Sinus Infection Again

RubyGirl

I hate sinus infection's, beginning to get a least one every 8 weeks now since my daughter was born in 2008.

Only off antibiotics Tuesday from a sore throat.

tk123

Do you do have a nasal hygiene routine? I use Neilmed every morning and it's worked wonders for my sinuses.

huskerdu

tk123 wrote: »

Do you do have a nasal hygiene routine? I use Neilmed every morning and it's worked wonders for my sinuses.

I'm the same. I have also talked to a few other people with recurring sinus problems and long term you have have get into a habit of ongoing maintenance.

I have a nasal spray called Sterimar and Olbas Oil is very handy because it neat and portable.

I put a few drops on a tissue and sniff the fumes a few times a day at work if I am all blocked up.

2rkehij30qtza5

Get a neti pot and sinus rinse sachets from a pharmacy. Also use Sterimar. And have you gone to an ENT specialist to ensure you don't have polyps? Cordysol mouth wash (over the counter) will help with your throat until you get the post nasal drip sorted with the neti pot

Graces7

Just realised- thank you - that I have been clear of these for a long while. Used to be appalling.

It may be that I have cut out all household chemicals and perfumed stuff etc and spend as much time as I can out of doors.

The only thing I use is vick's and that not often now.

I have M.E over 40 years and senstitivities etc are a part of it.

I find that the less intervention the better. I do use anti histamines. OTC

RubyGirl

Thanks guys, just use flixonase nasal spray, but went to chemist yesterday and bought NeilMed Sinus Rinse so going to give it a try.

sambuka41

Oh just to jump in here, did you use Neilmed rinse? My doctor wants me to use it, but I was reading the instructions and it says not to use it if your ears are effected. Mine are at the moment so I'm waiting to see if that goes down with the anitbiotics before i start.

Sinus is the worst, mine have been bad for a few years now, I had an X-ray and its my frontal sinus that are blocked, my doc seems reluctant to send me for a CT though, personally I'd like to know whats causing it.

Olbas oil is really good, I haven't found the Flixonase to be great.

pejay

tk123 wrote: »

Do you do have a nasal hygiene routine? I use Neilmed every morning and it's worked wonders for my sinuses.

Neilmed is very good new on the market

pejay

sambuka41 wrote: »

Oh just to jump in here, did you use Neilmed rinse? My doctor wants me to use it, but I was reading the instructions and it says not to use it if your ears are effected. Mine are at the moment so I'm waiting to see if that goes down with the anitbiotics before i start.

Sinus is the worst, mine have been bad for a few years now, I had an X-ray and its my frontal sinus that are blocked, my doc seems reluctant to send me for a CT though, personally I'd like to know whats causing it.

Olbas oil is really good, I haven't found the Flixonase to be great.

Do you find your ears get affected by this as i have recently had sinus infection and my ears feel full and i feel dizzy and off balance thanks

sambuka41

pejay wrote: »

Do you find your ears get affected by this as i have recently had sinus infection and my ears feel full and i feel dizzy and off balance thanks

Yeah when it gets bad my ears and throat get bad. I'm not sure what cause it all, at night I can't breathe so I wake up a half dozen times a night with my mouth really dry, which makes my throat sore its brutal. The headaches are the worst, they make me feel dizzy if I lean forward.

pejay

sambuka41 wrote: »

Yeah when it gets bad my ears and throat get bad. I'm not sure what cause it all, at night I can't breathe so I wake up a half dozen times a night with my mouth really dry, which makes my throat sore its brutal. The headaches are the worst, they make me feel dizzy if I lean forward.

Yes i am just getting over one now on strong pennicillian 1500mg daily i found the neilmed rinse very good but dont use it if ears are full or have fluid on them.

Maybe the infection you have is not fully going away and keeps recurring i have a nasal spray that i was given to use even when the infection has gone

I also take vitamin c daily as i had 9 sinus infections last year this year so far i have only got the 1

DublinDilbert

If anyone is having reoccurring sinus infections and the GP just keeps prescribing antibiotics, I would advise getting a second opinion and or going to a specialist.

I went around this loop before myself. Sinus infection every 4-6 weeks, GP perscribing anti biotics etc. One day my GP was on holidays, I went in chatted with the locom who gave me a letter for to get a ct/MRI to get to the root of it. Then to the specialist in the blackrock clinic who eventually operated on me.

I haven't looked back since, went from feeling crap, not being able to taste/smell for over a year to running marathons. :-)

Susie564

DublinDilbert wrote: »

If anyone is having reoccurring sinus infections and the GP just keeps prescribing antibiotics, I would advise getting a second opinion and or going to a specialist.

I went around this loop before myself. Sinus infection every 4-6 weeks, GP perscribing anti biotics etc. One day my GP was on holidays, I went in chatted with the locom who gave me a letter for to get a ct/MRI to get to the root of it. Then to the specialist in the blackrock clinic who eventually operated on me.

I haven't looked back since, went from feeling crap, not being able to taste/smell for over a year to running marathons. :-)

Second this! I was having reoccurring "sinus infections" and was put on multiple doses of antibiotics, used every OTC remedy possible - turned out there's nothing wrong with my sinuses at all :-) I wish I'd gotten a second opinion sooner.

username123

Another sufferer.

I have large nasal polyps. I was diagnosed after a run of sinus infections. But Id had post nasal drip and waking choking at night, difficulty getting to sleep etc for years before I was diagnosed.

First ENT said in a patronising tone 'no no no no, I can see you sitting there with your mouth closed, Id never operate on you, no point in operating, polyps come back' and prescribed rounds of steroids. Wanted me back so he could write prescriptions every 6 months. After one visit back I never went again. That was in 2009.

Got my GP to prescribe nasal steroids since and used sinus rinse. Took up swimming and the 'natural' rinsing seemed to help for a while.

Got bad again this year, asked to see a different ENT. He took one look, backed away, said 'I dunno how you are putting up with this, Im operating!'. CT scan revealed even worse than he thought! Huge polyp on one side, almost as big on the other side, one airway almost fully blocked, sinus cavities all blocked with mucus and hardened tissue. No drainage at all.

Im going in today for the surgery. Removing the polyps and cleaning out the blockages. He said the polyps DO come back, but it could be 10 years before they do so its always better to take them out because either way, theyll definitely still be there in 10 years if no surgery, and they only might be if you have surgery. And you are doing more damage all the time having them in and suffering the post nasal drip, no drainage, it affects my fitness, I cant breathe through my nose when I exercise etc...

To anyone suffering, see a good ENT.

sambuka41

Its so nice to hear from others, my GP last week was very patronising, he kept saying "you suffer from chronic sinisitus" as if he didn't believe me. The X-ray tech recommended that I get a CT but my GP wanted me to try different things before that, different sprays and rinses that cost €120 for his visit and those things. :rolleyes:

username123 best of luck today, glad you got a medical professional that helped

Susie564

sambuka41 wrote: »

my GP last week was very patronising, he kept saying "you suffer from chronic sinisitus" as if he didn't believe me.

I had the same, ongoing for about seven years or so - made me feel like I was going insane. In fairness, you do have to rule out all possible causes, but it shouldn't be left for so long. I dread to think the amount I've spent on GP fees and drugs and I also saw two ENT's and a pain consultant, had an xray and sinus CT.

I'm also heading in for surgery Tuesday next week - on my jaw though - pretty nervous, hope this doctor is right Good luck username123, hope it goes well for you.

RubyGirl

After a week of trying to clear it myself gave in on Friday and went to doc. On antibiotics for the week but even today they dont seem to be clearing it. Asked her about seeing an ENT and still on the waiting list. Bought the nasal wash and going to keep trying that aswell.

tk123

I find sudafed very good as well. Mine drip/run down into my chest and give me asthma so I have to keep the routine up or else it gets quite bad. When my preventer inhalers weren't doing their job the GP sent me to a specialist and he took me in to check my lungs/sinuses with a scope. Thank god for VHI!!
I take
Seratide inhaler
Neilmed
Antihistamine spray - Avamys
Antihistamine tablet - Zirtek/Citrine
Reliever as needed

username123

sambuka41 wrote: »

Its so nice to hear from others, my GP last week was very patronising, he kept saying "you suffer from chronic sinisitus" as if he didn't believe me. The X-ray tech recommended that I get a CT but my GP wanted me to try different things before that, different sprays and rinses that cost €120 for his visit and those things. :rolleyes:

username123 best of luck today, glad you got a medical professional that helped

My GP was never a problem but the first ENT just put me off following it up. A family member had had nasal polyps removed twice, so I knew the symptoms myself. I had actually avoided mentioning it at all to my GP for years because I didnt even know it was something you should talk to a doctor about!

Interestingly, myself and a friend from the same office were made redundant last year and both of us have suffered much worse with sinus problems since - I think the office air con may have been masking the problem by drying out the sinuses during the day.

Good luck Susie564 on your surgery, I will update here and let people know how it goes.

sambuka41

Susie564 wrote: »

I had the same, ongoing for about seven years or so - made me feel like I was going insane. In fairness, you do have to rule out all possible causes, but it shouldn't be left for so long. I dread to think the amount I've spent on GP fees and drugs and I also saw two ENT's and a pain consultant, had an xray and sinus CT.

Yeah this is going on three years for me now, I think the Neilmed rinse is the last attempt for me, if I don't see improvements then I'll insist on a referral to ENT. My doctors change, a few working out of the one surgery which makes it a bit of a pain each time I go in I have to ask them to read my history. The GP last week wanted me to take anti-histamines, which I have already tried to no avail (all of which was documented in my history):mad:

Best of luck with your surgery, hope it goes well.

username123

Well I have survived the surgery and much to my gross out disgust (and presumably my ENTs, although he behaved like a delighted child telling me), my polyps were both grade 3ish (4 is the worst), and one was almost completely blocking my left airway.

And both of my cheek sinus cavities were, and I quote 'filled to the brim with pus, no chance of drainage, god knows how long like that'.

The moral of the story is this - the ENT told me that he has seen people lose their eyesight, hearing and have brain damage from not addressing sinus issues (spreading infections from cavities full of pus). So always address them.

He wasnt expecting the pus. Either was I! I promise I wont be letting the polyps get so bad again!

And the surgery is not too bad, its not painful as such, just an uncomfortable blocked nose and itchy throat - much like normal lol - although the internal pressure is gone and despite the blocked nose, the airways feel clearer.

RubyGirl

Still feeling crap, after a week on antibiotics sinus's still have'nt really cleared at all.

username123

RubyGirl wrote: »

Still feeling crap, after a week on antibiotics sinus's still have'nt really cleared at all.

Yeah, thats how I used to be. It was because it could never clear because my nasal polyps would always trap infected mucous and start it off again.

From everything you have posted here, you need to see an ENT, and fast. You are only risking your own health not to.

RubyGirl

Thanks username123 I going to ring the hospital in the morning and see where I am on the waiting list.

username123

RubyGirl wrote: »

Thanks username123 I going to ring the hospital in the morning and see where I am on the waiting list.

Thats a good idea.

Its also worth remembering that the cost of 2 or 3 GP visits plus price of antibiotics is roughly same as one private visit to a consultant. And with ENT they can usually tell in the first visit whats going on with their little camera/telescope as the problem is visible when they look inside the sinus cavity.

Its shocking that you have been having sinus infections over and over since 2008 and are only on a waiting list now!

RubyGirl

Can I just make a private appointment myself or do I have to be referred from my doctor.

Finished antibiotics today and still not cleared up.

username123

It depends what you want to do.

You are already on a waiting list. You could ring the hospital, get the name of who you are waiting to see, ring his secretary and tell her that you have decided youd rather see him privately and get a faster appointment that way - they can use the existing referral letter.

Alternatively you could go via your GP and get a new referral letter for someone else entirely.

It really depends on who you want to see. If you dont mind who you see then go with ringing the hospital as above.

Susie564

Agree with the recent posts above - I went to see a private ENT too. Call them and explain your situation, they might even bump you up the list and if not see about the private option.

I used to be the same - a week on a really strong antibiotics and all it did was wipe me out and had no effect on my "sinus infection".

Glad your op went well username123 - sounds disgusting but you should notice a big improvement with all that out.

username123

Susie564 wrote: »

Glad your op went well username123 - sounds disgusting but you should notice a big improvement with all that out.

Thanks Susie564, the recovery is pretty gross as well but becoming easier day by day.

happygoose

Hi username123,

I went through treatment in 2008/2009 and had polyps removed. I'm back with problems now, I've a CT scan and I see my ENT consultant on 10th July.

Were you long waiting from the time of your scan & consultation until the operation was carried out?

If you don't mind could you PM me the name of the 1st and 2nd ENT consultant you seen? I've a feeling I'm seeing the 1st ENT consultant you saw. He wants to take me off my GPs books and assess me every 6 months. He said surgery's an option of last resort for him and much prefers the use of topical steroids. I'm not getting much relief from them.

Thanks, HG.

RubyGirl

Now thanks for telling me to look into that. Rang today and I'm on the waiting list since June '11 and girl in office said it would be another year until I get an appointment:eek:

She told me to get back to doctor and get her to send in another letter saying I'm a little more urgent or ring and speak to the consultant over my chart.

username123

happygoose wrote: »

Hi username123,

I went through treatment in 2008/2009 and had polyps removed. I'm back with problems now, I've a CT scan and I see my ENT consultant on 10th July.

Were you long waiting from the time of your scan & consultation until the operation was carried out?

If you don't mind could you PM me the name of the 1st and 2nd ENT consultant you seen? I've a feeling I'm seeing the 1st ENT consultant you saw. He wants to take me off my GPs books and assess me every 6 months. He said surgery's an option of last resort for him and much prefers the use of topical steroids. I'm not getting much relief from them.

Thanks, HG.

Happygoose - I will pm you also but will post this here so it helps others.

I was first diagnosed with the polyps with ENT 1 in late 2008, early 2009. I could physically feel one polyp blocking an airway when I moved my head to the side. I knew I had had them for a number of years by then but had ignored them. He saw them and said that surgery was a last resort and that he would never operate on someone like me who could breathe with my mouth closed. Mind you, he paid no attention to my complaints of post nasal drip, sinusitis at night, congestion etc... He prescribed steroids and wanted to see me once every 6 months to prescribe more. I couldnt afford to see him once every 6 months for him to write a prescription so after one follow up I stopped going and my GP prescribed the steroids as needed. I did get relief and did not have to use them as often as originally prescribed, I could use them for a few days and be fine for a few weeks. This continued for 2009, 2010, 2011.

This year the steroids stopped working and my symptoms just got worse and worse. My fitness and ability to exercise was affected, pretty much constant sinusitis, pain, pressure, sinus headaches etc...

I am with a different GP since 2008, I went and asked to be referred to ENT, I told her I wasnt happy with the original guy, so she referred me to ENT 2. That was in April, I phoned his secretary and saw him 3 weeks later, in May. He took one look and said he wanted to remove the polyps. I was totally surprised, I didnt even know he would offer to do it - the first guy had led me to believe its hardly ever done. ENT 2 explained that he has seen people lose eyesight, hearing, brain damage etc from not addressing sinus issues and the benefits of taking them out outweigh risks of leaving them in - if they are not responsive to steroids. He did agree they come back in 70% of cases, but that the average time to come back is 5-10 years and its worth taking them out to get that long of relief, plus they can be taken out again. He doesnt believe in leaving people to suffer. He told me to think about surgery and to come back to see him if I wanted it.

After that he sent me for scan - I was doing exams in May so I delayed scan until the end of May. I phoned after scan for new appointment and got a cancellation for 2 days later - it would have been July otherwise. I saw him 2 days later and he looked at scan, said situation was worse than he had seen with telescope and scan showed my sinus cavities totally blocked. Told me to phone his secretary to schedule surgery. I did that, and 3 weeks later he operated.

I will PM you both names.

username123

RubyGirl wrote: »

Now thanks for telling me to look into that. Rang today and I'm on the waiting list since June '11 and girl in office said it would be another year until I get an appointment:eek:

She told me to get back to doctor and get her to send in another letter saying I'm a little more urgent or ring and speak to the consultant over my chart.

Thats absolutely ridiculous. Go private. Its worth it. ENT is a notoriously long wait.

I was referred to an ENT many years ago in Tallaght because I had many throat infections. I never got a letter for an appointment. Eventually my throat sorted itself out. Fully 3 years later I got a letter saying they had overlooked a cabinet of referral letters and that if I still needed the appointment would I phone them. When I phoned I was told the earliest appointment was 1 year away. So 4 years before I could see a specialist eh? I just didnt bother.

happygoose

Username123

Thank you v much for this, and the PM. I'm glad the guy I'm seeing isn't the guy you said you seen first...however my initial consultation with my ENT specialist led me to believe surgery was an option of last resort for him. I'm on the topical steroids you describe however i find them of limited value. Like your initial ENT consultant he wishes to see me every 6 months to keep an eye on them. I had the operation before and I want to have it again if possible. I see him for an endoscope and CT on the 10th July. if he doesn't suggest surgery in his letter back to my GP I may seek a 2nd referral to the 2nd ENT consultant you went to see, my GP is willing to push this forward any way I want.

HG.

username123

happygoose - I take it you are now seeing a different ENT than the one who did your original surgery? Would it be worth you going back to the original guy?

I highly recommend my 2nd guy, so far its been plain sailing, and as you can see by the timescales I posted above, no hanging around. He seems to have a 4-5 week waiting list as normal, and I am aware he is going on holidays in July so his waiting list is currently a little longer to cover that. He is young, I would say mid 40s at the oldest - sometimes the younger guys are quicker to act. I have found the same with orthopediac surgeons!

If the steroids are not working then you need an alternative. Did you use the steroids since your surgery? What was your original experience, how long did you wait for the surgery etc? I am almost 40 now so am hoping that my polyps are slow growers!! (I have a sibling who had them out twice before he was 30).

Is an endoscope where he puts the tiny camera in and views around the sinus cavities? I am going back to have something like this done next month to check on results of surgery - although he called it sinoscopy - but Id imagine its the same.

The CT scan showed a lot - he could see I had zero drainage from it. Make sure you get the disk, if you decide to see another ENT the disk will be useful.

happygoose

I was a public patient back in 2008/2009, it took me 15 months to see the consultant, with a polyp on one side almost coming out my nostril. I was the same waiting for the operation now. I went private with the consultation this time but I will have to have the operation public:(

I wasn't on prednisolone for my polyps since the operation until earlier this year. I have been on it for asthma / chest issues, as you know it may have eased the issues I've had with my sinuses too. My asthma deteriorated at the end of last year and my sinuses have been congested since the beginning of this year. I get temporary relief from a course of prednisolone, maybe 4-6 weeks. I am on topical steroids since April, I don't find them as effective as prednisolone but I don't want to be taking prednisolone its v hard on the body and its only a temporary solution.

Sinoscopy - thats the one. I've it and a CT on the 10th - I will ask for the disk, thanks for the advice.

username123

15 months to see a consultant! That is just terrible.

Yes, the best way to do it is to go private for the consultation, thats where the bottleneck is.

I dont know which medicine is prednisolone?
ENT 1 wanted me to do 3 weeks betnesol drops, 3 months nasonex spray, and on and on.
I found that I could do 3 or 4 days betenesol drops, nothing for 4 or 5 weeks and so on. It was far less medicine to be taking so GP agreed.

Then this year, when things got worse, the GP tried me with Nasofan Aqueous - but it caused a lot of pain and dryness. I had a bottle of Betnesol that I used til I saw ENT 2- at which point he prescribed Pred Mild drops (betnesol have become difficult to get) and Avamys Spray - neither of which did any good (or any bad - no effect).

I would normally use decongestant if I was going to be doing something that would cause congestion, like drink wine or fly. So perhaps once a week or once every 2 weeks Id take some solphasinus or otravine. But I am aware that overuse of decongestant causes more problems so I kept that usage occasional.

You know, talking about it here I realise how bad I had it for many years before I ever saw an ENT! I never realised. Even today, only 4 days since surgery, and I feel clearer than I ever remember feeling - I was told Id have a blocked nose for 2 weeks. It is still a bit blocked, but compared to my normal its wide open!

happygoose

15 months, I know, I was so clueless about the process 1st time around, hopefully this time around bypassing the waiting list by going private will have this sorted a lot quicker, I'm not holding my breath though, I could be years waiting on the operation on the public list. I'm seriously considering going abroad for it privately. I will make a call on it after my CT scan.

Prednisolone are strong oral steroids, effective initially but they weaken your immune system and cos possibly lead to other problems in the long term when taken repetitively.

I've tried some of those sprays over the years, I'm on steroid drops now, they're actually eye drops but thats what my ENT has prescribed.

I try to watch my diet, I've something called Samters Triad and anything with saliclyic acid causes me problems, which is lots of different foods. I take a daily antihistimine, it helps. I've no sense of smell or taste.

At this stage I forget what some foods taste like, what some smells are, and this year I've rarely been able to breathe through my nose. V frustrating, surgery can't happen quick enough, CT scan will tell all.

sambuka41

A quick question for the folks using the sinus rinse, I started about a week ago, im not sure if I'm doing it right. (apologies for details but my gp is useless, Im looking for a new one )

After I do the rinse I wait till it all drains, I bend over tilt my head a bit to each side, then blow my nose. But for about 30 mins or more there is still some water draining, but only from my right nostril. if I tilt my head to my left it comes out my right nostril, but if I tilt it right nothing happens.

Its pretty uncomfortable after, I have to walk around with a tissue in case it starts again. Does anyone else have this problem?

sambuka41

happygoose wrote: »

I try to watch my diet,

Are there foods that should be avoided? Im pretty clueless about the whole thing.

username123

Thanks for the info happygoose, keep us posted as to how things are going.

sambuka41 - yeah, thats pretty much how I use the rinse too. Although I tend to tilt my head back at the very beginning til I feel it tickle the soft palate (just so I know its gone everywhere).

As for the draining, I dont know the answer, some people drain more to one side, its really a question for your ENT. I know my left airway is/was much narrower than my right, the anatomy of inside the sinuses is a mystery to me though.

The reason is goes on for 30 mins or so is that the salt in the rinse is encouraging the mucus to detach and come out, so if you can imagine, some water probably gets trapped under mucus and takes a while to drain off. Its normal enough.

Im still in surgery recovery mode. No pain, but still an uncomfortable stuffed up nose. Had a bad morning yesterday, a lot came out and it was very stuffed up and felt awful. Feels much less 'wet' today. Today is the first day I can breathe through both sides.

Susie564

So, I had my surgery yesterday. It all went fine and all the staff in St James's Day Surgey Unit were absolutely wonderful. My surgeon was very happy that everything went well. I'm very sore & swollen but that's to be expected for the first few days. I go back on Monday to have the stitches out. So far, so good....

username123

Susie564 wrote: »

So, I had my surgery yesterday. It all went fine and all the staff in St James's Day Surgey Unit were absolutely wonderful. My surgeon was very happy that everything went well. I'm very sore & swollen but that's to be expected for the first few days. I go back on Monday to have the stitches out. So far, so good....

Best wishes for your recovery.

I was surprised to find that the effects of the General Anastethic were in me for about 4 days. I felt slightly wobbly and very very tired for that long. The morning of the 5th day was a noticable improvement.

happygoose

CT Scan and ENT appointment today (on a cancellation). I've a bad dose of polyps, ENT guy has said surgery is the only way to solve the problem, which I'm happy about. Unfortunately I don't have health insurance so I'll be waiting roughly 6 months for the operation he said which, as Irish waiting lists go, is not too bad.

I cannot wait to have it done.

RubyGirl

Anyone suffering from bad sinus headaces with this sticky weather?

Damokc

I'm the same. I've been told by my ENT Doctor that I've a deviated septum which is prevents my sinus from draining properly.An operation is the only thing for it as sprays can't get to the effected area due to the deviation.A poor sense of smell and sometimes no smell/taste can get really really annoying.

username123

happygoose wrote: »

CT Scan and ENT appointment today (on a cancellation). I've a bad dose of polyps, ENT guy has said surgery is the only way to solve the problem, which I'm happy about. Unfortunately I don't have health insurance so I'll be waiting roughly 6 months for the operation he said which, as Irish waiting lists go, is not too bad.

I cannot wait to have it done.

6 months isnt bad actually - although I know, I feel your pain. Is it just polyps?

Tell me, when you got yours out before, were you on any kind of maintenance program to discourage them from coming back? My ENT mentioned to me after the surgery (but I was groggy and cant remember details so will discuss with him at the follow up) about keeping me on some nasal spray to try and discourage them from coming back.

Do you mind me asking happygoose - what age range are you and what age were you when you first suffered with polyps?

I have heard that sometimes they are less likely to come back a third time - so maybe this is your lucky time. And also, maybe you will get a cancellation for the surgery too like you did for the appointment.

happygoose

Hi Username123, yeah I'm relatively fortunate in it being 6 months I hear its more in the RVEEH.

Its just polyps, albeit a severe case according to my consultant. He says people with ASA / Samters Triad (I'm one) have a much higher propensity for the little buggers to reappear again and again. So, after this surgery I will see him on a maintenance program, like you mentioned, in order to lengthen the time between surgeries.

I didn't have a maintenance program following the last surgery. My treatment this time compared to last are poles apart. I'm reassured and informed now. I was clueless and I didn't receive much in the way of assistance in order to help me lessen the severity of my problem. I was a fully public patient that time 'round. I received the basics.

I informed myself this time around, mainly by joining a yahoo.com discussion group. My GP hasn't really been of much help at all. I discovered the polyps (with a light and a mirror) after 3 or 4 visits where she treated me for sinusitis. She never looked into my nose once. She never identified the correlation between my asthma, polyps and aspirin allergy. My ENT specialist on the other hand identified all these factors as being of influence in how bad my sinuses became.

I fall into the usual demographic with ASA/Samters Triad / polyps - developed them initially in my late 20's. I'm 33 now.

I'm not too hopeful of not having a repeat occurrence, given the Triad, but my ENT has given me hope and I don't think I'll ever have a year of discomfort like I have this year once I'm on a maintenance program.

username123

happygoose wrote: »

I'm not too hopeful of not having a repeat occurrence, given the Triad, but my ENT has given me hope and I don't think I'll ever have a year of discomfort like I have this year once I'm on a maintenance program.

Thanks so much for the info.

You know the other part of being on a maintenance program is regular (maybe once or twice a year) check ups with ENTs - once youre in the system its all a lot easier!!

username123

Just thought Id give an update. Im now 11 days post surgery.

About 2 days ago the amount of debris coming out of my nose with the rinsing dramatically decreased. Began to feel like the inside of my sinuses were drying up - had previously felt wet and inflamed.

Very little being produced now most of the time on the rinse. Then the occasional one produces vast quantities. Had a lot of nasal congestion last night. Sinuses feel like they are dried out and irritated. The ENT did say that there would be a multitude of symptoms for the first 2 weeks or so, so not too worried, but find the congestion immensely irritating.

Just finished antibiotics and pain killers yesterday.

neemish

RubyGirl wrote: »

Anyone suffering from bad sinus headaces with this sticky weather?

I went to the dentist this week, thinking I must need about ten fillings with the pain in my teeth. Turns out the pain is from my sinuses. Now on two anti-biotics in the hope that it will clear up whatever is going on. Would love to remove my head with the pain!