Since a few days before Christmas on and off (but more on than off IYKWIM) I have had the feeling when I swallow as though something is stuck behind my left tonsil. Not a lump as such, but kind of a scratchy feeling.

It feels as though if I vigorously coughed and hawked I would be able to clear it but despite doing that and gargling it doesn't releive it.

I've been to the GP and she says she can't see anything but does say that the area I describe is quite low down.

I have Googled and come up with "tonsil stones" which I do occasionally get and a lot of the advise is to scrape/brush your tonsils but not only can I not see my tonsils very well myself, I've only got to touch the back of my tongue and I gag.

Hubby reckons I've got a bit of food stuck up in the bit between your nose and your throat - he's always gone on about this happening to him and I always laugh as I have never heard of such a thing.

Of course, as the anxious worrier that I am, I am imagining a tumour and all sorts (my grandmother died of throat/mouth cancer).

I've booked an appointment about another matter with my own GP for a week today (first time I can get to see own doctor ) but am obviously hoping it has gone by then.

Today it seems worse than ever, and I am on the verge of having a real panic over it (I suffer from anxiety)....

Dear Worried,

You are doing the best possible thing by going to see your GP. Do mention that your throat still feels unusual when you go to your next appointment. If your GP prescribes some medication then take this but if it doesn't cure the problem then keep going back (your doctor will assume that it's got better with either the medication prescribed or all by itself if you don't go back to see them). If the problem doesn't go away after a few weeks then your GP will probably recommend that you see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist.
It is early days yet, and you may just have a throat infection, which can be easily treated, so don't worry too much yet. I have found in the past that sometimes eating something scratchy can irritate my throat, so that it feels as if there is food trapped for days afterwards. This could be what your husband is describing.

Dear Worried,
Let me say I know exactly how you feel. I too am a cronic worrier. I drive my family insane. I was reading your post and I just felt compelled to answer. I too get recurring tonsil stones. Mine always feel scratchy when I start to develop one. Sometimes that feeling will go on for weeks. I have sometimes cough them up. That's what your symptoms sound like to me, but seeing your doctor is the BEST thing you can do. It will put your mind to rest to know for sure. I do hope that you can try to relax. I for one know how hard that is.
Best of luck to you! Beth