What No Chocolate or Caffeine

So to begin, I have horrible sinuses. In the last 14 yrs I have had 2 sinus surgeries. If you have ever had sinus surgery you feel my pain. I must admit that it has been a while since the last surgery, uhm 10yrs maybe. I have done pretty well, I say that only because I have avoided surgery again. The sinus infections still come. They are like a storm swell. Sometimes I just accept all the pain and congestion and go on with life. Then there are times like the recent bout, multiple antibiotic courses, I feel much better while on the drugs. So I decide to go see the ENT doctor again. Of course the ENT doctor isn't available, so I see his PA. Nothing against the PA, I didn't feel well, I wanted the real thing. Oh well, so the PA reviews my history and checks my ears, nose, and throat( ENT) duh, because that is his job decsription. So he asks what I am doing to treat my symptoms. Here comes the list : claritin, nasal steriods, mucinex D, nasal rinses........ He says your doing everything you need to do. So he gives me 30 day course of .... antibiotics. I take the new drug and start feeling better. But to no avail 1 week off the antibiotic treatment I start to feel the crud coming back.

So back for a follow up, with the PA. He says since it has been a few years I had better get a CT of my sinuses. Since I do CT scans as my job, I get the test done the next day. I am sure my dedcutible is met now. $$$$$$ NO freebies at my work.

The CT shows mucous thicking- snot - on the RT side. I really didn't need a CT for that. Days later, after the PA and doctor review the results they decide I should come back in for a culture of the sinus. Goodie what fun, I 've been there done that.

So, I go in for the culture. Yea, I finaly get to see the infamous doctor for 10 minutes. He sticks this tiny q-tipped wire up and in my Rt maxilary sinus. He says, "this might cause some pain and pressure in the teeth and your eye." OUCH!! Eyes watering. "How is the Lt side?", he asks. Do I dare answer. I hadn't any antibiotics for 4 weeks, of course there are ooggie boogeies there too. I leave the office with both eyes watering.

Wait ... for results.

"+ 3 staph, and + haemapholus ........, " something like that. MORE antibiotics, this time targeted for these particular boogies.

I am stupid. " I read the drug info. " Take 500mg 2x a day for 15 days. No milk or yogurt, unless with a full meal. Don't take vitamins within 6hrs before or 2 hrs after medication. NO CHOCOLATE or CAFFEINE." " What are you kidding me!!!!!"

Only 10 days left.

Lets see, I saw the PA on the 8tht of July. We could of just cultured my sinuses then. Skipped the CT; used the $90 ( co-pays) and $200+( CT ) for school clothes, and be done with the antibiotics and eating chocolate. I can live with out the DR. PEPPER, maybe.

I am gonna eat german chocolate cake --made by Boy Mom-- on my B-day, I don't care!