Sinus Infection - Agggh!

[zoebartlett]

I'm glad recovery's going well, LV! Will you need to keep up with the rinses and/or sprays for the long term?

I'm getting a CT scan this weekend, with a follow up appt. with my new ENT in a couple weeks. He put me on a corticosteroid spray at least until my appt. I'm sure we'll talk about next steps soon.

Thanks for the update!

 

[innerkitten]

I've had a sinus infection since June. I'd never had one before. I've had quite a few dr's visits (started at the minute clinic, antibiotics, then steroid spray, then regular physician, more antibiotics and spray, then ENT, MORE antibiotics, then a refill of the antibiotics, more steroid spray, follow-up visit, new steroid spray), and I am still congested!! I guess I should go back to the ENT? I really thought I was better somewhere in between regular physician and 1st ENT visit, but it never fully resolves itself, and then gets worse again.

Anyone fellow sufferers with some good advice for me?

I feel for you. I just finished a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection that was out of control. had fevers and lots of pain. Just some suggestions. Cut back on dairy products and sugar, drink lots of water, steam can help with the dryness, and maybe try some good probiotics. But are you using the steroid spray daily? Sometimes those things work best when you are consistent.

ETA: I'm sort of always congested but it never had really turned into an actual infection for me before. But I have some allergies which I'm being treated for with allergy shots and stuff. Could the congestion be from something your allergic too and then maybe your sinuses can't drain properly because of the swelling?

 

[innerkitten]

I have an update if anyone is interested.

I've been feeling great. Steroids really seemed to open things up. No real physical complaints at this point. Went for a follow-up today. New Dr said everything looks great, probably just allergies. She had asked me to bring cd of my CT-scan that first dr never looked at. We looked at it together. She was really stunned at how bad things looked just two weeks ago. One side was completely blocked, then she noticed what she thinks is a "fungal ball", which is basically a fungal infection. Haven't really researched yet. Sounds so gross, I know.

Anyway, it will need to be removed surgically. Sooo, I get the "special CT scan" next week that she will use during the surgery. I guess there's some gps-type component to this type of 3D scan. That's what the nurse said. I think they hook it up to the computer somehow during surgery. They did send a sample out last time I was there to test for fungal, but it takes 4 weeks. She really seemed surprised that I feel fine, despite this thing which has taken up residence in my sinus cavity, but I guess it's all relative, right?

And, major props to JustGinger for apparently diagnosing me a few weeks ago from one internet post!

Oh I just saw this after writing the post above. Glad things are better for you! Be careful with the ENT, they might want to remove some little glands in your nose ( I can't remember what they are called), but there can be side effects to that surgery from what I've read. Some people are prone to inflammation in different parts of their bodies ( I am one of those). Anyway there might be some ways you can work on keeping the inflammation in your nose from happening again with a few lifestyle and dietary changes.
GL!

 

[innerkitten]

Hi Zoe, I don't mind sharing at all. Thanks for asking! I had the special CT Scan. Things now look really clear on my right side, from the steroid treatment. There is now some clearing in my left side, which explains why I can now breathe on that side, but the left frontal sinus (in my forehead), which I previously didn't realize existed (!) is still blocked almost completely, and what she suspected was a fungal ball is still there. So, I scheduled the surgery for next month. I would have done it sooner, but that was the earliest in her schedule. She thinks that after the surgery, I may not have future sinus issues at all, since the fungal issue may be the sole cause of my issues. She did mention there is a slight deviated septum to the left, which she may need to deal with in order to get to the frontal sinus. I think that is what she said. I will report back after the surgery.

I have a deviated septum as well. I'm not sure how it happened or if I was born that way.