Thanks girls...it is scary but I'm trying to think positive and I am hoping for the best outcome (ie just an infection that can be treated by antibiotics)...

Megan - good to 'see' you again! Nope, I have to go see the ENT Specialist on Tuesday, there's only one in Wagga...will have to wait to see what he has to say & what tests (if any?) he'll do. I'm not sure when I'll be finishing work yet...it depends on this restructure stuff...I'd love to finish up this week though if I could! Oh yeah the bad back thing is HORRID! I never expected a bad back to be so painful, I even have trouble sitting on the couch... I hope yours won't get worse when you get preggers!