Sinusities

I went for a nasopharyngoscope, that is essentially inserting a fiberoptic, flexible tube through the nose. A very interesting "burrow-like" landscape flashed on the television in front of the 'dentist' chair that I was sitting on. It's a medical procedure that allows the otorhinolaryngologist to find out what went wrong with my nose, the blockages and all. Prior to the insertion of the camera tube, he sprayed this decongestant agent into my nose which numbed my nose and throat some what. The scan revealed that I have a 'crooked' nose, so to speak.

As is illustrated on the photograph, the left side of my nose has a somewhat convex shape while the right side is straight and well. In other words, my frequent nasal congestion has got to do with the anatomical structure of my nose as it blocks and reduces the space in the passageway. Seriously, I didn't think I would have a 'crooked' nose on the inside for it certainly didn't seem that way on the outside.

They put me through this skin-prick test to test for signs of allergy - mainly outdoor and indoor allergens. These allergens were extracted in its purest form and stored in mini glass bottles. The entire procedure was a rather simple one which took approximately 30 minutes to complete. The nurse dab a drop of allergen esscence each onto the skin in a systematic fashion - for her recording purposes. I do not remember how many bottles there were. On my right hand were the essence of the outdoor allergens such as palm, bermuda grass and some other weird ferns and shrubs. On my left were the more common aggressors - the indoor allergens the likes of pets (dogs & cats lander), dust mites, mixed mites, roaches. After dabbing these essences, the nurse pricked the areas on my skin gently with a tiny needle and I was left to read up on some allergy & allergent brochure.

Certain areas on my skin turned red and itchy. There was also a slightly raised bump on the affected areas. Any bump that is more than 3mm deems that you're allergic to that particular allergen. So, as expected I am allergic to dust mites, mixed mites. I didn't think I would be allergic to "horror!" dogs and cats... as well as the common "I-am-everywhere" bermuda grass. Dreads. Nurse Jane jokingly suggested that I should migrate to Alaska and be neighbours with Sarah Palin. She is a funny and friendly nurse.

I've been put on Telfast and Flaxonase for 30 days . The doc said I would have to do a review after a month of medication. Dreads. My poor kidneys.

He may discuss the option of surgery should nasal congestion continue to bug me during the course of the prescribed medication. Heee, I should perhaps make things worse and get him to give me a rhinoplasty while straightening out the convex anatonomical part.

Oh, I got myself an Eyore toy to replace my 3 year old grey dolphin plush. According to Nurse Jane, god knows how many tons of dustmites and mite poos are in that toy.