Tonsillectomy

Posted Wed 7 Jun 2017 23.21 by joebolton

Hello all, I am a 20 year old male who last year suffered a severe outbreak of guttate psoriasis which left me head to toe covered. Obviously being 19 at the time it was hard to deal with and generally brought me down. After trying every steroid cream there was, UV light therapy and antibiotics (cyclosporine) I found that Dovobet was most effective (in small doses and for short periods of time) as a short term solution. However, this was not helping with psoriasis and would usually make the next outbreak even worse. So I decided to do some researching online and found a scientific study in which a test was conducted where they took peoples tonsils out to see the effect it had on there psoriasis. 60% of the participants psoriasis had disappeared and the rest could result to using lighter methods to manage it. I had often wondered whether this would benefit me in any way as I would usually get a sore throat shortly followed by an outbreak. Baring in mind there is only a limited amount the GP can offer I decided to go privately and see a dermatologist who then referred me to a throat specialist. After explaining to him that my throat would hurt and then I would have an outbreak (I had to exaggerate how bad my throat was and said that I often get tonsillitis (I don't)). Within two weeks my tonsils were out and the results have been astonishing. Although it did not clear straight away I am now 8 months down the line and no longer use steroid cream to control the few patches of psoriasis left. I understand that for a lot of people money is a problem and some people don't let psoriasis get the better of them. However, I thought I would make this post available for anyone who let it get better of them, to show that this could be a possibility for you! The procedure cost £200 and honestly it was money well spent. You tend not to see too many success stories online, however reflecting back on how it affected me at the time I wanted to share my experience with anyone who is struggling. Thanks for reading :-)

Posted Tue 4 Jul 2017 15.45 by Sparkles94

I am a 21 year old who suffers from very bad guttate psoriasis flare ups. I had a tonsillectomy in 2014 and it was the best decision of my life. I was done free on the NHS due to having tonsillitis every two weeks for four years. It is a long painful process but would recommend to anyone who is anxious about making the decision to get it or not. Usually my psoriasis covers 80% of my body but since then I only ever get one or two big flare ups a year which is a massive decrease in being covered head to toe all year round. I have found that Eumovate and Dovobet are extremely helpful. I also use Nettle tea (3 cups a day), Dead sea salts for the bath, oat baths help massively as well. People have noticed a massive improvement in me since getting my tonsils taken out and a massive improvement on my skin as well. Hope this helps boost any decision to go ahead with surgery. The pain is worth it.

Posted Thu 6 Jul 2017 01.48 by pthr1985 (edited Thu 6 Jul 2017 01.48 by pthr1985)

I would agree with you both. I had a tonsillectomy 7 years ago and I have enjoyed a lengthy remission. However, I recently had a strep throat infection (yes, you can still get strep throat even if you don't have your tonsils) and I have unfortunately experienced my first psoriasis flare since undergoing a tonsillectomy. I'm back on Dovobet (worst decision ever) and I'm now starting phototherapy. I guess the only way to truly avoid a rebound is to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help avoid throat infections. Hope you enjoy a long remission.

Posted Mon 17 Jul 2017 19.19 by Freerider

Hey Joe, I'm a 21 year old male and have been struggling with guttate psoriasis since 7th grade. Only until about two years ago has it started to get really bad. I've done UV therapy (which helps a lot), but it's hard and expensive to consistently get treatment. It is not nearly as bad in the summer, but in the winter, it usually covers my back, arms, legs and scalp. I'm now in a position where I am considering getting a tonsillectomy. Thankfully, my parents insurance will cover it so I don't have to worry about the cost. Like you, I have seen the studies and some encouraging results, especially related to the treatment of guttate psoriasis. With that being said, I don't have a clear history of strep or sore-throat related breakouts. It seems to happen at random times or when I am under stress. Were you in a similar position to me? Most of the accounts I have read it appears that the patient had a history of sore-throat related break-outs. Since that's not the case with me, I am wondering if it still makes since to get my tonsils out. Thank you.

Posted Tue 18 Jul 2017 08.41 by pthr1985 (edited Tue 18 Jul 2017 08.44 by pthr1985)

Hi Freerider, I would definitely recommend going ahead with the tonsillectomy despite the risk of a strep throat infection in the future. As you say, as you have not suffered from sore throats/throat infections prior to tonsillitis, you may be home and free. I was not a sore throat sufferer prior to tonsillitis either, however as tonsillitis is generally a result of strep throat, I couldn't guarantee that you wouldn't develop throat problems in the future. Although I recently had a strep throat infection, it's important to caveat that it was the first throat-related problem I have had since undergoing my tonsillectomy 7 years ago - that's a pretty good run. Plus, my psoriasis flare was nowhere near as bad as when I had my tonsils - mostly localised to my elbows, a few patches on my lower legs and back. I have started UVB and it's doing the trick after only 2 weeks. You can have your tonsils removed for free via the NHS if you can get an ENT consultant to agree to tonsillectomy. It's definitely worth it for those of us whose trigger is throat infections/tonsillitis. Also, I live in Australia now, so there was only one day between referral and starting UVB.

Posted Sun 28 Jan 2018 09.03 by SuzziL

Hi, I just joined this forum while researching ways to help with my psoriasis. I'm 28 and have had what I think is called plaque psoriasis since I can remember (maybe first grade) but it was normally only located on my knees, elbows and sometimes my ears. Big patches that even though we're only on my knees and elbows, got me teased in elementary school. Kids called me herpes girl. It was always a sore spot in my self esteem. So you could imagine my depression when in 2015 after a bad case of tonsillitis, my psoriasis broke out all over my body! I had no luck with doctors, dermatologist or the ENT. No one acknowledged a link in my tonsillitis and psoriasis. This month is my 3rd breakout since then and all have been after tonsillitis. I've been reaching and JUST found out that the breakouts are called guttate psoriasis. And I read about the tonsillectomy and really am giving it a lot of thought and consideration. I'm miserable in my current condition. Psoriasis everywhere including my face and the itching and having to cover my whole body to avoid ugly stares. I'm just scared about being put under for the surgery and how much it might hurt. But reading your guys experiences makes me hopeful!

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