Sinus Infection Ruining my life

I've had chronic sinus infection for over a year and a half, documented by CT, MRIs over this time. I've also taken at least a half dozen antibiotics and they just can't get to the blocked sinuses because there's not much blood flow. Sprays and rinses can't get past the blockages either.

My ENT said now it's time for balloon dilation of the passages, rinsing out the sinuses, taking samples of the stuff in there. Then I got the paper that said what he's really going to do, and I looked it up in depth. It's called ethmoidectomy, which means surgically removing entirely the tissues of both the ethmoid sinuses - into which the other sinuses drain - and then taking the balloon and dilating the frontal and maxillary sinus openings - which means crushing the surrounding bones! It may be as much as 4 hours of surgery, so I need blood work and an EKG beforehand. My headache (24/7) and chronic infections are bad enough I am willing to go through this.

The point is to research the subject. I put in probably 20 hours or more reading! Make sure you know what you are talking about, and find out if there is an alternative. Ask for MRI to see if you have a blocked up sinus to begin with! You have to be willing to go through the treatment and have a few days of not so nice recovery, as far as I can find out. I kind of wish my nasal septum could be straightened (this whole thing started with a wreck that broke my nose), but don't think I could stand that much more at the same time. At least there's no nose packing that I know of without that major addition.

Hi Jackk587-

First, I am curious as to what your ENT said. He can scope up there and take a peek right in his office. It's a bit wierd, but not too uncomfortable to go through. You may have nasal polyps or a deviated septum. If he didn't look up there, go find a different doc.

The reason for your bad breath is usually from what are commonly known as 'tonsil stones'. It's the crud that crystallizes from your drainage. They are pretty gross, but go away if you get your tonsils out. This helped me.

Next, make sure you use the neti-pot or neil-med twice a day. it sucks, but over time does A LOT. Trust the product. It really helps. Also, if you get to your doc saying you want to give a strong push to get rid of it, have him prescribe you some prednisone (TAKE IT LIKE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO). Also, ask for a trial of fluticasone (it's nasal steroid spray that will help all the swollen tissue shrink to open up space for drainage. The steroids suck and you'll eat like crazy for the 10 days you're on it. While you're on it, do the rinses twice a day, nasal spray, and take your Allegra D too. Remember to drink a lot of water so the mucous is thin enough to drain. Often times people don't drain well because they're pretty dehydrated. If you do all this and still have problems, it's time for a CT scan. You're probably 80-90% blocked up there and it'll just get worse.

I had very positive experience with the FESS surgery. (I have to have it every 5 years) It's like a roto-rooting. They don't break any bones, it's outpatient (go home the same day), and honestly, I didn't have pain after at all as there are no pain receptors in your sinuses. So, all in all, focus on the ENT doc and if he hasn't looked up there, get a different one.

Good luck,

Gina