Tuesday 6 April 2021

Solved!

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.

25 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good job well done and money well spent. Here's to comfort!

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  2. Brave lady, and well worth the expense for the peace of mind it's given you. Glad it's nothing nasty.

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    1. I had to go in by myself so I did feel brave.

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  3. I imagine that you're relieved to get the all clear - pleased for you. I once had a minor procedure and they asked me if I'd like to watch on the screen! Nooooo thank you was my reply!!!

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    1. I love the human body, so beautiful, especially inside.

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  4. That's very good news. I'm pleased, and relieved, that it's nothing sinister. Xx

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    1. So was I. Just hope the symptoms go away soon though, 15 months is a long time to not feel right.

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  5. So glad you got the all clear from anything nasty! Waiting lists seem to be getting longer again. My friend (who's still in her 40s) needs a second hip replacement. She was told by letter this week the waiting list time is at least 66 weeks!!!

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    1. The consultant was of the opinion the NHS may never fully recover. If it does, he reckons 10 - 20 years, wow!

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  6. Very good news. I bet it was interesting watching the monitor.

    God bless.

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  7. How nice that it is nothing worrisome! I like the photo of Ruby on your header.

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    1. Thank you. DB gets some good and often funny ones of her when out and about.

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  8. I am thrilled all is well. I imagine the waiting times for NHS will only get longer.

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  9. Peace of mind can be priceless, can't it? I'm glad it all worked out well for you.
    xx

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    1. So am I as I was getting quite worried.

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  10. My throat felt like there was something stuck in it and I was hoarse and frequently clearing my throat. My ENT diagnosed and treated for acid reflux and it cleared up. Sometimes have flair ups but know what to do.

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    1. He reckons 1 in 3 or 4 people he sees have similar problems.

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  11. It's worth paying and going private just for the relief of knowing that there is nothing unsavoury lurking and getting worse. Waiting lists are ridiculous at the moment, but I guess we all know why, it's just a shame when we pay our National Insurance contributions for health care that to have any sort of quick treatment we still have to go private ... and pay more!!

    You're very brave watching!!

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    1. I would have been cheesed off if I couldn’t have watched. When training to be a nurse, the scope clinics for ent and gastric/digestive problems were my favourite placements.

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  12. This is going to be controversial but why have free healthcare when you would have to wait that long. If you didn't have the money and it was something like cancer you could have died. I know in the states we pay for our healthcare but never have heard of someone waiting for a procedure that could have found something really bad.

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    1. We did have fast tracking (2 weeks) to see specialists if your doctor thought you had cancer or something that warranted early detection but that has slightly fallen by the wayside due to Coronavirus stretching our healthcare services to almost breaking point. Normal waiting times are around 10 - 18 weeks. Cancer patients have been missed and missed their treatments and operations. Hip replacements are around 66 weeks now in some places. The NHS has not had the money it required for many years, from different governments. We still love it but she’s creaking badly.

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  13. Being a two time cancer survivor I would be nervous. I know our system is bad but people wouldn't put up with those wait times. I have been lucky I guess, I've seen my surgeon, oncologist, dentist, and family doctor with no problem.

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