I have had problems with my throat since my early twenties. Recently though, things have gotten worse, certainly for the last 15 months or so. Not being able to easily see the G.P. hasn't helped.
Eventually I got so fed up I wrangled my way through the system to get an actual physical appointment. He recommend an ENT appointment, with a long wait, as it turns out, of 38 weeks minimum.
Well, I thought, what if it is something nasty, that will be too late so we decided I would go private. I sent an online booking form on a Thursday which they immediately acknowledged. Friday they got back to me to let me know due to the current situation there would be a 3 - 6 week delay. Fine thought I, at least that's quicker.
I phoned to book an appointment the following Monday and got one for 8 days later - result!
Today was the day. He was absolutely lovely. Took my history, gave me a thorough ENT check up (wax in ears, yes I know) and palpated my neck which was nice and soft. He then explained he wanted to put a camera up my nose and told me how much that would be. I said okay.
He gowned up, squirted numbing spray up my nostrils, turned the monitor so I could see what was going on up there and off he went.
It was fascinating to say the least, like exploring a giant interconnected cave system. He explained all the structures I could see, asked me to say 'ahh', cough and take a deep breath. I could see my epiglottis move as well as my vocal chords open and close. I could see the entrance to my sinuses and eustachion tubes.
It was a very strange sensation having such a numb throat. He told me there was no sign of anything nasty, no infection, no polyps, no irritation, nothing lurking anywhere.
He explained what I have, and that basically, it is a flare up of my long term throat problem. He did wonder if acid reflux might be involved but ruled that out once he had seen inside my throat area. He informed me ways to help with it, exercises I could do, throat hygiene products (inhalers, nose sprays and humidifiers etc).
He didn't need to do anymore or see me again unless of course, things changed. Phew, a great deal off my mind.