My Sinus Saga

Just before Thanksgiving, I had a mostly standard sinus surgery. Since February, I had been plagued with chronic infections, including regular infections prior to that time as well. My surgery included a septoplasty (deviated septum), partial turbinectomy, and a good ol' fashioned roto-rooter style cleaning of my sinuses. The outpatient surgery lasted a little over an hour before journeying home with a bloody nose and a prescription for hydrocodone.

The few days that followed were foggy at best, but the face recovered steadily. The recovery culminated with a return to the doctor two weeks post surgery. He proceeded to jab a thin metal tube into places in my face I didn't know existed. Feeling a metal object inside my face between the eyes is one of the more least pleasant experiences in life, but probably on a few steps worse than watching Two and a Half Men marathon.

A little less than a week later, I came down with all the symptoms of yet another sinus infection. After nearly a year of feeling tired and achey with a sore throat, I resolved to do anything to get well. Losing faith in my doctor who raked in ten grand from one surgery, I turned to a more holistic approach. For several days, I consumed information about how diet can affect the body, particularly information about candida. Thanks to several friends who offered advice, particularly Martin and Katie Downs, I made the choice to cut out sugar, dairy, and gluten from my diet. This also seemed like a good time to kick the coffee habit too.

After two weeks of eating bushels of fruits and veggies, I felt like this guy. I had more sustained energy, didn't feel the highs and lows of coffee and sugar, didn't feel as hungry, and quickly lost a few pounds. Christmas brought some relapses, but I expected them. I have made up my mind to eat the best I can without being a complete Nazi about the whole thing. Both sugar and dairy immediately led to increased nasal congestion and even a few sore throats. You, dairy and sugar, have not been good to me.

Since Christmas, I have continued to have minimal sinus congestion and no symptoms of infection. I continue to feel empowered by the fact that my health and well-being rest in my hands.