Sinus Infection

My mom got the surgery and her problems resurfaced just a couple years later and she's back to square one. She wishes she never did the surgery in the first place, it was no fun at all.

 

Senor Chavez,

I did the surgery last year and it did wonders for me, but I was completely blocked in all my sinus cavities. Had a running sinus infection that went undetected for too long. Wouldn't recommend it otherwise, but I'd do it again if it got blocked, surgery wasn't a big deal for me.

They also (finally) tested me for allergies and out of 42 tests I was allergic to 41. Everything but pigweed, whatever the fock that is. Since that time post surgery, here's what I do...

neti pot 2x a day, every day, morning and night. If you get the salt concentration and temp right its not unpleasant at all IMO, and I always feel cleaned out and can breath easier. For me its fill the pot (distilled water only!), add 2 pinches of kosher salt (no table\sea salt\etc), put in microwave for 22 secs.

Then I pour in the right nostril, and I snort it up until I feel it draining down the eustachian tube into my throat. Then I blow it out real good. Then I do the left nostril the same way. Then I repeat, once more to the right, once more to the left. Get's it real good and cleaned out and once you get it down it's quick, easy, and no discomfort.

I also take flonase+cingular+claritin every day.

I get reg checkups with my ENT and so far (almost a year) it's been looking fantastic, no issues, and not a hint of infection.

For allergy season (which just started here yesterday) I call the ENT and they call me in a 10-day prescription to fight the heavy stuff. I forget what it's called but will find out when I pick it up today and let you know.

I also do the neti after a day of surfing or after swimming at the lake.

Been a year now and so far no issues at all. Good luck man...and don't let the infuction get out of hand like I did.

 

tlokein, sounds as if you decided to be in control of your body. Often times that is what it takes. A simple decision to gain control. Doesn't always result in a win, but why would someone not try.
I did so years ago with chemo--I am still here despite having to do the therapy twice (first time did not quite get it all; second time....I won!!). Surrender is not a great strategy.

 

Hi. I am one of SI's top medical advisers. You must insert tea tree oil soaked tampons into both nostrils, and both ear canals. Change your tampons daily, and repeat this process for 1 week. This consultation will cost you $275, and payment (in cash) is due immediately.

 

Neti Pot properly after every surf session - or whenever things feel nasal-y. Some people like half strength alkalol (tablespoon sniffed into sinuses with head forward) as well. Seems gross til you get used to it. Any ritual which will avoid a bad sinus infection is well worth it. Give it 3-6 months before you make a decision. There is no rush on this type of procedure.

 

Neti pot! The best way to avoid sinus infections is to keep your nasal passages clear so any bacteria doesn't sit there and fester. A humidifier works great too at night especially in the winter. If your snot is bright green or yum yum yellow you have yourself a bacterial infection and could use antiobiotics (but it will run its course without them just takes longer). I have no experience with the surgery.

Ever consider allergy shots? It's a commitment but they worked great for me.

 

barry ur actually a pretty intelligent person lol.
yea I know asthma runs in my family.i smoke ciggs and herb(I kno it doesn't help,but it shouldn't cause it).I do breathe in crazy fumes at work like nickel alloy metal,its like a weird steel that's 100x stronger than steel,and cutting it throws a lot of smoke that people shouldn't inhale.

now I don't know if my breathing is restricted,im definitely wheezing,like when I breathe in u can hear it,and when I take deep breathes is when I start coughing up flem.I don't mind it when the waves are flat like how it is now,but I don't want to jepordize my surfing.its not good when u pop up after a wipeout and the first breath is causing u to cough while another wave unloads on my head

 

Get this Neti pot - it's not a pot but a bottle and uses positive pressure to push water thru- it's just a lot easier to use. They have it at target or Walgreens or where ever.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000A...id=1441930727&sr=8-14&rps=1&keywords=neti+pot

Make sure to use pure water(bottled or filtered) and a salt packet. Also heat it up in the microwave- to just get it warm. Too hot will burn- and too cold will just make your nose run more. Just like tiolken said- it's very refreshing. Just make sure you find the right temp(for me it's 33sec in the microwave- from cold water from the fridge) I try not to do it often- it can be addictive

 

Had to get the surgery or give up surfing. Record was 13 Sinus infections in a year. Followed quicky by attacks of vertigo. Surgery and neti pot 2x a day - all good.

 

Lobotomy. Verified effective by anyone named 'brad.'

 

Wheezing is one of the classic signs of asthma, caused by your bronchial tree narrowing down. I strongly suggest you see an MD, preferably an allergist or pulmonologist (lung specialist), if you can once you get your insurance up to date. Frankly, I would go see a doc anyway. You lungs are asking for help. cep.
A positive family history is also a strong positive sign for asthma.
The meds available today will help you enormously, and make surfing viable again for you, but see an MD. Soon, ok?
Hang in there.

 

^^^ See people, Barry ain't all bad, he's a good dude deep down. Yankee too, dude is solid.

 

do sinuclense over the netipot. less gymnastics

 

Tampons are a cure all. Learn it, live it, insert it.

 

Just don't leave them in too long. You'll get toxic shock which is much worse than sinusitis.

 

No prob Chavez.

The prescrip the ENT gave me is called Levofloxacin. 10 day supply just to get over the hump.

If I can give you one more bit of advice, don't f around with the primary care doc like I did (for way too long), go find a good ENT (Ear Nose Throat) specialist. Mine was the one who finally got my allergies tested and also who put me on the three combo meds a day, flonase by itself wasn't going to do the trick.

Good luck amigo...

 

just watch the plug for allergy shots. they arent effective as you get older

 

Yeah but the deal here in NC is I have to come into the office every week, get a shot, and then sit there for 20 mins while they make sure I don't go into shock. I don't have time to piss in a pot, so that won't work. And you can't miss any weeks, so WTF am I supposed to do if I travel? They won't let people self-administer the shots anymore.

So they offered to do the drops as I could self-administer, but they aren't FDA approved so insurance won't pay it and it would cost about $1500 for me to do the entire 15 mos cycle. That's the plan for someday when I can afford it. But not right now, I've got other expenses to take care of and not going into debt for it. I despise having debt.

Ironic thing is when I added up all the out of pockets for the shots it comes out to be about the same as the drops. Pimps gonna paid no matter what.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

Thanks pump.