Current Filter:
Category: Rambling
Date Range: 11/15/2005
(clear filters)

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Laser Cryptology

Friday morning I'll be getting my tonsils zapped with lasers. [insert cool laser sounds here] (No, they haven't given me any good drugs yet; I'm just naturally goofy.)

As fun as I just made that sound, it won't be fun at all. I've had tonsilloliths on and off for about ten years now. For most of those years it was more off than on. Lately its gotten more frequent and in the past two years my tonsils and I are at odds with each other frequently.

The problem isn't just the tonsilloliths, its that my tonsils get so irritated by them (and my constant coughing in a futile attempt to dislodge the stones) that my throat becomes infected. I've had at least 6 (if not more) throat infections and many minor sore throats in the last 2 years.

The last three weeks have been pretty miserable. The constant feeling of something stuck in my throat has made me rather irritable too. So for the sake of those who love me and my own sanity I'm finally doing something about it.

Laser cryptology is what I'm having done. Basically a laser is used to blast the crypts in my tonsils so that they're no longer tunnel-like and more bowl shaped. This should prevent the tonsilloliths as well as the sore throat and resulting throat infections.

There's no guarantee that it will be 100% effective, but I'm hopeful that it will be. Worst case scenario is I'd have to get my tonsils removed completely, which is what we're trying to avoid doing by having this procedure instead.

The recover is nearly as bad as it is for an adult tonsillectomy. Those who have their tonsils removed as adults have put the fear in me... (Thanks a lot!)

I'm expecting to be unable to speak for about a week, with three weeks to fully recover, four tops. I'll be all better just in time for Web Design World Boston.

It's outpatient and only local anaesthetic so I won't be away long. Knowing me, I'll be on the computer trying to work as much as I'm able (or as much as the pain killers will allow).

Dan and Gaetano will be taking good care of me, so try not to worry; I've got the worrying covered already.

Posted by ~Angela | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Permalink