lucky we have barely a memory of the whole surgery. In fact all I remember is they gave me lots of ice cream!

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Barnjai's avatar

That’s so funny! That’s what I remember most, too (and applesauce).

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