View Full Version : Sore inside nose...
Okay, Doctors..I have had a scabbing sore that will not heal inside my right nostril since Oct 2011...about 7 months now. I am already afraid. Whatever it may be has taken course, and perhaps moved to my eyes. Nothing gradual, but bam! One day objects at a distance that were once clear are now more than fuzzy.
Yes I know...go to m.d. and such. 7 months been planning on it...Opthimologist, m.d. and so on. Any thing as to what to expect?
PedOncoDoc? Any thoughts? I am 43, spent most my life in the sun sand and surf. Antibiotics an antiseptics via cotton swabs of no use.
What can I expect to find here? Thanks in advance for your candidness.
PedOncoDoc
05-26-2012, 04:30
Sorry to hear about your sore - as you mentioned, you know the right thing to do is go to a doc and get evaluated. Depending on your insurance and what not, you may need to start with a primary care doc - either with a visit or a phone call - many primary docs would put in a referral based upon a 7 month sore in your nose without insisting on seeing you. If your insurance allows, you may be able to set up an appointment with a specialist without going through a primary doc. Regardless of whether you need to go through your primary care doc, I think seeing an ENT (ears, nose and throat doc) is likely in your future - not only do they have better tools for evaluating what is going on in your nose, they also would be the docs performing any surgery you might need.
Not sure what is causing your issue, but possibilities include infections (including bacteria, fungus and chronic viral infection - possibly tracking up into the sinuses to cause your vision issues), cancer, recurrent trauma (you didn't mention if you're an avid nose-picker ;)), a polyp (non-cancerous growth) and other things I can't think of at the moment. It is possible that your vision changes may be unrelated to the sore in your nose.
As far as what to expect - the docs are going to want to take a look in your nose (typically with the same tool we use to look in the ears at the primary care doc, perhaps with fancier tools if at the ENT), and I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted a CT scan (cat scan) of the head, focusing on sinuses and the areas around your eyes to look for any masses or signs of infection in areas that are hard to see with the tools available in the office. They may even take a tissue sample (biopsy) from the area of the sore to try to capture any infection and for pathologists (docs who look at things under the microscope) to investigate for any clues for why you have a non-healing sore.
Feel free to PM with further questions, and in follow up after talking with your docs and getting the ball rolling.
HTH.
Thank you, Doctor. Not an avid nose picker, but an average nose picker;)but the sore, though it does not hurt, can be a motivator. I'll keep you posted.
Sacamuelas
05-30-2012, 13:22
Sarski-
Pedoncodoc is spot on but way to nice. Get your butt into a doctor's office pronto. You have waited six and a half months to long. Get evaluated and treated if necessary. Enough is enough..
We will be waiting on your response, say in two weeks OR LESS! :cool:
:munchin
PedOncoDoc
05-30-2012, 13:32
Pedoncodoc is spot on but way too nice.
I blame my pediatric background. :D
I blame my pediatric background. :D
What, No Lollipop?
PedOncoDoc
05-31-2012, 05:04
What, No Lollipop?
I don't think it would fit in his nose, nor do I think it will help with the sore. :D
I went to the VA this a.m. Good news is after 12 years since my last visit I am back in the system. And they gave me 1week antibiotic (10 ml Polymixin/Trimethoprim OPH SOL ML). Bad news is that it has been 12 years since I have seen a doctor, and they term it chronic, so I need a physical first, which of course isn't the bad part, but the next open slot is Jul 24th.
I did get a number to call, on a daily basis to see if there are any cancellations, so I am certain that I will get in earlier.
So, I didn't even get to see a doctor since it is chronic. I was evaluated by the nurse, who called and spoke over the phone with the optomitrist, who had the nurse administer a vision test.
Left eye 20/60
Both 20/80
Right eye 20/80
I know we all lose our vision as we age, but this was pretty sudden. Anyways, they didn't even grab a stethiscope or scalpel, or even a lolipop to shove up my nose to even pretend to take a look. That comes with the physical.
There was a cancelation but during the time I was talking to the nurse requesting to see the doctor, who on a walk in basis was only seeing non chronics, the cancelation was filled.
So now I call for cancellations and go from there.
Update:
Just recieved notice for appointment with VA Optomitrist July 11. My eyes seem to be doing better despite the fact that they just arbitrairly prescribed anti biotics w/o looking or taking any cultures to determine if it was bio or virus related. I know the puffy and stretch, or wound if you will is gone (was a stretch toward my nose). Referal based on vision test test alone. Maybe I picked up conjunctivitis from one of the kids I teach martial art to. This does not address sore in nose.
Sore in nose still there, but seems to have migrated into two locations after 8 or 9 mos. now, two sores in right nostril.
Maybe this appointment can get me into the ENT sooner...we'll see. And I still have my physical scheduled. Praying it is not cancer!
Boomer-61
06-15-2012, 15:01
You didn't mention, are you or ever been a smoker?
Interesting symptoms. Maybe the two are unrelated. We'll hope for the best.
You didn't mention, are you or ever been a smoker?
Interesting symptoms. Maybe the two are unrelated. We'll hope for the best.
Yes. 3/4 pack a day. I am hoping THAT is not related. So could it be an ingrown hair that is infected? Just trying to stay positive here.
PedOncoDoc
06-16-2012, 04:22
Yes. 3/4 pack a day. I am hoping THAT is not related. So could it be an ingrown hair that is infected? Just trying to stay positive here.
Possible, but unlikely given the chroinicity of the problem - I can't recally ever seeing a 7-month sore from an infected ingrown hair, and I deal with immunocompromised patients (weak immune systems).
Red Flag 1
06-16-2012, 12:14
edit
Thanks all for the input, and stressing the urgency. Part of this is my fault...12 years since I have seen a Doc and been in VA system.
Lesson for all, don't tell the VA something chronic has been going on so long. Tell them about 30 days. Then when you get your referal, in my case to an ENT, you can change your story and be more honest. Getting past the initial wall of procedure and admin is the burdonsome part.
I don't know if this is good or bad, but I don't things are crusting up as much in there, maybe healing or maybe progressing to another stage? Regardless, I will still get checked out.
Red Flag 1
06-16-2012, 20:21
e
The Reaper
06-16-2012, 21:25
You are a smoker, and you haven't seen a doctor for twelve years?
What are you thinking, man?
TR
twistedsquid
06-16-2012, 21:38
trans mucosal bacterial or fungal infection....keep your finger out of your nose...and stop smoking...apply topical otc antibiotic....give it 4 weeks...
You are a smoker, and you haven't seen a doctor for twelve years?
What are you thinking, man?
TR
Whatever it was, reality caught up with me recently, sir. I will definately be taking advantage of my VA benifits with regular check ups from here on out. I've just never had anything out of the ordinary go wrong with me before, no aches, pains, headaches, never broke a bone in my body...lucky I guess, and hopefully that luck doesn't run out anytime soon.
trans mucosal bacterial or fungal infection....keep your finger out of your nose...and stop smoking...apply topical otc antibiotic....give it 4 weeks...
I tried the OTC anti biotic, perhaps not long enough then. I will give it another shot until I can get in to see the ENT.
18D4VRWB
06-29-2012, 09:16
Have not posted on here in awhile but two concerns come to mind that i have seen. The nose can be a great environment for fungal infections and MSRA.
Fungal should be easier to treat. MRSA not so much. There is a medical reason why MRSA resides there. I could look it up but this is where we tell you...go to the doctor.
Don't let it migrate elsewhere.
Went for my physical yesterday. All lab work and numbers are within desired ranges, with the exception of my triglycerides. Those were double (320). I had no clue that carbs and triglycerides go hand in hand, and I eat a lot of carbs.
That should be easy to control, and they have given me 6 months to do so before they prescribe any meds for that.
As for my nose, the doctor actually took a look inside this visit!
Antibiotics were prescribed, Cephalexin 500mg, and Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.025%. If after 4 weeks the sore is still there, then the doctor will refer me to a dermatologist for biopsy.
I have been told by another health care professional that the VA is roughly 10 years behind the curve in their approach to treating patients.
I still think the VA system is great, the surgery on my knee back in 2000 has given me much faith in them, I only wish that others would share that faith, but we each come away with our own experiences and opinions.
Thanks to all who have followed this thread, and those who have replied. Thanks for the nudging and convincing me to get my butt in to see the doctors. Will update as needed.
The Reaper
07-25-2012, 16:28
Went for my physical yesterday. All lab work and numbers are within desired ranges, with the exception of my triglycerides. Those were double (320). I had no clue that carbs and triglycerides go hand in hand, and I eat a lot of carbs.
That should be easy to control, and they have given me 6 months to do so before they prescribe any meds for that.
As for my nose, the doctor actually took a look inside this visit!
Antibiotics were prescribed, Cephalexin 500mg, and Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.025%. If after 4 weeks the sore is still there, then the doctor will refer me to a dermatologist for biopsy.
I have been told by another health care professional that the VA is roughly 10 years behind the curve in their approach to treating patients.
I still think the VA system is great, the surgery on my knee back in 2000 has given me much faith in them, I only wish that others would share that faith, but we each come away with our own experiences and opinions.
Thanks to all who have followed this thread, and those who have replied. Thanks for the nudging and convincing me to get my butt in to see the doctors. Will update as needed.
Have you stopped smoking yet?
TR
That, sir, would be a negative.
Barbarian
07-26-2012, 10:20
That, sir, would be a negative.
You should stop smoking and start chewing. Chewing is easier to quit.
I've quit three times, before.:D
You should stop smoking and start chewing. Chewing is easier to quit.
I've quit three times, before.:D
HA !!!!! ....... Got ya beat.
I've quit smoking FOUR times, before.
Na .. Na .. Na .. Naaaa .... Booo ... Boooooo ...... :p :D
Red Flag 1
07-26-2012, 13:11
Went for my physical yesterday. All lab work and numbers are within desired ranges, with the exception of my triglycerides. Those were double (320). I had no clue that carbs and triglycerides go hand in hand, and I eat a lot of carbs.
That should be easy to control, and they have given me 6 months to do so before they prescribe any meds for that.
As for my nose, the doctor actually took a look inside this visit!
Antibiotics were prescribed, Cephalexin 500mg, and Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.025%. If after 4 weeks the sore is still there, then the doctor will refer me to a dermatologist for biopsy.
I have been told by another health care professional that the VA is roughly 10 years behind the curve in their approach to treating patients.
I still think the VA system is great, the surgery on my knee back in 2000 has given me much faith in them, I only wish that others would share that faith, but we each come away with our own experiences and opinions.
Thanks to all who have followed this thread, and those who have replied. Thanks for the nudging and convincing me to get my butt in to see the doctors. Will update as needed.
e
Inflexible Six
07-30-2012, 10:31
Sarski, for what its worth, as a teen I had a similar scrabrous lump form just inside one of my nostrils and it turned out to be an allergic reaction to a parakeet.
I hope your problem turns out to be innocuous and gets resolved soon. It's no fun stressing out over these kind of medical "events."
Sarski, for what its worth, as a teen I had a similar scrabrous lump form just inside one of my nostrils and it turned out to be an allergic reaction to a parakeet.
I hope your problem turns out to be innocuous and gets resolved soon. It's no fun stressing out over these kind of medical "events."
Thanks.
To all, it looks like the antibiotics are working just fine, especially the topical, which would probably be more noticable. Antibiotics work pretty good for me since I rarely have taken them.
Of course it could be the topical is just keeping things moist, but there does not seem to be any fluid from the sore that eventually crusted, and as a result, the picking factor has gone way down.
I'll know more after I have run the course of meds, but it really appears things are clearing up.
WHEW!