Long term effects of cocaine and can I get some kind of treatment

Question

It's been over 6 years since I sniffed cocaine. The reasons I started I'll leave out. Problem now is it seems the 3 or 4 years I did cocaine I severely screwed up my sinus cavities as well as caused me to have a permanent red nose with a white spot on the left side of my nose. Kind of like hypopigmentation. There's also a slight bump higher up on the left side of my nose that doesn't always show but usually does. I'm scared I have to live with this the rest of my life but I've never been to a doctor about it. It's just so embarassing for me. Outside of how it looks which keeps me paranoid around people, I also have some minor pain to this day just inside my nose and even up deep inside my nose which I assume are nasal cavities. I can actually feel some pain or pressure in my temples. Is it worth me going to a doctor or will I have to live with this the rest of my life? Thankyou so very much for any help you can give..

challenger12 · Answer

thanks for the encouragement and your right. I did work hard to be clean, but luckily I'm actually at a point where there's nothing that could get me to do it again.. It will probably be a few weeks but you will hear back and I have my fingers crossed they can help me. Goodbye for now and thanks to everyone who posted =)

LeaAnn807 · Answer

Ok, try not to be embarrassed about why you are there when you go! This is something that you deserve to have seen about. You have worked hard for your clean time, I'm sure, and you shouldn't be judged one bit! We will be behind you!

challenger12 · Answer

I'll definitely let you guys know how it goes after I see a specialist. I had almost forgot, but one day a few months ago I was at the Dr's office for something unrelated and the fill in Dr. decided to look up  my nose.. Well he checked out both sides and all he really said was.. while pointing to my left side was "that side is more open" and since I was completely embarrased I didn't question him like I should have. He may have been able to give me some insight about why I have some of the pain and issues I have to this day.

IBKleen · Answer

We beat ourselves up with guilt if we are lucky enough to make it and get clean. No need for the guilt of "what if" or "If only I could have". Let that go and be good to yourself. 

You deserve to feel good about yourself both mentally and physically. I hope you make the decision to see a doctor and if so, let us know how it goes. I wish you the best.

challenger12 · Answer

hi pattifan,

I appreciate the feedback and while I'm glad I've stayed away from cocaine for so long I beat myself up constantly because I remember some of these things starting to happen and I couldn't stop back then.. It took months to finally get away from it for several years with only one period of time where I did it for a few months with a friend and my nose immediately started having problems. Clogging up quickly, blowing my nose and actually feeling something inside my nasal cavity blow out. It scared the hell out of me and hurt like hell too.. it was in the same time frame of when the white spot showed up on the opposite side of my nose. It was shortly after this that I've never touched it again which has been over 6 years.. Without that relapse I'd be in much better shape and it would be closer to 9 years.. Anyway, thankyou for insight on what I may be in store for, but I have to face it.

pattifan · Answer

hi Challenger,

Firstly, well done for staying free of cocaine for so long!

In answer to your question, yes, I definitely think it's worth going to your doctor to have your nose checked.

The bad news, which you ought to be prepared for anyway before you go, is that if you've done permanent structural damage to your nose, then the only answer is cosmetic surgery.

Don't be put off by that though. You need to see him/her anyway as it may not be that bad.

In the meantime, avoid any nasal sprays like decongestants etc as they will only make matters worse and obscure your symptoms.

Make an appointment soon,and I really hope it goes well for you.

Take care

challenger12 · Answer

Thankyou, I appreciate the response. I guess I really believed I was a lost cause as far as anything being able to be done. It's been very depressing that a lot of the problems have really hung on..