Is This Normal????

[Babe70]

Hi everyone,

I had my tonsillectomy nearly five weeks ago and it has been an uphill struggle ever since! My tonsils were very large and very infected when they were removed, hence an infection. Treated with antibiotics but didn't rid me of it completely so another course of antibiotics. I then developed bronchitis so more antibiotics! Will it never end!! I then had to have a final course of antibiotics as the infection was still in my throat. I returned to work last week, after four weeks absence and started to get bad earache and jaw ache. Went along to my dentist only to find I had an infection and a small cavity so - yep - more flamin' antibiotics!

However, although my throat is still a little sore and feeling like I have hair stuck down it, I noticed yesterday that I was feeling worse. I looked down my throat this morning and noticed that on my left hand side, where my tonsil used to be, there is a big yellow spot with red around it and quite noticably full of pus! I am hoping this is not infection that has surfaced again as I am now on different antibiotics for my mouth but on looking on the internet found they are broad spectrum so should eliminate anything further down?

Sorry to rant on but am still feeling pretty poorly and still have very poor taste and little appetite and am so fed up!!

[txmomof3]

I would go see your ENT that removed your tonsils as soon as you can get in. I had problems for a couple of months post-surgery...but you should be infection free at this point. You don't want to end up with an abscess that would need to be surgically drained. You may have an anaerobic infection (where the bacteria don't need oxygen to grow), which many broad spectrum antibiotics don't cover. Also, with all the antibiotics you have been on, you are very susceptible to a fungal infection, like thrush. It does not sound like what you have, but that possibility always needs to be considered. Hang in there...life after tonsillectomy does get better!!!

[mkgbrook]

Babe70,

What anti-biotics have they given you and have they cultured the infection? It is sounding like they have not given you a long enough duration of a tailored anti-biotic to erradicate your infection. If they have went through three or four different types of anti-biotics your infection may be anti-biotic resistant now and thus you need an anti-biotic never taken before or a longer course of anti-biotics. Given the visible pustule discribe you are an excellent candidate for a throat infection culture. Go back to your ENT or a new one if you have lost faith with yours and request a culture of you infection.

Best of Luck to You.

Once you get this knocked out you should mainly only have to worry about viral infections. I got the flu, followed by viral ineduced pneumonia and bronchittus about a month after surgery as well.. it took a month of Avelox to fix me up. Now four months post operation, I only get what my son shares.. the Rotavirus and food poisening back too back. Upside.. another good round of weight loss, and no secondary sinus and ear infections.

It will get better. Respectfully Yours. MG

[Babe70]

Thank you both so much for your replies, what you have both said does make alot of sense!

I am allergic to penicillin and so I firstly took Erythromycin - which was no good and then a course of Clarithromycin (or Klaricid). Then a course of something for the bronchitis, and another round of Clarithromycin! I am now on a five day course of Metronidazole - which yes is for anaerobic bacteria - but I seem to have gotten worse since taking it!

I have not had a follow-up appointment yet with the ENT surgeon who performed my tonsillectomy - and it's been 5 weeks! I am going to go and see my GP tomorrow as I did think that it kind of looked like the start of an abcess - yuk! My throat feels like it is closing over and when I drink water its going up my nose again - arrgggh!! I had oral thrush quite bad the week after my tonsillectomy and this certainly does not feel the same.

I am still looking forward to a tonsillitis/strep throat free life but just need to get over this big hurdle first! I am still so tired but guess it is a long drawn out process and we are all in the same boat. So thanks guys for the sound advice and I will keep you posted. xxxx

[mkgbrook]

Avelox and Fluorquinolones like Tequin/Levaquin for 14-21 days minimum.. if they are only willing to give you a 14 day script ask for a refill just incase. I bet you are fostering an antibiotic resistant infection.

I am also allergic to 'Cillans, 'Mycins, and Sulfa drugs.. so treating my infections was always a chore.

Good luck at your appointment and if you haven't had a follow-up with your ENT when normally a seven and fourteen day followed by a three month follow up is mandatory.. I would look into transferring to a new ENT group.

Sincerely,
MG