sinus --help--PLEASE

[BonnieA]

Boy you sound exactly like me. My problem started 2 weeks ago. At first my doctor only prescribed nasel spray and decongestant. I went back a week later with more symptoms and she said it was an infection and prescribed an antibiotic along with the other two. 4 days later I was still in misery and I called her. She said sinus infections take a long time to go away. The antibiotic is for a full 2 weeks. I am on day 6 of the antibiotic. Still in pain though not "quite" as bad.
I did a search for sinus infections on the internet and unfortunately found out that acute sinus infections can last for 8 weeks.
The only good thing about it is that I haven't had an appetite and have lost about 10 lbs.

 

[mamalle]

I agree. you need to get that gunk out! I had what they called a concha bullosa that occluded my right maxillary sinus. I would get bad headaches and tooth pain but never any drainage. I had one awful ct scan and the ENT was like- Im not sure how you are walking around with your head up.. anyhow- at least now I get drainage when I have a infection. I also apply bacitracin in my nostrils when I feel something coming on. feel better soon

 

[sarahsmom73]

I read about this several years ago and it does seem to help.. Do the hot washcloth and then do an icepack.. in between massage your face.... Do this for 20 minutes or so. Supposedly it improves circulation.. The other thing I do is use nasal saline. It is really gross.. When I was pg this winter with a horrible sinus problem I used simply saline and again it did seem to help!

Good Luck!

 

[mrsboz]

I know how you feel. I have chronic sinus problems. Usually Amoxicillin 500 does it for me. Sometimes if I have had several in a row it seems like it won't work as well but it does seem to work awesome for my sinuses. Along with it I do take tylenol or advil sinus at night to sleep. And, yes I do take Afrin to sleep. Some people say this is not a good thing to do but otherwise I would be awake 24 hours a day. I also take about five showers a day when I'm having an infection, usually taking one or two throughout the night.
Drinking a lot of water helps flush it out. And blow, blow, blow. I also put my head over boiling water. I never seem to have clear sinuses. It runs in my family. I got my first infection when I was pregnant with my now 10 yr old dd. I have been a lot better this past year. I am constantly blowing even when I don't have to to keep my nose clear. I also started seeing a chiropractor and have been much better since. Coincidence? Who knows but it has been working so I'll continue. Good luck. I hope this will be your last. The migranes you get from sinuses are no fun either.

 

[kimberly6]

Omg Get Another Antibiotic!!!

 

[JerseyGirl84]

Get another anitbiotic and then get the Advil Cold and Sinus. It really is a miracle drug.

I thought ear infections were only for kids until I got one 2 1/2 years ago (at age 40). Don't let this turn into an ear infection too. It was terrible. I got a hole in my eardrum (that healed), temp. loss of hearing, discharge out of my ear and a real appreciation of what my kids go thru. Take care of yourself right away!

 

[njcarita]

I did a search for sinus infections on the internet and unfortunately found out that acute sinus infections can last for 8 weeks.
The only good thing about it is that I haven't had an appetite and have lost about 10 lbs.

I also read it could take 8 weeks-- but I tried to block that out of my mind.

Congrats on the weight loss--

I unfortunately have eaten junk, take out etc since i got sick cause I haven't been up to cooking-- so I'm sure I haven't lost an ounce!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[brivers222]

I have really horrible sinus infections... You could set a clock by the weather.. As soon as old man winter moves in I get Sinusitis... Fun stuff there.

Recently I have been getting bad headaches with my upper teeth hurting. I never thought of it possibly being from sinus headaches, even though I normally get sinus headaches.

I take extra strength excedrine Migraine (yeah i know its not a Migraine, but its just what the doctor ordered...and much less Rx items) and in about 25 mins the pain is gone.

I attribute much of my sinus problems from my messed up nose... Its been broken 5 times now due to my hobby of playing hockey. Now that I have stopped playing, I may, just may buckle down and get the Surgery to fix my nose. Although the pain of the surgery right now by far outweighs the pain of the headaches.

 

[JUST STARTING]

I agree with putting the heated washcloth right where the pain is. When it is really bad I heat a pot of water and stand over it with a towel covering my head and breathe in the steam. Breathe Right strips for your nose are also a lifesaver. Trust me I have suffered with sinus pain as long as I can remember. Hope you feel better soon!!!

 

[DsnyDrmr]

Call Your Dr. First Thing In The A.m. Sounds Like You Need A Different Antibiotic!

Also, I Second Asking About The Mucinex--it Will Help To Drain Them.

I Also Have A Facial Steamer (i Think It's By Conair) That Has A Sinus Cone. I Sometimes Have To Do That Every Few Hours When I Get One - It Helps Temporarily.

 

[idofabric]

Oh, you poor dear! I have had this problem for years now... and have had 2 surgrys so far... The last one the put an extra hole in the roof of my mouth.

The bad news you know. It hurts, takes a long time to go away. My ENT DRs told me to flush my sinus. I used to make a saline solution, warm water, pinch of salt, pinch of baking soda in a big bowl. Then I would sink my nose in this, suck in the water throught my nose and out throught my mouth.. sorry this is so gross... I had to do this for weeks it seemed like after each surgery!
However, I went to a local Whole Earth grocery store and found a Neti pot. It looks like something that Genie ( note the Disney influence...) would come out of. It is a small ceramic pot shaped like the Genie lamp. You fill it with saline water and then it fits into one nostril at a time and you gently "wash" them out. Much less gross... and it works! I have also been so desperate that I use the shower head to flush water up and clean out the sinus... sure this isn't good for me...

I do get nasty drainage. Spongy and bloody, but that is how I know it is going away. I only am telling you this cause then I lose a sinus plug like this I feel imediatly better, and it is a sign that it is clearing up. Looks very, very scarry... called my doctor the first time. Had to take it in, way gross... and it can be dark with old blood or bright red.

And finally, now that my sinus are aching in sypmathy with you....
The very, very best way I can get my sinus clear is when I have to have dental work done..... if I have a shot of novacine (sp?) from my dentist then within a few hours I lose a plug.. .sometimes even befor I realized I was getting an infection! It has worked several times ! A few weeks ago I was sick for 2 weeks with chills, fever, and it was over 95 each day... and wished I could get dental work done just for the shot of novacine!

I am sure that someone will be up in arms over this.. and by all means I don't think you should stick your head back in the shower... or suck in saline water with out checking with your doctors. My ENT did tell me to do a Nasal Irrigation several times a week. And, drat, I don't know a single Dentist that will shot you up with Novacine for sinus trouble... even when we are all sure our teeth are rotting out of our mouths cause of the pain from sinus! Some times I wish I could pull them out...

Best of luck and hang in there! It will get better, promise! Do not go to long if the pain is worse. A bad sinus infecton can lead to lots of other serious health problems.
And so sorry this is so long! I feel for you!!!

 

[LorieR]

The same thing happened to me last year about a week for our trip to WDW. I, too, went to the dentist thinking I had a major problem. He told me sinus infection also. Went to internist about four days before our trip. He prescribed an antibiotic (can't remember which one) and a nasal spray. We were able to go on vacation although I did not feel 100% for part of the trip and by the time I got home it was back!!! I went back to internist who then prescribed Levaquin, which finally helped. At 53 years of age I was told I have allergies! I now take Allegra-D most days and supplement that with Flonase Nasal Spray. To tell you the truth, I was really relieved it was a sinus infection and not my teeth since I had major bridgework done and thought it was all going to fall out!!

 

[mamalle]

I was told that too after my surgery I had possible allergies- I started growing nasal polyps like weeds. I used nasacort for awhile to shrink them and on occasion now.I have never had them before either. I keep the bacitracin really close by when I start to feel something starting. He said he uses it whenever he flies. I work in a er so when I do my one shift a month there- Im always coming home with a sore throat or a sinus thing. god only knows what is brewing in the ceiling and of course all the sick people... Its a continous cycle so I do whatever I can to prevent it so Im not on anitiobotics constantly..

 

[christygobar]

Everyone's given you great advice already. Definitely get a new antibiotic. I found Levaquin was one of the only ones that worked for me, so it's strange that 7 days later you're still having pressure. There are some that are more sinus-infection specific, so ask for one of those. Also ask your doctor if he/she will give you a cortisone shot. It can help shrink the pressure.

But I cannot stress ENOUGH how much you need to irrigate your nose. Gross, huh? But it is one of the big big big things that will help alleviate the pain and get it out of there. It's worrisome that you don't have any discharge yet. In order for it to heal, it needs to come out.

For someone who hasn't ever done this before, I suggest "Simply Saline." It's at nearly every drug store. All it is is just a mixture of water and salt and baking sode (of course you can make your own). I find that it's easier on the nose because it comes out in a fine mist instead of flushing gallons of water in there.

I had chronic sinus infections for years. This past February I broke down and had surgery because things were not getting better. It was one of the best things I'd ever done. He went in and fixed the deviated septum (the crooked middle part of my nose), opened up the VERY swollen turbinates (those little tubes that lead to your sinuses) and removed a polyp in the sinus cavity. That's how bad it was. So I feel your pain because I had a pretty constant sinus infection for about 5 years! Blech!

I'd also suggest getting Mucinex. It's OTC, and there are generic forms. It's guaifinesin (can't spell the word). It will help loosen up all that mucus and help get it out as well.

Good luck and I hope you feel better! They are no fun at all.

 

[sunnyd11]

I am really prone to getting severe sinus infections. I find that Aleve cold and sinus is the best. It does not make me tired. I have tried all the over the counter meds out there and this one does the trick. If the levaquin hasn't made a difference I would call your doctor and tell him, that is a strong antibiotic, and should have shown you a difference within 48 hours. Good Luck!!

Fondly,
Dee

 

[Harvest02]

Everyone's given you great advice already. Definitely get a new antibiotic. I found Levaquin was one of the only ones that worked for me, so it's strange that 7 days later you're still having pressure. There are some that are more sinus-infection specific, so ask for one of those. Also ask your doctor if he/she will give you a cortisone shot. It can help shrink the pressure.

But I cannot stress ENOUGH how much you need to irrigate your nose. Gross, huh? But it is one of the big big big things that will help alleviate the pain and get it out of there. It's worrisome that you don't have any discharge yet. In order for it to heal, it needs to come out.

For someone who hasn't ever done this before, I suggest "Simply Saline." It's at nearly every drug store. All it is is just a mixture of water and salt and baking sode (of course you can make your own). I find that it's easier on the nose because it comes out in a fine mist instead of flushing gallons of water in there.

I had chronic sinus infections for years. This past February I broke down and had surgery because things were not getting better. It was one of the best things I'd ever done. He went in and fixed the deviated septum (the crooked middle part of my nose), opened up the VERY swollen turbinates (those little tubes that lead to your sinuses) and removed a polyp in the sinus cavity. That's how bad it was. So I feel your pain because I had a pretty constant sinus infection for about 5 years! Blech!

I'd also suggest getting Mucinex. It's OTC, and there are generic forms. It's guaifinesin (can't spell the word). It will help loosen up all that mucus and help get it out as well.

Good luck and I hope you feel better! They are no fun at all.

I know how the sinus infections can be. I had sinus surgery also back in 1999. I was really nervous about it. I kept having SEVERE sinus pain and frequent sinus infections. I felt like dying because my face hurt so bad!! They did some testing and found out I had polyps and a deviated septum. I had the sinus surgery(which was NO fun) but it has made my sinus infections less frequent. When I do get one though I just call my family doctor and he just calls in a prescription for me. He knows my history with my sinuses and mine creep up QUICKLY!!! I would definitely get another antibiotic if you still don't feel better, but also get some testing done if you can do that. You never know if there is another underlying problem. I suffered for years, and had had enough! I am glad I had my surgery even though it was uncomfortable! Hope you are feeling better soon! I feel your pain!!!

 

[Disneyrsh]

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[njcarita]

just wanted to update

that after a painfree night the pain and pressure is back this morning
I just put a call into the doctor and i am waiting for a call back

I really appreciate all the great advice and sympathy
you are really a great group

 

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

I too am going to chime in here. First, I'm so sorry for your pain, because I sure do know what your going thru.
I have had severe sinus issues for years. My sinus' are so scarred and my pain tolerance is so high that I don't even know I have one until it is in full rage. As soon as I start to get a slight sinus headache I'm on the phone with PCP.

You need to remember that not everyone can get results with the normal 10 day cycle of antibiotics. Some may need more. For me I'm usually on them for atleast 2 cycles (20 days). And sometimes with prednisone(staroid).

Here are my recommendations...as others have said.

*Take all of your antibiotics until there gone (even if you are feeling better)

*Irrigate, Irrigate, Irrigate......This is sooo important Get a Rx from Dr. and also use a Saline inbetween. (Simply Saline is the best, it's the Roto-Rooter of Salines)
*Drink plenty of fluids, lots of water. Hot or warm liquids as well, this should help with the drainage.
*Hot/warm packs on the face. Prop your head up just alittle to allow proper drainage. ..Personally I would stay away from the cold packs even though they feel good at the time. The cold pack will prevent your sinus' from draining.
*Repeat all xrays and blood work when feeling better to make sure it's all cleared up. (don't want it lingering around and flairing up again(.

I can't stress enought how serious it is to take care of a sinus infection asap. Untreated it could cause sooo many other health issues. As I stated, I have had severe sinus issues for years. In the begining I would have one ever 2 yrs, and then it was once a year. 3 yrs. ago I had one so bad that it lasted almost 6months..I won't go into graphics,but, it was by far the sickest I have ever been in my entire life. NO Meds were even helping. Do you know what prednisone does to you after extensive use? I had to quit my job because I was so sick. Surgery was scheduled for a week after I quit my job. I asked to pospone the surgery by a week so my sister could come and stay with me. So, now I was out of work 2 wks. and due to the Dr.'s schedule we had to pospone another week. In that 3 wks. time frame I began to get better. I opted to cancel the surgery becuase I was on the right rode......Turns out I was allergic to the building I was working in.....

So, now because of that nightmare I now have major scarring and have other issues.
It took me 42 yrs. to get an ear infection and 43 to ever have strept. Now this year I have had 3 double ear infections ( and never really knew it), and strept twice (again never knew it, went to dr. complaining of pressure in my ear and a slight sore throat).
And I know have to take antibiotics for 2 sometimes 3 times as long as it should take to clear an infection up. And there are only 2 antibiotics I can now take that even work.

So, not to scare you, but, again I can't stress enought how important it is to take care of a sinus infection properly and propmtly.

 

[pammypooh]

I hope your doc changes your med without any problems. I had my worst sinus infection when we were in the Southwest a couple of years ago. We went to the first aid station at the Grand Canyon, doctor gave me amox. and after no real relief 3 days later and high fever, we went to an ER in Las Vegas. Doctor gave me two rounds of Zpack - he said one course is not enough to get rid of it - after 2 days much improvement - though it went into my ears and I had problems hearing & with pressure for the next week. Just be careful that your treatment gets rid of all the infection - you don't want it coming back anytime soon! Good Luck!