Well, it turns out that I am a horrible liar to myself......I woke up about a week with a killer cough. No other major symptoms (outside of the normal/daily allergy type symptoms), so I called my friends at the Allergy Clinic. After five days of a mass dose of Prednisone, (currently on day ten of) 14 days of antibiotic, Mucinex pills, my rescue inhaler, and coughing like a 10 pack a day smoker, I came to the realization that I might be sick. I'm sure my mother will agree with this statement.:)
Here's a little background for you......
I had RAD (Rapid Allergic Desensitization) in July 2009 in an attempt to stave off the sinus surgeon. I had had several sinus CT's and the medical people recommended surgery, but I politely told them, "No, thank you" and asked so nicely asked about the alternative. There was just something AWFUL about the thought of someone digging around in my face with surgical instruments! I had to prep my body with TONS, I mean TONS of prednisone and anti-histamine. I got 27 allergy shots in one day, three shots every 15 minutes. My arms looked like they got chewed up by a hornets nest. The up side of doing this procedure, is you accomplish in one day, what you would accomplish in 4-6 months (or longer) of getting allergy shots once-twice weekly. So, this was very beneficial for me.....or so I thought.
My allergies really did start to improve. I do take the daily maintenance medications for my asthma and allergies. But I did continue to get sinus infections.
Meet Dr. Hudkins.
I had sinus surgery on April 14, 2010. I NEEDED to do it much sooner in my life, as my sinuses were a disaster! I had a bone spur, chronic infection in all three "sets" of sinuses, and a blockage because of the bone spur. And, also, I was a candidate for new and cutting edge technology. The doctor would insert stents in my ethmoid sinuses (the ones between your eyes). The purpose of the stents was to open up the sinus cavity and keep it open. I had NO idea what they would look like (obviously) until they were removed two weeks post-op. I will spare you the photo of them, but those things were as long as a large paper clip! I was completely in shock that I could not feel them ~at all~. On my next visit to my allergy doctor (not my surgeon), I told him about the stents and he was elated with excitement. Remember, this was new and cutting edge sinus technology, ha! He was even more elated when I showed him the picture of them I had snapped on my phone.
Don't get me wrong, surgery has helped me in many, many ways. My sinus surgeon is my BFF, I really heart him, he fixed the very inner parts of my "face" for the better. But it still doesn't change the fact, that I live in Oklahoma, I am a serious allergy sufferer and will still get the occasional sinus infection.
My "new" normal, post-op, was supposed to be all happy, shiny, and infection free! I knew going into surgery that I could still get sinus infections. I guess what I'm trying to say is I wanted to believe that infections would be GONE forever!!! And ever and ever and ever! But that's not the case, I have only had two sinus infections in the past year since surgery (versus the 118 days of antibiotic I took in a calendar year, pre-op)....how about a BIG, FAT, YAY ME!!!!! Oh heck, how about another one, YAYYYYY MEEEEE!!!!!!
So, for anyone else out there that has allergies, asthma, and is dealing with all of this fun (not), windy, Oklahoma tree and grass blooming weather, I am right there with you.
Hang in there, we will all get through it.....and soon it will be hotter than heck outside soon and we will be griping about that. :)
Until next time, peace out!
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