When did you know that you needed a tonsillectomy? Do I need a tonsillectomy based on this history?
Curious to hear answers to title question. Context: Since last August (2025) everytime I've gotten sick my tonsils have swollen up. I work in a school so I was sick basically once a month. I had tonsil swelling in August, twice in September, once in October, in February 2026, and in March that for a month straight instead of the usual week-long episodes I'd been having. Usually they never outlast the duration of the cold/flu that I was dealing with at the time, again with one exception. I'm currently sick now, its only been a couple days and my tonsils are annoying me with this persistent soreness. They look red and inflamed, but they've been worse before (Aug '25). The size has fluctuated between episodes as well. The ENT told me to wait to experience it for at least another year (that was in October) to even look into a tonsillectomy. My next appointment is in October, so a month and a half away. I want to be prepared with the right concerns/questions in case I need a tonsillectomy.
Does it sound like I'd be eligible for one? Could the tonsil swelling just be my body's reaction to being sick? I mean I know its not ideal but neither are cold symptoms overall. Most swelling in the body is for protective purposes right? Maybe if I try to strenghten my immune system I will stop getting sick and it will stop happening... but that will be a while, especially because I work in a new school now and will be building new immunity to whatever the teens and staff at this place pass around.
If I get them removed won't I be more likely to get sick since they are part of my immune system? I'm also worried because I talk a lot as a teacher so there's not really a convenient time for me to be able to shut up. I also have an irrational fear of anesthesia and surgery, so perhaps thats why I'm making excused... What do I do?!?
My other health info: AFAB 23, cannabis smoker, fairly active, fair diet. Lmk if I'm missing something.
(Edit to add: Never been positive for strep, or covid during these episodes. First ever swollen tonsil episode was with mono dx in Aug 2024 but that went away after 2 or 3 weeks. I can imagine mono might be the culprit for these episodes now...Damn you mono)