Horrible Sinus Pressure, Pain, Dizziness, Vision Problems

Hi Everyone. This is my first post. I started having problems about 5 years ago. It was occasional problems such as mild sinus pain/pressure and headache with mild eye strain. Each year it has gotten worse. Over the course of the past 5 years I have seen multiple doctors across different specialites: Ears, Nose & Throat, Neurologist, Allergist, and my Intern. I have had MRI's and CT scans. This year has been the worst so far. I have already gotten 2 sinus infections. In February of this year I got a CT scan and the ENT doctor said I have a severe deviated septum with chronic sinusitis. I was treated for a sinus infection and that was it. I still felt bad so I went to a neurologist. He wrote it off as a vestibular problem. I did vestibular therapy for 2 months with almost no relief. In May when allergy season started, everything got worse. I have had nonstop sinus pressure/pain, headache, dizziness, major eye strain, my face is sore, my teeth are sore. At the beginning of July I went to an allergist. He said I was allergic to 3 types of trees, 4 grasses, dust, molds and very mild allergy to cats. He put me on Rhinocort. NO results. Then I went back to him after already dumping over $200 in co-pays and medication and he said I have a sinus infection. I just finished the antibiotics and I still feel the same as I did when I first went to him in July. He had me on amoxicillin plus Astelin. I have tried Nasacort, Zyrtec, Claritin, Alavert, etc.... no relief. I am a computer programmer and I can't function like this anymore. Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks.

[PlateletGal]

Did your ENT recommend surgery for the severe deviated septum? I had sinus surgery in 2003 and only have had 2 sinus infections since. You may want to talk to your physician about septoplasty surgery and ask him if that would help. Also, before I had the surgery I used J's Nose Drops (available online) and that got rid of all of my sinus infections. There is also another product called "Bi Yan Pian" that works. It is also available online and very cheap. It is an herbal remedy so please talk to your physician before you use it and if you order it, take a small piece to make sure you aren't allergic to it (just in case). Both of these products got rid of all of my sinus infections before the surgery.

Good Luck !

[Spoonybard]

Thank you very much for your response. I will definitely bring it up to my ENT when I see him. This is definitely a step in the right direction.

[PlateletGal]

You are very welcome... hope your symptoms are relieved. I know how horrible it is... been there and done that !

[wallyinpain]

Was wondering how you are making out i have the same exact symtoms (symptoms) for over 4 years i just had X-rays of my sinus they found systs in my sinus i am goint to see another ent that is a specialist in this field to see what they are going to do.

[Spoonybard]

Update.

I went back to the ENT to talk about the deviated septum. He said that my deviation is actually touching the turbinates on the right side of my nose. He then processed to push the blame on my allergist and then prescribed me Singular. I told him that I was not going to drop another $40 on medication that he was guessing that will help me. He gave me a 24 day supply but said that it might take over a month's worth of the medicine for it to "Kick In". So even with the sample packs, I still would have had to fill the prescription. So, long story short, I did not take the Singular.

I know have an appointment with the head ENT doctor at the hospital in my area, next week. I'll put up another post after I see him. Thanks for all your advice and concerns.

[Andy Ray]

I read your story with interest. As a child I suffered from chronic ear infections and underwent 4 surgeries. As an adult, I've suffered from chronic sinusitis for several years. In 2004 I had my right maxillary sinus cleaned out only after I insisted. I am an RN and yes my x-rays were "fine" but my symptoms were not. I had severe pain and pressure into my teeth along with mild dizzyness, and severe post-nasal drip. After that surgery, the pain in my right maxillary was eliminated...But lo and behold, I realized that between my eyes was still extremely blocked and gave me great pain in that area. (luckily I was born with undeveloped frontal sinuses so I never have headaches above my eyes). I was also continuing to get terrible sinus infections---at leat 8-10 (no joke) and treated with every antibiotic under the sun. I also went through allergy testing etc....but it didn't address any of my issues. I wanted a sinus culture but was told it wasn't necessary....Unfortunately my big mouth failed me at that time. I then went to a more progressive ENT in 2005 who did an ethmoidectomy (removed the sinuses from between my eyes)and I really thought my problems were over. My pain and pressure were completely gone and I felt great. Until.....the beginning of the year I started having sinus infection problems with dizzyness and feeling totally lousey. A week and a half ago I was on my 3rd sinus infection when I finally went to a friend who is a Nurse Practitioner and had her culture my sinuses. I was either crazy and nothing would grow, or I would be vindicated. I just got my results Monday and guess what? I have a bacteria called Serratia growing in my sinuses. It is a type of bacteria normally not supposed to be in the sinuses and is what is termed a nosocomial infection, meaning hospital acquired. It is very resistant to all the conventional antibiotics that are generally ordered for sinusitis. No wonder I've never gotten better despite surgery. I am on cipro right now which is definitely not an antibiotic prescribed for sinusitis, and dealing with some wicked dizzyness. I am hopeful that this will work and you can be assured that I will get a repeat culture after the completion of my course of antibiotics. If the infection is not completely gone, I might need IV antibiotics....I also read that Serratia-caused meningitis is 80% fatal in most cases. Can you imagine if for some reason my infection spread to my brain? Believe me this happens as I've treated a couple patients in ICU with meningitis caused by chronic sinus infections. Anyone interested in this bacteria can look it up and learn a great deal about it. I guess the reason why I am writing this is to try a sinus culture if you haven't already, to see if there is something growing there that is not treatable by standard means. You might have to be forceful about it especially with ENT's b/c they certaintly don't want to find out that a patient has an infection that they most likely got during surgery. I also am waiting on a fungal culture which takes 28 days so hopefully I don't have any fungus growing in there. I am definitely going to make sure that both ENT's are notified of the results so they can be a little more proactive in dealing with pt's with chronic sinusitis not responsive to traditional treatment. Please let me know if this pans out for you...It has certainly given me hope that I can finally have some peace from my chronic sinus infections.....

[LMND]

I have read your comments - if anyone gets relief please post. I have been going through this for 3 months.  I cannot function either.  I am a court reporter.  3 rounds of antibiotics, Alavert, sinus saline irrigation, sent to an ENT, Rhinocort, Astelin, no relief.  Total fatigue and feel soooo bad, pressure in face, balance problems, dizzy, head feels lopsided with pressure.  I've run into doors.  CT scan was clear, no inflammation or infection.  Diagnosis - non allergic rhinitis.  I am now on Prednisone for a week, and 2nd day felt better, but this is a 6 day thing and I'm scared I'll go backwards instead of forward.  Scheduled for allergy testing the end of the month, only because I'm desparate.  I've heard of soooo many people lately having this.  I'm wondering if it's not something going around.  If so, it's taking it's good old time going away.  I have had my furnace/ac checked and cleaned, purchased an air cleaner for my bedroom, cleaned everything I could, started taking vitamins.

[jjkee]

just read posts above and can relate.  I am desperate too.  Have had 3 sinus infections. Anti-biotics do not cure. Last infection was kept on anti-biotics 20 days.  Then was sent to ENT- had a CT and he claims my septum is deviated and putting pressure on my turbinate (left side).  I cannot function, I have severe dizziness, drainage 24-7. Was also put on Prednisone 6 days and this was the only meds that helped. Once I completed the round, the blurred vision, and head pressure came back.. I have been using Alavert D12 and Flonase for past week.  Just recently, have had vision issues again and dizziness.  I cannot even ride in the car, I get like- car sick, too much motion.  Then I feel panicky, because my head is not clear and the ENT office states that dizziness is normal.  I am now starting to feel pressure on left ear, and I just do not want to have surgery. I have never felt this bad from sinus problems.  I am afraid something else is going on, even though I have had blood glucose levels checked, had eye exam and so on.  I have severe reactions to medicines ever since I had my twins- so I am afraid to take new meds and if there is a rare side-effect, well, I get it.  Please, if anyone out there has experienced what I have -post a note... I can relate. and am frustrated.

[stacia123]

I've had the same symptoms... I think we may have talked in another forum?  After several months of feeling dizziness, my sinuses in my cheekbones started to hurt at the exact same time the dizziness would get bad.  My doctor never thought I had a sinus problem though so I had to talk him into letting me try some antibiotics.  A round and a half of antibiotics later and I felt great.  For about 5 weeks I felt back to normal, even though two weeks ago I had a mild sore throat and some nasal congestion.  At first that seemed to go away, but Friday I started having dizzy spells, and tonight I had a HUGE dizzy spell that's knocked me out all day.  I feel constantly carsick/motion sick and my left maxillary sinuses hurt like you wouldn't believe.  At this point I don't know what to try, since my doctor seems to think I'm making this up or exaggerating... but I did want to mention the antibiotics helped for a little while.

[LMND]

I think we have talked in another forum.  At least we know something is going on and we're not crazy!  So far Prednisone is working.  after the 6 day pack, and another 5 pills in a different dosage, I have 1 pill left and feel normal again.  But I'm scared I'm going to get right back into it like you are saying.  My allergy testing was cancelled because they said I had to be off the Prednisone for 2 weeks, so rescheduled for the end of Nov.  The chiropractor says he can help me...will do accupuncture when I start having the facial pain and pressure, and for now is working on the neck.  One day at a time is all we can do.  Right now this is the best I've felt since the end of July.

[ripyourmindout]

I've been having similar issues. Pain above right eye and funny feeling below it. I have balance issues at times, especially in malls and grocery stores from Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. I have a deviated septum that inhibits the airflow through my right nostril, the same side that I have all of the issues on. I've been to the ENT 3 times, but not since late last year. I was prescribed Allegra-D and a steroid nasal spray that did not help initially. I then started taking claritin-D and Nasalcrom spray and that seemed to help alleviate my blocked ear/balance issues although I can't go more than a day without taking the meds. As soon as the weather started to change in August (same time I got all of my issues last year), the ear got worse and once the colder weather hit a couple of weeks ago here in NJ, my eye started to puff out and the areas above and below my right eye started to feel kinda funky. Sort of painful, but not excruciating. Same thing happened last year. It's extremely frustrating. I'm attributing all of my issues to allergy/sinus/deviated septum. I have not had advanced testing done in terms of CT scans and such because I have had enough anxiety about this. I guess eventually, I might if this non-sense continues. It's semi-comforting to know that other people have experienced this because most people think I am just being an old biddy about my issues and complaints. Haha.

[LMND]

My problems are always on my right side, too. I get the eyeball pain, numb kind of feeling, almost like a nerve.   I was wondering where we all were located.....if there's something in a particular area, but if you're in New Jersey...I'm in West Virginia, but also mine started around end of July, early August.  And..although I've always had sinus, never anything like this!  I guess we are going to have to keep working on this ourselves, because our doctors don't seem to be giving us relief.  I'm certainly going to talk to mine when I go back and tell him about this forum and we've all got the same problems, being treated the same, and no relief.  I, too, have problems walking like in malls and large spaces, with my balance.

[LMND]

I just had one more thought -- are we all women that this is happening to?

[ejh]

Hi. I am not a woman, 30 year old male, new to this thread of posts. I have the same syptoms (symptoms) myself...nice to read that there are others out there. I've been on antibiotics for 4 days now. Sometimes I think its improving, but other times I'm not sure. The pain I have mostly started 3-5 weeks ago as an odd feeling under and behind my right eye. I was just getting back into my contacts and dealing with dry eyes, so I thought that's what the discomfort was. When it got worse and was there I took out contacts, I went to the docs. I have been to an ENT and eye doc. My eyes are ok, desprite the pressure pain and eye strain (trouble focusing sometimes and more feeling like I'm cross eyed).

The ENT had me do a CT two weeks ago, but nothing showed inflamation (inflammation)...just some minor diviations. I got worse in the 2 weeks since the CT and am waiting to go back to see the ENT, maybe I will show on a CT now? My GP put me on antibiotics in the meantime.

The pain is odd at times and since it affects my eyes, worries me a lot. I am really near-sighted as it is, so I don't like other things interferring with my eyes. The pain has evened out now more to the front of my face though.

Also, I have constant post nasal drip, but little or nothing coming out my nose. Are others having this?

I hope the ENT can help me. Good luck to all. -Ed

[LMND]

I have the constant nasal drip with nothing to blow out, too.  Sometimes you feel you really  have to strain your eyes to focus to get where you're going.  All I know is...something's messed up in my head that the CT is not showing.  I get shooting pains in my head, too.  After 12 days of Prednisone I am better....about 90%.  Now I'm scared since I just finished it that I'm going to go back worse.  I think it's pressure in there that makes  your eyes do that...and that's why they gave me Prednisone, to get the swelling out of the tissues in there, because antibiotics didn't help with that.  I hope you get better.  Try to think positive - as I think we all have been trying to do.  I haven't been at this forum long either, just found it when I was desparate for help.

[blocked]

Hi Everyone,
           I am experiencing the same in California. I had septum surgery in 2001, my breathing improved. I quit the sprays. Flonase raced my heart for days, couldn't use it. I used to take antibiotics for my skin for years in my 20's, no one told me the horrible effects of that. I encourage everyone to read "The Yeast Connection" book, as it explains the possible causes for our sinus problems. Makes sense. I broke down and took two rounds of antibiotics for a recent bout of sinus pain and congestion,and sicker since, unable to work, fatigued with head pressure,had swollen nodes in the back of my neck/head that were sore. Never had that in my life. I went to a natural doctor who has put me on a detoxifying shake with many nutrients that clear the system out. Also homeopathic drops to put in water to build my resistence up to allergens. She also mentioned removing any mercury tooth fillings. I only have one left. You may want to remove them also... The unbearable headaches ceased, but still fatigued with ear pressure and a bit of congestion. I have always taken vitamins, eaten healthy, keep everything extremely clean. I would be really upset to learn this was due to increasing pollution, spraying of pesticides we never consent to, etc... seems like this is on the epidemic levels right now. Any thoughts? Thanks for reading, and your previous info posted.

[LMND]

It is comforting to know we're not alone...but depressing to know none of us have gotten relief.  I read this forum a couple of times a day.  It is extremely hard to work and function in life with this.  I am thinking this must be some kind of virus that is not going away, or as you said, some allergic reaction to something out there that we surely will never know about that we would not consent to.  It has certainly put a cramp in all of our lives!

[ripyourmindout]

I am a 30 year old male. I know that a lot of the forums I have read since I've been going through this discomfort the past year or so are mostly comprised of mostly females.

For the ETD, I read something recently about someone using Sinu-Cleanse to help clean out the sinuses. I went ahead and invested in that with the neti-pot and it has helped keep my right side a bit clearer. I have felt a little better, but my ear is still blocked in the morning and I have to take claritin for relief. The balance issues have been slightly better and I'm trying not to use the nasal sprays as much the past several days.

I was at the mall today and while the odd feeling I usually get at the mall (a slight facial pressure and off balance feeling) was not as bad as it has been, it is still there. I'm just going to keep trying to find solutions on my own. I try to think back to several years ago when these symptoms weren't as bad. I've always had some kind of sensitivity when walking through malls and grocery stores. The weird thing is, if I walk with my head down, it's almost non-existent. If I sit down, I'm perfectly fine. If I am upright but not walking, I don't have the problem. Once I start to walk, I get the odd feeling back. As soon as I'm outside the mall in open air, I'm fine again. This is beyond crazy and I think people that do not experience this believe I'm nuts.

[ejh]

Hi- I haven't updated in a while. I finished the antibiotics with only about 40% increase in comfort. I saw another ENT to get a second opinion. The first ENT passed me off to a Nuerologist (still waiting for the appt). He also mentioned my neck as a source of the problem. I blew this off. Oh yeah, I had an MRI too, which was negative.

Then I saw the second ENT, who seemed to know right away what it was. He said its facial pain from my neck. Google this term: Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome. He showed me a few things about my muscles, which proved his diagnosis.

I have been going to Physical Therapy for my neck now. I'm not 100% convienced this is it, but I can tell a difference at times. I'm maybe 50% sold on this, but still think I may have some kind of allergy or something else going on.

Most ENTs would not point this out as a source of the problem, but I happened to pick on, who according to my Physio, thinks outside the box.

I will update more after further treatment. Best of luck.

[blocked]

For the person who feels weird at the malls, your'e NOT crazy...they spray fragrances all over the cosmetic depts. at stores, all day! In other departments, they have potpourri, scented candles, etc...plus a variety of music blasting, fountains spraying,weird lights, kids screaming, etc... its enough to make anyone sensitive go off kilter. Which is why you feel better outside. They also do not have windows in malls, just doors. No ventilation,recycled air and lots of dust on tables and displays. Employees are constantly ill with "mystery illness"...Let's just say I know from prior inside knowledge about this...Many perfume bottles have spilled, and once I caught a woman behind the counter "emptying" a bottle of strong floral fragrance by spraying it until it was empty into the air! So, hopefully, now you know the real story of why malls are toxic.I can only be in them for a short time. I feel the same.
Blocked

[LMND]

I feel the same in the mall!  I thought it was me!  Nobody I know has this problem, so of course I'm thinking I'm a nut or something.  I always felt it was the dry air, with no air moving.  It's like I can't breath.  I've had sinus problems for years and have usually been able to cope..but not this time, and it's not going away.  
I want to thank everyone for their input and I will post after my Dr. app.

[LMND]

I have posted on a few other forums to try to give info in case it may help - went to the ENT today and asked questions we've been wondering.  1.  Serratia bacteria - said we'd be in the hospital so bad before they'd look for that, not likely at all.  2.  sternocleidomastoid muscle in neck - no.  3.  fungal, yeast - no.  4.  What's the right humidity level in the house - whatever's comfortable for you, no set number.  5.  How often to use saline irrigation - 1 or 2 times a day.
6.  Thyroid - wouldn't cause this.

My thyroid levels being high means my thyroid is slow - definitely need to follow up and be checked soon though, and Niacin and B-complex vitamins wouldn't affect that level.

Told him Rhinocort and Asteline made me worse.  He wanted to know which one.  I didn't know because I was taking them both, got worse, and quit both.  Told him Prednisone saved me - he said he doesn't like to use that and would only do it once or twice a year at most if absolutely necessary!  Says I can still use my  hot water bottle on my face for pain/pressure.  

I have allergy testing next week.  Wants me to do that.

Still says I have non allergic rhinitis - they don't know a lot about it.  Well!!!!!  Says after the allergy testing wants me on Singulair (prescription) and Nasalcrom (otc).  Says mold can play a big part in this. I don't have any mold that I know of, although may have been exposed to some in August.   Says not to get paranoid about it!!!  Duh!!!  How can you not when you're miserable and can't function half the time????   So do the testing...then will go on the meds...and follow back up in March.

[posterguy]

Hello.  My sinus face and head pressure has me almost debilitated. Now I have constant, loud ear ringing.  I also experience a horrible, whole body weakness.  Sometimes it feels like someone is sitting on my chest.  I've tried every med, spray, on allergy shots for 20 years.  Started saline rinse.  Tried detox.  Going back to allergist next week.  Can someone suggest further work ups?

[LMND]

So sorry to hear you're feeling like the rest of us.  Read the other forums here, too.  We've all tried it all.  Let us know what you find out from the Dr.  It's miserable.  I was totally down for 3 months.  I'm up now, but three to four days a week have terrible facial pressure, and the other days I'll be normal, whereas for the first 3 months every day was bad.  Thought I had lukemia or brain cancer or something.  Got an air cleaner, using saline rinse, and just waiting for it to go away.

[sickkid]

This is my first post.  My 3 1/2 year old daughter has had chronic sinusitis since birth.  She aspirated on meconium (inhale a bowel movement that was in the amniotic fluid) and has had chronic congestion since.  She was in the NICU for her first 3 weeks and has always had a weird cough.  We have been to 3 ENT's, had allergy testing, went to an immunologist, did nasal irrigation (try doing that to a 2 year old, luckily she still loves me), was told she had asthma (did breathing treatments for 6 months 4 times a day), tried rhinocort nasal spray, prednisone, claritin, singulair, etc.  She had a PH-probe to rule out reflux and now they want to do sinus surgery.  I am very reluctant since she did have an adenoidectomy and this did not help.  She really has been through everything.  She has a constant green nose and cough.  I am so sick of people looking at me in the stores like I have a sick kid that should not be out in public.  I have heard everything from people.  Oh, and she was also tested for cystic fibrosis.  She had pneumonia 2 times and had Rosefin shots once for three days for the pneumonia.  That was the only time that she actually sounded good.  I wonder how cruddy she feels sometimes.  She runs a high grade fever about once every 6 weeks.  I used to take her to the doctor and get antibiotics, but it never helped.  Either way, the fever goes away after 3 days.  She is not in daycare and my parents watch her sometimes.  We are all germ conscious and wash our hands etc.  (just so you don't think it is always a cold).  I have been told that she has a virus a million times by the doctors that I actually eat her food so I know if I get sick that she is sick.  My poor girl, I can't even tell when she has a cold, because she always sounds like heck.  I really feel for everyone here.  I had a really bad sinus infection once.  I thought I had the flu or I was dying.  I hope you all feel better soon.  Any input on sinus surgery or cultures would be greatly appreciated!!

[Susie Belle]

First time on this website but in desperation I was looking for help for my dizziness and eye problems.  After reading various comments, it sounds like many people are experiecing the same types of problems.  Mine started with dizziness and light headedness.  Like many of you, I am worse when I go into a mall or grocery store.  Thought maybe it was flourescent lighting or something.  I was supposed to take a balance test, but have been putting it off because every time I take a test, they always come back "normal" and I am starting to feel like a hypochondriac.  Just had an MRI and an MRA done for eye pain and vision problems and as always, everything appeared "normal".  Not that I want anything to show up, but after many years of putting up with these weird symptoms and no medications help, I really would like to have some type of answer. Doctors just look at me like I'm crazy because the symptoms I have are so bizarre and nothing ever shows up. I live in Ohio and have seriously thought about moving out of this area because I do have numerous allergies, but I'm not convinced that any other area of the US would be any better.  Every since August, I have had pain, pressure, and discharge from my left eye.  Also pain in my temple and teeth.  Further, I have problems with my neck from auto accidents that I ahve been in.  MRI of brain and orbit of eye showed nothing.  I did have a vitrous detachment at that time but they say that shouldn't be causing the pain.  So between the vitrous floating inside my eyeball and the film on the outside of my eyeball, it's driving me completely nuts!  Work on computer all day long and strain to see daily.  I have sympathy for all of you because the dizziness, sinus congestion, and eye pain are to the point that all I want to do is stay home and keep my eyes closed. Don't trust myself to drive anymore because of the eye problems and dizziness.  It's completely insane that so many people are going around with the same symptoms and nobody can get an answer.

[LMND]

I think we're not getting help because the Dr.'s don't know what to do for us.  Many, many days this summer I did not drive because of dizziness/balance, besides just feeling too bad to get up or go outside.  Malls are horrible - no air, dry air.  I, too, work on a computer most of the time, and the eye strain is unbearable. It's depressing! I have a man putting tile in my kitchen - he isn't smoking in my house (I wouldn't allow it) but he smells of cigarettes horribly!  I smelled it yesterday...today...and will have to tomorrow.  I'm think that's what gave me the facial pressure last night, and I feel it coming on today.  Smells really bother me!  Can't wait till he's done.  Do smells bother any of you -- like car fumes, hair sprays, perfumes?  I'm just wondering.

[drf]

I haven't read everyone's posting so forgive me if this sounds repetitive.

I am a 34 year old male and for about 2 years have had chronic dizziness and a feeling of foggy brain along with a lot of pressure in the front part of my head. It is there 24/7 and is always worse when I either sleep on my right side and/or when I'm tired- or when Im driving, walking, or moving my head around.  

I have been to several Dr's including an EMT, neurologist, Family Dr. and ear specialist. Nobody has found a thing. I have also had an EKG, MRI, and bloodwork many times. Still nothing.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Sincerely

Bumping into walls

[LMND]

I'm not a Dr., but you can get stuff over the counter for dizziness.  Used to be prescription.  I think it's Antivert.  Has Meclazine in it.  Ask your pharmacist.  It MAY help.  Also, my mom used to have dizziness EXTREMELY bad - used Comtrex, (which is allergy stuff) because the Dr.'s had given her EVERYTHING!  I'm using saline rinse, NasalCrom, over the counter, and Dr. put me on Singulair, which is a prescription.  I'm getting better.  Don't know if any of that is doing it or just time, since this has been going on since July.  Have tried LOTS of other meds and had CT of sinus, head and neck x-rays, been to ENT, chiropractor.  I just stay away from smells if at all possible, try to keep my humidity in my house about 49, and put a very hot water bottle on my face when it's hurting bad.  Got an air cleaner and keep it on full blast in my bedroom with the door shut when I'm not in there, then open the door at night and keep it on low.  Did the allergy testing and severely allergic to dust, mites, certain grasses, ragweed, and moderately allergic to molds, trees, which I live in a rural area and that's all there is!  They told me to give these meds a month and decide if I want to take the allergy shots.  I'm in WV, female, just turned 50.  So...I've talked to a lot of others on this forum, men and women, different states, because I was even trying to link it to an area or something.  Seems it's everywhere.

[wvtoal]

Just can upon this site by accident...but glad I did!

I was looking to see how much scented candles can bother an allergic person...I am definately one...allergy shots that started at age 12.  I am now 54 and quit them at age 36.  I got extremely dizzy Sat night.  I lite some candles about 30 minutes before having company and had to take some allergy med to get rid of the dizziness.

I know where you are all coming from.  I have had all the tests, CT's, MRI's, etc...about 20 years ago.
They were all clear the Drs also thought I was crazy. I had trouble with Malls, heights,stores, etc.  I was dizzy, off balance, and had facial and tooth pain, distorted vision and would not drive.  I also tried various antibiotics.

I lived in the upper panhandle of WV then,but have moved to the Birmingham, AL area.  When I cane here..same thing. But I also found a new Family Phy.  He listened....He put me on CEFTIN... a different antibiotic for me...it really helped!

I have also learned what I need to help myself.  I know when I get dizzy to use Afrin and take 1/2 of an Actifed...more just puts me to sleep or makes me feel nasty.

I still drive very little...I am always afraid of getting dizzy or my eye sight getting screwy.  I had a terrible dizzy spell on a huge bridge and didn't drive over the bridge for 15 years.  The day I drove for the first time after the spell was because I had to take my husband to the hospital...he was having a heart attack!!!!!!!!!!  I made it!  And he is fine!

I also think that places like Walmart, Lowes and H Depot have either wacky lights or it's my allergies...always hazy cloudy air...I hate it!!!!!!

Hopefully, my experiences will help one of you...This makes life misserable when you feel so crappy!

[LMND]

I saw something on a magazine cover while I was in the grocery line about scented candles putting out toxic fumes.  I actually had been making my own candles recently, too.  So it could be why you're dizzy.   I think there's more than one thing going on and that's why Dr.'s don't help much.  Like, allergies, plus smells, maybe inflammation/infection, and one medicine won't fix it all.  I also think malls and stores don't have enough air flow.  They're stuffy and dry, and I can feel myself dehydrating in them!  And....panic attacks start kicking in.  I have had them for 19 years..and take meds for that.  And I would have a hard time driving, never going by myself, having to pull over, get myself together and try again.  Sounds kind of like what you explained. You are right, it's depressing and can ruin your life.  I have to always wear cool clothes, so I don't get too hot, watch where I go.  People just don't understand.  You got your husband to the hospital because you HAD to.  I'm glad he's ok.  Funny how we can do it when there's no choice.  I am worn out with feeling bad, with headaches, sinus, dizziness, and I'm waiting on my second thyroid test results because the first one was elevated.  As if I didn't have enough to deal with.  I know I am severely depressed, as I just lost my mom who was my best friend and constant companion a few months ago, and I even thought crying was irritating my sinus.   I am just exhausted.  I found this forum when I needed to hear I wasn't alone.  It has truly helped me.

[wvtoal]

My Dr. here put me on Zoloft which seemed to help me with the anxiety that I was having from the dizziness, etc.  It really did help, but I gained 20 lbs...that really made me depressed!  I quit taking the Zoloft about 6 months ago and I have lost a few lbs, but I get really upset when the dizziness and blurry vision come back.  Like I said though, the Actifed and Afrin do help a lot.  The only problem is, is that you never know where or when the allergy attack is going to be set off.  The other day we went to a place called Southeastern Salvage...they have really neat things like granite, tile and decorating items.  I felt great when we left the house...about 2 minutes in the place and I could feel my head clog-up and that dizzy hazy feeling kick in.  We left there and went to Sam's Club and I felt like I was in a fog.  When I got home, I followed the routine of Actifed and Afrin and I could feel the feeling start to clear.

Today is a good day...hope yours is as well...take care...
Jan

[coughqueen]

Wow!  I cannot believe so many others are suffering from similar symptoms.  My story is about 4 years old, starting with the dry, irritating and unrelenting unproductive cough.  I was "diagnosed"  with asthma, then acid reflux and later chronic sinusitis.  I was put on steroids, inhalers, antibiotics, endured a laryngoscopy, ate lots of Nexium...nothing really worked.  I used run five miles a day, then power-walked and finally succumbed to the lethargy of trying to cope with the anxiety that comes with these breath-challenging symptoms. I learned to live with the cough (which disappears at night) and handled the panic attacks in elevators and airplanes (and I travel on planes about 40,000 miles a year!) Then, four days ago I was driving home from the airport, turned my head to look into the next lane and immediately felt dizzy.  I have been dizzy and had a horrendous headache ever since.  Then today, looking through every Google entry about dizziness and headache, I found some interesting information and this forum.  I went to a great chiropractor today after finding a site that linked my exact symptoms to a problem with one of my sternocleidomastoid muscles.  The Dr. seemed to know what I was talking about and did some small adjustments, but emphasized using some ice treatments.  I noticed relief from the dizziness after putting an ice pack on my neck and forehead for a while.  After four days of totally feeling disengaged with everything and suffering with a pounding head, the feelings are dissapating.  I am beginning to wonder if all of these symptoms over the last few years were not related to some dysfunctionality of this muscle.  I have always had allergies and a CT scan did show that my sinuses were fairly occluded, however, one would think that all of the medicines I have taken would have driven these symptoms into remission.  

I found an interesting article about the SCM muscle in a website called roundearth.com that links deficiencies or injuries of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to many of these symptoms, including dry coughs and tight throats! The article was actually directed for instructors in martial arts! I am going to investigate this further.

Anyway, I am glad I found this forum.  So interesting to find others trying to figure out the same problems.

[LMND]

I went to the chiro - had the x-rays, talked to the ENT about that muscle, as I, too, had been searching for help.  But they said it wasn't my problem, although the chiro did manipulate and I did use ice.  I did hurt my neck this summer. But I don't think it was before this started.  It's just that I can't go to the chiro 3 days a week, not only time wise, but money wise!  So...the meds seem to be helping...and if I feel I need to go back to the chiro I will.  I have good days and bad.  At least they're not all bad like when I started this.  All this did make my panic attacks worse!  I'm dealing with that though.  I don't think I could get on a plane.  I'd probably pass out.  Unless there's plenty of moving air.  And then I'd still have a panic attack, because if I need to get out, I wouldn't be able to.

I also feel stores such as Lowe's are dusty and I can't breath in them, so that may be due to dust allergy.  Too dry and too moist air bothers me.  Smells bother me.  Aerosols bother me.  Smoke bothers me.  Why all of a sudden this year?  I have no clue.  

Anyway, after about 50 posts this forum will lock you out, so you'll have to start another question to keep going, keep talking to everyone.

I hope everyone is better!!!!  Maybe the cold air will kill some stuff off.

[Spoonybard]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since my last update. It has been such a rollercoaster ride since I last posted back at the end of September. I ended up getting a Septoplasty, Shaving of Turbinates, and Expansion of Maxillary Sinuses done on October 26th. It has now been almost 2 months since the surgery and I am not feeling better. The only positive thing I can say is that I can breathe out of both sides of my nose and I don't feel out of breathe anymore.

However, I still have the same symptoms: Bad sinus pressure/pain, cheekbone pain, eye strain, blurry vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, teeth pain, fatigue, neck strain/pain, head feels like it weighs 100lbs.

I am currently using Ayr Saline Nasal Spray around 4 to 6 times a day in combination with Nasacort AQ (prescribed last week by my ENT), as well as hot steamy showers every night and a new humidifier purchased a few days ago. I can say that the showers plus the humidifier pretty much gets rid of any dryness in my nose and throat (which is a good thing since too much dryness causes bleeding).

I can't believe all the people who are suffering from the same symptoms. I saw someone asked if the majority of people were female. I am a 26 year old male living in Long Island, NY.

I have an eye doctor appointment this saturday to check my eyes out again and an appointment with my primary care in the beginning of January. I am really at the point where I want to tell the primary care to do whatever tests he has to do to figure this out. Whether it be another MRI, CT Scan, whatever.

No one should feel this horrible from the time they wake up till the time they go to bed. It is so debilitating. I'm a computer programmer and it very difficult to sit and stare at a screen all day. I used go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and now I don't go because of how dizzy and ill I feel all day.

We need to find a way to figure out what is going on with us. It seems that most of the people in this forum have had a battery of tests, seen multiple doctors, taken all types of medication, and even tried unconventional remedies with no results.

As a programmer I own my own website design company. I want to start a website dedicated to finding a solution for our problems. If anyone in this forum would like to be a part of it, please contact me at: ***@****.

Hope everyone has a very safe and happy holiday.

[patsy2]

Sympathize with all of you.   My daughter in law has been going through maxillary sinus pressure, seemingly causing dizziness for years now.  Have almost maxed out in South Florida with doctors.   Her father flew her to Colombia where she is going through more tests.   The dizziness is the type one felt when one dad would swing you around real fast and then suddenly stop.  It is that immediate feeling that she has all the time.  

Oddly, she feels better driving.  Doctors are big on giving you valium.   Which comes first, the dizziness or the stress?
Rehab has not worked, and the doctor claims it's needed b/c she has damaged nerve endings, and nothing else can help.  Eight yrs ago an ear infection and some years later problems after being in a pool.  

She can't stand it any more.  I am reading all your suggestions and am emailing her some in Colombia.   Will keep you updated.   If all fails here we're hitting Mass Gen'l's special ear division.
patricia

[LMND]

I just wanted to say that I am now getting relief with the Nasacort and Singulair, along with saline irrigation every day, and an air cleaner in my bedroom.  Now..I don't know if the meds are helping or if this has run its' course.  Even though I had the allergy testing and it came back severe on most everything, I'm still not sure it's allergies.  So I haven't decided if I'm going to have the shots.  Just to be safe though I'm cleaning everything.  I have to say that I already had panic disorder but when I was at my worst they got extremely bad, and when I got better they went back to under control.  I still get dizzy once in a while, but it's quick, and then gone.  Everything in blood work came back ok except thyroid, which I had to retest and still have not got the results, but they say it can't cause this. Could this be a virus (long lasting)?  No one else I know has this, except for the people I see here in the forum.  Again, I'm a female, 50, in WV.  I do hope everyone gets relief and has a Merry Christmas.

[divegirl]

Hi everyone - I'm sorry to see that so many people are struggling with this! Over the past several years I've had persistent frontal headaches, some blurred vision, and persistent unexplained nausea. A CT scan was negative for tumor or sinus infection (i.e., no significant amount of mucous). I haven't taken the step of dealing with an allergist or ENT, as sometimes this isn't a problem for me, but I've recently become frustrated by it again, in particular the low-grade nausea. So of course I've been googling away trying to figure it out, which is how I found this forum. And here's an odd possibility that won't be the case for everyone, but maybe some of us. I read about "sternocleidomastoid syndrome", which apparently is a muscular problem related to the muscles in the neck, and results in referral pain (pain that is expressed in a different area of the body than the source) in the forehead, as well as dizziness, nausea, ear pain, and tinnitus (ringing in ears). I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link, but if you enter "sternocleidomastoid syndrome" into your search engine, that could get you started with some questions for your docs. One site had suggestions for relieving tension in the muscles - I've just done those exercises, and, for now, am free of the "sinus" pain and low-grade nausea I've had all day today. Check it out - it won't be the solution for everyone, but hopefully some of you (and me). Good luck!

[drf]

Hi all-

It never occurred that so many people would have the same problems I'm having.

Well here is some good news. I went to an allergist and found out that I have some mild allergies to dust mites, trees, and cockroaches (who'd a thunk it). Anyway, these are not causing my sinus pressure and dizziness.

Turns out it is acid reflux, which is contributing to sinus pressure, which is leading to sleep problems, which is contributing to vestibular (neurological) problems. I have been taking Nexium, Duraphen II, and Nasonex since my last post (about 7 days) and although I am still a little dizzy, all of the pressure is gone, Im sleeping at night, and I am noticing that the dizziness is slowing going away with each day.

I am having a sleep study test done for sleep apnea.

Don't know if this will help anyone else, but thought I would throw it out there for anyone who wants to check into it.

There are also a lot of Chinese herbs that are meant to treat vertigo and vestibular problems. Check www.Chineseherbs.com.

drf

[LMND]

How can acid reflux contribute to sinus pressure?  I don't understand that.  I'm open to anything though.  Do you know?

[drf]

I thought the same thing. I had no idea there was a correlation. Basically he explained that severe acid reflux will gradually begin to increase pressure in the sinuses and it has been shown to increase risk of chronic sinus pressure. He used a lot of medical terms that I can't remember, but I did look it up on the internet after I got home and there are a lot of studies out there that seem to substantiate what he is saying.

[apneaman]

I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and chronic rem sleep deprivation at 51.

CPAP has elminated high blood pressure, use of statins, helped me lose 40 lbs, eliminated years of acid reflx and losec, night time urination. I could go on and on.

All of this led me to ENT where I finally realized that I had a long term sinus problem that may play a significant role in the apnee.

I use NeilMed sinus flood sinus rines twice a day and its a life saver. Forget your antibiotics for what they will not swab, the cortesteroids that compromise youe immune system. I van't belive that we take antihitimanes to take contaminates out of a nose as a primary treatment.

I can't wait to get my turbinates cut and my septum adjusted. I am convinced these obstructions play a ,major role and I will let you know in March. I don't sell it neilmed.com

I am an engineer up North who will solve his own problems once he realized our medicare system that is well rather dysfunctional.

Hope this helps some of you.

[sinussick]

Wow!  I can't believe there are so many others having these same problems.  I live in North Carolina, am a 45-year old male, and have had sinus issues for years.  Since approximately early October, I have had severe sinus headache, pressure, dizziness (off balance feeling), and a general lethargic feeling.  I went to my GP, who prescribed Augmentin, which did nothing.  Last week, I saw an ENT, who prescribed Prednisone for 6 days, Levaquin, Ambifed, and Nasonex.  Talk about being medicated!  I felt better the first 3 days and now am back to feeling horrible again.  Additionally, the Levaquin and Ambifed made me feel weird and "out of body" at times, so I have stopped taking it.  I do have a deviated septum (right side), but no mention of surgery has taken place yet.  Like everyone else, I am frustrated and after a time, the symptoms become enhanced from a psychological perspective.  Any suggestions?

[LMND]

What is CPAP?  

I haven't decided on the allergy shots yet - I do better, not normal, with saline rinses, Nasacort and Singulair, and air cleaner.  I just don't know if I really need shots.

Definitely going to talk to my Dr. next visit on acid reflux, sleep problems, etc.

[alica]

where do i start!

I also have the same symptoms as everyone else..been going on for nearly a year...I've had sinus surgery to repair a deviated septum...and some turbinates reduction....about 6 weeks now....

No difference yet!

I have noticed, my neck is soo sore....i will be going for a massage this afternoon, as i can't handle it anymore...it is that bad....

I have another sinus ct scac in the new year, to see if there is something there, or nothing, like it was at the beginning of the year...

I am very sad, lonely, and sooo dissapointed...i haven't been able to work...and shopping is a hastle not an enjoyment...

I am 24 years old..

if anyone wants to mail me...and chat more...
feel free on:
alica_j***@****

[Spoonybard]

Went to the ENT yesterday due to the fact I have no relief from my symptoms. He used the camera scope to see inside my nose and said everything in my maxillary sinuses look clear and that my septum looks great. He can only see the other sinuses from a CT Scan. He prescribed some antibiotics and a nasal steroid spray. If those do not work, he wants me to go for the CT Scan.

Hope everyone feels better in the New Year.

[LMND]

In some of the posts people have mentioned a muscle in the back of your neck causing this - may need to check with a chiropractor.  Let me know how the massage helps.  It may do the trick.  

I feel bad for you.  I, too, could not work for a while, and could not shop!  Which is horrible!!!!!  After 5 1/2 months I am working and shopping, although I do not always feel like it and sometimes cut my trips short because you are right, the enjoyment is gone when you're not back to "normal"!  

I am a female, 50 - (very hard for me to say that because I don't feel like I should be this old) but you are too young to feel like that, and so am I!  Try not to feel alone.  Look at all the others in the forum that are like this!  Someone has eventually got to find the answer.

[coughqueen]

I posted my symptoms a few weeks ago - same as everybody. I have been struggling with this persistent cough, sinus blockage, feeling like choking, occasionally feeling like I was getting asthma.  I am 55 year old female, used to run marathons, etc., always healthy.  Well, someone made a comment about acid reflux.  I have had acid reflux for hte last few years on top of everything else, and after reading her comment, I went on a deep search on acid reflux.  What I found totally corroborated my syptoms (symptoms) - the chronic acid up the esophagus and into the throat causes inflammation and the body's response is to secrete mucus.  Even the sinuses and ears get involved as this mucus secretion is chronic and causes one to feel like there is something in your throat that needs to be cleared.  If the acid reflux does not subside, the mucus secretion never stops.  This is why antibiotics for treating sinus infection are useless, etc.  So, even though I have had my doses of Nexium and other acid reduces, I never seriously combined them with a serious regime to reduce acid.  I have had to swear off of certain foods and wine for a while and sleep almost sitting up.  Good news.....for the first time in weeks the throat tightness is lessening and my anxiety about enclosed spaces (airplanes, elevators) is definitely subsiding.  Amazing that the doctors never put this together, but as more people get acid reflux, I think they will catch on.  Just some thoughts.  I have allergies and hot flashes on top of every thing else, but the acid reflux in my case has been the real culprit because I have been too lazy to really change my lifestyle that was causing this.  Good luck, everyone.  Try some prilosec OTC.

[Morphing]

Hello to all, I am yet another male (age 47) with all the same symptoms (Eeehah!). This is probably the third time I've displayed these particular symptoms and this time it's with a vengeance!. Twelve days ago I went to my doctor and she asked "what's going on", I told her that I felt like I was Morphing into some other life form:(:(. I too have tried mostly all the med's listed in this forum - to no avail either. Have had two CT scans, of course nothing showed up. My face often feels like it's going to crack in half at my nose. I almost expect to hear the bones start crunching at any time. I also have been seeing a Chiropractor for the last 28 years. Sometimes it seems to help and sometimes I wonder if it's my allergies (or whatever) that's causing me to go in the first place and not the other way around??? As I was reading about acid reflux may be the cause, I've got to wonder (at least with me). I've been taking Prilosec or Prevacid for the last seven years, which seems to have completely gotten rid of my heart burn and I only assume - my acid reflux (same thing?). One thing that is at least coincidental (or not) is that I have had an ongoing problem with the top of my neck (C1,C2,C3) and lower around (C5,C6). In the past when the top of my neck was tighting up on me, I'd feel like I had the flu. I'd go and get adjusted by my Chiropractor and imediately felt "Cured". When I experience all this (sinus pressure, headackes, LOUD ringing ears, teeth throbbing)these days, the top of my neck also feels very tight and my headackes seem to emanate from the neck through to the sinuses. This neck tightness and all the sinsus problems go hand in hand for me. I SURELY WISH THAT THE DOCTORS, COULD FIGURE THIS OUT. Sometimes, I wonder about my sanity?? Also, it's happening up here in Northern NY, just minutes from the Canadien border. Surely hope someone on this forum discovers the answer/answers :):). Hope all of you find relief!!!!!!!!!

[bweb]

Well, time to add myself to this mix.

I have had two sinus surgeries, one in 1993, and one this past September.  Even though I can breathe better, I still have pressure over my eyes, on the side of my head, Eustachian tube dysfunction, etc.  The surgeries, well, not really sure they helped.

Antibiotics do not work.  I really wonder if I have or had sinus problems.  Had MRI of head (ok), CT scan of sinuses (showed ethmoid blockage, and was operated on that).

Sometimes get dizzy spells, sweating, almost passing out, not sure if attributed to sinus problems, told they were vasovagal symptoms...somehow I think my ear is the culprit of all of this.

It is frustrating...feeling lethargic, too.  We need a Star Trek scope or something, to really diagnose our problems.

BWEB  Male 53

[nick 123]

IVE HAD DIZZINESS  EVERY DAY FOR 6 WEEKS HEADACHE EARACHE FACIAL PAIN  COULDN'T GO TO THE MALL ANYWHERE  TREATED WITH ANTIBOTICS FOR 3 WEEKS TRIED ALL KINDS OF MEDICATION NOTHING WORKED   3 DAYS AGO I BOUGHT   SINOFRESH NASAL MIST     THIS  SEEMS TO  BE WORKING FOR ME  HAS ANYBODY TRIED IT  IF SO LET ME KNOW

[coughqueen]

Another thought to add to my acid reflux self-diagnosis...how many of you folks grew up with cigarette smoke everywhere in your life - car, house, bathrooms, dinner table??  I know that I have suffered from a lot of these symptoms as a result of reduced lung capacity as I got older as a result of old scarring from second-hand smoke.  

Let's keep studying the symptoms and trying to find the root causes of these afflictions.  I must say that reading the one poster's comments on acid reflux really starting me thinking.

Happy New Year, and may it find us all wiser and somewhat healthier!

[Morphing]

Hello again, I'm happy to report that I have found some releif and maybe you can benefit also. Searching for more answers on the net the other day made me recall something that helped me in the past. Several years ago I had a basic allergy test which showed that I was quite reactive to dust mites. Back then replacing my pillow cleared up 90% of my symptoms. Reading a site recently suggested freezing pillows in order to kill the dust mites. It worked!!!!!!. most of my INTENSE symptoms have disappeared. Another thing suggested was to encase pillows and mattresses. I've used a crude method on my pillow so far, after freezing it and sleeping on it one night it's now in a plastic garbage bag inside a pillow case (till I find the real thing). Today is the second day of waking feeling marvelous!!!. I'm feeling HUMAN again and can walk, talk and take nurishment :):):). ALL of my terrible symptoms have ceased for the most part. Anyone ever watch "Northern Exposure"?. I was just about ready to try Hio-Hio-Ip-Syn-Nio, it's Moose (you know what)and it was rubbed all over the body to cure the Flu (of course it wasn't Real - I think :):):). Hope this may help somebody. I'll post again to let you know if this continues to work. Take Care!

[bweb]

Dust mites are awful!!

[misnger]

Sinus suffers !! I've suffered with sinus problems ever since I can remember. After years of dealing with infections I finally pushed and demanded to have something done. In 2000 I had a cat scan, they found a huge cyst up my nose, when the doctor did the surgery he also found polyps behind the cyst as well as on the other side that didn't show on the scan.  I was good for about 1 year, then it all started again. Pain behind the eyes,the back of the head, cheek pain & sore gums 1 infection after the other all year round. A few days ago I noticed pain in my left eye, I had a torn retina in 2001 so I went to the dr. luckily everything is ok & its actually sinus pain, tonight it's right in the forehead I can barely focus to write this but I had to chime in and share some things to try. I've taken every sinus med out there over & under the counter. Today I went to buy sudafed and I found out I had to go to the pharmacy dept. just to buy it how crazy. Because wacckos use it to get high on Meth They wanted my dr license & signature, suprised they didn't want blood and my 1st born. Crazy world we are in.

I firmly believe you have to be headstrong in life especially when it comes to your health. Tell your dr. what you want & how you feel keep a log book but if your dr. doesn't want to hear your ideas or brushes you off it is time to move on to a different dr. I haven't been to 1 yet but I 'm going to try a holistic dr. they are trained to look at the whole picture and treat with herbal,homeopathic meds. It may help but pills & sprays are not the only answer try alternative medicine. The next thing for me to try is accupuncture.
  
I've taken so many antibotics, decongestants & nose sprays (Nasilcort or Naseril works for me)during my lifetime (only 35) it scares me, the effects on your liver & kidneys + the fact that your body builds up a tolerance to each antibotic (antibiotic) you take is terrible. The drug makers push their freebees & doctors say try this pill, try that one, they only want to give you medicine for the symptoms not the find and fix the problem. No wonder health care is soo expensive.
  
A FEW THINGS TO TRY: for others suffering  
1. I get my hubby to put me a head lock and squeeze as hard a he can, it does help with the pain & pressure, just squeeze hold and release repeat.

2. While sitting in a hot tub, or pool or shower get a mask for snorkeling and pull it on and off slowly, the suction helps reduce the pressure.  (yes hubby laughs at me)

3. Get a super cold compress straight from the freezer put it over the eyes & massage the pressure points in the head.

Good luck to all & I hope the tips help everyone else I know they sound wierd but it works for me.

[misnger]

Oh I forgot my sinus dr. says NEVER blow your nose when you have a sinus issue, when you do it forces the fluid into the ear canal, then you get dizzy & more pain.

[dly]

I am relieved to know that i am not alone. I am a 33 year old male i have had allergy and sinus problems for years , use to years ago i would do a lot of sneezing and blowing my nose but for the past 3 to 4 years nothing ever comes out of my nose it all goes down my throat , i have dizziness frequently ,headache ocassionaly and stuffy nose almost all the time,its worse when the weather changes like when a rain storm is approaching and when it goes from cold to hot . i live near the gulf coast and the weather is constantly changing . I know i have bad allergies i don't know to what i never been tested. I've tried all kinds of medicines some seem to help at first then they stop working.  the dizziness is what was worrying me the most, i am so use to the other symptoms i just kinda live with it but the last few months the dizziness/ lightheadedness seems to be way more frequent and i have been very worried about it. I wasn't sure if my allergy/sinus problems could cause it or not but i see now that it can from reading this forum. i usually get 3 to 4 sinus infections a year that i have to take antibiotics for I have gotten several steroid shots this past year for my sinus's they seem to make me feel better for a few days.  i just don't know what to do anymore , i hope we all get to feeling better soon , i suppose i will go for the allergy test soon. thank you all for posting and god bless.

[Paulppp]

Wow I would ike to say I am relieved that I am not alone suffering, but that is horrid for everyone that is.

A couple of years ago I started feeling massively dizzy and had a presure in my head.  I got really worried.  The only thing that made me feel better was alcohol...!  It seemed to excahange the dizzy fuzzy feeling for that of the alcohol and relieve the pressure, which caused headaches.  Not a good solution and not one I regularly used.  I went to the doctor fearing some kind of tumor and he gave me antibiotics for a week.  This relieved the headaches and i felt better - but I still thought there is something not quite right.  Anyway it all became fine after a while and I thought no more of it.

Then in October 2006 I started feeling a pressure in my head again all across my face and over my head, feeling fuzzy headed as though i was wrapped in cotton wool.  I started getting headaches and feeling lousy.  I tried going to the doctor to get antibiotics again but couldn't get an appointment.  I had to go away to Spain to work for 2 weeks.  So I went and took loads of Sudafed with me.  It got worse and then a little better.  I felt OK, still fuzzy when I got back to the UK, but it hadn't gone away.  It then came back with a vengeance at the beginning of december so I went to the doctor and had a weeks antibiotics, but I was still rough - no energy, headaches and pain across my face and in my ears.  I went back and the doctor gave me another week of antibiotics nasal spray and an x ray.  I began feeling better although the fuzzy head was still there at least the pressure had subsided and i felt livlier!  So Christmas and New Year were Ok...still underenergised and feeling depressed until finally the day after new year I felt really great....for a few hours and then I just went into total relapse, which is how I have been ever since.  Headaches are fewer and the pressure is lower - in fact that comes and goes - but I am still fuzzy headed and tired and low and my muscles ache.

So does anyone else get muscle ache and I also have a tingling sensation in my hands...is that anything anyone else has had?  

It is so depressing  - I feel like Ihave been ill for such a long time! I am still waiting for the X ray result...

[Spoonybard]

New Update Everyone.

At the beginning of this week I started a new round of Steriod and Antibiotic (Lexaquin). By the third day a lot of my symptoms started to go away except that I broke out in a heat rash all over my chest, neck and face. My ENT said to stop taking the meds immediately and drink plenty of water.

From what everyone has said, meds help temporarily and then symptoms come back all the time. I have an appointment this wednesday with my ENT and my Primary Care.

In regards to "coughqueen"'s question with smoking. I lived with my parents in a 2 bedroom apartment for 18 years with my mom smoking around a pack a day. I never had any sinus problems when I lived at home. The only thing I felt every morning when I got up was as if someone put a blowtorch down my throat and through my nose. My symptoms started when I was 21.

Several people have mentioned Chiropractic. I suggest you definitely find one for yourself if haven't already. My neck from the first Vertebrae to the last one in my neck are all out of whack and I have a lot of tension that goes from the base of my head down to my shoulders and across them as well. After getting adjusted I feel better for a few hours to a day or so.

Exercises: There are several exercises that I have been using to alleviate the tension in my neck and shoulders as well as the dizziness. For the neck and shoulders, stand up with your arms at your side and turn your head from left to center to right and then back to left. One repitition is left to right. Do this 10 times. Then look straight ahead and look up and then look down till your head almost touches your chin. Up to down is one rep. Do this 10 times as well.

For the dizziness: I call them the "B Exercises". Print out on a white piece of paper a large capital B in black ink. Tape it on a wall where you can see the B at eye level. Stand arm's length away from the paper. Start at about 30 secs for each B Exercise and eventually work your way up to no more than 2 minutes. The first exercise is from side to side like the neck exercise but this time you keep your eyes focused on the B. Basically, turn your head as far left as you can with the B in view and then rotate to the right and then back to left. Keep a fluid motion going until the time is up. The speed you should move your head is by counting to 1 when you get to the left and then 2 when you get to the right then 1 to the left, etc...

The second B Exercise is Up and Down head motion. Same as the neck but keep your eyes focused on the B. The third and final exercise you need a chair for. You are going to draw a box in the air with your head. Sit straight up and start by looking up. Move your head to the upper left corner of the box then down to the lower left corner, then to the lower right corner, then to the upper right corner, then back to the upper left corner. Don't move to fast because that will make anyone dizzy.

Do all 3 B exercises two to three times a day slowly increasing the time you do them and take about a minute break in between them and do the neck exercises two to three times a day. The best thing to do is try to do the neck exercises in a very hot shower with the shower hitting the back of your neck and shoulders.

These exercises give me some relief from my symptoms. I hope they help you out.

[poorchmunki]

My chronic sinus infections are so bad I fantasize about having all of them surgically removed... it makes me smile :)

I have been on everything from A-Z changed my diet... slept upside down ...to flushing my head with a neti pot

I am going to push an ENT to culture a sample of my runny nose.

If I get anywhere with it I will be sure to let you all know.




Grace(falls to floor)  

[LMND]

I always say I need a head transplant.  I'd feel ok except for my head.  I think there is hope for us.  At least I'm thinking that for now.  I have posted in another forum.  After a month of Singulair and Nasalcrom, saline rinsing, air cleaner, I am better.  I'm continuing the meds and we'll see if things stay this way.  

As for the tingling...that sounds like anxiety...at least my hands tingle when I'm having panic attacks -- and with all the "feel bad" I started having my attacks again, but when I got better they went away, as did some other people that wrote in the forum.  All of your problems may be triggering anxiety.  

I'm trying to keep things dust free, even though I never thought I had allergies before.  I still doubt the allergy testing which they said came back severe.  I didn't get big whelps or itch..I don't sneeze or cough, although I still have clear nasal dripping.  But I do think it's allergy related to some extent.  Weather changes affect me, too.  Right now I have hope....

[Morphing]

I spoke TOO soon, the pillow "Thing" worked for only two days!! I now feel just as bad if not worse. Feel as if someone punched me in the nose repeatedly. NO idea what to try next?? Getting punched in the back of the head?? Something REALLY weird is happening in this world.

Thanks for your posts.

I'll keep reading :):)

[Paulppp]

Has anyone heard of any correlation between dairy and sinus issues?  I think it is problematic and creates mucus...or am I making it up?

[LMND]

I don't eat much dairy - so I don't think that's my problem.  No acid reflux that I know of.

I bought some allergy spray at Lowe's Home Improvement $15 - and you spray it, then wait 2 hours and vacuum.  I did my pillows.  Been washing all bed clothes in hot water every week. Vacuum every day.  Had the furnace cleaned and vents checked.  Had carpets shampooed and they used something to kill bacteria.

Been to the GP, Chiro., (said he'd never seen anyone with a neck so tight in his life) manipulated my neck a few times but I didn't continue (too expensive) and didn't see fast results, ENT - ears cleaned, x-rays, blood work, CT Scan, allergy testing (severe to dust mites, weeds, grass, moderate to other things, and the dentist.  Been on antibiotics many times, different nasal sprays, steroids twice, and yes, even to my gynocologist.  

I am finding either I'm getting better on my own....because whatever it is has run its' course, maybe a virus, who knows, or the Singulair, NasalCrom, air cleaner, and saline rinses are doing it.  
  
I, too, grew up in a house with a lot of second hand smoke although I never smoked!  I don't know if that's caused damage or problems.  

Anyway....I am just waiting now to see if when spring comes and all the grasses and trees start up if I get bad again, as then I guess I will have no choice but to go for the allergy shots.  It seems there's nothing left to try.

What about depression - they say it can make you ill.  I know we're all depressed about feeling this way, but were you depressed before?      

  

[dly]

I have been on depression medicine for about 7 years i had allergies before but i didn't seem to worry about it as much as i do now, my wife got killed last year and since then i know i have anxiety problems. sometimes i wonder if my anxiety is what is making all this seem so bad. i tend to notice every little thing that happens to my body in a worrysom way. depression/anxiety can make you overly aware of things and can over exaggerate them. having said this and knowing this i still let my self do it. go figure. but still if i could get my allergies/ sinus problems under control it would be one less thing to stress me out.

[dly]

and i was also wondering if any of you had tried claritan D . i took one yesterday and i had chills off and on experinced about the same thing with poly hist forte , just wondering if iam the only one that gets this side effect from some of theses meds. Iam not taking no more of it , i also could not sleep even though i felt really tired.

[Paulppp]

i think everyone here is suffereing from anxiety over their health and of course it will contribute to symptoms.  I am well aware I create some of my own symptoms through worry.  As for depression, it is an illness and it can't help any of us feel better physically if we are mentally unwell. It is horrid feeling like this it makes me so low.

I have wax in my ears which I am treating with olive oil and then gettting removed on wednesday so that is also not helping.  But had some alcohol last night and felt better (probably takes the mind off it)  - this morning I have bad pressure in middle of forehead and through to ears.  Been out for a 5 mile cycle ride felt great - although still pressure there but at least I was out in the air and excercising!

Friend of mine said drink Yakult - that bacteria drink because it helps the system - especially after all the antibiotics becasue that kills everything but youo have not healthy bacteria left...is that true?  Anyway i got some but takes a week.

[Morphing]

Looked at this site today http://heartspring.net/infections.html, Lots of Sinus related info, maybe you've already been to the site?. It's worth a try -anything to get rid of all these Sinus related problems.

Also, I found that (at least temporarily) my symptoms were reduced by as much as 80%, by using Dristan nasal spray. Of course this can only be used for a short time, but if it works -maybe nasal irrigation will??. Not sure, but I'll try just about anything at this stage.

Hope it helps :):)

[Paulppp]

So surprise!  My X ray shows nothing too abnormal.  Have booked in with ENT specialist.  Had my ears unblocked today hoping that may help, but no.  Still have a pressure in the front of my head and going around the ears (but that could be due to the struggle the nurse had to get rid of my wax). Still fuzzy headed and worse than yesterday, but strangly I feel perkier today.

Incidently she said she had suffered with sinus problems constantly for 15 years - when I asked what cured it she said she had no idea, the only thing she could put it down to was eating Jelly Babies one night instead of chocolate!!  The next day she was cured and hasn't had a problem since.  I know we have all heard of alternative therapies...but... I may just have to give it a go LOL!!

I am still taking a nasal spray...aren't they supposed to aggrivate the lining of the nasal passages if used for too long?

How is everyone else doing?

[LMND]

They say Afrin isn't good longer than 3-4 days - but I've taken it for months before.  It's just hard to get off of it.  I don't know about damage the sprays do.  

I eat a LOT of chocolate.  I'm wondering...if I CAN stop will I feel better?  ha!ha!  I might TRY.  Don't know how long I'll last.  

Watch and see if smells bother you -- aerosol sprays, hair sprays, candles burning, car fumes.  I find all that affects me, as well as weather changes, keeping the house too hot or cold.  That is what they're calling the non allergic rhinitis, whith the Dr. said they didn't know that much about.    

They say every 7 years the chemicals in your body change - I hope I don't have to live like this for 7 years until they change again.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

I am so glad I am NOT alone. I have has issues since Spetember, thinking it was all anxiety, and I was just being ridiculous!!! I rec'd several rounds of anti biotics for what they claimed were sinus infections....found out it was an absessed tooth, that my ENT saw as well. Got that fixed, but ever since then, I have been plauged with horrid sinus pressure that goes in the back of my head and causes dizziness??? It scares me and causes my anxiety to go crazy. I do NOT want to go on an anti depressant, thinking I am causing all this from muscle tension, but I cant figure out why I get such bad jaw aches, dizziness and pressure in my teeth and back of head...why the pressure in the back of my head????? I get a stiff neck too. I even went to my dentist to see if my root canal is causing this?? He said NOPE, and went to a TMJ person to see if it was that, he said unlikely. I bought a $400.00 mouth piece to use to sleep with thinking I was clenching at night, but when I wake up, my teeth still ache and jaw still aches. My husband is soooo fristrated with me, as I have gone from doc to doc to see why I am having these issues....does this all sound sinus related, and if so, what can I do???? THANKS GUYS!!! :)

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

OOPS, sorry for all my typos...cold hands! :)

[LMND]

My husband gets frustrated with me, too.  The back of my head hurts, teeth hurts, when I have the sinus.  So much that sometimes I will push on my gums till they bleed.  I'll take Advil, and sometimes it helps when the pain is so bad, but never stops it, but I also use a hot water bottle (which I heat the water, not to boiling, but really hot) on the back of my neck and face, switching it around.  They say there is a muscle in the back of your neck if you read the forums, and maybe that's it and you need a chiropractor.  Try something different with your pillow.  Sometimes the back of my head feels like it will explode.  There is also Meclazine you can get over the counter, was prescription Antivert, and it helps with dizziness.  Today I've had the water bottle all day.  The only thing different today is the weather/air is cold and dry and my humidity in the house dropped just a couple of points, so now I have the humidifier on.  I do everything I can to figure this out....but I will tell you that it causes your anxiety to worsen.  Even with the Xanax I take for it, when my sinuses are really bad nothing works.  I hope this helps you.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

OMG...YES, I am taking Xanax daily, starting 2 days ago, and TODAY, my neck is stiff, the back of my head hurts, my nose is running too! :( You pegged it, I am in your boat for sure!!!! My husband, who never gets sick looks at me like I am INSANE!!!! Where do you live...I am here in Texas and a cold front blew in last night, which always makes me worse...plus Mtn Cedar is my worst allergen, and it is SUPER high today. :( I just have never in all my life had such horrid sinus problems that I have in the last 3 months. You are such a sweet lady to give me the tips!! Thank you!!!! I go to an ENT tomorrow, a good one, from what I hear, to see if they can see if this has ANYTHING to do with the sphenoid(???) sinuses in the back of my head...I have never had headaches/pressure in the back before????

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

Oh, and forgot to mention that I have been to a chiro, which made it worse, and a pain management person who injected my neck with steroids!!!!! Yep, I have done it all....still have that pressure in the back of my head....SIGH!!!!! :)

[Paulppp]

Wish we had some answers about what to do.  I have had problems since October and after anti biotics, nasal sprays and x-ray I am going to Ear Nose Throat consultant.  I actually feel better again today still fuzzy but less, but it usually comes on later in the day...so lets see what happens.  I think all we can do is keep posting to see if ANYTHING works for anyone!  But it does make you anxious that something more serious is wrong.  But with so many people experiencing the same problem lets take some comfort that is probably is just our awful sinuses!  So posting all your symptoms really helps as do updates on your condition.  At least people can take comfort in this and possibly we can pass on knowledge and help to each other.

When I phoned for an appointment wih the specialist and explained my problem the assistant said it sounded all too familiar.

[LMND]

I live in WV.  My husband NEVER has had sinus...never a headache.  You don't wish this on anybody, but sometimes you wish they could know just how bad you feel!!!  

It might sound all too familiar to the Dr., but the Dr.s are not doing much about it!  I don't think they know what else to do.  

I had a face ache and back of head ache all day yesterday, and have it today, too.  I've got the humidifier on, as the air is cold and dry...but I don't know if it will help.  I just do not know!!!!  Post when you go to the Dr. and let us know what he says.  Nobody ever mentioned to me about the sinus in the back of the head, but when I go back to my ENT in March I will ask and see what he says.  

Life is stressful enough without adding this to it!

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

I AGREE!!! :) My appt is in a few hours. I am afraid they'll give me steroids, which mess me up! But, like you said, they may not know what to do. I incidentally, came down with a cold last night, and took some NyQuil, which seemed to make my heart race and freak out....so again, lack of sleep! :( This is frustrating...my teeth hurt, my jaw hurts, my head hurts, but it didnt when I woke up, so I cannot figure out if I am clenching my teeth at night?? I'll let ya know what this doc says today!! THANKS!! :)

[geee]

I went through a very similar situation to some of you only to find out it wasn't my sinuses causing the trouble at all. They were migraine headaches. And have since been told that the old thinking that sinus trouble was only a sympton of a sinus headache has been changed and now most doctors also say that sinus issues are very often from migraine disease.
Obviously, this might not be the case for everyone and I wouldn't call myself 100% headache free either, but I thought I'd at least throw it out there just in case it applies to anyone else.

[LMND]

The chiro did say he thought I may be getting cluster headaches - but I didn't think he knew what he was talking about.  I will ask the Dr. about that, also, when I go.  He'll probably think I'm a nut when I go in with my list of questions for him!

[SilverWaves]

I have been having problems with my sinuses for the past 2 and a half months.  Everyday I have terrible headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and motion sickness many times.  The furst attack happened when I was in the passenger seat of a car- I ended up going to the hospital.  It was awful.  
Anyway, I have been put on every drug in the book- nothing has helped.  I still have yet to find a cure.  

Have many people found anything to be really beneficial????  Its such an awful feeling!

[Paulppp]

After feeling better yesterday - almost normal - here I am again today.  Have fuzzy head, a mild sinus headache, throbbing in ear and feel stuffed up a bit.  Nothing like the problem I had, but it is definitely still there.  This worries me as I had felt better on numerous occasions over the past few months but then it just flared up.  So I hope it is just a sinus hangover from the main trouble and I am still on the mend.  

Never had headache in the back of my head.  It's either local to the front around nose and forehead and then all across the top.

People have mentioned neck problems associated with the sinuses.  When I first had the problem I was working on a job and met someone who suffers badly.  she massaged my neck and the base of the skull  (all along the base and especially in between skull and spine) and i felt 1000 times better.  It only lasted a couple of hours, but perhaps it is worth trying out.  She used a fair amount of pressure.  Think I will get proper head and shoulder massage, I know the tension has built up from such a long period of worry!

[midwest50]

i have fought with sinus problems most of my life.now i'm 56 and once again being plagued with this stuff.i've got pressure behind my left eye,my left ear feels blocked and my nose feels full.and to top it off i've been diagnosed with tinnitus.yet a hearing test and sinus exam shows nothing.with high blood pressure normal decongestants aren't a possibility for me.any suggestions??i am to the point where i honestly think i'm dying from something.i'm sorry everyone here is having this trouble too but relieved to knw i'm not alone.

[midwest50]

figured i'd better add that i am female,not that it makes any difference.just thought if someone was taking count it would matter to them :)  .and i have been on depression meds for 20 years.no matter how much it hurts i try to find something humerous.it's either that or sit down and cry.good luck all and please help!!

[geee]

I can vouch for the person who suggested that having neck problems could give you headaches. I've had one pretty much daily for about 4 months because of my neck (I have cervical spondylosis in most of my neck). I have found that if I have a really good deep tissue massage it helps. I also alternate between hot and cold packs on the back of my head and neck when I have flare ups and it seems to ease them a bit. I think I live for those little bits sometimes.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

Well, almost went to E/R? today, as I just feel awful!!! I have a headche all over, sinus pressure behind my nose and my neck is sore and stiff. I went to a SUPPOSED EXPERT ENT last week, who never looked in my ears or throat, and said, "probably allergies" and sent me on my way!!! :( I woke up to a bad headache and it's in my ears, eyes, all over...esp nape of neck. I just cannot figure out how to rid myself of this mess!!!! I am thinking of all your guys out there experiencing the same thing. Is it interfering with anyone elses sleep?? I cant sleep through the night anymore...prob from stress about this.

[Paulppp]

I have no problem sleeping and haven't had a problem throughout this whole stupid time.  It seems to be different problems for different people.  Sorry to hear about the ENT.  I have my first ENT visit on Thursday so will post what is said.

Have to say I feel miles better though, although I am definitely still not right.  I have had a few days of feeling normalish.  I can still feel some pressure at the back of my sinuses - deep inside my head and have few and mild headaches.  However the fuzzy feeling in my head is still there although much reduced.  I am still feeling off colour and i have a pain deep in my ears (sort of feels like a build up of wax and I have pressure issues, my ears keep popping - this is despite having them cleaned out last week.) I have noticed I do get slightly worse around 5 or 6 pm...just feel strange.  Does anyone else get worse times of the day?

Has anyone been helped with exercise?  I was out on my bicylcle at the weekend and although it made my sinuses burn a bit I think it helped - certainly made me more energised.

[Spoonybard]

Today is the last day of antibiotics for me. I have been on Prednisone and Azithromycin. The Azithromycin was a 5 day treatment and the Prednisone is a 12 day treatment. I really don't see any improvement in my symptoms. The only thing I notice is an increase in drainage from my sinuses. I'm starting to lean towards asking my Primary Care to refer me to a different ENT. I keep going every 2 to 3 weeks and it seems like it is a guessing game for him.

Someone mentioned if exercising helps and it does. I finally got back to the gym last week and I feel an improvement in my symptoms during and a little after working out. My sinuses do burn a little while running.

Feel better everyone.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

WOW!! Yes, I told my ENT TODAY, that I feel worse right at 5, when the sun starts to go down, with more pressure. He looked at me like I was an alien! :) But, he told me today that my turbinates are VERY swollen, and I need to take Allegra D, which I hear causes anxiety...and I already have that...any comments from someone using Allegra D???

[Paulppp]

So I went for my first ENT visit today.  Guy looked in my ears - fine.  Looked up my nose with a scope thing - horrid experience but fine, no infection.  He confirmed my deviated septum (like i didn't know already!) and was surprised that the scope went up the right side as he said it is quite deviated (OK I didn't realise it was so bad).  Said my experience it is quite familiar story.  Felt a bit of a fraud as I am so much better - have still slight fuzziness, slight pressure which somes and goes  and very mild headaches but he said it was good I came.  He started talking about corrective surgery for my septum which will help me breathe easier through both nostrils.  He is now sending me for MRI though to see what is happening inside.  So nothing conclusive will have to wait for MRI...Am having that done on Tuesday.

Not sure I want surgery route.  Will wait and see what is happening with MRI.  Incidently he said I should contune with the steroid nasal spray I have been using called Flixonase it is harmless to the nasal lining unlike some of the sprays which can cause damage and inflame the lining with too much use.

So not sure there was any benefit today or that I learned anything and as always as much as I told him about what I had been suffereing I forgot to mention loads of stuff.  Will see him again next week when the MRI is back. So I will go more prepared.

How is everyone else?  Be good to hear some updates on how people are feeling.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

Yeah, same thing they tell me with deviated septum and swollen somethings in my nose. :( Well, I feel awful today, rain came in, and I have the face aches! :) ha ha!!! Sooooo tired of this. I am on Effexor, as I have just frazzled my nerves with this. I think these meds are making me MORE tired, which I didn't need. I just want to feel like my old self again, like I did back in August!! Since Ragweed hit, I havent felt the same way. This has been such a bad year for allergies for sure. But, glad you are feeling somewhat better!!! :) That's a good thing!~

[Spoonybard]

Hey everyone. Going for a CT Scan of my head today because the doctors think I might have migraines. Next week I am also getting a CT Scan of my sinuses again since the antibiotics did nothing.

I'm sorry everyone is feeling so bad. I recently read a quote that will hopefully help you all "keep on truckin'" as they say.

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." - Henry Ford

[Paulppp]

Good words Spoony.

So been feeling better and stayed off the steroid nasal spray until this morning and now feel fuzzy, although I did feel slightly strange when I got out of bed today - have mild headache and can feel some sort of pressure in sinus region, so may not be the spray.  Could it be the poking around by the ENT causing irritation today?

Noticed last night sitting on sofa with neck twisted had thumping in ear which I had before last bout of sinus hell in December so things may be going in backward direction again.  When I changed position on sofa it helped so neck issues are still concerning me.  Although have no real pain in neck.  Also feels as though my ears are slightly blocked again - although ENT said they were clear and looked good.

Could it also be tension? Anxiety?

[Paulppp]

So all was going well until Friday.  I took a turn for the worse! Have been feeling **** all weekend.  Didn't help I had a couple of boozy late nights (wish I hadn't done that).  I am still feeling rough.  Pressure in head that is worse than it has been for a couple of weeks, genreally feeling run down and tired and I am getting stronger headaches.

It is horrid, I just haven't felt like doing anything all day.  Have the pulsating in my ear again.  Just when I think I am getting better - had a good week last week and thought i was seeing the back of it - and then here I am again!!!!

Has anyone else been like this?  Keep getting better and then bam! worse.  This  has been happening since November.  


GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

Oh Paul, mine has been since September. The sun finally came out in Dallas, so it was nice to go out, but yeah, major head pressure today, and my jaw aches so bad, and behind my nose. I called my ENT again, just to see if they can tell me WHY this keeps happening to me. I wonder if this is chronic sinusitis?? Woudl I need an antibiotic for that? My sister was feeling this way last week right along with me, and took an antibiotic and doesnt have the jaw pain and pressure anymore?? So, I am wondering if I need a 4th ROUND??!!! The last one was the Zpac drink that was one full course of antibiotics in a one day drink. Don't think it did a THING!! I hate it too, because I feel my ENT thinks I am making all this up, and just being generally paranoid about it. But, last week, he said, I had swollen turbinates and congestion behind a devaited septum, but did nothing for it...jsut told me to call back this week after I took Allegra D, which did nothing for it. So, Paul, I feel your pain...it's frustrating!!!! My neck is what is bugging me more...when I get a headache, I tense up, and having sinus headaches for months, can cause alot of tensin up!!! FEEL BETTER PAUL!!! :)

[LMND]

Someone told me the reason I'm so stuffed up today, pressure in my whole head, and hurting so bad, and last night, was because of the barometric pressure change. I know barometric affects arthritis. I know weather changes affect sinus, (too dry, too humid) but I'm going to go more on the barometric pressure and see.  I've been doing this since end of July.  Also, I've been typing a lot which makes my neck hurt and today it was making cracking noises.  Haven't gone back to the chiro - just too expensive.  Don't know if that's causing the head pain and pressure. I saw on the news today in Russell, Kentucky the schools were closing for the rest of the week due to illness.  Just more things going around for our weakened immune systems to not be able to fight off.

[KrazyKat]

Hi - first time here and looking for any related info. I too have sinus/allergy problems but also over the past 2 years have been having vision problems that I relate to flourescent lights and the computer. My vision warps, I get dizzy, loose my comprehension, and have blacked out a few times. Also having seizure like symptoms. Have had EEGs and MRI but all come back normal. Even though symptoms suggest seizures tests say no. Drs. now say it's "stress". Any help or can you suggest any other web sites for me to research?

[Paulppp]

Imnd - I can relate to the barometric pressure change theory.  I seem to have developed a curious sensitivity to altitude change.  I may just be in the car, but if I go up or down slightly in altitude - obviously not much being on the ground - I feel the pressure in my head increase and it is like taking off or landing in an aircraft.  This has got better but over the past few months but it was very odd.  

Went for MRI today.  Horrid experience in itself.  Think I am better again today although still feel rubbish.  It's the fuzzy head more than anything.

Has anyone thought about their posture in relation to this - especially those with neck pain.  

I used to do something called alexander technique which is supposed to realign your bones and muscles -although it is a slow process.  It involves lying on the floor with your feet flat, knees up and a telephone directory behind your head.  hands palms down on your stomach with elbows resting on the floor.  You have to make your back as flat as it can be to the floor and pull your chin towards your chest to stretch the spine so that the base of the skull is resting on the book.  You then lie like this for 20 minutes - and you do it every day.  But just make sure you get up slowly rolling on to your side foetal position then keeping your head down come up onto your feet leaving your head and back dangling to the floor  then bring yourself up slowly vertabrae by vertabrae feels great as you are taller and more upright.....then you make sure when you sit at computer your back is straight and you dont twist your body etc etc as I say slow realignment process but supposed to be great for muscles and bones.

there are websites.  I am off to give it a go

[LeAnneFr]

It's good to know that I am not the only one struggling with these issues. I used to have chronic tonsillitis. After I got my tonsils out the problems seemed to move to my sinuses. I've had numerous sinus infections over the last couple of years. This summer I got a sinus infection and then begin to experience dizziness. It's almost like I have constant motion sickness, everything is overmoving. I've also started to have a lot of jaw pain, sinus pain and ear pain. I had an ear infection a couple of months ago and my eardrum ruptured. That has healed but still struggling with the dizziness and pain. I grind my teeth at night and got a mouth guard from the dentist. The doctor referred me to a physiotherapist for TMJ. She also has given me some vestibular exercises. I'm currently in veterinary school. It is very intense and these health issues are more than I can handle. The dizziness and pain has made me very discouraged. I am now taking cymbalta for depression and anxiety. I am hoping that it will help me to better deal with my health issues. I am twenty five years old and very frustrated. I am tired of feeling sick all the time. I feel like it's affecting every aspect of my life. It's hard not to get down and feel sorry for myself. How do you guys cope with these chronic health problems?

[lifeisalotharder]

Everyone please check and see if u were on any quinolone..Cipro changed my life forever..I am a female in my mid 20's was prescribed Cipro for a UTI and after 1 week I kept getting classic flu symptoms assumed I was getting sick so I kept taking the Cipro thinking it would help me rid the flu as well as the UTI...It started with hot flashes, electric buzz feeling in my face, rapid heart beat, nausea, chills, floaters, dry mouth, vertigo u name it the works I literally thought I was dying the crazy thoughts insomnia are what amazed me..I have always been the type to love to sleep, overly confident and this drug has made me have insomnia and anxiety galore.. so please check into that!

[Paulppp]

So what has anyone tried eliminating from their diet?  Is it worth a go?  I noticed yesterday feeling better a bit then I had bread for lunch and felt rough again in the afternoon - mad headache and pressure.  Also had a rash.  Also I had a lot of bread last Thursday night when I was almost feeling normal then Friday I felt worse again, continued with quite a lot of bread over the weekend and have been rough ever since.  Maybe coincidence?

[NJPressure]

Hello everyone--this is my first post here.  I just read this entire post from top to bottom.  I think I have what all of you have.

I have had seasonal allergies my whole life, so in August of this year when I started suffering from sinus problems it was nothing new.  I chose from my assortment of meds collected from years of allergy symptoms and tried to get through the season.  I got through my season but the problem never went away.

So I go to the doc and tell him I have extreme dizziness, nausia, incredible pressure above and below my eyes, sore upper teeth, neck ache, a very loud ring in my left ear, and my left eye is twitching like a banchee for months.  The doc puts me on Astelin, Flonase, and Allegra.  A few weeks later I revisit the doc.  I explained that I thought the meds are drying my head up, but that I thought I should be emptying my head out.  So the doc put me on an expectorant.  I hate to sound gross, but it felt good to finally be able to blow-out instead of dry-up.  Unfortunately, it did not resolve the problem.  So I went back to the doc.  The doc gives me an antibiotic--which I take and finish with no help.

In frustration, I visit a very well-known ENT (had to wait 5 weeks to see her) and she never even looks in my ears, nose, or throat and sends me for a CAT scan.  Five more weeks later she looks at my CAT scan for 3 seconds and says that she sees nothing physically wrong and that this always means the problem is allergies.  She recommends I see an allergist.  I explain to her that it is January and I have NEVER had allergies in January.  She shrugs her shoulders and sends me on my way.

So I am in the same position as all of you--lots of meds, lots of docs, no answers.  I think I should have been a meteorologist though--because I can predict how much rain is coming a day ahead of time by the pressure in my head or how much my left eye lid starts twitching.

[LeAnneFr]

Paulppp, I was diagnosed with celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. Gluten is in a lot of cereal grains/breads. Have you ever been tested for a gluten allergy. Some people get GI symptoms, rash is common. I get a really severe headache, nausea, bloating and just feel generally lousy when I eat gluten. It's worth checking out. Unfortunately gluten is in everything...bread, pasta etc. Hope this helps.

[Paulppp]

Leannefr - Not been tested for anything yet, but a couple of days without bread or wheat gluten products has made me feel better, i think - although I did unfortunately eat a small amount of something containing gluten last night and had a rash and dodgy stomach.  Do you ever get rashes from food allergy/intolerance?

Am seeing ENT on Monday for results of MRI so will pose question of allergy then.

Also went for massage whcih included Indian head massage today - felt great.  In fact I woke up feeling tip top today, this afternoon I hhave a bit of a headache and sinus pressure.  Am also keeping on with alexander technique to inprove my posture.

I will try anything!

[LeAnneFr]

Paulppp, I've never gotten a rash from eating gluten, but it's a really common symptom of gluten intolerance. If you notice that you get a rash and upset stomach everytime you eat gluten I would definately mention it to your doctor. They can do an antibody test to see if you react to gluten. If it comes back positive they usually do an intestinal biopsy to see if the gluten is causing damage to your intestines. Gluten intolerance can cause all kinds of health problems and weird symptoms. Some people even get MS symptoms because gluten can cause neuro damage. Gluten intolerance is pretty prevelant and often misdiagnosed. Definately worth mentioning.

[LMND]

I heard Paul Harvey on the radio today talking about disembarkment syndrome - which is like when you've been on a cruise and when you get off you still feel like that, the dizzy, motion thing.  Says mostly women have it, they don't know why, but it lasts and lasts.  And he said it doesn't bother you when you're driving.  Now I've not been on a cruise...but I wonder...is that something to consider?  Or is that some made up name they gave to this weird feeling people are having because they DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS?

I swear, I have thought about everything -- I'm thinking not the gluten thing or I'd forever feel bad, and never have good days, because I do love breads, etc.  That wouldn't just be a here and there thing, right?

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

NJ PRESSURE, I feel your pain!! LITERALLY! I am baffled....my upper teeth ache, I wear a splint at night that prevents my teeth from touching, so it cannot be that I grind or clench, but I wake up with sore upper teeth and bad post nasal drip. I am on an anti biotic, although, the ENT said I didnt need one?? I am dizzy, sick to my stomach, and SICK of all this!!! :( I am on effexor to calm my nerves, but it has done NOTHING!!! I am resorting to xanax to keep my neck from stiffening up over this. :( What could be wrong that they cannot find with us?? Very frustrating! Had an MRI, that showed that I had alot of congestion behind my nose, but that was it...other than a lesion?? he said I shouldn't worry about???

[LMND]

Doesn't that just make you SICK when they tell you not to worry about it, all the tests came back fine, good news, you don't need surgery.  Yeah...well, why do I feel like this, dragging, forcing myself to go to work, wondering if I'll make it through the day...and IF it was "nothing" why are they prescribing things?  Of course the ENT did diagnose non allergic rhinitis which if you look it up, all the symptoms are there, the fatigue, facial pain, pressure, etc.  He did say they don't know that much about it.  And then the allergy testing came back severely allergic to dust, mites, mold, weeds, etc.   I've been on Singulair for about 2 months, and I do see improvement...not to say I don't have BAD days.  I had 2 days of severe pain and pressure in my head, didn't feel like getting out of bed, last week, using Advil and the hot water bottle on it.  NasalCrom - I can't really say it's helping, I still get stopped up, still have CONSTANT nasal dripping (clear) and can NEVER go anywhere without tissues!!!! Still using the saline rinses.  I am using the air filter in the bedroom and it's on all night and any time I'm at home (won't leave it on when I'm not there, afraid of fires).  Washing the bedding in hot water, using an allergy spray that kills dust mites for the pillows and vacuuming them, vacuuming every day, dusting, watching my humidity levels in the house, but I'm wondering if this is just a life-long thing now.  Or -- will it get WORSE when spring comes?  I don't think I can go through another summer like last.

[Mels22]

Hi I usually post on the neuro forum but I googled my sympoms and your post came up.  I read this WHOLE long forum and your symptoms sound JUST like mine!  I couldn't believe it - it was like reading about me!  I am a 26 year old female who had a baby in May.  I have always struggled with sinus problems - I get at least 12 infections a year - no joke.  While I was pregnant my symptoms changed.  I started getting these strange headaches.  They were localized.  The pressure between my eyes and behind my eyes was so bad I thought I would die.  I also had horrible tension in my neck.  My chiro also said he had never seen such a tense neck.  Anyway, I thought I was having an aneurysm or something.  I had a MRI and CT while pregnant - no aneurysm - just chronic sinusitis - gave me nasonex - some help but not much.  Had several sinus infections - had antibiotics - kept coming back.  In November the terrible one sided headaches, neck pain and headaches behind eyes came back - went to ER - CT scan = nothing.  Had MRI/MRA done - no aneurysm - just chronic sinusitis - taking nasonex and claritin - not much help.  This year already - 2 sinus infections - 2 weeks ago took Z-pack didn't do much.  The pain is worse than ever.  Of course I fear an aneurysm because the pain is now behind just my right eye and it is stabbing.  (I have a fear of brain aneurysms as a friend of mine died of one).  My question is, if my MRI and MRA were clean except the sinusitis in Nov could an aneurysm have formed since then?  I read that chronic sinusitis can cause them.  Do you have stabbing pain behind your eyes?  I'm just looking for answers.  I can hardly enjoy my baby and its so sad as he is so precious and I just want my life to be normal again.  I am seeing an ENT in 5 days but have no idea what they will do for me.  I have had my tonsils removed and polyps removed from my sinuses.  Any advise?  How is your situation going?
Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!

[LMND]

Yes, I get the stabbing behind my right eye - feels like a knife.  My right side is my bad side - the pain, pressure, is always worse on that side.  I don't think you have an aneurism (aneurysm)  although I have thought that myself to the point I've told my husband, I am hurting right here with stabbing pains, if I die or something happens, have them check for that.  Other than doing all the things most of in this forum are doing (saline rinses, air cleaners, allergy meds) maybe ask your Dr. about migraines/cluster headaches.  When I have the pain in the eye I put a very hot water bottle on my face/eye area, and it helps SOME, along with taking Advil or something for pain.  I've even eaten chocolate and drink something with caffeine!   I feel bad for you -- and then to have a new baby on top of that!  I know for years I couldn't enjoy my son or do things with him because I was having panic attacks and it took about 5 years for someone to finally diagnose me and get me on meds.  If you can't take care of yourself it's very hard to have a baby to care for.  Much less enjoy!  Hope you get better.

[LeAnneFr]

I also get headaches that originate from behind my right eye. It almost feels like a nerve is being pinched + lots of sinus pressure, and tenseness in my neck and jaw, makes me feel nauseous. When I get these headaches I find that a combination of ibuprofen, afrin nasal spray and coffee usually helps calm the headache down. I don't think that you have an aneurysm, but I understand how scarry it can be to have someone close to you die suddenly. I also find that my chronic health issues can be pretty consuming. It makes it hard to enjoy the good things happening in my life. Have you talked to your doctor about taking any anti-anxiety medication? It might help calm your fears so that you can enjoy life and your new baby more.

[Mels22]

Man, thats awful, you had that for 5 years before they could diagnose you???  Oh man, I hope they can get me on something that helps before that!  My hubby and baby deserve to have me back!  Man this fear just overcomes me.  I hate to be such a pest but its so scary and docs don't really give you the answers you ask.  I have tried putting something hot on my face and it does help but see on top of having a baby I work from home on a computer all day and I think that makes it worse.  Who diagnosed you?  Did you have to have any surgeries?  Do you think an aneurysm can develop in 3 months?  Thats the one question I can't get an answer to.  I would really appreciate answers and I do appreciate you taking the time to reply to me.  I'm glad you got relief.  Having this pressure is just awful and my husband does not understand at all.  When I used to get sinus infections, there would be drainage but not anymore.  Is it possible for this to be a sinus infection?  I have the pressure, eye pain, headaches, some dizziness but not really any drainage...could that be a sinus infection?  I don't think the z-pack cleared it all up.  What do you think?
Thanks soooo much!!!

[Mels22]

Thanks for the advice, I will try that combo.  Yes it kind of does feel like a nerve is being pinched or something.  I don't know why these syptoms (symptoms) started happening now when I've had sinus issues my whole life.  These are different then they've ever been.  The pressure behind my eyes is just crazy!  Also the neck pain hurts almost every day.  Yes it was scary and I do think about it every day.  My doctor knows that and I've had therapy and I do take ativan and prozac and they do help but when symptoms like these started I immediately thought the worst and since no one in my family has these I needed to know if others out there had these issues with sinuses since thats the only thing they found on my MRI both times.  Do you know how long it takes for aneurysms to form?  I can never get a straight answer for that one?
Thanks a lot and good luck with your headaches!!!!

[Mels22]

Sorry to post so much but also forgot to mention...
my mother said you can't really have a sinus infection without drainage and I don't have any and also she said sinus infections always hurt worse when you bend forward and mine don't.  Is this true?  This is why I'm concerned.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LMND]

Well, I am no Dr. -- but I also work in front of a computer a LOT!!!  Not to scare you...but I think anyone can have an aneurism (aneurysm) at any time - so you can't live you life worrying about things like that.  I mean there's people that go to the Dr. for a complete check-up, are given a clean bill, and die when they get out the door from a heart attack.  You can't live your life in fear of that.  Put that out of your mind.  If you read these forums we all have the same symptoms and we're all still here, miserable as we are.  I don't think doctors have all the answers.  Mine did tell me that sinus infections are becoming resistent to the Z-pack.  I took 2 rounds of that before he put me on Keflex, then when no better sent to the ENT who put me on different allergy meds that didn't help, so I kept complaining, and Prednisone (steroid) got me headed in the right direction.  From there I did the allergy testing (severe to most things), (haven't decided on shots yet)and seems Singulair and Nasalcrom and the things I said, saline rinses, keeping the humidity around 47 in the house, 4-way saline spray to keep my nose moist,  air cleaner, etc., are keeping me going.  Using the hot water bottle, Advil, when I have the face/eye pain, and yes I get sick at my stomach from the pain, too.  Take breaks from the computer - have your eyes checked.  I've been to the dentist & chiropractor, too.  I mean you just have to try to figure out things that may help you and try it.  I'm trying to make myself take vitamins, too.   Never was good at keeping up with that.  I just think this was a bad year for allergies/viruses, and we need to build our immune systems and take it one step at a time.  
Were you like this before you had the baby?  Maybe you are allergic to something you are using - baby lotions or something.  If you're using baby powder, that can irritate the sinuses.  Start paying attention - aerosols, candles, hairsprays, deodorants, etc.

[LMND]

Mine isn't worse when I bend over - and  I do have drainage, but it's always clear, which now they're saying is allergy, not sinus.  When I don't have drainage I feel all dried up like a desert.  Some people in the forum are having their Dr.'s do cultures inside their nose to see if it is infection.  I truly don't know the answer...but I hope we all find it!  I write down all my questions, go to my dr., and he probably thinks I'm nuts, but I ask them all!  Usually don't get good answers, but I try.  Again, I don't think they know either.

[Mels22]

Hi and thank you for responding so quickly.  I have been searching this forum and have seen some of your other posts.  Wow you have been through a lot!  I noticed that you have also been through a lot of anxiety problems.  I have too as you probably already guessed.  I have been on different anti-anxiety meds since I was 15.  They had worked up until I had the baby - it really threw me for a loop!  Don't get me wrong, I would change the experience or him for the world but its been hard on me.  I am now on prozac and ativan but it doesn't seem to be helping at all!  Like I said, I've had countless MRI/MRA, CTs.  All clean except sinusitis.  I finally called my neurologist - yes I have one :-) and she told me it would be virtually impossible for me to have an aneurysm after having a clean MRA on Nov 1st.  Apparently they think it takes quite a while for them to form but I'm afraid she is just telling me that to ease my fears.  Do you know anything about this?  I'm sorry to keep bothering you about this but I'm just worried - obviously and want to enjoy my little one who will be 9 months this coming week.  She said an MRA would catch an aneurysm and they are fairly rare unless they run in your fam - they don't in mine, you have high blood pressure, or high chol - I don't.  Do you think this pressure is my sinuses?  I also feel dry as a dessert and have spot headaches.  Let me knwo what you think.
Thank you and God bless!

[NJPressure]

I think I know why the Doc's don't give any answers:

I was venting my frustrations to an older doc once who was the "head" guy with a big medical group.  He told me that doctors are now taught (in medical school and practice) to eliminate possibilities through tests--not diagnose.  There are two reasons for this: 1)If you diagnose and you are wrong, you can be sued 2)The tests bring the big money to the medical center/ hospital so the more you do, the more money you make for your company, the more money the doctor will make.

So I can tell a doctor all the symptoms for Celiac's.  But instead of running a test for Celiac's, they will run:  Upper GI, Lower GI, Flexible sigmoidoscopy, bloodwork, and finally an endoscopy.  

They tell you what it is NOT, not what it IS.

[c-c]

Well-never done this before.
I read entire post also. I'm in OK. And have no health insurance. Does  anyone who writes on here know a doctor in their family, or tell their doctor to look at this website post and show them how many people have these same issues?
Was doing a google search for this problem I've been having and foud this site. Thought I was alone in problems I've been having. Started crying the moment I saw other people have same problems, keep crying when I read how long all you still have had these problems.
Really not quite sure why I'm really writing because it seems like no one on here has had much luck in getting rid of the problems. One thing I did notice was alot of people have anxiety in common. Wonder which came first? Constant sinus problems that drove you to have the anxiety, or already existed. ...Well here are my symptoms.
Maybe getting these feelings off my chest will help a little.
I had neck problems quite a bit last summer. Couple of times woke up and couldn't turn my head. Aroungd first of November 2006 stepped into a large hole at night and jarred myself so bad kinda gave me an instant headache, bit the inside of my mouth. Then the Thursday before Thanksgiving all of a sudden I felt like I was having an anxiety attack. (Have had them before,and been on meds--but never had face, neck, feet tingling) But at the time this happened I had been off of any meds. Anyway started feeling like I was having a panic attack, then got tingling feeling in face taht felt like little needle pricks, heart started to race, anyway took benedryl to calm the anxiety attack, felt sick to my stomach and layed down.(I had been taking benedryl for a month or so to help calm effects of anxiety attacks prior to the onset of this stuff.)  This went on for a week or so, my neck was also hurting and had tremendous headaches, and every now and then felt "not right" with dizziness. 3 weeks go by, no change. Go to a chiropractor got my neck and upper shest adjusted. Got an immediate severe headache. Next day all the congestion I had been feeling in my head began to come out. Not to be gross, but it was bright green. Felt better. A few days after that started feeling congested in head again, and everytime I breathed in, felt a lot of pressure my head. Thought my eyes were having the problem, everynow and then would get fuzzy. Then my doc says ears look fine, you have a deviated septum and your blocked up. Gave me amoxicillan and prednisone. Did not work. After finshing the meds, call the doc again- prescibed mezacline (not sure spelling) made me feel even worse.(the dizziness) Quit taking that. My spouse got so upset w/ me and said tell that doc your not any better. Next morning I call, he prescribes another antibiotic, cipro, since then I have had intermittant times of not being dizzy. But no miracle like I thought and hoped it would. Yes I am extremely upset, frustrated and scared too. This has been going on for  months now. I can hardly concentrate on daily tasks. Feel like I'm on a ship, or roller oaster. 6 other people in my family have deviated septums, and chronic sinusitus, but none have ever had this dizziness. 3
people have had that sinus surgery. And driving does not make me feel better at all. But a brother in law has the dizziness too just not constantly like me. Starts within a few minutes of waking and does not stop until I fall asleep.
List off meds I take. Synthroid for Hypothyroidism (17 yrs.)and Prilosec OTC for acid reflux ( 19 yrs. not prilosec all 19 yrs but all different sorts like previc tagament etc..)
Well I don't know. I have thought that I was dying until my sister inlaw told me she sees lots of people that have this too (shes a registered pharmacy tech).  And thought of how many ways
I could just get it over with. This sickness constantly nagging
has put my mental state in a very dark place.
I do pray though. ALOT. and just keep hoping that tomorrow when I wake (if I am so blessed) that it will all be gone. No more dizziness. That is what is driving me to madness. I (pop) my ears a lot to equalize the pressure in my head. It very late and I don't even know if I listed all the symptoms, but I do sort of feel better mentally. Seriously, I am in shock at the number of people have this same problem though. I also wonder
(not to offend anyone)what you all are really like- I hope just normal people that were suffering so bad that you had to search on the internet for so help and found this website, and not  writing in all kinds of websites.
Well to whomever, thank you for this time.

[jmv]

I also have had all they symptoms everyone here has experienced.  For me they started 15 years ago.  I was a runner and just a normal day, came back from a 3 mile run and i was dizzy!  That started so many tests and just like everyone else they all came back normal.  So the Doc decided I was having anxiety attacks.  Put on all kinds of meds, some helped, but in the end nothing really helped.  Just thought I was going crazy with getting dizzy in malls and grocery stores!  I can hardly believe other people experience this.  I too started to cry that I was not crazy.  Someone asked if the dizzy came first or the anxiety attacks...the dizziness caused the anxiety attacks because they feel so horrible that you are afraid they will happen again, which causes anxiety.  So I started reading many self help books to control the anxiety.  That has helped the most, because this way when I feel weird I at least minimize the attacks.  I too have a deviated septum, which must be the major cause of all this.  I am home from work today, again thinking that I have something more horrible than just a sinus problem.  Last friday night went to Home Depot, had a dizzy spell, had a few more this weekend, just at home.  So I am going to do what I have done before and try the heating pad or ice and hope to go to work tomorrow.  Thanks to this website, I will be fine again!

[jmv]

What I also want to know from anyone, has anyone actually passed out!  I have not, just felt like I might.

[divyapriya]

I am male 33 years old

[LMND]

I've had panic disorder (diagnosed) since 1988, but was having attacks way before then and never diagnosed.  I have been on Xanax, and yes, it does help.  If I feel like I'm going to feel weird and have one coming on, I'll put a half of one under my tongue. It helps faster.  I'm a 50 yr. old female.  I get all the tingling, heart fast, feel like I'm going to die, pass out. BUT I HAVE NEVER PASSED OUT.  I just kind of talk to myself, telling myself to calm down, etc.  Had a friend who was severe with them, wouldn't go out of the house, went to a psychiatrist who gave her tapes and all it was, was relaxation.  Start with your toes, then your ankles, then your legs, and all over your body, relaxing, picturing yourself in a calm place.  Listening to that made me anxious!  

Now if you've read the forums we've discussed the malls, Lowe's, Home Depot.  Lowe's & Home Depot are dusty, dry air, and I think that's allergies in there that makes me feel weird.  The mall, I get dizzy and I think it's because of the lack of fresh air flow, again dry air, and someone else mentioned all the smells in the mall, and then I think it puts me into anxiety because it's like you can't get out quick, closterphobia (spelling).  Seems I feel like a panic attack when I'm somewhere crowded or I feel like I can't leave when I want, a quick getaway.  AND when it's hot in a place.  I can't have my feet hot or wear sweaters.

I've had sinus since I was 18.  It seems to have gotten worse and now there's allergies playing a HUGE part.

When you blow out yellor or green, that's supposed to be a sign of infection, clear is allergy.

Look up non allergic rhinitis.  That has all our symptoms. The ENT said they didn't know much about that.
As I also mentioned, Paul  Harvey on the radio mentioned disembarkment syndrome, feeling like you're still on a cruise ship when you're not, mostly in women.

Meclazine is the old prescription Antivert, and it's for dizziness.  My Dr. told me sinus is becoming resistent to Z-pack antibiotics.  Cipro is usually for kidney/bladder infections.  Never heard of that for sinus.  Keflex helped.      

My mom had EXTREMELY bad dizziness my whole life and found after all the meds (including what they gave the men on the moon for gravity, and nothing worked) that ChlorTrimeton (OTC/allergy) helped.

HANG IN THERE.

[Mels22]

Hi and thank you for responding so quickly. I have been searching this forum and have seen some of your other posts. Wow you have been through a lot! I noticed that you have also been through a lot of anxiety problems. I have too as you probably already guessed. I have been on different anti-anxiety meds since I was 15. They had worked up until I had the baby - it really threw me for a loop! Don't get me wrong, I would change the experience or him for the world but its been hard on me. I am now on prozac and ativan but it doesn't seem to be helping at all! Like I said, I've had countless MRI/MRA, CTs. All clean except sinusitis. I finally called my neurologist - yes I have one :-) and she told me it would be virtually impossible for me to have an aneurysm after having a clean MRA on Nov 1st. Apparently they think it takes quite a while for them to form but I'm afraid she is just telling me that to ease my fears. Do you know anything about this? I'm sorry to keep bothering you about this but I'm just worried - obviously and want to enjoy my little one who will be 9 months this coming week. She said an MRA would catch an aneurysm and they are fairly rare unless they run in your fam - they don't in mine, you have high blood pressure, or high chol - I don't. Do you think this pressure is my sinuses? I also feel dry as a dessert and have spot headaches. Let me knwo what you think.
Thank you and God bless!

[nutjob]

Hi,First time post but felt i had to write as my head was spinning, literally, when i read all these posts.
         I am a 40 year old female and have suffered all the symtoms (symptoms) that have been talked about and then some.Last year really sucked.I got treated for sinus infections 5 times,3 times with a Z-pack, once with Ketek and then Avalox which is a quinalone.Ketek has been linked to death by liver failure and the quinalones made me collapse due to severe chest and stomach pain so be wary of these very powerful antibiotics.Went to an ENT after aCT scan and he told me I had no infection but a lot of inflammation. Hearing was perfect so he could not explain the buzzing.He gave me Prednisone, went on vacation and said he would have to rule out a growth.Well i flipped and cried for 6 days on the steroids(nasty drugs!)I think I developed "canceritis" as well so I insisted on a head and neck MRI which came back clear.It did show 2 small polyps, one in each sinus.
         Fed up with the local guys, I got the name of a top goy, a Professor of Otorhinolaryngology and waited 2 months to see him. He shoved a probe up my nose and said that I absolutely do not have an infection( well I never did have the green stuff to begin with) and that he did not recommend surgery as someting else was causing my symptoms.Told me to get my teeth checked and my thyroid, whih I did and both okay. Also had blood sugar levels done too as I did have diabetes when i was pregnant.
    In September, I had severe palpitations and ended up talking to the heart doctor. Again everything alright so I guess I could not argue with those around me who were suggesting that I might need happy pills.However I did my own research and found that a magnesium supplement can help with palpitations and it really helped.Mor on that later.
    By last October i felt normal again and free from all this stuff.@ weeks ago when the cold weather came in, it all came back.Eye pain this time too, left eye lid twitching and broken glass being scraped inside my left sinus.My neck is really stiff on the left too.I feel so dizzy and with that comes the nausea.
    I am done with seeing the conventional guys so I have found a holistic MD who does yoga and stuff for people with weird symptoms.I will ask him about my fluctuating hormones and also about this Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome mentioned earlier.Will gladly post and let you know what this dude thinks, but meantime Ladies if you are around my age and are having weird symptoms, dont listen to the docs that tell you that you have to be 51 to be in menopause or peri-menopause .Never rule it out and do your own research. Even our ears apparently have estogen receptors so if we are low on the hormone, then maybe itmakes your ears buzz.Maybe someone is spraying too many chemicals in the air or maybe there are too many cows farting in India, I dont know but we need to remember that it could be a lot worse and that we must remember how blessed we are in the grand scheme of things.
     I will come back soon and hope I can help

[Spoonybard]

2 weeks ago I had so much facial pain and headache that I went to my Internist. I wasn't able to see him, so one of the other doctors in the practice saw me. Before hearing what has been going on with me, she whipped out her prescription pad and gave me a high dosage of Paxil. She claimed that she gives Paxil to everyone and that it helps with migraines. She said I have migraines, not sinus problems. Let me just say BS.

The beauty of Paxil is that for the first few weeks it makes anxiety go through the roof and I've been using Xanax to combat it. I changed interns and she is getting me off the Paxil and she completely believes that it is totally related to my sinsuses and that I have no symptoms of migraines. She thinks there is a really bad infection or something going on with the nerves in my sinus areas.

I've been blowing my nose alot and so much stuff has been coming out. The pain in my cheeks seems to go away for a while when I do this. However, it is not too long before my sinuses fill up again. But my ENT keeps telling me "how open" the entryways into my sinuses are. When he uses the scope he only goes in far enough to see the openings, he never looks into the sinuses. So to him, there is nothing wrong.

I have a CT Scan of my sinuses tonight. I wonder if it will show anything.

I watched a story on TV last night about celiac disease. When I speak to my intern about the results of the CT Scan I will mention it to her and see what she says.

I can't believe how many of us are being put on anti-anxiety/anti-depression medications because of these sinus problems. Constantly going to one doctor to the next every few weeks drains you mentally. Especially since none of us are getting any answers or relief.

[ALLSTOPPEDUP]

Boy, I hear ya man, preaching to the choir! :) Well, I went to an ortho/TMJ person who says it's sinuses....go to ENT, who tells me it's TMJ....I GIVE UP!!! I have bad teeth pain, pressure behind nose and eyes hurt and I cough up some UGLY mess all day long!!! The Efexxor is doing nothing because I simply cannot feel good! I took Augmentin this weekend for 3 days, and stopped, it was HORRID! But one thing I noticed, is one side feels better now, and the other does not. Going back to chiro today that specializes in myofascail to see if it's referred pain from my neck, although, i have had neck adjustments, accupunture, and steroids in my neck and it hasnt done a thing. It seems all tied together, but I don't know. I feel like it's sinuses tho. Man, we all need to get togetehr in a room with some drinks and just chat and cry on eachothers shoulders. I hate the fact that one person tells me it's TMJ, one person tells me it's sinuses, and I cannot get answers. I thought about an internist, spoony....can they help?? What do they do??

[MelancholicRae]

Hi all, I've been reading this thread and it seems a lot of you have similar problems as mine and maybe you can provide some input. This may be a long-winded post, so I'll try to sum it up. I need help! For about four months now I've suffered with sinus problems. I've always had mild allergies (don't know to what) since I've had mild congestion for over ten years. Four months ago I started getting a LOT of post nasal drip, so much that it would cause a feeling of a lump in my throat for weeks, making it uncomfortable to swallow. When that lump let up I still had slight drainage but sensitivity in my cheeks. I went to doc, got antibiotics, singulair, flonase... Temporarily helped, then symptoms came back worse a month later and culminated to me feeling really sick with clammy hands, constant fatigue, nausea, cheek pressure and sensitivity, headaches. Tried more antibiotics for two weeks, didn't help. We took an X-ray and it didn't show much impaction or blockages. I still have sensitivity in my cheeks, mostly my right one. But lately my biggest complaint is sensitivity on the area above my left eyebrow and lots of facial tension on that side of my forehead. It makes it hard to function my eyes normally or make facial expression involving my brows. It's uncomfortable and sometimes the tension spreads all the way to the top of my head and the sides of my head. It just feels like it's all inter-connected and tight like a pressure headache. I also feel like my cheek muscles tense sometimes. After the a second look at the X-ray with a radiologist the doctor thinks it is not a sinus infection but "just" allergies. I take singulair, antihistamine, flonase, vitamins, nose saline drops, use a humidifier at night... The headache, forehead tension, cheek tension persists. I also have been dealing with little tiny mouth ulcers the past month out of nowhere. They don't heal fast and just keep spreading to different areas. I take good care of my teeth, floss and mouthwash and all, so it's not a gum disease.
Also, I'm not sure if it is related, but just before getting sick with the sinus problems I was feeling deathly ill for four months with an undiagnosed problem. I had severe nausea, heartburn, painful gas and diarrhea, allover weakness and malaise. I would have episodes of feeling so sick I'd almost go to the E.R. The docs suggested I might have had an ulcer and gave me acid-reducing medication which did/didn't help until the problem eventually seemed to resolve after four long months and moved right into this sinus problem.
Needless to say, I too am getting pretty depressed from feeling so ill all the time. I've lost half a year to just physical misery. I've been isolated from seeing family and friends cuz I usually feel too bad to travel, let alone go out and have fun shopping or even do the basics of working a job. I've been too sick to do much of anything but survive a day and complete a few chores a lot of the time. Without insurance, an income (too sick to work for various health problems in general the past two years), or doctors that will actually give me some real answers, I'm starting to feel pretty hopeless and a little scared of what's wrong with me.
Anybody have any ideas? I'm sooo tired of being sick!  

[LeAnneFr]

I've been diagnosed with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and fibromyalgia. When I eat gluten products (bread, pasta, anything containing wheat) I get nausea, headache, diarrhea, bloating and just generally feel sick. Have you tried cutting out any foods? Food allergies can cause a lot of problems. Also I've had a lot of problem with my teeth over the last couple of years. Have you been to the dentist lately? I went in two years ago with some generalized facial pain, nausea, fatique. I felt absolutely horrible. Apparently I had gotten abcesses under two of my teeth that had previously had root canals. The teeth had no feeling in them so I had no idea they were infected. I was really sick for over 6 months before I found out what the problem was. I don't know if that gives you any ideas, but it's worth looking into.

[MelancholicRae]

Thanks for the reply. I don't believe I have food allergies. I can generally tolerate eating everything without noticeable differences digestively or in my sinuses. However, I know that I DO have at least a few cavities that have been brewing away for a few years now (they become quiet clear to me when something sweet and sticky like caramel settles into them, OWWWW!). I know I need to go to the dentist and have already planned on looking into it. The only excuse I have for not going in years is simply no insurance, little money, and had bigger fish to fry.
I feel like a lot of the forehead tension that disturbs my eye is becoming very muscular related. I know the muscles are getting tense or irritated all the way up to my scalp, I can feel them all tightening when I try to move my brows. I almost wonder if I have a little muscular problem, too. I have a chiropractor and will see what he thinks and can do for me.

[asa1956]

Hi there Iam a 50 year old female going through perimenopause.  In May 2005 I experienced s severe attack of vertigo.  Drs and ENT said it was an inner ear disease. Bloodwork, MRI negative. They prescribed meclizine for the dizziness and nausea. It helped but I went to another website and learned that taking a combination of various supplements would alleviate the dizziness and the severity of the diziness has lessen.  About 3 weeks ago I started to experience sinus pressure and mild headache and feeling of dizziness and imbalance and feeling nauseated. I had my ears cleaned via candleing and I think it made it worst. This sinus pressure is new to me, what puzzles me is that I have no other symtoms (symptoms) besides the pressure and and dizziness, lightheadedness. Has anyone experience this?

[LeAnneFr]

If I can give you any advice, don't hold off on going to the dentist. I also did not have insurance, so I put it off, plus I have a fear of the dentist anyway. Anyway, what started out as a small problem turned into a big one. I ended up having to extract three of my molars (not fun!). Now my bite is all messed up and the dentist says I have about $10,000 of dental work. I am only 25 years old and currently in veterinary school. There is no way I can afford all that dental work now! Really wished I would have taken care of it when I first started having problems. My messed up bite has resulted in TMJ dysfunction, I grind my teeth at night and have horrible jaw and neck pain during the day. So it might cost a few hundred dollars to get fillings or crowns, but believe me it is worth it. Most dentists have payment plans available. Also, do you still have your wisdom teeth? I had mine out a few months ago and it has helped some. If they are impacted it can cause a lot of facial pain and pressure. Who knew teeth and sinuses could be such a hassle!!! Going to the dentist might not solve all your problems, but at least it can help rule out potential causes and save you money and pain in the long run. Hang in there!

[Spoonybard]

Internists are general doctors. They are the people you we all are suppossed to see first for anything. If we felt normal, generally you would see your internist once a year for a check up and bloodwork.

I have an appointment with the new ENT this coming wednesday. Hopefully he will come up with something. I wonder about TMJ as well. I used to grind my teeth at night.

Feel better.

[KGinAZ]

I TOO AM SUPRISED AND RELIEVED TO KNOW THAT OTHERS SUFFER FROM THE EXACT SAME, AND SOME UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM FOR A FEW YEARS.
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE OCCASIONAL SINUS HEADACHES AND ALLERGY PROBLEMS BUT A FEW YEARS AGO, STARTING IN AUGUST, I GOT THE HEADACHE FROM HELL THAT HAS NEVER REALLY WENT AWAY.  I TOOK MY USUAL OTC SINUS/ALLERGY MED BUT NO RELIEF.  I WENT TO THE DR AND WAS PRESCRIBED AN ATIBIOTIC WHICH I TOOK FOR A MONTH. STILL NO RELIEF, SO I JUST CONTINUED MY OTC MED THAT WOULD SOMETIME EASE THE PAIN.  I DON'T HAVE ANY INSURANCE, SO I HAVEN'T HAD ALL THE TESTS DONE AND AFTER READING THIS I'M KINDA GLAD.
I ALSO SUFFER FROM THE DIZZINESS AND NAUSEA.  ALSO WORSE IN MALLS, WALMART AND HOME DEPOT. (REALLY A RELIEF TO READ OTHERS WITH THIS PROBLEM, I WAS FEELING LIKE I MAY BE A BIT CRAZY)
I DID GROW UP EXPOSED TO LOTS AND LOTS OF SECOND HAND SMOKE BUT HAVE NEVER SMOKED MYSELF.  
I AM 41 AND LIVE IN AZ BUT AM FROM GA (32 YRS THERE) AND HAVE LIVED IN FL, TX AND CA.  NONSTOP HEADACHES STARTED WHEN I MOVED TO NORTHERN AZ.
THE ONLY THING THAT SEEMS TO GIVE ME A LITTLE RELIEF IS WHEN I DRINK  A COLD DIET COKE OR EAT ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGART.  IT'S THE COLDNESS THAT PROVIDES THE RELIEF I THINK BUT WATER DOESN'T DO THE SAME??
HOPE ONE OF THESE DR'S FIND A CURABLE DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS SOON!!

[crazibutrue]

1) Do you or have you had chronic yeast infections?

2) Does your tounge have a white coating on it?

3) Obviously you all have had more antibiotics that any human should.

4) Go to a Naturopathic Doctor. Ask for Niastatin taken oraly. Take the entire perscription even if you are feeling better.

5) Only drink acidopholis milk. Eat yogurt.

6) Take in a dose of garlic equal to one clove (4 grams) of fresh garlic per day; this would equal consumption of a garlic tablet that provides a total allicin potential of 4,000 to 5,000 mcg. If you can't afford medical care garlic should cure any infection.

7) Lower your intake of sugar, milk, and other dairy products; foods with a high content of yeast or mold such as alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, and peanuts.  Read labels, even some vitamins have yeast in them.

"Symptoms that may be associated with yeast infections are abdominal pain, constipation, gas, bloating, belching, indigestion, heartburn, nasal congestion, sinus problems, bad breath, skin rashes, allergies, chemical sensitivities, muscle aches, cold hands and feet, fatigue, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches and dizziness."

I was cured of all but one of the above symptoms by taking Nystatin, garlic, and avoiding foods high in yeast and sugar. I'm still constipated though. Oh well, can't have everything.

Now, get well!

[nutjob]

Hi, I just read your post about peri and can relate. In women fluctuating hormones can cause histamine levels to go up and down as well. this can really sffect the sinuses and make you feel off balance and nauseous.Look up a site called Powersurge and you will be amazed. facial pain in the sinus area is common but it should come and go if it is hormone related. Just don't get palmed off with antibiotics like i did! Good luck

[simplycottage]

PLEASE HELP!
I am so scared.  haven't been to the doctor yet, I know, I know...
I am a new mom (1 yr. old son) and for the past year I had slight vision problems- straining and slight dizziness.  I do spend hrs. on the computer. Went to the eye doctor and I have a very minor astigmatism.  I have NOT bought the eyeglasses yet. Sometimes I get a strange temple pressure on only my left temple.  Sometimes I feel I can't think straight or get so caught up I get fuzzy headed.  About a week ago, I had another flare up.  Grocery stores often send me into a dizzy lightheaded zone.  Then, suddenly- my left temple feels "fuzzy" like a butterfly is inside it.  It has persisted and I've taken OTC allergy/sinus meds.  My head has TONS of pressure when I bend forward.  Now, days later- my whole head feels pressure- no pain, just heavy.  The fuzzy temple is still there.  No runny nose, occassional sneezing, I'm so dry I can't even blow my nose, but I have a constant gooky feeling when I swallow.
Of course, I fear the worst- brain tumors, etc.
Does this sound serious or just sinus related? I am so scared!

[MelancholicRae]

Thanks everyone for your posts. I went to a massage therapist and got a sinus/facial massage and that seemed to help loosen up my tight forehead, but the tension still persists, of course. I will probably try her again, try to go to the dentist as soon as I can find a good one, and if need be, get a second opinion from a different doctor or just go straight to a nice sinus institute in my area for more help.
I HIGHLY recommend a sinus massage you guys! It's not a permanent fix but it really does help to start relieve some tension for awhile.
SimplyCottage: Don't be freaked out about a brain tumor. Your symptoms could be allergy/sinus-related. They seem similar to the numerous complaints of all the posts here. But visiting a doctor might help you try to diagnose what is causing you the problems so you can try to relieve them.

[KGinAZ]

I have been researching more online and have found possibly another cause for all of these symptoms.

Amalgam (silver) Fillings in your teeth.  How many of you have any?  I do, and after what I have been reading am seriously considering having all of mine replaced with another type.

What I have been reading is that these can cause Mercury Poisening and all the symptoms I have been experiencing for years.  My dentist had suggested replacing mine but I HATE going to the dentist so I never had it done.  I didn't have any idea of the possibility of Mercury poisening my body.  It can affect almost any area in the body, even neurologic.  Even can cause the onset of autoimmune diseases:  MS, Lupus and more.

I searched Amalgam Fillings and Dental Mercury Poisening.

I am curious as to how many of us have these fillings??  

[cc52]

I too suffer terrible with sinus problems, dizziness and all the above.  Haven't found any help in that area, but maybe I can help with the acid reflux. I suffered terrible with it about a year ago and was taking 60mg of prevacid twice a day, plus all different types of medicine known to man, that didn't help.  Doctor told me the next step was surgery. No way was I going for that, the odds were not good enough for me. Anyway, I started searching and searching and trying everything out there, and finally I found that digestion enzymes and ginger tea, made with real ginger and honey have worked so well for me that I no longer have to take prescription meds for gerds. I can eat just about anything I want right now and when my stomach feels like its about to act up, I just heat a cup of ginger tea (always keep it on hand)and it settles down.  I also take one or two digestion enzyme pills after a meal.  Good luck.

[LeAnneFr]

Has anyone ever had a VNG done? I went to an ENT and he made me do some basic balance tests. He says I have disequilibrium and oscillopsia and thinks that I might have some hearing loss in my left ear, but could not see any obvious nystagmus. I also have severe post nasal drip. Anyway, I am supposed to schedule a VNG and audiogram, to test for inner ear damage and hearing loss. I am a little nervous. I know that they put water in your ears and this may induce vertigo. Has anyone had this test? Is it as bad as it sounds?

[polly068]

I am so glad I found this site.  I have just read the entire thread and I'm pretty sure I am suffering from this problem.  I have been suffering from "breathing" problems for years now.  I have been tested for asthma, had tons of x-rays on my chest and have come up with nothing.  This last few months I have had this horrible dry loud cough, but nothing coming up.  I've been waking up with a sore throat thinking I'm getting a cold, but no cold happens.    I have had troubles swallowing and also dizzy spells.  I feel like my head is not getting enough oxygen or something and for the last few days I've had terrible pain in my sinuses and my temples.  But I do not have a runny nose??  It almost feels all hard and dry.  I did have an operation about 15 or so years ago for a deviated septum, but now it's worse than before the operation.  My left nostril is almost closed it's deviated that far now.  I am going to the chiropractor today to see if he can help me.  My neck is also very stiff.  My head feels so heavy.  I thought I was dying the other night!  God, this is awful.  I can't believe some of you have had this for so long.  Has anyone tried any natural remedies?  My doctor wants me to try antibiotics, but I really don't want to.  I always have funny reactions to them.  And from what I've read they don't work anyways??  Take care everyone.  It's good to know we are not alone. :)

[kierkegaard_leap]

Yes... Many of the same issues... I've had allergies for years but I hit the wall about four years ago so to speak.

I generally have a dull ache in the maxilary sinus area that extends almost to my ears + dizzyness... I first went to my PCP back in 2003 and received some Zithromax and Flonase... about a month later I went back and was sent to an ENT... He gave me some Allegra and suggested I see an allergist... I went to the allergist and was tested & started the allergy shots. In around 2004 I went to another ENT becase the shots didn't seem to do much... He suggested it was migrains & that I should see a nurologist... I went back to my PCP who suggested that I had depression (Oh please!!!) and wanted to know if I would try some anti-depressants (NO WAY!!!)... Went to a different ENT who said I had a deviated septum and sinus tissue thickening after a CT scan and suggested surgery... Had the sugery didn't work... (starting to get the picture)...

All in all I've tried: Several antibotics, several nasal steriods, anti histamines, Singular, allergy shots, chiropractic, that nasty peper nasal spray (DO NOT TRY THAT BY THE WAY!!!! HOLY ****!!!) accupuncture, surgery, Sino Fresh, salt water nasal irrigation, homeopathic remmidies, all kinds of herbal ****,... an exoricist (ok not that - but maybe next ha ha)...

About the only thing that helps a little is that cheap OTC nasal spray (i.e. Affrin or 4 Way etc...)

If I ever unravel the riddle of the Sphinx I'll impart that wisdon on this board!!! Untill then... Breathe as best you can my friends...

Leap of Faith...

[MelancholicRae]

Yeah it seems like a never-ending cycle for most of us. I went to the massage therapist again today for a sinus/facial massage. I LOVE her. At least I get a small sense of relief and a few moments of pure bliss and relaxation.
I called my general practitioner today because I've also had sleeping problems on top of my illness for almost half a year now and lately it's really getting to me. I go to sleep just fine, but my problem is waking up in the middle of the night or early morning and then for no real reason not being able to get back to sleep at all or not until hours pass by as I toss and turn. The sleep deprivation makes my sinus stuff worse and it also makes my mood very angry or depressive as I'm already stressed out for being sick for so long!
Well apparently now he thinks I don't have sinus problems, I have anxiety problems! He always changes his mind every time I call for help. I'll show you anxiety! Having a doctor tell me it's all in my head.
I think I need a second opinion or something. I don't wanna go see him tomorrow to have him put me on some other dead-end medication, anxiety pills of all things.
Do you guys ever get tired of the endless run-around? And why do doctors start to assume it's all in our heads when they can't figure it out?

[LMND]

I tried the pepper nasal spray - just put it in one nostril, just a small spray and it set me on fire!  You are right, don't go there!!!

MelancholicRae, you must be female as it seems all my friends in a "certain" age group have the sleep problems, of waking up and not getting back to sleep.  We THINK too much.  

However, even though I do have all the sinus/allergy/dizzy problems...which by the way are getting better with Singulair and NasalCrom and saline rinses and air cleaner, I have had panic disorder for over 20 years and do take meds for that, and when I'm at wit's end over my sinus, it does help calm me "a little," but I find when I'm better my panic is better all by itself.  And....it does not help me sleep.

So I guess it won't hurt to try meds to relieve some of the stress you're under due to your medical problems.  But you are right, the doctors have no clue.  They are giving us all the same meds over and over.

Good luck to all of us.  

[LeAnneFr]

My husband also has sinus problems. He had surgery for a deviated septum last year (he couldn't breath through his nose at all). After the surgery he was on antibiotics and saline rinse, but developed a sinus infection that he souldn't seem to kick. The ENT thought it might be fungal, in which case they have to go in and surgically scrape off the infection(ouch). Anyway, the ENT suggested putting a little bit of vinegar into his saline rinse. When he went back the next week for a check-up the ENT couldn't believe the improvement. He's been using the vinegar ever since and hasn't had any problems. I've also tried adding the vinegar. It burns, so don't add too much right off the bat. But when I feel a sinus infection coming on, it seems to take care of it. As for the allergy problems in between infections, still no relief for me, but I thought this might be helpful for some of you. It's a great alternative to antibiotics. Also, my husband and I have converted a water pik into a nasal rinser. We just glued the nasal piece from a rinse bottle onto one of the water pik attachments. It works great. You can adjust the pressure and get a more thorough rinse. Hope this helps!

[MelancholicRae]

I've tried sinus rinse with a bottle formula that squirts upwards into your nose. But I hate it so much - it makes me feel nauseated like when you get pool water up your nose and the nausea lasts for hours!
Am I doing something wrong or is it just not for me?

[LMND]

You must be getting the salt water into your stomach and it's making you sick.  Hold your head over the sink, mouth open, squirt in one side, not forceful enough to come down your throat, then do the other side, and back and forth till your bottle's empty (or low).  If you put too much force it'll go down your throat - spit it out!  Salt water is known to make you throw up.  Just remember to hold your mouth open the whole time you're doing this.  If that doesn't work, talk to your Dr., and maybe there's something blocking it from going into the sinuses.  

[kierkegaard_leap]

Nasal rinse tips:

You don't really need to squirt anything up your nose in a forceful manner to get results. Go to the drug store and get a generic eyedropper. Make a weak salt-water solution with non-iodized salt or sea salt and mix it with purified or distilled water (tap water has chlorine in it and iodized salt has iodine in it & both can irritate your sinuses further). About a half a teaspoon to 4oz of cool or room temp water will be plenty... Put a little bit of the solution into the eye dropper and lean your head back, (keep your mouth open and your tongue back - this will keep it from running down the back of your throat), gently drop the solution into your nose (a few drops up to a full dropper is all it really takes - whatever is most comfortable for you) and wait a few seconds... then lean forward over a sink and let the solution run out... repeat several times and then GENTLY blow your nose...

This hasn't cured me of all my sinus ills but it definitely helps get some of that **** out & keeps infections from getting worse... (The vinegar idea might be worth trying too)

If your are really plugged up, try using some Afrin or 4 Way nasal spray first to open you up and then do the rinse.

If done correctly, this generally isn't all that uncomfortable and in fact it can be somewhat soothing...

Let me know if this helps.

Leap of faith

[LMND]

I may try the vinegar - is it white vinegar - and how much?  I'm using the Neil Med now which has the little bottle with it.  So I'm wondering a drop, a teaspoon???  And how often?

[LeAnneFr]

I would start out with a couple of drops of just plain white vinegar. It will burn a little so I definately wouldn't start out with too much. It's not very fun the first couple of times you use it, but if you can tolerate the sting it does work. My husband used to have a chronic sinus infection, with nasty drainage.  He started adding vinegar to his nasal rinse(once a day) about 6 months ago and hasn't had any problems since. Also, if you tilt your head a little to the left and right while leaning over the sink, the rinse gets to all your sinuses and gets more of the drainage out. You can probably use up to 1/2 a teaspoon of vinegar once you get used to it. Let me know how it goes.

[Maya24]

Hi everyone. Okay, here's my story. After having just read the entire thread, I think I'm also suffering from the same thing, have been to many doctors and still not found a cause or solution. I have had what I thought were seasonal allergies for many years now in the fall and spring. This year my symptoms started in late October - usually a major fogginess in my head, like someone else described, as if my head were wrapped in cotton. It is the most uncomfortable feeling for me with feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness. Then I also usually have inflammation in my nose and some (very little) clear mucus. I also feel a great deal of fatigue, and general feeling of sickness. This year, I have begun to have all these sinus pains and pressure - also worsens when I lean forward. The nasal stuffiness is there too, but not much drainage. I get post nasal drip - worse when I lay down - that scratchy, tickling feeling that makes it very hard to sleep. I often sleep with a cough drop in my mouth so I can actually sleep - last night I woke up after swallowing it, burning in my esophagus....I wake with darkness under my eyes feeling like my eyes are set in, puffiness in the eyelids and over my cheeks. I have had a few instances of waking with severe vertigo (terrifying). The cloudy, foggy thing makes me very anxious. As a few others have mentioned, I also have anxiety issues. I have had panic disorder for about 4 years, am in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for about a year and a half, and have seen great progress. The symptoms of this sinus problem do trigger a lot of my panic symptoms. But I do not believe, nor does my therapist, that these sinus symptoms are a direct result of panic/anxiety. Stress however does seem to exacerbate the sinus symptoms - but I think stress can do that to almost any medical condition. And I think chronic medical conditions can definitely lead to/trigger anxiety and depression. I have seen my internist, who prescribed antibiotics, then was pretty much done with me when I returned with the same symptoms a few weeks later. Went to an allergist to get skin tests for the seasonal allergies - considering the shots. All tests came out negative - no seasonal allergies? Allergist mentioned non-allergic rhinitis. Suggested a neurologist for headaches, and thought face/head pains (often on the left side of my head, where I also get the most nasal congestion) were TMJ. I do have very bad TMJ. I went to an ENT - he said definitely TMJ. Went to an oral surgeon - he said definitely sinuses. Back to ENT - practically demanding a CAT scan of sinuses. With an attitude, he sent me. CAt scan came back clear - ENT said my sinuses look great. And yet I sit in his office with face pain where all my sinuses are located, nasal stuffiness, head fogginess, dizziness, lightheadedness, post nasal drip, inflamed nose, puffy/puss eyes. He mentioned non-allergic rhinitis again but offered no help. Mentioned TMJ, cluster headaches, atypical migraines. Flonase - but don't take it too often he says. I asked about Mucinex - he says that'll just make your nose run more - but wouldn't that help the pressure? He rushed me out, took my money, and suggested I come back in 2months, in the Spring...Oh I am terrified of the Spring this year! Usually my "allergies" are great in the winter - terrible in the spring and fall - weather changes and barometric pressure changes seem to bring them on... I am feeling very upset and don't know which way to go next - neurologist? another ENT? Oral surgeon who specializes in TMJ? A new internist - maybe a DO instead of an MD? - they supposedly take the whole body into account rather than compartmentalizing, and spend more time with patients. i was looking for forums to see if anyone had any luck with alternative medicines - herbs, vitamins, accupuncture, massage? Someone just told me about an RN who is trained in Ayurveda (from India), but she calls herself a spritualist which kind of turns me off for some reason - I am definitely open to alternative approaches and believe in the mind/body/spirit connection, but not sure I want someone messing with my sprit?! I am getting quite desperate though. I'm feeling so dreadful. I appreciate reading everyone's experiences and suggestions - made me feel less alone, a little less crazy. But it's also scared me that people are suffering for so long, trying so many things, and not getting better long-term. I can't help but wonder about the anxiety connection? But then there are the same things coming up - non allergic rhinitis, TMJ, cluster/migraine headaches, sinusutis,allergies.... I don't know what to do....

[NJPressure]

**********PROBLEM RESOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!************

Hello everyone.  I wrote a little while back with the same story as almost everyone else on this site.  I just wanted to write back to tell you that after all the doctors and all the tests, my 6+ months battle with this problem is finally over!!!

Last week, I discovered a bad water leak in some pipes located behind my furnace.  The leak caused a HUGE mold problem inside the wall.  Everytime the furnace/AC kicked in, it circulated the mold throughout the house.  Even close up, the mold did not really have a typical "mold smell"--which is probably why it went undetected for all this time.

I called a plumber and he tore out the drywall, replaced the pipes, and the furnace dried things up very quickly.  Since then, all of my symptoms are gone!

I hope and pray that all of you find a cure for your problem.  I would recommend that you seek the best allergist you can find and have them do extensive testing to find out what it is that is causing your problems.

Good luck!

[MelancholicRae]

Well, I've been taking some medications for awhile now, and it seems they're finally kicking in and starting to make a difference in my sinus discomforts. I take generic Loratadine in the morning, a multivitamin at noon, Flonase into my nose at noon, and Singulair at night. I use saline nose drops whenever my nostrils feel dry and I use a humidifier religously at night in my bedroom. When I feel that my cheeks and nose are inflammed from the dry furnace heat some days (especially evenings) I actually put my cool gel eye mask across my cheeks and it seems to help calm the inflammation.
As far as the anxiety goes, I tried the pills and they made me really obnoxiously anxious (a problem I did NOT previously have) and gave me the worst case of insomnia and physical and mental exhaustion I ever endured over the course of the mere four days I took them. I guess the doc says they can get worse before they get better. I say for right now I'm done with those pills! And I really do start to wonder like the above poster said, maybe sometimes the anxiety is secondary to feeling so ill for so long rather than the anxiety causing all the ailments. It's like which came first, the chicken or the egg? In my case I definitely believe whatever anxiety issues I have are brought out simply from being so ill for so long. I'm on generic Valium now to help me sleep at night and relieve my forehead tension that the doctor now thinks may be residual muscle tightness started by sinus discomfort that has just snowballed in intensity. I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel guys.
I hope any of my sinus remedies that have been working for me might be of benefit to some of you.

[joseph_k]

NJ, that's awesome news.  I'm curious -- during the time that you suffered from this thing, did you do any traveling?  I ask because I've been curious if we might have a similar problem at my house, but I've left town several times while this has been going on, and the problem persists in varying degrees.  But maybe if that's the source of the problem, it would take a while to work its way out of the system?

Also curious if you still have to take any meds, or if fixing the water/mold problem has completely resolved everything so you don't have to stay drugged up all the time.

In any case that's great news.  Glad to hear at least some of the sufferers are beginning to make some progress.

[LMND]

When I first got "this" I was put on antibiotics, then the 2nd round, thinking it was sinus, and we went on vacation.  The hotel room floor/carpet was soaked from the a/c and I got worse.  So I was dizzy and felt horrible during vacation. When I got home I thought it must have been mold from the carpet staying wet for who knows how long -- and that's when I went on this whole trip to find out what was going on.  And....before I went on vacation it was hay cutting season, (I live in the country with huge hay fields in front of me) and the people that had installed our new furn/ac did not put a cover on where the filter goes in, and it's located in our garage which we keep open when we're home, and we were changing the filters like crazy, and figuring it sucked all the mold,pollens, from the weeds/grasses, which ends up after testing I'm severely allergic to all of that.  So maybe it was allergies that started all this!  I am also scared thinking of spring/summer coming, but I'm going to continue the Singulair, air cleaners, and we now have had the furn. cleaned and a door put on where the filter goes, and hope things work out.  -- And I usually have problems on my right side of my head worse, so that's not abnormal I guess since so many have talked about having problems with one side more.  

Has anyone heard of eating honey that's been made from the area you live to help your immune system build up to things you're allergic to around you?

[Spoonybard]

Congrats NJPressure! I'm am so glad to hear that someone in this forum has finally found relief. It has been about 8 days since my 1st appointment with the new ENT my internist sent me to. First of all he told me that I have been way over tested. He said he understands why I went for so many tests, but that all the doctors are running me around in circles.

He currently has me on a 10 day antibiotic Cefuroxime, Allegra-D 24hrs, Mucinex, Nasacort, Saline Nasal Spray, and NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit.

This saturday is the end of the antibiotic. The only positive thing I can say is that I am almost congestion free and I barely blow anything out of my nose anymore (except for a little clear). I still have the extremely intense facial pain/pressure between my eyes, under my eyes, side of eyes and cheeks. Along with the vision problems of blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness.

The NeilMed Rinse Kit seems to work a little but you can only do that at most twice a day.

I am curious about what NJPressure was talking about. My symptoms seemed to greatly increase once I moved into the condo I bought back in Nov '05. Does anyone know how you can get someone to come into your house and test for molds and allergins?

I'll let you all know what happens after I see the ENT this wednesday.

[MelancholicRae]

I wonder about that mold stuff, too! I know for a fact we have some mold in our home because you can slightly see water damage and moldy spots beneath the wallpaper, which happens to be the room right below mine. My windowsill or air conditioner leaked this summer, too, running wet paint down the side of my wall which could be leading to more mold in there. It sorta freaks me out but my family doesn't have the resources to do much about fixing it or testing for it, or at least doesn't have the motivation to. There is a sinus institute near where I live that offers basic allergy testing for an array of common allergens from one blood draw for a nominal fee. I might look into that to see if mold is one of mine. Then we might have to get real serious about the mold problem here!

[CSK]

I am a 52 year old male chronic sinus sufferer.  In the recent past my GP and ENT have prescribed several anti-biotics (amoxicillin and levequin), an ABR, an ENG, a sleep study (showing PLMS, periodic limb movement in sleep)and a CT scan last week (which I have not gotten any results on yet).  I refuse to take the presriptions for the plms because the side efffect issues are so severe.  I also have issues with my right side estachian tube being blocked since I had insects enter my ear in September of 2001.  My repetitive symptoms are fatigue (usually starts mid-morning for some reason???), dizziness, cranial pressure on the side and back of the head and just above the bridge of the nose.  I'm on nasal spray (nasa cort) and have taken a lot of sudafed and tylenol sinus over the last 60 days.  There were a few days over the last couple months when the psuedo ephadrine almost made me feel normal.  But I don't want to have to live on these.  The dizziness and fatigue is  really getting to me, but my real concern is driving. I was driving home on a freeway at 65 mph on the 10th of November and almost passed out. I had to pull off and drive county highways for the remainder of the trip. This was not fatigue, I know the difference.  It was like my brain was shutting down. Since the that day (over 3 months ago) I have been unable to drive my car at speeds any faster than 50 mph.  High speed motion while driving makes me want to pass out.  Even city driving gives me slight imbalance and dizziness at times.  It seems to be motion related, but city driving is no where near as bad.  I need to travel in my line of work and can't afford to hire a chauffeur.  Can anybody relate?  I hope to get one more round of anti-biotics, and if that doesn't work I have to try the possibility of allergies (dust mites in particular).

[Maya24]

Hi,
Since I read your post, I have done a lot of research on amalgam fillings - it is really scary. The symptoms listed for mercury sensitivity/poisoning do cover a lot of the ailments I've had for years. The whole facial pain/pressure and brain fogginess would seem to make sense - as a reaction to toxic metal in your mouth...and I do have a lot of metal in my mouth. I also read you could have an allergy/sensitivity to any kind of metal that may be in fillings, crowns, and posts, or a reaction from the mixing of such metals. But to take them all out and replace them seems so scary - and expensive. Apparently the process of drilling them out makes the mercury vaporize which could expose you to much higher levels if you ingest it through breathing or swallowing. There are procedures practice by a few dentists (they seem to call themselves holistic or biological dentists) to minimize that exposure -- but I don't know. part of me thinks it sounds kind of crazy, but mercury is a toxic material so it's hard not to see the possibility... The FDA has posted dockets online from a hearing they had on this issue on Sept 6 and 7, 2006. There are literally thousands of letters from consumers and medical professionals weighing in on the controversy. While some support the idea that the amalgam fillings are safe, the majority have some pretty compelling stories on banning and removing mercury from the human mouth...I am considering seeing a holistic dentist for a consultation to see what they say....I will post again if I do, and share the info...

[Maya24]

Hi,
I also have panic disorder (for about 5 years now).  I tried a lot of things, but have found Cognitive Behavior Therapy to be the most helpful -- It's very hard work, but I've made really strong progress in a year and a half of work. I also have always had mild allergies/sinus problems. But they're getting much worse and frequent since October. Sometimes I doubt myself because of the panic disorder - and all the medical doctors (internist, allergist, ENT, oral surgeon) testing me and ruling out allergies, sinusitis, and TMJ as the cause of my symptoms... So what is it? The symptoms are definitely real... I am looking into dental possibilities now - which is kind of freaking me out too (mercury poisoning?!) The words alone put me into a panic!....and stress does seem to exacerbate my symptoms... It feels very overwhelming....

[LeAnneFr]

I also have problems with dizziness and driving. I feel dizzy all the time but it seems to get worse when I'm driving, especially on interstate or during rush hour when there is lots of traffic. Everything seems to be moving faster and more than it actually is. I cannot drive at night on interstate. Even when I am sitting still I feel like I am floating and it's hard to focus. Not usually a true vertigo (spinning sensation), but sometimes the dizziness makes me get motion sickness. This has been going on for about nine months and I am getting very frustrated. I do have sinus, allergy problems, severe post-nasal drip and my ears often feel plugged and itchy, but no ringing. I've had my eyes checked and they're fine. I also have been to the ENT, he did not see any obvious nystagmus, but I did have some imbalance and possibly hearing loss in my left ear. I am getting an MRI next week and I am supposed to schedule an ENG, audiogram. I recently found out that I have hypothryroid and am on medication for that. My doctor doesn't think that my dizziness is related to this problem although it does account for my depression and fatigue. Are you dizzy only when you're driving? Or is it all the time? Did your ENG indicate any abnormalities? I read that you can get allergies in your ears which can cause dizziness. This occurs particularly with food allergies. I have gluten intolerance and I wonder if I might have a milk allergy? Do you have any food allergies?

[N1783jj]

At the beginning of January, I was in the grocery store and all of a sudden started to feel...dizzy? Sort of. The eye doctor said it best is that I was on a constant "buzz" without the euphoric lightheadedness associated with intoxication. Sort of cloudy/hazy vision.

A week after that I had a nasty head cold and a general practitioner prescribed antibiotics and a decongestant. That didn't work. Now I have tinnitus as well as the symptoms of frontal sinus pressure, pressure at the temples, soreness at the top of the neck, and also the weird vision thing. It is tollerable but annoying.

Just moved to Denver from the West coast so I am not really used to the altidue and dry weather. My mother has had severe sinus problems and allergies since moving to Denver as well.  

The general doctor said to go to and ear, nose, and throat guy who wants me to do an MRI and balance test. Also an eye doctor, which I saw and said there is nothing wrong with my eyes (20/10 vision). The eye doctor wants me to see someone else.

As my insurance isn't the greatest, I will have to bear the burden of the cost of the diagnostic procedures until a huge deductable is met. I am kind of sick of seeing the doctors anyway. I was supposed to get an X-ray in the first place by the general doctor to check my sinus's, but they couldn't figure out how to work the machine.

I still think it is a sinus problem and will wait it out. Will be living at sea level in the next month or so. If it doesn't clear up then, I will continue to seek further medical attention.

[Deeds]

I didn't have time to read ALL the posts. However, when I was in my 20's I suffered continual strep throat and sinus infections - almost in a continual pattern of two weeks. My GP saw the pattern and decided to place me on Entex-LA (which was Guaifenesin with a decongestant) I was on that for about 10 years and had NO more sinus infections, NO more strep throat!! I was switched to just Guaifenesin alone a few years back as the decongestant part was raising my Blood Pressure. It used to only be an RX prescription until a few years ago. Now, you can find Guaifenesin everywhere!! Mucinex is the expensive bottle at 600mg a pill for $20 a bottle of 40 I think... OR you can try what I do and buy Mucus Relief at Costco 400mg per pill but, you get 440 pills for about $9.00!!  My allergist told me about the Costco stuff!! Glad he did!! I just take 3 a day instead of 2. I used to take 2 600mg in the a.m. and 2 600mg in the p.m.  Here's the kicker to this whole saga - I had to go off ALL Medicines (everything) because I am allergic to my Blood Pressure medicines - so, I even went off the Guaifenesin and POOF - I had a horrible 2 week bout of tonsillitis ((I mean - BAD!)) so, as you've guessed - I'm back on the "Kirkland Brand - Mucus Relief" - oh, and by the way - the same stuff was prescribed for my boss who is fighting a staph infection in his sinus!!
Hope this helps...

[Peanut55]

I'm so sorry to see all of you suffering, I too have had bad problems with my sinuses for the past 2 years.

I have Myofascial Pain Syndrome and have lots of pain in my neck and upper back. Not knowing the sinuses could be affected by pain in my neck, I struggled to control the excess mucus and pain in my head with OTC meds as well as antibiotics and nasal sprays that were prescribed by my doctor. Nothing worked. Just saw an ENT last week that told me he didn't know why I was having problems (no infection, sinuses look healthy). He advised me to continue with the sinus washes and that was it. In frustration, I picked up a book I have at home about trigger point massage and started searching through it again to find the muscles that can cause the pain in the head that triggers sinus type pain. Imagine my surprise to see this written under sternocleidomastoid:

"A fourth symptom of sternocleidomastoid trigger points is even stranger, involving the generation of excess mucus in the sinuses, nasal cavaties and throat. They can be the simple explanation for your sinus congestion, sinus drainage, glop in the throat,chronic cough, rhinitis, and persistant hay fever or cold symptoms."

Having read this, I started massaging the muscles on the sides of my neck and although the pain is excruciating (obviously signalling a problem) after one week I can see a great improvement in my sinuses. There is less mucus and I can feel a strange tingle in my sinuses when I press on the trigger points. It actually seems to open something up that once felt restricted and closed up. It's really quite perplexing that this could be the sole cause of my sinus problems but I'm seeing results so I am quite happy to continue with the massage even though it is quite painful. You have to continue massaging the trigger points until pressing on them does not produce any pain and that can take a number of weeks if you have had a chronic problem. I wanted to share my experiences with all of you that might be in the same boat as me. I hope this can help some of you get some relief.

The book with all the trigger point info is called "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self Treatment Guide For Pain Relief" and it is written by Clair Davies. It is an excellent book. I got a copy at my local library, you should be able to order it in if they don't have one.

I also came across this website:
http://www.round-earth.com/HeadPainIntro.html

It shows diagrams and explanations for head pain, sinus pain, etc. that can be caused by trigger points and muscle problems.

Good luck to you all in your search for some relief and good health for the future!

[Peanut55]

Whoops, forgot to mention that the sternocleidomastoid muscles also can affect your balance and cause dizziness and visual disturbances such as blurry or double vision or make it appear that things are jumping around in front of your eyes.

I noticed many, many people with dizziness as a symptom. Try the massage to see if it may help with the dizziness. If you are as desperate as I was for some help, it may be well worth your efforts.

[mlmoline]

I too have been having the same symptoms.  They started in late September 'o6 and seem to get a little better and then come back again, like they are now.  I have pain between my eyes and over my right eye.  Also, I get dizzy (mostly when driving or being driven) and have trouble breathing in deeply when I'm dizzy.  I have been to every doctor in the book it seems, and no one knows what is happening to me.  I've been on Neil Med sinus rinse, Allegra, Claritin D, Flonase, Nasonex.  You name it and I've probably tried it. And I also have been wearing a night guard for TMJ.  They weren't sure if I had it, but my insurance covered it, so I said let's try it! (It hasn't seemed to help.)  All of my MRI, MRA and CT scans have come back normal, although my last one finally showed some thickening of the sinuses aove my eyes.  I'm on antibiotics now and the Nasonex, but just started getting dizzy again.  Now i'm seeing a cardiologist because of a condition that showed up - mitral valve prolapse (very minor).  That dr. doesn't think that's the problem as all of my test have been normal. This has been so hard, since I'm a stay at home mom and have 3 kids to get to and from school.  I'm not sure what to do anymore.  When I feel this way, I'm grumpy and tired and this is not how I want my kids to remember me.  Any suggestions would be wonderful!  

[Peanut55]

Momoline, I feel for you as I too had had x-rays and CT scan and they couldn't find anything amiss. I saw two ENT doctors over the two years of sinus problems and asked questions of my family doctor, rheumatologist and pain specialist over that two year period. No one had any answers for me. I had antibiotics 4 different times, lots of Flonase and Nasonex and stuff such as Actifed, Sudafed and other OTC and prescription decongestants and antihistamines. I was pretty desperate for any relief, just something to let me know that things would hopefully get better at some time.

Please, please, please- I urge you all to read up on trigger points and the symptoms they can cause. It is truly mind-blowing to see all the havoc they can wreak on your body. This is not new-age stuff or holistic healing, it is real science of how the muscles of the body become overworked and then start to rebel. You can see concrete evidence of trigger points working when you press on a particular spot and you feel the pain in another place. Momoline, I too had lots of pain in the eyebrow area and especially a very bad pounding headache behind my eyes, sometimes on the right and other days behind the left. Pressing the trigger points on the sides of my neck, I could feel the pressure behind my eyes and by working the trigger points caused those headaches to come back again for a few days. As I keep working the trigger points (over a week now) those headaches have gone away. I'm not feeling as much pressure in my face and the mucus has lessened. I'm finally seeing some improvement when for sooo long there was none. It is still very painful to massage those muscles 10-12 times a day but I am determined to keep on and see what happens. I have nothing to lose, it doesn't cost anything to do self-massage, but perhaps I can gain my health back. I normally wouldn't even post on a forum such as this but I actually feel very strongly that this could help quite a few of you that are suffering.

Here's a link to the book I mentioned in a previous post, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook:

http://www.triggerpointbook.com/

[Morphing]

Hello again, Having read "crazibutrue's" post - I started wondering. Then started researching (anyone else?). Taking a leap of faith, I stopped taking my third round of antibiotics, also ALL sinus prescriptions and started taking quite a few supplements and some natural antibiotics. In just a couple of days felt IMMENSELY!!! better - really miraculous, (although I'll be on the road to full recovery for some time). ALL of my afore mentioned symptoms are GONE!. If you really want an eye opener, start researching yeast/candida systemic overrun. As you've probably read here also, amalgams can/do play a major roll in becoming overrun with yeast. There are FAR more conditions associated with yeast also. If ABSOLUTELY nothing has worked for you or helped little or temorarily, you own it to yourself to look into this. There are a wealth of sites dedicated to the subject, read - compare - find out what makes sense to you. It's AMAZING! - "crazybutrue"!!! (Thank You)

[NJPressure]

------------PROBLEM SOLVED...CONTINUED---------------

Hello everyone!  Sorry I haven't been back in a while.

I just wanted to update you all in the fact that I still do not have any of the problems I have had for at least 6 months!

Here's my take on what I have learned:  

ENT's can't resolve the problem because they look for a PHYSICAL problem (blockage, etc.).

Doctor's can't resolve the problem because they look for a SICKNESS (virus, infection, etc.) and treat it with antibiotics.

Allergists can't resolve the problem because they treat the SYMPTOMS with drugs (e.g. Flonase, Loratadine, Allegra, Singulair, etc.)

For me, I was lucky enough to find THE CAUSE: Hidden Mold.

The funny thing is, when you have an allergy to something, it's not like you can be in the house and be miserable and then go to work or take a trip to Chicago (which I did) and suddenly be ok.  When you breath the allergins in all night, you continue to have the symptoms all day.  It takes days for your system to get back to normal.

USE THE THREE DOCTOR'S ABOVE TO HELP YOU NARROW YOUR SEARCH FOR THE CAUSE!!  HAVE THE ENT MAKE SURE THERE IS NO PHYSICAL BLOCKAGE AND THE DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO INFECTION.  THEN USE THE ALLERGIST TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO AND THEN GO SEARCHING FOR THOSE ALLERGINS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED INTO YOUR ENVIRONMENT WHEN THE SYMPTOMS BEGAN!!!

For me, it was mold.  After we cleaned up the mold problem, I contacted a mold specialist from the yellow pages and they came out and did mold counts in my house.  We located various areas that contained concentrations of mold and then cleaned those areas.  Each time they came back, the mold count went lower and lower.  Now mind you, I do not live in an old house or near water.  I do not have a basement (ranch style house).  My house is spotless and you would not think there was any mold.  But we are talking mold on a microscopic level (Parts per million in the air).  This was mold you would find in any house--and not necessarily in the bathroom or laundry areas.  We found concentrations of mold in the attic, in the heating/cooling ducts, etc.  

NOTE:  You can purchase mold count test kits at your local home store (e.g. Home Depot, Lowes, etc.).  But I recommend having a pro do it for you.  They know where to do the tests and how to resolve the problems.

We brought the mold count down to very low levels and I do not need any medications and I am feeling like the old me again!

[Spoonybard]

Hey Everyone,

Update from Wednesday's ENT appointment. He did the usual flexible scope up the nose and said that my maxillary sinuses are wide open and clear of anything. Also, there is some scar tissue near the opening to my ethmoid sinues. He also checked my ears since I seem to have a lot of pressure in them as well. Finally, I presented him with all the different things everyone in this forum has come up with:

From metal fillings to TMJ to mold to muscle trigger points. I received the typical response that trigger points don't cause these problems, etc...

He switched up my meds from Allegra-D and Mucinex to Allerga and Entex(Pseudovent). Basically it is still the same 3 meds (Allegra, Sudafed, Mucinex) just in differnt dosages.

I decided to take a different approach and this saturday I am seeing an Acupuncturist.

I think NJPressure has it right. I am going to find out how much it costs to get my condo tested for allergens/mold. NJPressure, if you don't mind me asking, how much did the testing cost?

[SilverWaves]

I posted a while ago about my own sinus problems and such.  Well, Almost 4 months later, im still having problems.  But, they did at least figure out according ot my latest CT Scan that I have a deviated septum and an underdeveloped sinus.  They said that my sinuses are almost completely blocked up!  I am scheduled for surgery next month.  Im *hoping* that it works!!!!  

I hope everyone finds some solutions to their problems! And hopefully mine works!  Has anyone had any luck with surgery?

[LMND]

I am totally interested in the  mold thing.  I am interested in knowing how much it cost.  I just read this to my husband and he said we could get a mold expert if I wanted to.  

Question for everyone -- I have been taking Singulair now for a couple of months and I am better BUT - I am having problems with my eyes the last two weeks.  Does anyone know any side effects of Singulair that would cause my eye to feel (hard to explain) dry and tired in one spot, not the whole eyeball but just the area between my tear duct and where the color of the eye starts?  That feeling is in one eye...and that one's worse in feeling scratchy or irritated, but there's nothing there and it hasn't affected my sight.  Or..could it be eye strain?  

[Michii]

I too have the exact same thin as most everyone here.. I thought i was crazy!
I have the eye problem as well.. from the tear duct over to where the color starts, it feels odd.. like a hair or something is in it.. or like it moves slower.. or maybe pressure is behind it.. I constantly blink it to clear it up.. it's almost like a film over the eye... VERY annoying!!!
I had worried I had some brain tumor or something behind my eyes that gives me all these problems! Dizzniess, nasal pain, eye problems! There seem to be so many of us.. why can't something be done???? I just can't afford to go through all the things like MRI's and such to find out i have nothing wrong with me.. I'm so tired of spending each day dizzy, "bubble headed" and sticky-eyed.. UGH! there must be something out there for us!

[joseph_k]

I posted this on another thread, but since this has been an important development for me and I thought it might help others, I'm posting the same thing here:

Quick update on the condition of my condition. For over five months now, I've been battling with intense pressure in my forehead and behind my eye, along with dizziness and a sort of physical feeling of mental cloudiness. Generally would subside when I would lie down, and built up throughout the day, worst in the late afternoon. Multiple clear CT scans, clear MRI, and just found out yesterday that I am 100% negative for all tested allergens.

BUT: I've been on Singulair for two weeks now, and feel better than I've felt since this started. Not 100% yet, but major improvement -- the pressure is basically completely gone, which is a huge step. Still some haziness, but I'm so much closer to normal than I've felt in months that I'm excited about the progress. For people with a similar history who haven't tried it, I would strongly recommend talking to your doc about a prescription for Singulair, and I would give it at least two weeks before drawing conclusions about whether or not it's helping. In my case around day 10 I started seeing real improvements, but didn't notice much before then.

I'm also starting on Nasacort, which my doc wants me to try in conjunction w/ Singulair for about six months. Her theory is that I probably had some sort of heinous infection, either sinus or upper respiratory, that caused a non-allergic inflammatory reaction in the mucous membranes of my sinus tissue, which has lasted long beyond the life of the infection (which was treated with four different courses of antibiotics). Her hope is that with the combination of the inflammation-reducing properties of Singulair and Nasacort, after six months we can take me off the meds and see if my system has re-stabilized and no longer needs meds. We'll see what happens.

Best of luck to everyone.

[MelancholicRae]

I think the corner of the eye by the tear duct is more sensitive, and has delicate membranes exposed, that's why it can feel so irritated or dry more than the rest of the eye. My corners get irritated with too much dry heat, dust, or extreme tiredness. I can tell cuz they sting when I wash my face. Maybe try some lubricating eye drops.

[MelancholicRae]

I think the corner of the eye by the tear duct is more sensitive, and has delicate membranes exposed, that's why it can feel so irritated or dry more than the rest of the eye. My corners get irritated with too much dry heat, dust, or extreme tiredness. I can tell cuz they sting when I wash my face. Maybe try some lubricating eye drops.

[Sky King]

It is really refreshing to see other experiences of what feels like a rare and mysterious disorder.  My only question is what type of dizziness are most people with sinus experiencing?  I have the pressure in my face and over my right eye, with pressure in my ears, more in my right.  But it is nothing that severe or painful and my sinuses are not clogged a lot.  I do have a deviated septum and chronic throat clearing which only started a year or so ago, but my dizziness is most disconcerting.  It comes in short spurts of 3-15 seconds where I feel like my vision is fading away, along with feeling like my eyes are crossing, and I can't focus at all for these few seconds. I can have 2 or three episodes a day, or not have one for 3 or 4 days. The can be mild or where I start thinking I'm going to need to grab on to something.  It is really scary and I feel like if someone is talking to me that I would look like my eyes were rolling.  This just started a few months ago and is getting more frequent.

I've been to an Optomologist, ENT and now my MD wants to do MRI and CT.  Before I go through this expense and possible damage to my body, has anyone experienced this type of vision problem instigated by sinus?  It sounds like a lot of people with sinus are worried about possible brain tumor, or other serious problems as I am, and find it is basically sinus. I have learned the hard way that doctors are quick to order expensive tests(especially if you are well insured) and throw numerous drugs at you in a guessing game along with reaching that quota with the drug companies that gets them that free trip to the Bahamas, so I have considered going to a homeopathic physician.  

I appreciate everyones comments as strength comes in numbers and I feel the collective knowledge is priceless, and also it's great to read information from a patient's perspective. May God bless and heal. . .

[LMND]

I have had the dizziness where it feels like you lose your vision for a few secs.  I have no clue as to why.  When I was young my mom would pass out - and at one point everything went black and she thought she was blind, all due to inner ear, so scary as that is, she did get her vision back that day, and after trying every med. they had at that time with nothing helping, she would take ChlorTrimeton over the counter and it worked as well...and give it time to pass.  When we finally moved to the country (out of city pollution) she was EXTREMELY better and had one or two attacks a year, whereas she was so bad before she had to quit driving.  

I got an attack of dizziness a couple of days ago, at the hospital (son having chest pains) and the air was dry and blowing down the hall, then was on the elevator, and when I got off it hit like that out of the blue.  I don't know if it was the air/sinus, or balance wasn't right from the elevator, or anxiety, but it always scares me and I shook my arms and had to calm myself down.  

We purchased a mold test kit at Wal-Mart and it turned out ok in the house.  

Still on Singulair every day, NasaCort (not regular) and saline rinse (not regular) and using the air cleaner, for 3 months and I'm better and able to handle it - but as I said, I still have instances of dizziness.

Got some dry eye drops and my eye feels better, so not sure if that was connected to my problems, or the cold, dry air got to it, or eye strain.

I think we've all been concerned about brain tumors. And I agree, doctors are just trying all the same meds to see what works.  A guessing game.  
    

[SinusGuy]

My ENT found a cure for me! I have a deviated septum and am also prone to sinus problems. Unfortunately, when my teeth hurt and some fillings got loose I went to a dentist. Long story shorter, after wasting lots of money they became loose and he pulled all the teeth on my upper right below the maxillary sinus. That cost more plus the necessary bridge was in the thousands. Then I got a toothache where no teeth existed and a nurse told me to go to an ENT. After asking which antibiotics the dentist(s) had used on me on he told me I had a serious sinus infection for at least a year, possibly two that had eaten a good portion of bone from the roof of my mouth. He said my infection was immune to antibiotics so he said we're going back to the 18th century. He put me on sulfa drugs for 15 days and it was gone. If your doctor will prescribe them, go for it but stay out of the sun or you'll become spotted. I went out in the sun on day 13 and was spotted like a leopard for 2 weeks. The spots went away but so did my perpetual sinus infection.  

[MelancholicRae]

About how much did your mold test kit cost at Walmart?

[LMND]

We got the mold test kit on the sale table for $4.00.  I think they're regularly $12.00, or close.  Just swabbed some stuff in a little plastic dish with a cover and let it stand for 72 hours.  

That is scary about sinus infection eating bone....and no Dr. noticed that?  Have you not been running a fever since you've had infection for a year?

[MelancholicRae]

Thanks for the info LMND. I'll have to go try one. I know for a fact we have some mold behind the wallpaper you can see on one of our walls. I'm sure it's not good for my sinuses/allergies.

And yeah, that infection sounds serious? Were there any warning signs that you had been so ill?

[Peanut55]

I have just started my 4th week of trigger point therapy massage and I'm happy to say that I'm at least 85-90% better than when I first started. I can't tell you how good it feels to cure yourself when even your doctors couldn't!

An example of a visit to a "specialist": I saw my rheumatologist last week to inject a couple of trigger points in the back of my neck that were extremely tight and very painful. While chatting, I explained that I had been doing the trigger point massage and that I was surprised to find out that the neck muscles could be the cause of so many sinus-type symptoms (excess mucus, post nasal drip, headaches above and behind the eye, eye redness, dizziness, etc). "Oh, no" she said "that isn't really the case." And she is a specialist that deals specifically with trigger points!!! I told her I was getting much better now that I was doing the massage and that the mucus had decreased and therefore my cough was better too. She gave me a humoring kind of look and sent me on my way.

Moral of the story: Doctors don't know everything, even this doctor that I very much like and respect and I know is very knowledgeable. YOU know your body best and YOU know what is working and what isn't.

If anyone is interested, I've copied some of the muscle massage techniques from the trigger point book and will happily send them out to you if you want to try them. Email me at ***@**** and I'll pass them along to get you started.

[LeAnneFr]

I'd really like to try the pressure point thing. Do you need my email or mailing address?

[cheeksiluxox]

Ugh... I am reading all of these comments and I can totally relate.. I have had sinus issues/allergies that have been getting worse.. Last few months I have had slight nausea weird drunk feeling in Home Depot, food stores, and mall.  I also have a visual issue when my kids are running I have a hard time focusing on them.  I am totally scared (brain tumor, ms... who knows) I have headaches...incredible face pressure.  the whole thing is making me crazy.. I have had anxiety issues and hypochondria for a long time and am trying to get better but this is so real and scary to me.. the vision issue is really freaking me out.. Im going to the eye dr. tomorrow.. Anyone else have a focusing problem with movement or when you look up at the shelves in the store do you get kind of a surreal feeling?

[LeAnneFr]

I also have trouble focusing. It seems like everything is overmoving. It started about 9 months ago, after a sinus infection. I find it difficult to drive, especially during rush hour or on interstate. Sometimes it makes me nauseous like I have motion sickness. I am dizzy all the time, but it seems to get worse when I'm tired or stressed. I recently found out that I have hypothyroid and am on medication for that. Also been to the ENT and had an MRI. No brain tumor, but the MRI did show some changes, likely nothing, but need to rule out MS. I am going to the neurologist next week. I'll let you know how it goes. I also have facial, jaw and sinus pain, my ears are itchy and sometimes they feel plugged and sore. I have shoulder and arm pain and sometimes numbness. These problems have been going on for several years. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, celiac disease, depression/anxiety disorder. It seems like nobody can figure out whats wrong so they keep adding dianoses.

Hey, I've been doing some research and I've found that alot of autoimmune problems are being connected to the virus that causes mononucleosis. I had mono when I was 11. I was perfectly healthy as a child, but started to have health problems after I had mono. Just wondering, how many of you have had mono?    

[Morphing]

I'm suprised that know one has mentioned they've looked into Candida yeast overrun. If you look into this you'll see that one of the symptoms "is" sensitivity to mold. My house has to take the cake when it comes to mold. Two years ago, had $25,000.00 worth of work done to it from a very renown firm and guess what? It didn't make me fell any better, only when I started to treat for Candida yeast overrun did I lose ALL of my sinus symptoms. If you look back at my previous postings, I had many!

Just thought you might want to know.

Hope everyone WILL get better!

Regards

[Peanut55]

Please email me at the address above with your email address and I'll send the info right along to you.

[cheeksiluxox]

thanks for the comment...   I just went to the eye doctor and he gave me glasses. I actually feel worse today than I did yesterday before I got them. My head feels so heavy and so much pressure in my forehead and face.  I guess I have to go to the ent too. I have been under a lot of stress this year does anyone else see there symptoms get worse with stress?  

[MelancholicRae]

I think stress can make ANY illness feel worse. When I'm stressed out my ailments feel more overwhelming, whereas if I'm in a good mood, things seem manageable.
Maybe since this is your first few days with new glasses, you might be feeling a little worse cuz of the new vision. I know when I've had changes in my lenses, the new ones can make your eyes kinda funny until you get used to them. Sometimes I'd get a little eye strain or headache or even a little dizziness from getting used to the new lenses and change in vision.

[polly068]

Hi.  I was wondering if anyone has worse symptoms at night, lying down.  I think I am suffering from sinusitis, but I'm not sure.  I have awful pain in my sinus area, but nothing coming out of my nose.  I feel like I have something in my throat most of the time (could be post nasal drip)?  And at night it's worse lying down.  I feel very congested and it's hard to breath.  I feel like my head is going to explode or something.  I am going to see an ENT doctor next month.  And I have had an operation for a deviated septum about 15 years ago (it's actually worse now).  Anyways, I just wanted to know if anyones symptoms are worse lying down??
Thanks.

[joseph_k]

So I got frustrated with this forum and decided to create a new site.  I personally think the forum functionality is better, and I hope some folks will check it out.  It's at http://www.sinusforum.org.

[luru1]

Most medications are designed to get you back to the doctors office, how do you think they pay for those mansions on the water, you would't want to disrupt a doctors life style would you?  TRY" CEFTIN" and don't let the doctor tell you there is a newer antibiotic. BALONEY. As long as your not allergic to "CEFTIN" try it. It is an old antibiotic that works. It may not work for everyone in this forum. My best friends sister was sick in bed for weeks  and we all thougth it was a serious illness, till one doctor prescribed "CEFTIN" she was back on her feet in a couple of days, so i tried it, and the congestion which was in my lungs, my sinus, everywhere, was gone. I hope it works for most of you. good luck luru

[roxgon]

I can't believe so many people feel the way I do. I thought I was going crazy and nobody can understand why. I have extremely ad dizziness making it impossible to get out of bed sometimes. My balance feels off. I have been on antibioics many times and I recently saw a ENT who seemed to take my symptoms lightly. I am only 34 years old and I can't function with my symptoms. I also get the runny nose, ear ringing, ear clogginess, seeing spots, cough, chest congestion, sinus pain, headache, I can't be in malls or crowds, I constantly tilt my head to one side, and look down when I walk, I can't look up or it gets worse. I'm hoping someone can relate and give me some advice. I live in NY.

[sanufi]

I also have the same problems.

Does anyone also get really thick mucus in their nose? I have lots of thick, egg-white nasal mucus. Of course, my nose is always congested and my sense of smell is quite bad.

[tke5768]

i have had chronic sinusitis for 3 yrs now. i have had the meds, and the sinus rinse's, steam, and i have also had surgery. all to no avail, I am depressed and also have asthma, and anxiety. I am scared that the doctors are not finding out what is really wrong with me. How can you have continuous sinus infections, and not be able to get rid of them i have done everything the doctors have asked me to do. I enen get three shots a week. i am so tired of being sick and tired. They need a seperate forum for people like us. This really screws with your life in a serious way. I am glad that there are people who are going through the same stuff as I am.

[ejh]

By the way, feel free to email me:
  ejhayes76 @ yahoo.com

[ejh]

You should investigate the possibility of mercury toxicity. It can cause a host of problems, especially if there is no physical cause for you problems and/or you have a history of mercury amalgams, vaccines or high fish comsumption.

Most normal GPs will not test this. Unfortunately only about 1% of the mainstream MDs will deal with this, so you might need to go towards more complimentary or natural doctors (NDs.). This is unfortunate, but a fact of the way mainstream medicine in the US works (or doesn't work).

If you are serious about your health, you need to continue to see people until someone can help and listen to you. If your GP can't help, move on.

I have a lot to say on this topic and have personal experience with this. I've had MRIs, eye exams and sinus checks which were all 'perfect'. I've had doctors tell me they can't find anything wrong, yet I still continued to have severe eye pain, headaches, and sinus problems (plus other problems like fatigue).

I am one third to half way through mercury chelation treatment and I have seen improvements in my health. Unfortunately, the treatment is a long process with roller coaster up and downs. However, I have improved more in the two months of mercury detox than in the 9 months before where I was on all kinds of drugs to no avail.

I had the think, sticky white mucus in my nasl passages. It has gotten better with my treatments, but isn't quite gone. I believe that type of mucus comes from fungal infections (candida), which are common in people with high levels of mercury in their systems.

In the meantime, here is a good website with info about someone's personal experience with mercury:

www.mercurylife.com.

It is one of the best websites I have seen with regard to information based on a personal experience. The man on this website had the same problems I had (and even more)..