I've had problems with my sinuses for years. In 1990 I had polyps removed from there and this last winter, I have been plaqued with sinus infections. One after another. I've been on so many antibiotics. I finally went to an ENT who had me get a CT Scan. Went last week to hear the results of the scan. My left sinus is fine, empty but the right side is 75% full of stuff and there's no way for it to drain. So I'm scheduled for surgery next Wed. 5/14. Doc said he needs to go up in there and peel it away so it can drain. He said I do not have polyps, which is what I thought may have reoccured. I kind of scared about this because the area he's going to be focusing on lays right next to the eye socket. Is this type of surgery routine? Painful? Something I should be nervous over? I appreciate all input. I'm so tired of hurting all the time so I'm ready to get this over with and hope it works the way he said it will. He's a good doctor and well respected in our town.

I have a couple of thoughts.

First of all, going right to surgery is a little bit aggressive. Has he prescribed a steroid spray (and maybe oral steroids) to try and open up the blocked area or is he recommending surgery without at least trying to get things draining medically?

Second, did he recommend that you try irrigating using a SinusRinse bottle or Neti Pot? That can also help get some of the stuff out of there and is probably something you should try before surgery.

Beyond all of that, you should ask him about post-surgical follow up (and how often he does these procedures) - It's really important that he has a plan to remove scabs that may form after the surgery to keep scar tissue from developing.

You might consider getting a second opinion at the University of Nebraska Medical Center - the head of their ENT department is one of the leading U.S. experts on sinus disease and surgery.

Hi, GC Smith--

Do you happen to know of any sinus experts down South? Specifically in the Atlanta area? I'm staying with family while I'm ill and I'm wondering if there is a well-known doc here who I should see...

Thank you!

Violet

Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone in Atlanta.

I have tried the sprays and the sinus rinse. It just went in and came out the other side. No way for it to get in there. I've seen the pictures from the MRI and you can definately see that it is closed off. I've used a Med Pack along with antibiotic and that helps some but not a whole lot. I've been on so many different antibiotics, it isn't funny.

If none of that stuff helped surgery may be the only option - I would just make sure that your surgeon has a lot of expertise with endoscopic sinus surgery and that he has a clear follow up plan to remove any scabs that form after the surgery. Typically they'll have you come in a week after the surgery to have an endoscopic exam and to remove the "crusts" that form and will do that several times in the weeks after the surgery. If your doctor doesn't plan that kind of follow up, I'd recommend you find a doctor who does (again, you might check with UNMC) - the follow up can be as important as the surgery.

GCSmith--

Thank you for your reply! I'll keep searching...

Violet

I had my sinus surgery yesterday 5/14. All went well. Doc found a piece of skin had grown over the opening. He's not sure where it came from but said it could be scar tissue from when I had polyps removed in 1990. He cleaned out the sinus cavity to get rid of the gunk in there too. I'm on antibiotics now and have to irrigate it with the sinus rinse every day. Go back in 2 weeks to see him for a follow up.