This really scared me today!

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Bit of history, not sure its relevant!

Two weeks ago had an operation on my sinuses, Consultant removed lots of cysts from my maxillary sinuses and also did an ethmoidectomy. Very painful, came home with pain killers and antibiotics (ABs for 6 wks). Last weekend, the pain in my right hand side of my face got worst and I suspected an infection. I saw the Consultant on Wednesday and confirmed my suspicions. He cleaned all my sinuses out really thoroughly and he told me that my sinuses were full of blood clots and the germs were having a field day. He hoped that that would really help.
Since Wednesday, the pain has been pretty much unbearable, particularly at night - sometimes I am only getting 2 hrs sleep.
Last night I was really suffering, I eventually fall asleep about 4:30am.

We decided to go to a shopping centre this morning (don't ask why!!!) seemed like a good idea at the time and although I am in pain, I don't feel that ill IYKWIM. I took some of the strong painkillers that I have been prescribed which I have done on and off during the last 2 wks.

It was lunchtime, we all sat and ate lunch, really enjoyed it. Eldest DD went off with her friend, DH went to the toilets.
I suddenly came over really really hot, started to sweat, my ears suddenly went really strange and my eyes started to get tunnel vision. Both of my legs started to get pins and needles in them and I really felt very very odd. This all happened within a couple of minutes. I managed to stand up, hoping that the movement would help, it didn't and I could almost feel myself about to pass out. Dh arrived back at that moment, and I managed to say - I don't feel well. I then was sick several times where I was standing. (luckily DH caught the sick in our food containers) I had no idea until I was going to be sick until I was.

DH said that I had gone very white and insisted that I sat down. After about 10 minutes I started to feel a little better. All afternoon I felt odd, but not ill and haven't been sick since.

Not really sure what or why it happened.

Is it the infection?
Is it the painkillers?

Whatever it was has really scared me and I was so glad that DH was there.

What are the painkillers - that may be relevant.

You should go first thing in the morning to your doc. Or even call NHS direct tonight. You could have a serious infection and these things can take hold very fast and be hard to control. Please seek medical advice very soon. Hope you get well soon.

The pain killers are ibruprofen 400 (I only need to take one every 8hrs) and cocodamol

I was contemplating the GP tomorrow morning I must admit. Apart from the pain at the moment I just feel very tired which isn't really surprising as I have hardly slept these past 2 weeks.

Will def make an appointment tomorrow - even if its for peace of mind.

Ah, cocodamol!!

Are they 30/500 - 30mg of codeine to every 500mg of paracetamol? These are about as strong as you can get for painkillers without being in hospital.

I use them for migraines, and can't really drive - or actually stay awake properly - when I've had them. But they will keep the pain at bay while it's still quite severe.

Read the leaflet in the box, if you haven't already - don't drive, drink alcohol or do anything that requires too much concentration in the hour or two after you've had some, because you'll come a cropper.

Go to your GP as you'd considered tomoro, but I bet you a year's supply of wine (!) that it's the cocodamol. Try just taking one, especially if you're only little. My husband used them a few times when he broke his ankle last summer, and they made him go all funny, similar to your description (minus the vomiting), but I only use them for migraines, so can't tell which of the bizarre things that happen to me is my brain or the drugs!!!

They should help you sleep though.

Thanks Meow, I have taken them before today, felt as thou my legs don't really belong to my body, but other than that have been okay.

Also the prescription said that I could take cocodamol every 4 hrs, although I never did.

It was over 3hrs after taking the painkillers before I had my funny turn.

Could be the cocadamol but I would be going to the OOH doctors tonight as this could be a sign of sepsis. Do you have a fever now?

No fever now. Just a painful face.

Any heat on your face if you touch it, any smell or weakness (can you move your face, smile, frown etc?)

I can move my face okay, although it does hurt. Its not swollen. I do occasionally have a smell in my nose which I have put down to the infection.

It is probably the drugs then, but keep an eye on it. I would personally call the GP in the morning and report the problem and ask if s/he thought I needed to go back to the consultant.

I couldn't get through to the drs this morning. So I rang the the Consultants secretary. My what a lovely lady - she has managed to get me into see him this afternoon. We will discuss different pain relief and he will check to see if I still have the infection! (I will be very surprised if he says it clear!!!!)

I am so relieved to see someone today, had another terrible nights sleep. Night times always seem the worse, not sure they are, but I guess everyone is asleep except you.

Thanks for all the replies yesterday