What The Fuck Is That?

Today is a strange day. I am at home, sick, feeling like someone beat their fists into my body for far too long, then left me lying in the rain. I'm sunburned from spending all weekend outside and my throat feels like I swallowed a chesse grater, then subsequently vomited it back up.


Pictured: Obligatory "contemplative" wilderness photo. Taken Summer 2003 Lin Run, PA.

A moment ago, I attempted to clear my throat, as it's been hurting very bad. I did this by employing a powerful snorting-type exercise... you know the deal. However, what was more horrifying was the unidentifiable object that dislodged from the confines of my skull. Not to gross anybody out, but, oh well, I'm going to gross you out. This thing, was a postage stamp-sized hunk of dried blood (almost shaped in a perfect square), and of course some mucous. And what's more worrisome--it was hard. As soon as the thing came out though, I could breathe better and it didn't hurt as much to swallow. So, I'm thinking I should see an ENT doc. For the past several months I've been having this strange smell in my nose... kinda like an infection. After working for an otolaryngology (head and neck cancer) journal for two years, I don't think I should take any chances. I'm really hoping I don't have a grapefruit-sized tumor in my noggin. That would be an awful way to go.