Meanwhile, my breathing/congestion issues got worse so I ended up going into my doctor who rushed me into seeing an ENT sooner than the January appointment I'd set up independently. I found out I wasn't imagining it all, thank goodness. Turns out I have a deviated septum, which explains *so much*. Along with that, the part of my throat that helps with inspiration and clearing mucus is damaged from my excessive allergies as well as silent reflux. That turns into a vicious cycle because as the allergies have gotten worse, I've been trying to clear my throat even more and it aggravates the damage. So I've been put on Singulair and prescription Flonase to take in addition with Zyrtec in an attempt to lessen my allergy symptoms, as well as omeprazole to soothe the acid bombarding my throat. It's not a quick fix. I probably won't start feeling any real improvement for a couple months which means I have to put up with the choking and breath issues for a while. But I have high hopes. And, if for some reason it's not enough, I'll go back and see my ENT to re-evaluate.
He's an absolute doll, by the way. Young which means he hasn't burned out yet. Only five years out from graduating from Yale, and so personable and helpful. When I got the referral, I watched this video to get an idea of what he's like. That video is 100% accurate. Just lovely.
I missed too much to try catching up. I should be back on track now. Hopefully. :)