Constant sinus infections - off to see London consultant beg of Jan, what should I be asking??

[mynaughtylittlesister]

Basically 2 operations on my sinuses in the last 2 and a half years, had 6mths reprieve since the last operation, but unfortunately since August am now on my 4th infection. Had seen a local ENT consultant up until recently when he said there was nothing more that he could do and referred me to London.

1st visit to the London Consultant , basically looked in my nose and took blood test.

2nd visit, Consultant decided as I had not had anymore attacks since I had last seen him then he would do nothing, but gave me back results from blood test. Results showed that one of the results had come back with a problem. The consultant thought it was an odd result to come back as it normally shows in people over the age of 60 in repeatedly sinus infections. I am 43 (so a few years to go!) He did mention that if I continue to get sinus infections then he could give me an injection that would help kill this bacteria (so wish I could remember what its called!) but he did not want to unnecessarily inject me.

I have my 3rd visit beg of January, I am already counting the days until I see him.

What do I say to him, On both of my visits to him he has only looked up my nose with a normal light that the GP would. I had much more detailed appointments with the local ENT Consultant as he would look right up into my sinuses.

I guess I am feeling pretty low at the moment as I have an infection at the moment which has taken over 2 weeks to develop, I know it will last at least 10 days and that is with double ABs.

The second operation showed that I had lots of polyps (which were removed), and I guess that I am really worried that they have grown back (if that's possible!) I had the second operation last July (6mths after the 1st)

Thanks

I have nasal polyps too and have been advised that I need surgery to remove them. The problem with polyps is that they often come back so I'm putting off for just now and am actually using a sinus wash every morning. It only takes a minute and if it keeps the bacterial viruses away then I'm happy.

I don't think you've had much luck with the specialists you've seen.

The specialist I saw explained to me that aftercare after the op is very important if the polyps are not going to return. He told me that nose blowing is not allowed either. I assume you are on nasal wash after your op?

Do you have asthma? Were you not aware that you had polyps during your first operation? I assume you've had CT scans?

I went and saw my GP - He was fab, I explained all my worries etc and as I had an infection, he prescribed me with another dose of ABs and has requested a CT scan. He is hoping that this will be done before my appointment in Jan and so the London Consultant will have results to look at.

Soundersleep I use a nasal spray everyday as I had a nasal wash and it didn't really help.

Thanks for the replies

Masserrato - I have already had 2 CT scans before I each operation.

Have your teeth been ruled out as a cause? Sometimes a rogue dental root can cause problems. I have had sinus surgery too, my 'polyp' turned out not to be one after all, it was a benign tumour. My follow up visits have always involved a camera into the sinus cavity to check it hasn't re-grown.

I do visit the dentist every 6 mths and so far they have not mentioned anything untoward. How would I found this out?

Mmm so previous CT would show whether or not there were polyps both times. I'd be wary about having another CT scan personally as they are very high in radiation (much more so than ordinary x rays). The specialists must know what is going on.

The ABs will be taking it out on your body too. Remember to take some probiotics after the course.

Every time I've gone for a consultations I've had the camera nose jobbie too. Painless and immediate results.

Do you have an allergy to aspirin by any chance?

Possibly no use but have you tried daily nasal douching with saline / salt water? It is the one thing that halted my constant sinus infections... Might help?

can i bump this up and ask?
my Dh had a sinus op 7 weeks ago and they removed polyps and gunge, and opend up the channels. it has taken him ages to feel fit again, and although heis better-ish, his nose is still not right and he still feels very fatigued. The nose problems were a complication from bad flu a year ago- so he may just be exhausted- very busy at work etc.

he is going back to see his consultant- but do these ops have a low success rate- or could he still have an infection?

Topaz, I have used Neilmed in the past. I still got the infections.

Amelia I would like to think I am just a little unlucky with my sinuses. Does your DH have an appointment to see Consultant, I had several appointments as the Consultant vacuumed my nose out (horrid!!!). The 1st operation I had was a balloonaplasty and I was the 1st live patient that the Consultant had worked on. It did open my sinuses up for a short time but unfortunately did not last. Consultant has successfully gone on and performed more balloonaplasties. He did the traditional Fess on me last time and I lasted 6mths without an infection - bliss!!!

I have received an appointment for my CT scan for next Friday - Can't believe how quick the appointment has come through - only saw GP on Monday morning!

My DH does have an appt with his consultant who did the sinus op. I don't know what the op was called but it was under a GA, they removed polyps and gunge, and an abscess, which had been there for a year and missed by various uselss GPs who never even looked up his nose. he had a CT scan before the op and was shown how one side of his face was a complete mess, sinus-wise. all of this was private, so plenty of time to ask questions etc- he just wonders why it is not right and if these things take longer than 7 weeks after the op to improve.

Can't believe my bad luck! Was starting to feel quite clear by Friday although my ear was still hurting a small amount. Got up this morning and its worse than when I went the first time - good news is, my ear seems better!