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Way Off Topic - Anyone had to seen an ENT doc for sinuses?

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by jf3976, Apr 20, 2015.

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  1. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    I imagine someone here has at some point? I'm finally being referred to one and wondering what to expect.

    Have any of you had surgery?

    I have had recurrent sinus infections, repeatedly fail antibiotics, have already taken care of allergies to the extent possible, so this is the next step.

    I have an appointment the day before I fly out to vegas again (thank goodness they missed my vacation, and I'm lucky I only have to wait 2.5 weeks!) Hoping I'm over this sinus infection by then, starting round two of antibiotics tomorrow. Fingers crossed or flying will be absolutely miserable, actually, might be impossible.

    Thanks in advance for any feedback you have! (and I feel your pain, literally)
     
  2. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    And that's what a head-splitting sinus infection will do, lol, I missed the typo on my post title. I'll proofread the rest on a computer later [emoji12]
     
  3. Hobofrank

    Hobofrank Prime Minister of Idiocracy

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    do you have a deviated septum?
     
  4. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    I kind of doubt it - I have never been told that and have no reason to think that's the case, though I supposed it's possible (I'm thinking general practitioners can see that if it's not "deep", right?). Even with this sinus infection, I can still breathe through my nose, no allergy symptoms, but it hurts like a ****
     
  5. LVHooked

    LVHooked High-Roller

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    I had repeated sinus infections, family doc sent me to a allergy doc. I'm allergic to a bunch of stuff, he's had me on a few different nasal solutions, plus lots of saline to keep them cleaned out. And an inhaler to clean out the stuff that ends up in my chest. Only one sinus infection since I started seeing him. So I'm happy.
     
  6. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Thanks, LVHooked. I went back to the allergist I saw when I was a kid about a year ago. I got the round of daily medicine and am doing allergy shots again. Fortunately not as many allergies as I used to have, and I am on pretty much the same regimen as you. :) It has helped (actually been 4 months, which is a record!), but still getting them and they just hang on!

    Next step is the ENT and they look at structural as I understand, including polyps and such. I'm not sure what they'll find, but hoping something, because that means we can fix it, right?

    I don't remember hearing anyone going to ENT or having sinus surgery, so not really sure what to expect on that front.

    Side note: allergy testing is a million times easier now then when I was a kid!
     
  7. PTC Larry

    PTC Larry Off We Go

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    Years ago I was having sinus drainage problems. The drainage was infected and it would infect my throat and mouth. Ent said he would go in there clean the sinus cavities, crack them, makes them drain better, and straighten my nose out. Since I had quit smoking my sinuses grew and I only had about 10% airflow on one side. Operation took about an hour, hurt like hell for a day or two but I have had no problems after that operation. Breathe better and quit snoring after the operation. An ENT can give you the proper medical terms for what they can do for you. Good Luck
     
  8. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Long term relief - that's what I'm hoping for! Thanks, Larry!
     
  9. jack1057

    jack1057 Low-Roller

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    I had infection after infection. Had cat scan on my sinuses and got referred to ENT. He was very upfront that he couldn't give me more than a 50/50 chance it would work. Had to do with depth of sinus cavities. Anyway, he suggested allergy testing and immunotherapy. I reacted to most of the samples and they said they were not surprised I had issues. Long story short, started the shots, which I give myself twice a week, about 18 months ago. I have not had another infection since.
     
  10. Valgal

    Valgal VIP Whale

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    Last year my husband went to ENT and the the balloon sinuplasty in the office. He had repeated infections, constant headaches etc. From a procedure standpoint it was great. I have insurance but crappy deductibles. Still paying on my out of pocket expenses - they were over $7000 -- each time he goes back in for a 5 minute visit he uses the nasal endoscopy scope to look down his nose for literally 10 seconds - this costs us another $1500 just for a 5 minute doctors appointment. Needless to say he quit going for his checkups after the first one.

    He is very happy he has not had to be on antibiotics for a sinus infection since the procedure, He used to be on antibiotics at least every other month. ENT great - bring your wallet if you are not one of the lucky ones that have a cadillac health plan.
     
  11. Film-Noir

    Film-Noir High-Roller

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    Temp solution

    Temporary solution

    Many Allergy meds & Anti-histamines tend to dry your sinuses out too much, to the extent that your susceptible to a sinus infection,:eek:
    especially in Las Vegas. Swollen sinus cavities do not allow proper air-flow & increase discomfort.

    Started a 2 & 1/2 Yrs. ago when taking daily anti-histamines /allergy pills or in a smoky environment to use a sinus Saline rinse.
    It helps me a lot!

    Avail at CVS or Walgreens it the Dr.Neil-Meds Sinus kit, A Life Saver in Dry areas, or while in Pollen town.

    http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/neilmed-sinus-rinse-original-sinus-kit/ID=prod2598807-product

    (Follow instructions & use purified drinking water, warm up 20 sec in microwave-if Avail.)
    I prefer the Squeeze bottle version, you can flush & moisturize your noise/Sinus area & the saline helps with swollen sinus membranes.

    Hope it helps!
     
  12. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Thanks, I think doing allergy shots again have helped me quite a bit (I did them as a young child as well). Also have changed up my medicine a few times which has probably helped. I am anxious to see if the ENT can help, and I'm still miserable for weeks at a time far too frequently.
    Hopefully my insurance will cover a procedure if necessary. Glad to hear it was successful too! Sorry you're still paying for it though. :(
    I do saline rinse daily :) when we go to vegas, I stop by walgreens and pick up a few of the ready to go ones (I pay a premium for the convenience on vacation), not sure how I survived without getting a sinus infection after last trip, but I did. Primarily because with the obvious exception of avoiding smoke (and drinking alcohol), I did everything else right - normal meds, stayed hydrated, and flushed sinuses regularly :)
     
  13. Valgal

    Valgal VIP Whale

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    My hubby's ENT doctor suggested that he use Afrin just before plane take off whether he thinks he will need it or not -- and he (ENT MD) says he hates Afrin and wishes the FDA would take it off the market -- he said it is the only time he suggests any of his patients use Afrin. Husband also has bad allergies and was constantly getting a Kenalog shot and in the past year he has only needed one and that was during the height of our Ceder Fever here in Texas. More than likely you will be a candidate for same procedure and it is minimally invasive. When it comes to medical procedures my husband gets pretty whiny - having a nurse for a wife doesn't help -- because if you aren't dying you really are not that sick - IMHO anyways. And the whine factor generated from this procedure was minimal. Even though I had to pay through the nose (lol) it was worth it. Luckily the doctor we used is actually employed through the hospital I work it so they just take $$ out of every paycheck and I think I will be paying for several more years - but not a bad deal since I don't have to pay any interest.
     
  14. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Yeah someone at work suggested I take afrin, fortunately I know better! I'm already on a presciption nasal inhaler. I will remember that for the flight, particularly the one back when I'm likely to be congested. Thanks for the tip!

    I cannot wait until this headache goes away - literally!
     
  15. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Two weeks into the worst of this damn sinus infection and I've taken more pills than I can count, have had 3 different shots, missed work twice, had a CT scan, and have slept about as much as I've been awake. Had an antibiotic injection today, hoping this one helps clear it.

    Good news is I got my ENT specialist appointment moved up to this Thursday! Persistence (and being nice) paid off, no sandwich trick needed!

    I do apparently have a deviated septum, to the right, where this darn infection is hanging on. I am betting on a surgery in my near future - just have to make sure it won't interfere w/ my scheduled Vegas trips!

    These emoticons sum up my journey to date ;)

    [emoji103] [emoji17] [emoji36] [emoji381] [emoji382] [emoji99][emoji541][emoji37] [emoji143]

    Hoping for this very soon - by next Thursday at a minimum!
    [emoji139] [emoji140] [emoji151] [emoji574][emoji130] [emoji620] [emoji485] [emoji482] [emoji383][emoji385] [emoji2]
    (That's me feeling good, prepping for Vegas, meeting sis, having fun, winning money, and being super happy!)
     
  16. bardolator

    bardolator Lifelong Low Roller

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    I had surgery for a deviated nasal septum in 1973. Relief from infections was immediate and permanent. It was a rather unpleasant procedure, but I assume things have improved quite a bit. While elective rhinoplasty is not covered by most insurance, the procedure was medically necessary because of the infections and my insurance covered it.
     
  17. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    I was able to avoid sinus surgery with an anti-fungal nasal spray. It has to be made by a compounding pharmacist. It's disgusting. I lost a bunch of weight due to being completely off my food. And I am never off my food. I still have allergies but my sinuses have been good.

    Might not be a viable option for you. But, did wonders for me.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2015
  18. jf3976

    jf3976 High-Roller

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    Glad to hear you had success!
    I was starting to wonder if I could have a fungal infection (even though I dont have the main risk factors) as the antibiotics were not kicking it, but this third one seems to have done the trick. Good tip though!

    I am appearing to FINALLY be clearing up! Just in time to go to Vegas, the flying and smoke has me worried a bit, but I'm going anyway! ;) Visit to ENT tomorrow - hopefully can help with a better long term solution!
     
  19. daveg000

    daveg000 VIP Whale

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    I had sinus problems since I was a young child, It was normal for me, I lived with them.

    For some reason,I can't remember, 30 years ago, I had a Cat scan of my head, unrelated they said I had sinus polyps. I went to an ENT and he said he would do surgery to remove them (he couldn't get all, too close to optic nerve area)

    While he was examining me he asked if I had problems breathing through my nose, I told him, "As long as I can remember"

    He said he would take out some of the sinus bones. He did, I have never had my nose completely stuff up ever since, no matter how bad a cold I have had. Life changing!
     
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  20. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    With the fungus angle, it kind of makes sense because it's a moist environment with no light. I'm also very allergic to many kinds of mold. So, I wonder if it wasn't an out of control amount of fungus but I was reacting to it? I truly don't know. I just know that it helped. It was pretty serious stuff too. The pharmacist had to let it ferment for a period of time. I don't have any polyps either so I don't know what good surgery would have done me.
     
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