My ears have been plugged since Saturday morning. I was off work yesterday for Yom Kippur, so I was able to see my primary care physician first thing in the morning. He did what he does best (besides asking me what I want him to do), and wrote a referral to a specialist � in this case, an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose & Throat doctor).

I called right away for an appointment, but couldn�t get one until Thursday. The receptionist said she would call me if there were any cancellations, and, much to my surprise and delight, there was one! My appointment was moved up to today at 5:15.

Even though I wasn�t feeling that great, I went to work. Around 11:00 am, as I was leaving the library, I was overcome with a feeling of dizziness. A student asked if I wanted him to get someone to help, but I declined his offer. I said I just needed to sit down for a minute. A desk and chair are conveniently located right outside the library, so I sat there. And sat, and sat, and sat. I was so lightheaded, I was afraid to move. And the pressure in my ears made my head feel like it was going to explode.

A teacher stopped to ask what was wrong, and I explained the situation. She helped me gather my belongings from the computer lab, and talked to an assistant principal for me, to let him know I would be leaving. Then she drove me home. (I only live a few blocks away from the school, but there was no way I could have walked.)

It is now 6:30, and I just got back from my appointment. The doctor saw fluid in my right ear, and did some kind of test that measures the pressure behind the ear drum. It showed that something is definitely wrong. The test on my left ear shows only a slight abnormality. Next, he anesthetized my nasal passages, and stuck a tube down them. That was fun. After all that, he doesn�t know what is causing the problem.

Dr. ENT prescribed prednisone, in hopes that it will reduce the inflammation, and relieve the blockage. He also wants me to go for a hearing test. And an MRI of the soft tissue at the base of my skull. This will be my 7th or 8th MRI. I can hardly wait.

Song of the Day: Tommy Can You Hear Me By The Who