Hello Woodbine
I'm sorry to hear that you've been dealing with a health concern. It's naturally a worrying time and with the current health situation understandable that you are feeling things more acutely. 

It sounds positive that the investigations so far haven't revealed any obvious causes but it's sensible that the Consultant wants to examine things further to try and get to the root cause. 

I would speak to your Consultant about your concerns surrounding going into hospital. It may be that your hospital has specific plans in place to minimise risks. I'm sure that they would be happy to talk things through with you. 

You could also call to speak to one of our nurses. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 and will be able to offer some advice and support. 

I hope that you have some news soon. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Thanks for your reply, Jenn.

Yes, think I will just have to wait and see what they find. I'm clinging to the faint hope that because I had a tonsil problem in the past, it's something along those lines. The doctor who treated my quinsy said there maybe further problems with them that may mean they will need to be removed. The waiting is the worst thing.

Will also contact your nurses if I need any help or advice.

Thanks again and stay safe.

UPDATE>>>>>>

Went into hospital almost 3 weeks ago and had left tonsil removed. Was a bit apprehensive, not so much about the op, more the worry of being in hospital during the Corona pandemic. Was worried about possibly contracting it, and didn't really want to burden our health service at this time. The fantastic NHS staff were very well organised about minimising risks and a lot of my worries were eased while I was at the hospital. Lots of precautions being taken to keep staff and patients safe.

Op went fine, was home 5 hours after. Didn't seem too bad at first, but as the anaesthetic and strong drugs they gave me in hospital wore off the pain increased. Worst thing was eating - had to dose myself with a mixture of Codeine, Ibuprofen and paracetemol to get through mealtimes. But you have to eat and drink otherwise bacteria can accumulate in the mouth and cause infection to the wound. First two weeks after my op were the worst - especially mealtimes. Certain foods affected the would as they came into contact with it. Of all things, a banana was the worst. Two bites and I had to lie down with the pain. Must be something in bananas that affect the scar tissue.

About a week later I had a call from my consultant who said it wasn't cancer (longest week of my life!). Never really found out exactly what, think he mentioned low level infection or just tissue growth. Poss related to the Quinsy I had about 8 years ago. Three weeks on and the pain has eased a lot and I have weaned myself off the painkillers.

Thanks to Jenn for taking the time to reply to my post and your reassuring words. I hope some of the info in this thread will be of use to someone and show that we shouldn't always fear the worst even when things don't appear to be too good.

Thanks again.

Mark  (UK)

P.S.  ALSO A MASSIVE THANKS TO ALL OUR AMAZING NHS HOSPITAL STAFF - FROM CLEANERS ALL THE WAY UP TO CONSULTANTS - YOU MAKE OUR WONDERFUL HEALTH SERVICE SO SPECIAL. I'M REALLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR US.

Mark, Im so glad things have worked out for you.  Im currently waiting for biopsy and MRI and am terrified to go into hospital, this has reassured me a lot, thank you  Though still thinking the worst from time to time and worried about son having to go back to school, particularly if its something sinister, but like everyone on here, the waiting is the worst part.

Pamela

Hi Pamela

Thanks for your reply. The worst thing about going into hospital was not knowing what to expect. As soon as I arrived all of the staff were very professional and caring. That really helped to ease a lot of my fears. As for the virus, they have had plenty of time to understand the enemy and organise things so that any risk is minimalised.

I understand the waiting. It tears you apart with a million thoughts going through your head. I swung between terrible dread and thinking well, whatever it is I'll take it on. It's very hard. In the end things were ok, and I hope they are for you too.

Good luck and best wishes.

Mark