Click Here to Visit our Sponsor
|
 HealthBoards Bulletin Board
 Allergies
 Sinus infection from hell! (cross-post from general forum)
|
 Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Sinus infection from hell! (cross-post from general forum) | Page views: |
|
KZero11 Junior Member  Posts: 7 |
posted 11-14-2002 03:37 PM
  
I've been suffering for 6 weeks now with an infection from hell. I'm feeling woozy all the time because my sinus below my left eye is all clogged up (revealed by CT scan), and none of the antibiotics I've tried so far worked! If you've ever taken any antibiotic that worked well for you, lemme hear it so I can discuss it with my ENT doctor. Meds I tried so far: Ceftin - no effect, even though it worked well the last time I had an infection Thanks, IP: Logged |
|
ammom1 Member Posts: 38 |
posted 11-15-2002 06:18 PM
Have you tried a few days on decongestants to get the sinuses drained out a bit? Breathing steam? Hot faceclothes on your sinuses? I remember once having a sinus infection that landed me in the ear/nose/throat doctor's office where he actually vacuumed out my sinuses. Sounds gross, but the relief was phenomenal. (I was pregnant and couldn't take decongestants and was at the end of my rope.) This is an awful feeling, I can sympathize. Did this infection follow a cold or just pop up on its own? Last winter I suffered terribly, starting in September, first with difficulty breathing and then with cemented sinuses. The doctor tried numerous antibiotics on me, all with no positive results. When I was still bad in March, I went for allergy testing. It turned out I was deathly allergic to my daughter's guinea pig. It hadn't bothered me during the summer when the house was open, only in the fall when we closed things up. Is there anything new in your environment, have you recently moved, changed jobs, etc? Good luck and hope you find relief soon. IP: Logged |
|
TexasJeep Member Posts: 56 |
posted 11-16-2002 01:17 AM
I think I am having a sinus infection that won't go away. Unfortunely I haven't found anything that works either. I haven't heard of the drugs you mentions except biaxin. I am just started taking it. I have also taken cipro. If you have sinus surgery be aware of the complications that could happen. I had pnenumonia after the surgery and also had a puncture on the top of my sinus cavitiy. I got bacterial mennigtis (sp) and spent a couple weeks in the hospital. I will let you know if I find anything that works. Good luck IP: Logged |
|
acme Senior Member Posts: 77 |
posted 11-16-2002 01:44 PM
Glad I came across this topic! I've been suffering the last 4-mos or so with sinus problems. Never had a sinus problem B-4! Ear-Eye-Nose Doc Had me take an antibotic for 3-weeks then a catscan. My right sinus is 100% blocked & my left is 90% blocked. He wants to do surgery and clean em out. I have headaches throughout the day ........everyday! Anyone here have any advice Pro & Con for Sinus Surgery? Doc claims it'll take one hour and I'll be knocked out.......recovery after outpatient......3-5 days. IP: Logged |
|
ammom1 Member Posts: 38 |
posted 11-16-2002 04:07 PM
As I look over the list of antibiotics you've tried, it occurs to me that your doctor went right for the big guns first. Why is that? Other meds that can be very effective on sinus infections; Keflex, Cephalexin, doxycycline, erythromicin. Sometimes I think these doctors get so much advertising and influence from the drug companies on all the new antibiotics, they forget the old standbys. As for sinus surgery, there are very few surgeries that come without a price. Think very long and hard before you every let a doctor cut into any part of your body. I have a deviated septum that should have been fixed years ago. Since then, I've hear numerous people mention oh, ya, they had theirs fixed and now they are way worse than before the surgery. IP: Logged |
|
ukebob Member Posts: 27 |
posted 11-19-2002 10:09 AM
Yes, try Keflex, that worked for me. I also was prescribed Cipro for another sinus infection, which worked as well. Hang in there! IP: Logged |
|
TexasJeep Member Posts: 56 |
posted 11-19-2002 05:35 PM
acme, I would look into other causes for your headaches first. I recently saw a neurologist who said there is no such thing as a sinus headache. No studies or research have proved it yet. I didn't discuss it with him though. IP: Logged |
|
acme Senior Member Posts: 77 |
posted 11-21-2002 04:23 PM
Thanks ukebob.....I'll ask my Doc about prescribing me some Keflex. TexasJeep....Headaches are above left eye & left temple area. I have never had headaches like these. They come & go and it sounds like I have a constant head cold when I speak. I'm having more CT's next month of my head to confirm diagnose! IP: Logged |
|
peach95 Member Posts: 50 |
posted 12-02-2002 03:41 PM
I had chronic sinusitis for about 9 months last year and have had problems again for the last 2 months. I was put on some of the antibiotics you listed and none helped. I saw an ENT for several months. He gave me Nasonex nasal spray which helped ALOT! I tried Flonase before that but it didn't work well for me. I was also put on Claritin to help with my allergies after my test showed allergies to my cats(had to give them away), dust, mold, and a few other things. I do warm face masks to help ease the pain and I also use a steam inhaler. I have sinus headaches. I also have pressure that sometimes runs down into my lower cheeks and jaw...never had that last year. I'm back on Nasonex and have just begun to drain. Good luck! IP: Logged |
|
NancyH Senior Veteran  Posts: 610 |
posted 12-07-2002 12:29 AM
Well I have had for over 25 years panasinus, which is diseased sinuses throughout. 10 yrs ago a Dr put me on the Z-pack (zithromax)I had to have it theraputic for 3 months, it was the only one that ever worked. Since then I have had only 2 bad attacks in which zithromax was given 1 week dose and it worked. This time I'm trying to work it out naturally and so far going on three months my body isn't fighting it well and the alternative meds haven't hit it. Was wanting to do without any antibiotics but it looks like I have to do the zithromax anyway. I can't complain 2 times in 10 yrs where before I lived with sinus attacks, had to stop sipping wine, brandy, beer as they would bring on the worse attack from hell so I stopped sipping my wine, but it was worth it, one irritant down the tube. So ask the Dr about the Z-Pack! IP: Logged |
|
kayakmom Senior Member Posts: 146 |
posted 12-07-2002 10:49 PM
I do truly empathize with you. I have suffered from frequent sinus infections for many years. Had two surgeries to remove cysts, but have not seen much improvement. I went 2 months this time trying to fight it off without antibiotics since I am allergic to two already. I caved on Friday, took one dose and have hives from Levaquin. THis one has worked well for me until now. I was never offered Z pack so I do not know if that is on my list. I will ask. Surgery helped me breathe better, but has left me with face pain, numb areas on my lip, tooth pain. I still get the infections. So think long and hard before trying this. It took me 6 weeks the first time to get fully on my feet again. Only a couple the second time. I recovered much more quickly. Take care hope the infection clears for you without further trouble. IP: Logged |
|
Upanova Newbie Posts: 4 |
posted 12-08-2002 10:52 AM
I too have been suffering for this past year with an actue sinus infection also. It is/was driving me crazy! I went for months without getting treatment, with headaches every day, dizziness/vertigo from the congestion in my head, and a constant post nasal drip, with breathing difficulties. I'm seeing a new doctor who has put me on Claritin-D, with Nasonex, and an antibotic. Will these help? I've had other upper resp. infections last year, and took Zithormax to know that out too, but it seems like each year I suffer more and more. The doctor has ordered another cat scan of my sinuses, (I had one last year at the ER when I came in complaining of knife-like pains in my head, showed that the front left Ethmoid sinsus were blocked). I really cant' stand much more of this! I live in So Cal so I can sympathize with those us who have to live in this environment. Also I have to see an allergist and see if it's the dog, mold, dust, dander, or pollen that's creating all this pain and suffering. I've had hay fever like stuff in the past, but when I moved out of state to college I never had many problems. Only living her in So Cal I seem to suffer more. Also, my mother is religous about cleaning and having a perfect house, so I grew up in an environment that was probably very sterile and antisecptic. Now I can curse the day she cleaned too much. My house is overflowing with dust, and molds, that I can't get rid of. Help! Thanks for reading my story, email me anytime! Upanova IP: Logged |
|
KZero11 Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 12-08-2002 12:21 PM
Thanks everyone for your informative replies...it helps to know that I'm not the only one fighting this seemingly endlessw battle. Here's an update on my situation. A follow-up water-level x-ray confirmed that the sinus below my left eye is still clogged, and I'll be seeing a surgeon next week for consultation. I ended up taking four full courses of anitbiotics without any relief from the constant wooziness sensation (Ceftin twice, Biaxin, and Zythromax). I was also told that I still have deviated septum despite the surgeory I had to correct it few years back, so I may get that fixed again along with sinus drainage. I also got an allergy skin test, and I found out that I was very allergic to dust & mold. From talking to the allergist, it seems like this whole sinus thing was caused by multiple components: my allergy, my nose structure, and the nasty cold/sinus infection. So I bought myself a set of hypo-allergic beddings and a nice air purifier from Sharper Image, and I now vaccum my little studio every week. I also started to take Allegra along with Rhinocort Aqua nasal spray, so I'll see how that goes. [This message has been edited by KZero11 (edited 12-08-2002).] IP: Logged |
|
kkwilson Member Posts: 50 |
posted 12-08-2002 07:04 PM
I too am a chronic sinus sufferer. I am battling a sinus infection right now and feel like I am going crazy! I just finished another round of antibiotics and still am having problems. The one thing that I have noticed is that amoxicillan does NOT work for me. I was scheduled to have sinus surgery due to having a deviated septum and lots of scar tissue in my sinus cavaties. However, I am pregnant now and there is nothing that I can do and boy, it sucks! I sympathize with your situation. Good luck on your future testing. IP: Logged |
|
KZero11 Junior Member Posts: 7 |
posted 01-28-2003 02:16 PM
Here's an update on my sinus problem: I had a surgury on Jan 2nd by Dr. Lionel Nelson (SF Bay Area -- great surgeon) which involved turbinate reduction, polyp removal, and septoplasty (correction of deviated septum). The surgury was a success...and although it took me a while to recover (bad reaction to oral steoroid), I now feel "normal" again! My heavy-headedness/wooziness has dissapeared and I can breath thru my nose better than I ever have before. Now that my "structural" problem is out of the way, my focus is on (dust) allergy-control and future sinus-infection prevention. I still vacuum/wash my beddings every week, and I continue to use my trusty sharper image air purifier. I also use waterpik with sinus irrigation adaptor to rinse out my nose, which is great for me since my body don't tolerate medications too well. IP: Logged |
|
KIDINSANITY Member Posts: 67 |
posted 02-15-2003 07:05 AM
Hi all....as one chronic sinus sufferer who didn't get any relief from traditional antibiotics, my ENT has prescribed nebulized Tobramycin and Betamethazone(sp?) to get right into where it is needed. I've had two surgeries since last April and only got temporary relief. I've only been doing the nebulized stuff for a week now, but i notice a difference already. There is stuff coming out that looks like it's been there a while. Good luck. Sue [Please read and follow the board posting guidelines. [This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 02-15-2003).] IP: Logged |
|
N2golf Senior Veteran Posts: 548 |
posted 03-18-2003 04:51 PM
Texasjeep is right! A neurologist has also told me that there is no such thing as a sinus headache. If it's in the back of your head, it's usually tension/stress. Try and get to the cause of your headache and THEN treat it, you may be treating the wrong thing. IP: Logged |
|
maichim Member Posts: 22 |
posted 03-18-2003 05:25 PM
Hi all. I never had a sinus infection before and I must've gotten one last October after some dental surgery. I guess my sinuses weren't draining because of the swelling and I ended up with this. I have been sick for the last 6 months (supposedly no more infection), but my sinus lining has "hardened" as a CT Scan has shown. My headaches are horrible and are worse when the weather is changing. I've found a few good articles on sinus pressure and headaches that are caused by barometric pressure changes; the idea being that you aren't getting enough air into your sinuses and the pressure in your head is lower than it is in the atmosphere. I've done antibiotics several times, and I remain on Emtex (a decogngestant) and Rhinocort Aqua. Don't really see any difference whatsoever. Besides the headaches, I get the dizzies real bad, and I have no drainage except for a little post-nasal in my throat. My ENT just did the first of three steriod shots directly into my sinuses. If this doesn't work I will absolutely go to the next step which I would have to guess is surgery to get vaccuumed. This is new to me, but I can't imagine being this sick forever. IP: Logged |
|
wirehead Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 04-01-2003 10:14 PM
Hi there, I've been through murder with Chronic Sinusitis and have taken every known antibiotic to man! I also had Sinus surgery nearly 2 years ago and was good for about a month before my next infection. HEre are the anti-biotics I recommend: Tequin 400mg: excellent but use infrequently to avoid resistant strain organisms. Levaquin: Pretty good drug, effective for sinusitis and upper respiratory infection from post nasal drip. Avelox: excellent drug, but hard on the stomach!! Augmentin 875mg : excellent drug, one of the only ones that actually get into the sinus cavity since very few blood vessels are present for a heavy dose of any antibiotic to make its way in there. I recommend a nasal levage such as Grossan's irrigation system, basically a water pik with a special sinus attachment. USed with breathease, it makes a very powerful tool for fewer infections. The best of all before IV antibiotics is by a company called Home care solutions who developed a sinuspray of IV class antibiotics in a nose spray, I've used Tobrymyacin and Gentamyacin with FLuconazole in case fungus was a culprit. Felt like a new person on it, but about a month off it, my symptoms returned so back on I go. Good luck. IP: Logged |
|
BostonGirl Newbie Posts: 4 |
posted 04-09-2003 10:02 AM
Maichim- I am curious what articles you read relating sinus headaches to the weather. I have a lot of breathing problems but I notice that the main time I really suffer from the sinus headaches and pains is whenever a storm is coming. I need to know what to do about this as I am planning to undergo surgery to correct a deviated septum and a somewhat collapsed nostril. I just don't want to come out of this operation and find that I still have these sinus headaches when the weather changes. Thank you for your help. IP: Logged |
|
snookywoof Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 04-10-2003 09:09 AM
I suffured for 6 months with a Sinus Infection. Tried everything under the sun. What finally put me on the road to recovery was a daily flushing treatment. My doc gave me the "recipe" for a saline solution and I used an ear bulb to spray it into my sinuses. It's messy and a little gross but works wonders. After you mix the solution (see below) use it to flush your sinuses, preferably over a sink. You'll gag and cogh a bit but with practice this will improve. Spit out the used solution in the sink. I started twice a day and then went to once a day. Combined with Avelox this took care of the infection in a couple of weeks. Solution: 1/4 tsp salt Mix ingedients while water is hot. Let cool and then flush away! IP: Logged |
|
maichim Member Posts: 22 |
posted 05-21-2003 02:29 PM
BostonGirl...sorry if I left you hanging. The sinus headaches that come on supposedly due to weather changes, shouldn't occur once your underlying sinus problem is fixed. The theory is that if your sinus cavities are thick with too much stuff that the air pressure in your head is less than the outside air and your head becomes a barometer! All the information I found was plugging in "sinus pain" "barometric change" in a good search engine. Unfortunately, those with chronic sinus problems almost always feel the pressure changing, even when they aren't experiencing any other symptoms. I hope your surgery has come and gone and you are feeling better. Let me know..I think I am going in for the procedure in the next couple weeks and I am praying for relief! IP: Logged |
|
kmnorris Member Posts: 32 |
posted 05-27-2003 03:03 PM
i too am currently suffering from an annoying sinus infection, and i also have meniere's disease. i have been real dizzy now for about 3-4 weeks. my doc gave me amoxicillin 500mg and i thought that it cleared it up, but it's back. i don't have the bronchitis with it this time, but give it time. she prescribed me singular. has anyone took this and is it good? good luck all IP: Logged |
|
n7ynk Member Posts: 56 |
posted 06-11-2003 07:06 AM
TRY THIS. Friends are using it for sinus problesm as well. There are products that you can buy to irrigate the nose with salt water and baking soda. NO DRUGS! I use 1/2 tsp of common iodized salt and 1/4 tsp baking soda (my allergist recommended the baking soda) for each 1/2 cup of warm tap water. My allergist gave ($20) me this nasal irrigator which is a syringe type device with a soft silicon tip which you lightly press against your nose and the whole process is painless and takes less than 2 minutes. I have been using it for 3 weeks now and have had no allergic reactions to dairy, chicken, or coffee. I can eat anything and my life is back to well normal. I feel great! I feel like I have 30% more energy everyday. There are many products out there, but this is working super for me. [This message has been edited by kitaki (edited 06-11-2003).] IP: Logged |
|
DIPPYDEBB Junior Member Posts: 14 |
posted 06-22-2003 10:00 PM
Hi everyone. I have suffered with sinsuses as long as I can remember. I have had every antibiotic on the market. I even had the sinsus surgery that was unsucessful. I end up with the bloody nose part. But I'm going to try that remedy. Even if I go back to my doctor all I will get is perscription. Right now, my ear's hurt and I have a cough. Well, lurk from time to time on these posts. Thanks for listening. Peace, Debra IP: Logged |
|
maichim Member Posts: 22 |
posted 06-23-2003 04:35 PM
Using distilled water for the above remedy is recommended so you don't get any bacteria from your tap water into your nasal passages. Happy irrigating! IP: Logged |
|
mktsurf Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 07-31-2003 02:08 PM
Starting the irrigation recipe. How long before see an results? Feel terrible. mktsurf IP: Logged |
|
90RangerXLT Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 08-23-2003 02:46 PM
My sinus problems resulted from removal of a tumor in the ethmoid sinus. The procedure performed was an ethmoidectomy and orbital resection, as the tumor was pushing my eye ******d. As the area of the surgury is very dirty, I was plagued with sinus infections and am still today! I had the surgury in 1998! I used a water pik with a grossan sinus irrigator to flush the sinus with a mild solution similar to saline. At this time my infections were very bad causing my eye to swell and protrude. The only antibiotic, which is very expensive, that works for me is Clavulin! It usually sets you on the straight and narrow in about 24-48 hours. As for the irrigating of the sinus I stopped on my own accord as I found or I believe the lining of the sinus is very delicate and with an infection the membranes swell causing the blockages or drainage problems, if the solution is mixed to strong it adds to the problem! Since I have quit irrigating my infections are tolerable often can be cured with saline nasal mist (found in any pharmacy) and my daily treatment of two sprays of NASONEX in each nostril! [This message has been edited by 90RangerXLT (edited 08-23-2003).] [This message has been edited by 90RangerXLT (edited 08-23-2003).] IP: Logged |
|
Sarah68 Senior Veteran Posts: 1327 |
posted 08-25-2003 07:50 AM
KIDINSANITY, I saw your post today on the Alternative Medicine board and I just wondered why you bothered to post on this forum, I was just intrigued as to why? It is just that as the name suggests, it is a forum for people interested in alternative medicine cures. Most people there are not interested in using antibiotics or steroids, whether orally or inhaled and unfortunately, there is nothing natural at all about antibiotics or steroids!! IP: Logged |
|
MsJinx Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 08-25-2003 08:07 PM
This is my new allergists answer to sinus infections: http://www.onlineallergycenter.com/sinusitis/ Is it wrong to post an allergist's info site? If so, forgive me, moderator. If this is deleted his name is Dr. Roby - does alternative stuff blended w/allergy. Bottom line: antibiotics don't cure a sinus infection. This has been my experience over the years. Jinx [This message has been edited by MsJinx (edited 08-25-2003).] IP: Logged |
|
timm Junior Member Posts: 10 |
posted 08-28-2003 10:35 PM
Does anyone get chills with these symptoms? I hear the inner ear can produce chills if infected and so can the sinuses. Tim IP: Logged |
|
allergicinsw Newbie Posts: 3 |
posted 08-31-2003 06:23 AM
Just a question for all of you that have taken multiple courses of antibiotics over short period. I took several over 6 weeks and it seems like my body has reacted poorly to the influx of all these meds. My tongue and mouth hurt alot and I got yeast infections the first few months out. Anyone else suffer form the side effects? IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
|
home |
join free |
boards |
search |
about us | Copyright (c) 1998-2003 HealthBoards.com All rights reserved.
|
contact |
disclaimer |
board guidelines |
privacy |
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46