need of help

[jennifer819]

I am going to post this question on the ENT and the Respitory site and hopefully a doctor or someone can help. I have chronic sinus infections, etc. I have had two sinus surgeries in the past and I know have sinus polyps. I have a constant sinus drainage in the back of my throat, daily earaches, sore throat and swollen glands. Over the course of the past few months I have been having severe chest congestion to the point of the feeling of not being able to breathe. Last month the ER told me I had bronchitis and sent me home with antibiotics, cough medicine and an inhaler. I do not have insurance, cannot afford to pay for a doctor, and I am awaiting SSI for other issues. The heaviness and congestion in my chest is non stop now and I have sharp pains in my chest/lung areas. Whenever I go to the ER they listen and feel no wheezing and send me home. The past couple of weeks I have been only able to eat a few bites a day because I am in so much pain and I have also started having horrible heartburn and acid reflux. I bought some pepcid AC and tums but they are not helping and I now take musinex on a daily basis. It is really hard for me to even swallow water. Is there anything OTC or anything herbal that would help me. I live in a very small town with one very small ER. I hope someone can help me. Thank you.....

[Sunny602]

WTG! I agree with the "squeaky wheel gets the attention" saying..sometimes you really have to press doctors to get answers. Good luck with the upcoming appointment. Sunny

[jennifer819]

thanks to all who posted back. i forced my doc to give me a chest x-ray and it came back normal and i even got to see it! so the following day i went to another er in a bigger city, what a difference, well after being check out it turns out that my esophagus is having spasms which is causing the feeling of not being able to breath. i have an upcoming appt. to see a gastro doctor. until then i cannot have any caffiene, spicy food and take alot of maalox. anyone suffering like i was keep pressing on until you get an answer.

[Sunny602]

I rinse my sinuses daily with saline solution. This is sold over the counter and helps drain them well. Another thought is that you might have allergies, it is that time of the year. Mine are out of control I have headaches daily from sinus pressure and have the infamous post nasal drip that goes along with it. My chest feels heavier too with them I take decongestants to help dry things out. I am not a doctor, I am just describing what I go through personally and am just throwing some ideas out there. Nothing replaces a thorough exam by a doctor.
Reflux is awful too...it took many different meds and combinations to finally get it right with me. It also took time to feel better...
I would see a doctor because this has gone on for quite some time with you, perhaps he or she could set up a payment plan or better yet, have a sliding scale (my doctor does, her fees depend on how much a person makes if they don't have insurance) for reduced fees.
I hope you get answers and most importantly, relief. Sunny

[momofsinus]

Make sure you post your question on the Expert side of this website. Then you can can get feedback from a physician. Good luck and I hope and pray you can get some answers soon.