Nasal Problems

[Rebecca]

I am 20 yrs old with a unilateral cleft lip/plate. I've had
surgeries, like most, on my hard & soft palate, lip, and
"nose jobs". I've also had a bridge placed so my teeth
will not move (side note - anyone else experience a tickling
sensation when the dentist uses air or water?:-) My current
problem (and isn't there always a problem) is my sinuses. About
four years ago, I began to have severe headaches. At one point, I
blacked out in school while walking. After numerous tests, the
doctors expert diagonosis was that I was full of infection. I
underwent a Caldwell-luck proceedure 3 summers ago, which was
supposed to aid in drainage - which it did for a while. Now I'm
back at square one. I'm still getting incapacitating headaches
(which has not helped my undergrad gpa) I'm scheduled for yet
another surgery in dec with both my plastic surgeon and an ENT.
(Sometimes, I pretend I'm some brat from LA who just scheduled
another nose job - it adds humor to my life) I know I should be
positive, and that this is no time to give up - but I'm becoming
highly discouraged that I'll ever be "normal" - not
just in appearances, but in sinus land. Has anyone else had such
extensive problems with their sinuses? Hearing from someone else
could give me the kick in the tush to keep on thinking positive.
rebwend@wam.umd.edu