If anyone has had surgery I'd like to know what your results were. I've had chronic sinusitus for years, have a deviated septum, mucus membrane thickening and was tested for allergies, which came back positive for several things. The Ear Nose and THroat specialist said the only alternative to continual use of nasal sprays, decongestants and antihistamines was surgery. I also do a nasal wash, bought a dehumidifier and small air purifier for my home, but am still suffering not to mention the side effects of the medications and sprays. Is the operation worth the pain and has it helped to free anyone from the continual congestion and symptoms?(I can hardly breath through my left nostril), the sneezing, cough and headaches and painful sinus's and post nasal drip are unrelenting. I had a cat scan on my vocal cords too, because they are swollan, and the only reason the specialist had for that condition was that it is due to post nasal drip, but I think the vocal cords are also swollan from all the nasal sprays I use.
SaraLee

SaraLee~
Please get a second opinion before you get your septum operated on. I have sever allergies, and I went to several ENT's and got shots, but happened to avoid the surgery for one reason or another. Meanwhile, my mother went ahead and had her septum "corrected" and she still had allergy symptoms just as bad. Then, about 3 years ago, she went to different ENT and he told her the previous surgery was done right and he needed to "fix it." Three years later, she has been suffering from constant eye pain, has been as far as pain mgmt (taking methdone) and she still suffers this pain. After endless test and endless doctor visits, they concluded that it was nerve damage from the septum surgery...but not "provable". Anyway, I would hesitate getting this done at least before getting a second opinion. As for me, I am getting more relief than I've had in years because I found a Board Certified Allergist and Immunologist. He is very aggressive with the shots and I am almost to maintenance dose in just 7 months. I figured out that ENT's are NOT allergists, but will treat them as "Part" of their practices. BTW, my septum is very deviated, but nobody is going to touch mine after what I've witnessed my mother going through. Hope this was helpful info.

Thank you FreeToBe,
Then it is fortunate for me as my ENT did the cat scans, told me what he found and said that aside of medication, surgery was the only other thing to do, and then he sent me to the allergist, who put me on the sprays, etc. But since they are not working, I was getting real tired of being sick and on Friday I go back to the allergist and if he didn't come up with something else to try, I was going to go back to the ENT doctor and talk about surgery. But I don't want to do that either, so thanks for letting me know what your Mom's experience was. I had a feeling it was not pleasant to do nose surgery nor did I know what kind of results it provided. Maybe the allergist will try the shots for me too. Are you also still using the sprays,decongestants or antihistimes, or are the shots enough to control your symptoms?
SaraLee

Due to chemical sensitivities I have had three sinus surgeries. My nose would swell shut and I couldn't breathe. I agree with you, I would lose my voice partly due to some kind of swelling in my throat. I live with a constant migraine due to the swelling reaction in my brain. I can now breathe due to the three surgeries, but my ENT was shocked at how much I have had cut out of my nasal passages. I have been to three different ENT's to have the surgeries. The last one was at Northwestern in Chicago. I can't say I regret any of the surgeries. I too had a diviated septrum that was corrected. My nasal passages still swell, but I can breathe anyway. I had allergy testing and showed no allergies. I have found myself that chemicals causes my swelling. I can't eat chemicals in foods or breathe them in cleaners, perfumes etc. My latest problem is ear problems. The swelling has finally made it into my ears. I have three noises in my ear all the time and I am getting ear aches. I hear a low hum in my right ear, a high pitched ring in the middle somewhere and it sounds like a tractor is running in the left side of my head. I have an appointment with a Rhumatologist in Denver this Friday and I am hopeing to get some answers.. Sorry I went on so much. Good luck with getting your swelling under control. I have found avoidence to be my only help. Even that is hard to do with so many chemicals in everything we eat and around us everywhere.

Sophina,
I am so glad I came to this board, as I was feeling quite alone and scared. Three surgeries is a lot to deal with but I'm glad they finally gave you some relief. Sorry to hear your problem has now gone into the ear area and hope you find help with that as well. I was really concerned about the change in my voice quality due to the swelling in the vocal cords, so am glad you mentioned that you had the same problem. I guess that just goes along with the disease. I did test posititve for allergies...my cat is the biggest offender and mold and mildew. I have taken steps to help control those problems but am still waiting to see if they help. Thanks again for sharing and I'd like to know how you make out with the Rhumatologist and what he/she says about the ringing in your ears.
SaraLee