Thursday, January 29, 2009

TORTURE!!!

I was able to go to the ENT today. When I made the appt., I asked if I needed to bring anyone with me. The nurse told me that they wouldn't do any procedures for this appt. WRONG! I'm glad it's fixed, but I definitely have a story to tell.
You might want to stop reading if you're squeamish
(it's not really that bad, but I'm giving you fair warning!)

I went to University Hospital since there were more doctors available on the insurance there. That also meant younger doctors. The doctor my appointment was made with saw me first (not young), while another doctor (young) was in the room typing all the notes on the computer. After the doctor decided it was broken and could be fixed, he went out and another young doctor came in. He talked to me about what the procedure was, had me sign the consent, and took me into the procedure (torture) room.

The first step is numbing. If I had known exactly how this happens, I might not have had it fixed... Anyway, the young doctor soaks some gauze on a wire with string hanging off of it (I wish I could find a picture, but I did see that they are called tampons...) with cocaine - now I'm a druggy ;). Then they put it in your nose (2 each nostril) and just when you think it can't possibly go any further up (or hurt worse), oh, yes it can!!! OUCH!!!!! So those get to sit in your nose for a while to start numbing things. Meanwhile, you're crying, and the young doctor doesn't offer you anything to wipe the tears and he leaves the room.

The young doctor comes back in a few minutes for the next part of the numbing procedure. This time it's a shot in each nostril. Think of the dentist... Since he's a young doctor, though, there are a few pokes before it's in the right spot, then the BURNING!!! More crying and this time some bleeding. Still no tissues or anything and alone again in the room. Eventually he comes back and sees I need something, puts one of those cute blue plastic things you sit on after having a baby on your chest (too late, blood already on the shirt...) and a gauze to wipe some of the blood.

After a few more minutes, it's time to numb the outside of the nose. Since my tongue was feeling numb, I figured it wouldn't be too bad. WRONG!!! One on each side again. I really was surprised how much those two still hurt after all of the other steps!!! Alone again.

Now it's time to move the nose back into place. The other young doctor comes in and offers his hand to squeeze. I said I'd just keep grabbing the bed. At this point I ask, "How many of these have you done." "I'm not really sure." Quiet. Other young doctor says, "It's definitely not the first time for any of us." FABULOUS! So, blunt instrument up the left nostril, a small pop, some pushing, etc. None of this really hurts, thank goodness, except for the apparent poke in the nose that still hasn't quite stopped bleeding... Not young doctor comes in to look, it needs a little more, still doesn't really hurt and done with that part. A little cleaning of the nose, placement of the tape, placement of the guard, cleaning of the blood between my nose and mouth (most of it, at least) and I'm done. Gee, that was easy.

I am glad to have it fixed, but I do wish that someone was with me to at least help me wipe my tears! It's probably good that Jim is out of town and didn't have to witness the blood, though!

18 comments:

The Dixon Family said...

Oh my gosh.

I'm so glad they fixed it and am so sorry you had to go through it by yourself!

4HessGirls said...

Oh my GOSH! I can't believe what you have been through. I hope everything heals up good now and you feel better soon. Sorry, you had to go through that alone.

Meredith Haag said...

Kristy! I can't believe you had to go through all that!!!! I'm so glad that its finally fixed though. How was the cocaine?! Are you gonna go get some more?

Boyce Bunch said...

It sounds awful!! I can't believe you had to do it all by yourself!! What is wrong with young Dr. I can't belive he didn't even offer you a tissue!! Where are the bed side manners? After just haveing a b-day maybe age isn't so bad after all. I would have taken you and offered you a tissue!!!

I can't stop laughing about your discription: Young Dr. and Old Dr. So funny!!

I hope you feel better soon!!

Naomi Hanks said...

Holy Cow! I would have been freaking out to do that by myself! I hope it heals super fast!

rebecca said...

I was given a general, so I was out for all of t he torture. I would have been bawling had I been awake. I'm glad you're done!

Beth said...

all sorts of positives can come out of this. 1. we've all learned (or have been reminded) that we can't trust doctors. 2. when offered novacaine we can ask for cocaine instead. 3. you can tell people some awesome stories about how you got a broken nose... like you're really a closet hockey player and you play in a co-ed league...

You're awesome, Kristy. I am so sorry you had to do that!

cassie said...

OOOO! Ow! Ouch! That's all I can think to say. I was cringing just reading the story. Hope I never have to experience that!!!

Cindi said...

First of all,COLD, unfeeling jerks! How could they just ignore the tears and not even offer a tissue!?? Second, OUCH!!!!!!!!! ICK!!!!! EWWWWWW!!!! Poor you!! :( Cute nose "cast"! ;)

Colorado Oldroyds said...

Seriously, no one should have to stay awake during such a procedure. Giving birth to your twins was probably easier than such torture. You are a trooper!

Kristy Graff said...

Oh, I wish I could have been there to wipe your tears! That doesn't sound fun at all but I'm glad it's fixed and without too much bruising too! That's good!

Vern said...

U R Hawt.

WoozleMom said...

All I can say is OUCH.

rick and cheryl said...

I sure hope it heals quickly! You are much braver than I am.

hales said...

And not even a sticker to put across the bandage?? Sheesh! But think of all the mileage you'll get out of this with Wesley for years to come. "Remember that time you broke my nose? The car sure needs washed . . ."

Brittany said...

Ooooh! Sorry about that!

Swoopref said...

Ouch! You are tougher than I thought.

Lisa said...

Ow ow ow ow ow ow! My nose hurts and my eyes are watering just reading this! Man, I'm glad it's over. Ah, awful!

The similar thing happened to my dad in high school: he was carrying a bunch of books and another stupid kid thought he'd be funny and knock them out of his hands, but instead accidentally smacked him right in the nose. Broke it. But Dad never got it fixed. Claims it gives him "personality." We always say, "Oh, so is THAT what they're calling it these days?" :)

Hope you feel better soon and don't have to ever ever ever go back to that doctor again.