Desperate

[gonegoofy]

I am at my wits end.  In the last 15 years I have had 4 sinus surgeries.  The first was to remove polyps and a deviated septum, the second was revision surgery to remove scar tissue and to drill windows in for drainage, the third was to remove a frontal sinus infection, and the fourth was to reduce the turbinate on the right side.  I have continually recurring bouts of thickened mucous and inflammation that ends up in repeated infections.  I also had repeated bronchitis and have now been diagnosed with adult onset asthma.  I have seen two immunologists and a rheumatologist.  I do not have allergies, or an underlying immune system disorder.  Two doctors have diagnosed me as having Samter's Triad, however I do not have any history of aspirin or NSAID sensitivity.  My ENT says I have vasomotor rhinitis.  I irrigate with pulmacort respules and take singulair, 2 different steroid inhalers (one through the nose), and 2400 mg. a day of mucinex.  I even did a 2 month trial of methotrexate (low dose chemotherapy).  Nothing works.  I am having problems only on the right side.  My last CT scan was clear, after 42 days of prednisone and 2 rounds of Levaquin.  Then I got a cold and I am back to square one.  I went to the dentist for my check up and had him check to make sure I didn't have a dental abcess.  No abcess, but the x ray did show that my right maxillary sinus was "cloudy."   The whole right side of my face hurts.  I am not sleeping at night, and have now cracked 3 teeth - despite a night guard - from clenching because of the pain.  I feel dizzy and sick to my stomach.  I can't bend over to garden or pick things up because the pain is so intense.  Back to the ENT tomorrow and I am sure I will be on prednisone again.  I hate that stuff.  Any suggestions are welcome.  

[OHNS2010]

Hi,

My goodness you had swine flu also. Please take care, continue as per the advise of your doctor. All the best.

Regards
OHNS2010

[gonegoofy]

Thank you for your response.  My Immunologist put me on a low dose of amoxicillin last winter just before the virus season hit.  I ended up getting the Swine Flu and got a massive infection.  I have now been prescribed an antihistamine nasal spray.  We shall see how it goes.

[OHNS2010]

Hi,

I do understand the trauma you have undergone. With your history it does indicate that you have continuous collection in your sinuses. I do have few suggestions for you:
1. Try taking antihistaminics (like cetrizine / fexofenadine) as this reduces the secretions and continue using mucolytics.
2. You can also try taking Doxycycline as it helps in reducing the bacterial load.
3. Use saline nasal drops 3 drops 3times/day. 10 minutes after instilling this nasal drops you can take steam inhalations as this will open up the sinus ostia by reducing the inflammation.
Hope this should reduce your symptoms. Any doubts you are welcome.

Regards
OHNS2010