Relearning How To Sneeze
I'm writing this when I could be finishing a chapter of my web serial, due tomorrow. But it's still a good writing exercise to get me going, so...this is also a post I've been wanting to write for a while now, but other things kept getting in the way. Now, to explain the title...
After my septoplasty and turbinate reduction, I was given advice on aftercare. One of the things that came up was the issue of sneezing. If you've never had a septoplasty or turbinate reduction, most patients need nasal splints. These are really big splints are held in place with stitches. So that's one thing to look after. There's also the healing factor.
You can't sneeze through your nose until after those splints are removed, and even after they're removed, you have to be careful. Any excess force can slow down the healing process or dislodge the splints. No, during this time, you have to sneeze through your mouth. And that was a tricky thing to navigate, cause I've always sneezed through my nose. I don't recommend trying it unless you absolutely have to; it feels weird and doesn't clear the nose.
My allergies don't manifest as excessive sneezing, and I typically sneeze a handful of times a month, at the most. And during the first two months of my healing, I was very wary of doing so, especially after my first sneeze. That was before I learned to sneeze through my mouth, and it was not fun. It didn't quite hurt, but after having my nose clogged with gunk and splints, it was quite the shock. It even made me afraid to sneeze normally for a while.
I have since sneezed through my nose once or twice, but not without fear of the unknown, of pain and shock. It's something I might wrestle with for the next few months, as it is a concerted effort and no longer a seamless process. But my last few sneezes have felt better and less alarming. I basically have a new nose, and have to relearn proper care for it.
On the upside, my allergies have been much better! Sinus pressure? I don't know her! Congestion? In this economy?! I can breathe through my nose, take walks without my mask, and just tidy up with a nasal rinse after. But allergy season hasn't fully begun yet, so I can't say for sure how it's affecting me until later.
I have had the windows open more, as the allergy levels have been low in the morning. The height of summer and autumn are my biggest enemies, especially once the leaves start to go. Dust, dust mites, and mold are my biggest offenders. But with a robot vacuum and hardwood floors (woohoo!), indoor allergies should be of little concern.
The horrors of my country aside, this year is really looking good for me. I'll report back later, once allergens escalate.