Sinusitis FAQ

The ENT says I need surgery

Question:

Hi all, I’ve never posted here before, but sometimes lurk. I’ve had chronic sinusitis for 10 years that has not responded very well to therapy of any and all kinds. Today the ENT called to tell me that my CT scan did indicate a candidacy for surgery. Has anyone here ever had it? I understand that laser surgery is more successful and less painful. I am scared shitless about the possible complications, since the ethymoid sinuses sit so close tot he optic nerve. Thanks, Kate

Response:

On Fri, 18 Feb 2000 14:35:57 -0000, "PookyBob" <smor…@bellsouth.net> wrote: >Hi, >What did the CT scan actually say. Do you actually have an infection in the >ethmoid….or is something obstructing it?

Hi Bob, I won’t actually get to see the read until March 7th…but I have long suspected it was the ethymoid and frontal sinuses because of the location of the pain. I still don’t know if there’s an actual polyp type blockage or just a general thickening, but I suspect it may be both. I think the opening became smaller and smaller with each infection and there have been no fewer than 20 in the last 10 years…most of those within the last 5. Kate

Response:

> >What did the CT scan actually say. Do you actually have an infection in the > >ethmoid….or is something obstructing it? > Hi Bob, > I won’t actually get to see the read until March 7th…but I have long > suspected it was the ethymoid and frontal sinuses because of the > location of the pain. > I still don’t know if there’s an actual polyp type blockage or just a > general thickening, but I suspect it may be both. > I think the opening became smaller and smaller with each infection and > there have been no fewer than 20 in the last 10 years…most of those > within the last 5.

Hi Kate, sounds like they must be on the right track…I just wonder why they are making you wait so long to discuss your CT Scan….are you in the US? I understand many UK folks do have to wait quite a while to see someone…bless them. I had ehtmoid infection, but it was in the bone and could only be cured with weeks of IV antibiotics…..I had no obstructions. I had a turbinectomy 2 years ago and he used some laser and some cut….I did fine. There are some great websites out there that will explain the procedure….look around, you’ll be surprised! I thought I was a candidate for ethmoid surgery too…so I did do some research….complications are extremely rare. Good luck and keep us posted, SuzyQ

Response:

On Fri, 18 Feb 2000 18:59:53 -0000, "PookyBob" <smor…@bellsouth.net> wrote: >Hi Kate, >sounds like they must be on the right track…I just wonder why they are >making you wait so long to discuss your CT Scan….are you in the US?

Yes. The ENT I see is only at the clinic one night and one day a week, hence the delay. I >understand many UK folks do have to wait quite a while to see >someone…bless them. I had ehtmoid infection, but it was in the bone and >could only be cured with weeks of IV antibiotics…..I had no obstructions. >I had a turbinectomy 2 years ago and he used some laser and some cut….I >did fine. There are some great websites out there that will explain the >procedure….look around, you’ll be surprised! I thought I was a candidate >for ethmoid surgery too…so I did do some research….complications are >extremely rare. >Good luck and keep us posted,

Thanks, SuzyQ. Last night I ordered the Grossan water pik and nasal irrigator. I would like to try this before taking a step as drastic as surgery. I am disgusted that MDs have never recommended basic common sense measures such as this before offerring drugs. Kate

Response:

In article <38acbac2.10999…@news.empireone.net>,   z…@jack.com (Zipjack) wrote: > Hi all, I’ve never posted here before, but sometimes lurk. I’ve had > chronic sinusitis for 10 years that has not responded very well to > therapy of any and all kinds. > Today the ENT called to tell me that my CT scan did indicate a > candidacy for surgery. Has anyone here ever had it? I understand that > laser surgery is more successful and less painful. I am scared > shitless about the possible complications, since the ethymoid sinuses > sit so close tot he optic nerve. > Thanks, > Kate

Hi Kate; I had my second Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery February 11th.  I can’t help you on laser surgery, but I can tell you that I was also warned by my ENT of possible optic problems or leakage of the fluid that surrounds the brain.  These are low probability complications, but they do exist and the surgeon must tell about them.    Any surgery has possible dangers, no matter how slight. My advice would be to talk to your ENT about your fears.  Ask him if one of his/her patients would be willing to talk to you about their surgery. They may be able to put your fears to rest.  I would classify my surgery as an inconvenience, not something to fear (although I was scared to death at my 1st, 10 years ago).  Relax as best you can and go for it. When all is done, I believe that you’ll find that the anticipation is worse than the actual surgery.  Good luck. Chris Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

Filed under: Chronic sinusitis

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