On Nasal Congestion

Since I was five years old (which is essentially as far back as I can consciously remember) I have had sinus problems. I can remember at that fragile age driving for hours to a specialist in Los Angeles to have them subject me to numerous tests all of which were uncomfortable and some of which were painful (and scary I might add) for a five year old. Of course, they would be uncomfortable for an adult too. I remember getting two gigantic stamps that covered both of my arms with black ink. Anyone that's had this torture test is familiar with the idea that the stamps are only designed to cover your wrists or forearms with ink boxes depending on how many different things for which you are being tested. I had ink boxes stamped all the way up to my armpits (almost). This of course is not the worst part of the test, after your arms are covered with ink boxes that are each individually labeled with a different selection of things for which to be allergic. Then they bring you into a room hold your arms still and inject you with everything known to man. A small prick in each box, everything from plants to soil, animals to food. When you only have a few on the wrist, not too torturous. When you have hundreds and you are five it is quite dramatic experience. Of course all of the pricks itch at first and then only the ones you are allergic to itch, but they for into ant-bite-like bums that itch like crazy and you are not allowed to move. People wonder why I don't like hospitals.
Aside from dramatic experiences being tested for allergies the actual allergies themselves have been much more traumatic over the years. Sneezing uncontrollably, hay-fever, post nasal drip, countless nose bleeds, a hernia caused by sneezing, severe sinus pressure and a yearly battle against sinus infections.
SINUS INFECTIONS. My hatred for you is most severe. I have said I do not like hospitals because of traumatic experiences, here's another one.
Again during one of the most tragic periods of my life just before the allergist stamp test experience I found myself again as a five year old in the hospital with a severe sinus infection. The doctor's were unsure what was the cause of my problems and decided that I needed to give blood. My mom took me to the appropriate area of the military hospital and we waited. When it was my turn the young naval nurse took me to the chair and strapped me down. Let me describe this chair. Have you seen the electric chair? No exaggeration it was that chair with large leather straps for your waste and twice on the arms without the head part. After having been strapped down to the torture chair the nurse then took what looked like an inkwell pen and forced it into my arm. I closed my eyes and held my mother's hand. Just when the worst was nearly over the nurse says to me, “Look it looks like kool-aid.” I looked and saw the large gauge hose protruding from my arm filled with a bright red ooze. I don't remember anything after that moment. From that moment on, every time any needles have been in or around my body I have lost all consciousness. I have of course been able to prevent the black outs by never looking at the needle. A grown man who passes out from needles. Sad.
Finally, many people have tried to convince me that sneezing is enjoyable if you embrace them, never have I sneezed and it felt good in any way. I despise the very thought of it.