Sinus Update - Unexpected finding but a Path Forward

After two months of waiting, I saw the ENT.  Let me step back a moment; I got a call on the Friday before my scheduled Tuesday appointment saying my appointment needed to be changed.  ACK!! I stayed calm and learned that my original appointment was with a nurse practitioner and my case is better suited for a medical doctor (MD). I ended up seeing the ENT MD a day earlier than the appointment that had been scheduled for two months.

The ENT came in and seemed rather abrasive and abrupt.  After after talking with him for a little bit, I learned that he was coming from a place of concern. The CBCT scan I had back in July showed a untreated sinus infection. He asked about the tooth.  I told him my dentist tested the tooth and I didn't react and I was told to see an ENT. I could see frustration on his face and it appears this has become common; a disconnect between the teeth and sinuses.  The doctor explained that I didn't react because the nerve of the tooth is dead.

The ENT performed a scope of my nose, both sides.  He had hoped to extract pus from the right sinus but could not; gross, I know.  I am on a 14-day course of antibiotics and I go for a CT scan in a couple weeks.  Given that my CBCT show a deviated septum and other structural issues, sinus surgery is still a possibility but something that will be decided and discussed after my CT scan.

I went to my 4 PM Crossfit class and I was able to update my friends.  The coach said once I'm through this, I'll want to run a marathon.  I told him "let's not get crazy, I just want to breathe well."

If you're new here, thanks for stopping by.  I have linked some of my related blog posts here if you want to catch up.  If you're a regular reader, thanks for being here.  I have not walked this journey alone; aside from friends and family, God has been with me and through Him all things are possible.

Health Journey - Sinus Headaches, Crossfit, HRT, Appetite 

Living with Chronic Sinus Issues

Advocating for My Health

Where It All Started: When the Office Makes You Sick

Health Journey Update: Sinus Headaches, CrossFit Progress, HRT Questions & Appetite Improvements

One thing I've learned through this health journey is that progress doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back, but I'm continuing to trust God and keep moving forward one day at a time.

Recently, my sinus issues have evolved a bit. In addition to the congestion and pressure I've been dealing with, I've started experiencing sinus headaches. They can definitely make for challenging days, but I'm continuing to monitor my symptoms and work through them as best I can. Chronic health issues have a way of teaching patience, even when patience isn't something we particularly want to learn.  I can't wait to see the ENT in September and, hopefully, get some answers.

I've also been experiencing some itching that may be related to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). At this point, I'm still trying to determine whether there is a connection, but it's another reminder that our bodies are complex and that every change seems to bring new questions. As frustrating as that can be, I'm trying to approach it with curiosity rather than discouragement.  I am trying a soothing body wash until I see my OB in October.

One encouraging update is that my appetite continues to improve. It's something that may sound small to others, but it feels like a significant victory to me. Better nutrition helps support healing, energy, and overall well-being, so I'm grateful to see positive movement in that area.

I'm also continuing to participate in CrossFit three times a week. Not every workout looks the way it once did, and scaling movements has become an important part of my routine. I've come to realize that scaling isn't giving up; it's simply adapting. The goal is to keep moving, keep building strength, and keep showing up. Some days are better than others, but consistency has become more important than perfection.

Through all of these ups and downs, I continue to be reminded that God is faithful. While I may not have all the answers or understand every twist and turn in this journey, I know that He walks beside me through each challenge and each victory.

One verse that has been especially encouraging is Isaiah 40:31; scripture image is from YouVersion.