Cauterization

I get nosebleeds. I get nosebleeds a LOT, especially in the winter. I mean, I’m talking at LEAST once a day. And it is always in the left nostril.

I’m not sure when exactly the blood vessel was damaged. I’m thinking it might date back to 1985-86, when I was 3-ish. It was a stormy night. I remember being on my parents’ bed with a box of Alaphabets. My mom was in the bathroom doctoring up a wound my sister had just received. And maybe I was happy to have a bit of freedom from mom, or it is quite possible that I was trying to provide some comic relief (storms are scary, sister was bleeding, etc..). I don’t really know, but whatever the reason, I stuck two of the “bets” up my nose. And I stuck them up far, which naturally caused my nose to bleed profusely. And my nose hasn't been the same since. (Well, if this is indeed when the damage occurred.)

So, as you can see, I’ve been living with this condition for quite some time. And I was happy to “deal,” until recently. The nosebleeds have just become a lot more frequent and inconvenient. I mean, I get them when I’m up in front of a class teaching, when I’m riding my bicycle home from work, when I’m running on the treadmill, when the heat kicks on, when I wash my face, when I’m nervous, and the list goes on and on! So, I finally had enough! And I made an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

And today was the BIG day. Yep, that’s right, today was the big nose procedure day. And let me tell you, I was not looking forward to it. My dad got his nose cauterized many moons ago and, of course, gave me all the gory details. He said the numbing of the nose was the worst part. And he also mentioned having to wear a metal bracelet to “ground” him so he wouldn’t get electrocuted. Yikes!

Thankfully, the technique has changed quite a bit over the years. I did not have to wear a metal bracelet and there was no deadening of the nerves via a 6-inch needle. Rather, the doctor used a long wooden stick that looked like a match. Basically, the blood vessel was burned with chemicals as opposed to a blow torch or electric shock. It was still a very uncomfortable procedure and I certainly hope I never have to do it again. But my nose should be as good as new in 3-4 weeks! Fantastic!

Oh, and I guess I should also mention that I got a bit lightheaded while he was packing my nose. It was a little embarrassing but he assured me it is normal. :)