I've had to visit Watkins Medical Centre a few times, primarily to get my sinuses cauterized. Which is just as sexy as it sounds.
Somehow, my parents - two people with the worst sinuses in the world - met, and if that wasn't bad enough, they reproduced. I inherited a pair (is that the delightful term?) of sinuses capable of creating major nasal breathing problems to rival the best of them. This means a trip to see Doctor Anthony Parker every few years to have my sinuses, well, burnt back.
The doctor gives you an anaesthetic nasal spray, stuffs a metres-long (but very thin) string of gauze up your nose and 20 minutes later the procedure begins. It then involves the doctor burning away sinus tissue so that when the sinuses are inflamed, they do not meet and obstruct the airway. (I'm no doctor, but the clinic explains the procedure well before you go in.) And yes, he uses a big pointy laser-skewer instrument to remove the nasal tissue. You can only feel the pain when the skewer lingers too long in one area.
Walking back out into the surgery an hour after I walked in, the receptionist once said, "I can smell someone's had a cauterisation!". Though a receptionist at an ear, nose and throat specialist must be used to such a smell, I wondered how use to it she is. Sinus problems, or "allergies", are becoming common issues and it wouldn't surprise me if this procedure is performed quite often.
The bedside manner of the nurses here is fantastic. One held my hand during the procedure when it must have been evident in my face that the pain was a bit much. Dr Parker himself is also friendly and willing to explain your medical issue and options in great detail prior to an appointment, as well as cost, so you can be sure you're not being ripped off. read more