Gosh, it's been over a week since I posted so I think I better put an update in here (even though I have no photos to add to it).
I had a bit of surprising news this week when I finally went to see an ENT specialist about the ongoing problems with my sinuses. The bottom line is this: I have nasal polyps! 3 large ones to exact, the size of grapes he said. That plus the fact my sinus cavities are so blocked up now with thick mucus that hasn't cleared up with antibiotics makes him recommend surgery to remove everything. This was the surprising bit! I hate the idea of surgery, am absolutely terrified at the thought of going under anesthetic. Of course it's not something he can force me to do - he just 'recommends' I do it. The problem is, and he told me this at the time, there is no guarantee that the polyps will grow back. And by the way 'polyps' are benign growths that result from inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages. You can read more about them HERE if you would like.
I've been doing a lot of research online since my appointment. Honestly, surgery to me is the last resort, and just because I've had two courses of antibiotics that haven't cleared up the sinus infection it doesn't mean I'm going to rush in to the operating room and have such an invasive procedure only to be told 12 months from now the polyps have regrown. I say this because right now my symptoms are very mild again, I can taste, I can smell, and I can breath through my nose ok, so the antibiotics have done something. I just still get a sinus headache once in a while. Also, the Dr has put me on another 2 week course of antibiotics prior to having a CT Scan (so he can get a full picture of what everything looks like) which is scheduled for January 30th.
So right now I'm weighing my options. I've read that a course of steroids can significantly shrink the polyps and I'm leaning toward asking for that before I consider the surgery. We're heading in to Spring and Summer and my allergies are not that bad over these months, so if the polyps shrink I think my Nasonex spray and antihistamines will be enough to keep everything in control.
Sorry this is a boring and dull post, but that's all that's really happened this week. Life plods on as usual at the Schulz Casa, and everyone else is doing fine.
I had a bit of surprising news this week when I finally went to see an ENT specialist about the ongoing problems with my sinuses. The bottom line is this: I have nasal polyps! 3 large ones to exact, the size of grapes he said. That plus the fact my sinus cavities are so blocked up now with thick mucus that hasn't cleared up with antibiotics makes him recommend surgery to remove everything. This was the surprising bit! I hate the idea of surgery, am absolutely terrified at the thought of going under anesthetic. Of course it's not something he can force me to do - he just 'recommends' I do it. The problem is, and he told me this at the time, there is no guarantee that the polyps will grow back. And by the way 'polyps' are benign growths that result from inflamed mucus membranes in the sinuses and nasal passages. You can read more about them HERE if you would like.
I've been doing a lot of research online since my appointment. Honestly, surgery to me is the last resort, and just because I've had two courses of antibiotics that haven't cleared up the sinus infection it doesn't mean I'm going to rush in to the operating room and have such an invasive procedure only to be told 12 months from now the polyps have regrown. I say this because right now my symptoms are very mild again, I can taste, I can smell, and I can breath through my nose ok, so the antibiotics have done something. I just still get a sinus headache once in a while. Also, the Dr has put me on another 2 week course of antibiotics prior to having a CT Scan (so he can get a full picture of what everything looks like) which is scheduled for January 30th.
So right now I'm weighing my options. I've read that a course of steroids can significantly shrink the polyps and I'm leaning toward asking for that before I consider the surgery. We're heading in to Spring and Summer and my allergies are not that bad over these months, so if the polyps shrink I think my Nasonex spray and antihistamines will be enough to keep everything in control.
Sorry this is a boring and dull post, but that's all that's really happened this week. Life plods on as usual at the Schulz Casa, and everyone else is doing fine.
2 comments:
Hi Denise, So have you planned anymore healthy meals to share with us? What are your plans for the week?
Well have a nice weekend! Hugs
Well hi li'l sis not such good news but prayer works so guess what I'll be doing - don't spend enough time in prayer.
Love the house.
Love n hugs xxxx BS
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