6 paq

[T-lynn]

You said your ENT appointment went bad in another post,just checking on ya.

Many here have never been to an ENT,please fill me in.

[T-lynn]

Vent all you need as Drs are so frustrating.

The flonase and the saline mist may help.

Get the results of the VNG report.Getting a second opinion maybe from a neuroOtologist might be in order,not only can he properly figure out the dizziness,he can re-evaluate the sinuses.

Trying to get a Dx when it comes neuro in nature is hard.

[6-paq]

Ughh.... hit the enter key by mistake...

A bit of background....  I started my journey for a Dx beginning in January when I started having constant dull headaches in the sinus area (forehead, bridge of nose, cheeks) with pressure on the right side of my head and fullness in the ear along with brief periods of lightheadedness.   Figured it was sinus related since I've had previous nasal surgery 20 years ago and have had sinus/allergy issues for years.

My normal PCP said it wasn't sinus, but migraines.  I had some tingling in my toes plus some tingling in my ring/pinky fingers, so I decided to see a neuro just in case I had migraines.

Fastforward through my MRIs and "possible MS" Dx.  I decided to go to an ENT on my own since I didn't totally buy that what was going on with my headaches/dizziness was MS-related.  I know what sinus headaches are as I've had them quite often.

In the meantime, my neuro ordered a BAEP and VNG to determine if the dizziness was CNS caused.  My BAEP came back "normal" and my VNG showed no CNS cause for my dizziness, but did show that I have a vestibular weakness in my right ear (dizziness due to peripheral causes).

Saw an ENT PA (couldn't see a ENT) back in June, who ordered a sinus CT scan.   Results from the sinus CT scan were "extensive chronic sinus disease" and that I would need surgery.   I have bilateral obstruction, a polyp, bilateral concha billosa and inflammation in all of my sinuses (pansinusitis).   The PA said that they were "expediting" surgery and that instead of waiting three months to see a ENT, they would only make me wait one month.

So, when the ENT PA called, back in early July, I was really happy that my headaches/dizziness can now be attributed to my sinus issues and figure that they will be alleviated with the surgery.  I was looking forward to feeling much better and maybe being able to breath through my nose instead of my mouth again!!

Had my appt with the ENT surgeon yesterday and the first thing he says is that my sinuses aren't that bad and that I don't need surgery (HUH??).   He gave me a RX for Flonase and told me to use a saline rinse.  Well, I'm already taking Nasonex and obviously that isn't helping anything, but oh well...

He also said that my dizziness was NOT caused by my sinus issues, in spite of the fact that my BAEP and VNG results indicate non-CNS causes.   He also blew off the Caloric test portion of the VNG which stated that I have a 77% weakness in my right ear.  He said that the Caloric test results aren't that reliable and since I don't have vertigo, but just lighheadedness, he wasn't that concerned.

Also said that any sinus surgery would probably not alleviate my headaches anyway. :(

I made sure to re-iterate that I have pulsatile tinnitus (no one has taken this seriously before) and he did order a Temporal Bone CT to check it out.  I have that scheduled for August 21.  So, at least he's looking it to it finally.  But, if it's like my other tests, it'll probably come out "normal" as well.

So, I'm really disappointed, frustrated and don't know what to think about his recommendations.  I think he's being very conservative (and my BIL who's a PCP also stated this).  I wondering if I should seek a second opinion?  

My BIL says that changing from Nasonex to Flonase will not make a difference, but that the saline rinse should help.  I just don't see how that will help with the frontal and sphenoid sinuses???

I'm the most concerned about his thought that my dizziness isn't related to my sinus issues or the rt ear weakness.  That was probably the most disappointing thing of the whole visit, as I'm guessing he's throwing that back to the "possible MS" Dx.  

Gee, I even got dizzy when they did the Tympanometry test on my right ear way back in June.  I would think that would indicate that my dizziness isn't CNS-caused???

Ughhhh....

I haven't seen my neuro since I got the sinus CT results.  He doesn't know anything about the sinus disease.  I'll be sure to mention it to him when I see him next (have to make that appt).  I'm curious as to his take on the "dizziness" not being related to my sinuses/inner ear.

Sorry to vent and I do appreciate you asking!

Take care!  Pat