Michelle, I've had the rubber tube nose job twice in the last 3 months and I agree: not nearly as fun as it sounds. (although it beats a tracheotomy by a mile...)

Mainly my ENT and RO both stick the old lighted wand down there to get a looksee. The ENT usually sprays a numbing agent first, which tastes about as bad as anything I've ever had, but is still preferable to El Tubo, IMO.

There must be a reason why they use the tube, feel that it's superior, etc.

All I can say is hang in there!