sinus --help--PLEASE

[njcarita]

Hi all
I'm experinecing my first ever sinus infection-- I can't believe how horrible its been.

It started about 2 weeks ago--- I was feeling really exhausted( as if my chronic fatigue from 20 years ago came back).

I than started to experience horrible toothpain-- so After a few days of that I went to my dentist -- who said there was nothing wrong with my teeth. They suggested that it might be my sinuses.

So I started taking tyenol sinus for 4 days and the pain kept coming back so I finally went to my doctor who diagnosed me with Sinus Infection.

He prescribed Levaquin( $105 ) and told me to keep taking tylenol sinus.

Well today I am on day 7 of my antiobiotic--- I'm only taking the tylenol sinus at night because it really makes me sleepy( I have 3 kids).
But the pain keeps coming back it feels like my jaw and upper teeth are going to blow off my face--
The only thing that has helped have been really hot showers --so I have had taken 5 so far today.

I am calling my Doc in the morning to see what he says.
But for all you who have experieced this lovely condition-- how long does it generally last and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

TIA

 

[Dianewes]

I have experienced the same thing with going to the dentist for a tooth ache only to find it was my sinus ...... but after getting antibiotics, I would say 5 days at max to get relief .... but you must take all of the medicine even after you start to feel better, learned my lesson there... it will come back otherwise............ I would call your MD and get another antibiotic, not all work for every one ... good luck, hope you feel better soon

 

[DVC'96]

Wow, that sounds like a really bad sinus infection! I get them occasionally also. Last fall I had one like that, with the tooth pain and a fever. When I wasn't feeling better after several days on the first round of antiobotics, I had to go back and get another kind. Sometimes the first one they give you isn't the right one for the bacteria you have. Definitely call the doctor again.
Hope you feel better soon.

 

[TENIA66]

I'm A Big Fan Of The Old Sudafed Now I Use Tylenol Sinus Daytime Not Quite As Good As Old Sudafed....then Motrin, Alleve And Tylenol Thru The Worst Of It...the Hot Showers Are Good Too. Also, I Will Hang My Head Off Of The Edge Of The Bed For 15 Minutes Or So And It Helps To...

 

[ntink]

I would definitely call the Doc and see about getting a different antibiotic. I had severe sinus problems (milder now after I had a polyp removed) for years but would generally feel better after a few days on the antibiotic. I have found that heavy use of SALINE (and only saline, not the decongestant) nasal spray - I like Simply Saline or Natruvent is very helpful. I also found help with alternating hot/cold paks on my head. Hang in there, I know how awful that can feel.

 

[TeresaMc]

My sinuses have been really bad the past week or so too....I know how you feel. Unfortunately this is a somewhat common occurance for me (couple times a year) If one antibiotic hasn't given you relief in a week or so I'd call the doctor back. Right now I don't have an infection just terrible sinus pressure so there is not much they can do, I am taking Allegra D and singular but I am still suffering some. Good Luck!!!

 

[horner5]

I'm right there with you! I've been suffering with this for 2 weeks now and finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday and he prescribed a Zpak (Zithromax 5 day antibiotic) and Entex (decongestant). I feel a little bit of relief today as the pressure is starting to break up. If your prescriptions aren't working-definitely go back and try something else. Actually, you could probably just call your doctor and have them prescribe something else without an office visit.

 

[PrincessButtercup]

Ok, I usually only lurk, but for once felt I could offer something of value. This spring after getting over the flu, I was blessed with a sinus infection, too. For various reasons, I didn't want to take an antibiotic, so I asked my sister (a pediatrician) what else could help. She suggested Advil cold & sinus. This stuff was awesome!!! Still finish the antibiotic, but try the Advil with it.

Feel better!

 

[njcarita]

I'm A Big Fan Of The Old Sudafed Now I Use Tylenol Sinus Daytime Not Quite As Good As Old Sudafed....then Motrin, Alleve And Tylenol Thru The Worst Of It...the Hot Showers Are Good Too. Also, I Will Hang My Head Off Of The Edge Of The Bed For 15 Minutes Or So And It Helps To...

I have tried hanging my head upside down but can only last about 5 minutes--I'll try longer next time.

 

[Muushka]

As others have suggested, return to the doc for a different Rx.

My experience was similar to yours, but I had the benefit of lab tests at my fingertips (literally) and could see exactly what was going on-infection wise.

Started with face/tooth ache and a sore throat that just about killed me. I did a CBC to see blood-wise what was going on before I went on down to the doc (I was working (sick as a dog) at the time, medical facility). My white count was around 18,000 (normal is up to 10,000), so clearly I had a pretty good sinus infection brewing. Got my antibiotics (Ceclor, usually did pretty well), and felt just a tiny bit better.

After about 3 days, still felt pretty bad. I did another CBC and my white count was up to 25,000. That is pretty dang high, and nothing to fool around with. Went to my regular doc, he prescribed Levaquin, which for me, did the trick. Bottom line, don't fool around with a sinus infection!

I hope you feel better, sinus infections are no fun.

 

[njcarita]

Ok, I usually only lurk, but for once felt I could offer something of value. This spring after getting over the flu, I was blessed with a sinus infection, too. For various reasons, I didn't want to take an antibiotic, so I asked my sister (a pediatrician) what else could help. She suggested Advil cold & sinus. This stuff was awesome!!! Still finish the antibiotic, but try the Advil with it.

Feel better!

Advil is usually my drug of choice
but
Levaquin and Advil don't mix---
they can lead to adverse reactions--( looked up the med on the website)

that's why I've been taking the tylenol

 

[kandeebunny]

ask your MD about mucinex..its over the counter and works wonders!

 

[Muushka]

Too funny. I just noticed what the OP had as a comment:

If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?????

reminded me of my sinus infection. WARNING: GROSS

At the end of my infection, serum came out of my nose! It is a clear yellow liquid. I could not believe it. I looked it up in my Merck Manual and sure enough, after a bad infection, serum can come out of the sinuses!! Ewwwe

 

[njcarita]

My sinuses have been really bad the past week or so too....I know how you feel. Unfortunately this is a somewhat common occurance for me (couple times a year) If one antibiotic hasn't given you relief in a week or so I'd call the doctor back. Right now I don't have an infection just terrible sinus pressure so there is not much they can do, I am taking Allegra D and singular but I am still suffering some. Good Luck!!!

Since you have some experience with sinus--

For me the pain is not constant-- the pain builds , builds , builds and than when I think I can't stand it any more it subsides and than It could be 2 to 8 hours before it starts again--

Is this how sinus pain usually is????

 

[LoriKutchey]

Call your doctor first thing in the morning he will put you on another type of antibiotic. Antibiotics have different spectrums of use and the one your on is obviously not killing the type of bacteria which is causing your infection. I would think that after 5 days you would start feeling better. Good Luck sinus infections can be persistent!!

Lori

 

[mamalle]

hum- levaquin is a good broad spectrum antibiotic and usually works great for sinus infections. usually the prescription is 10 days. I have had some wicked ones and had the endoscopic sinus surgery last year. Unfortunately this past summer- I have had 3 so far. I try and stay away from antihistamines when the infections is brewing since its not really taking it away but drying into the cavities. I do take ibuprofen and never had a adverse reaction. I did have some achilles tendonitis last fall when I was on levaquin but I was doing some hard core running. I know levaquin is on the expensive side but it usually works well with sinusitis. I would call the doctor in the am and see.Until then- hot showers and a saline rinse might help. are you running a fever and is the nasal discharge colored still ? I hope you get some relief!

 

[MayMom]

Another thing good for temporary relief - put a wet washcloth in the microwave for out 30-60 seconds until it is pretty warm then lay it over your face - AHHHHHHH! Kinda like a hot shower, only without the entire wet body....

 

[njcarita]

hum- levaquin is a good broad spectrum antibiotic and usually works great for sinus infections. usually the prescription is 10 days. I have had some wicked ones and had the endoscopic sinus surgery last year. Unfortunately this past summer- I have had 3 so far. I try and stay away from antihistamines when the infections is brewing since its not really taking it away but drying into the cavities. I do take ibuprofen and never had a adverse reaction. I did have some achilles tendonitis last fall when I was on levaquin but I was doing some hard core running. I know levaquin is on the expensive side but it usually works well with sinusitis. I would call the doctor in the am and see.Until then- hot showers and a saline rinse might help. are you running a fever and is the nasal discharge colored still ? I hope you get some relief!

I have had no fevers and no nasal discharge at all

 

[njcarita]

Another thing good for temporary relief - put a wet washcloth in the microwave for out 30-60 seconds until it is pretty warm then lay it over your face - AHHHHHHH! Kinda like a hot shower, only without the entire wet body....

Great idea!!!!
I'll try this tonight if the pain wakes me up--
I wasn't thrilled with the idea of hoping in the shower at 2am

 

[TENIA66]

the fact that you have no nasal discharge may mean that you need more oral fluids and humidified air.....drink up baby....a cool mist humidifier will help to or a facial sauna like my daughter has......