James,
I was supposed to be in Florida this week but because of this sinus infection, I stayed home. I am on day 9 of Levaquin that the ENT gave me. Today I went to my internist this afternoon, he is a great Dr. and he said Levaquin isn't the first line of defense for sinuses. I have had sinus pain for 10 days and pain in my teeth. He put me on Amoxycilan/Augmentin. I took one pill and all the pain is gone.
He said however that I should go for a CT Scan of my sinuses and neck, as there was a tender spot on the left side of my neck. So, I am doing it at 9:45 tomorrow morning. Things are faster here,
I asked about fungus and he said that happens with diabetic patients mostly and he said the same thing as Dr. B, the have to take a bite during surgery.
I got the impression from him that it is very important to go to the best surgeon you can find, if you need surgery, because the better the skills the less problems you'll have. He said he knows somebody great in Manhattan.
Finally he said he is recommending to patients the Fisher-Paykill machines with the heated hose because the more moisture you get in, the better for the sinuses.
I better get to sleep. I hope you get some good results. We seem to be in the same boat.
Allen
Fungal infection?
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CollegeGirl
- Posts: 1038
- Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:49 pm
- Location: VA
James, I'm really sorry to see you're experiencing all these problems. I really hope you find out what's behind it all soon - your photo really does look quite different.
--FYI, for anyone reading this thread that doesn't know, a heated hose is available for purchase separately, and can be used with just about any machine (I say just about, because, while it can be used with all the machines I personally know about, there's bound to be one I don't know about somewhere! lol) You can find it at http://www.sleepzone.com.au --
We now return you to worrying like heck about James.
--FYI, for anyone reading this thread that doesn't know, a heated hose is available for purchase separately, and can be used with just about any machine (I say just about, because, while it can be used with all the machines I personally know about, there's bound to be one I don't know about somewhere! lol) You can find it at http://www.sleepzone.com.au --
We now return you to worrying like heck about James.
Machine: M-Series Auto
Mask: Headrest
No humidifier
On the hose since 2005.
Mask: Headrest
No humidifier
On the hose since 2005.
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jskinner
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:21 pm
- Location: Greenwich, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Contact:
Just thought I would update everyone a bit. My head really hurts today so I will keep this short. Am still in NS but returning to Ottawa tomorrow. CT scan results came back negative so its looking less like fungus is the issue. Swelling still big problem but breathing a bit easier during the day. Not sure if this is due to being away from my Condo or the predisone that I was on.
Am seeing a Resperologiest on tuesday so I hope he has some ideas on how to proceed. Am really thinking that some type of surgery might have to be the next step. (can't go on like this much longer)
Am seeing a Resperologiest on tuesday so I hope he has some ideas on how to proceed. Am really thinking that some type of surgery might have to be the next step. (can't go on like this much longer)
Damn, James. Seems like if it were allergies this time w/your parents should have brought some real relief. Good luck and God bless to you guy. I sure hope you get a break SOON!
The more I think about it the more inclined I am to suggest Mayo Clinic in MN if you do decide to venture to the US to find the root of your problem - and a cure! They are THE leading teaching hospital in the US in so very many disciplines and amongst the top 50 in most all disciplines. Usually w/in the top 5-10.
Perhaps checking out the abstracts at PubMed would help you determine where the most research is being done.
The more I think about it the more inclined I am to suggest Mayo Clinic in MN if you do decide to venture to the US to find the root of your problem - and a cure! They are THE leading teaching hospital in the US in so very many disciplines and amongst the top 50 in most all disciplines. Usually w/in the top 5-10.
Perhaps checking out the abstracts at PubMed would help you determine where the most research is being done.
_________________
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Women are Angels. And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly.....on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.
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jskinner
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:21 pm
- Location: Greenwich, Nova Scotia, Canada
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I finally got to see a here in Ottawa this week. For the first time since all this nasal problem started I finally feel like there is someone thats going to try to find a solution. The Dr. was nice and friendly, listened well, and seemed interested in my charts.
He came up with the following plan of attack:
1. Try a BiPAP. He didn't put much hope in this but thought it was worth a try since the lower median pressure could be enough to cause less nasal irritation. I don't think it will really work but there is no harm in trying. If nothing else I get to experience what a BiPAP is like.
2. Add a dental device to open the airway. Again I will still have to blow air in the nasal passageway so I'm not sure if this will really solve anything.
3. Surgical options.
In a way none of these really gets at the root of why my nose is so irritated but I think he believes its just due to CPAP use. Anyway he was very nice and his staff was friendly. I finally feel like at least I have someone to turn to now.
Today I also saw my GP as a follow up with taking predisone for a week. He agreed that there has been a small but noticeable improvement. He wants me to take more but I'm a bit cautious about doing that.
The good news is that while I haven't been able to stop the swelling when using the nasal mask yet I do have improved breathing during the day now. Its seems like some time during the past week or so the swelling went down enough to now I at least get some air into my sinus now. Finally feel like I am not struggling to breath during the day.
Just wanted to thank everyone for there support and emails. I haven't responded to all of them yet but I will as I get the energy.
He came up with the following plan of attack:
1. Try a BiPAP. He didn't put much hope in this but thought it was worth a try since the lower median pressure could be enough to cause less nasal irritation. I don't think it will really work but there is no harm in trying. If nothing else I get to experience what a BiPAP is like.
2. Add a dental device to open the airway. Again I will still have to blow air in the nasal passageway so I'm not sure if this will really solve anything.
3. Surgical options.
In a way none of these really gets at the root of why my nose is so irritated but I think he believes its just due to CPAP use. Anyway he was very nice and his staff was friendly. I finally feel like at least I have someone to turn to now.
Today I also saw my GP as a follow up with taking predisone for a week. He agreed that there has been a small but noticeable improvement. He wants me to take more but I'm a bit cautious about doing that.
The good news is that while I haven't been able to stop the swelling when using the nasal mask yet I do have improved breathing during the day now. Its seems like some time during the past week or so the swelling went down enough to now I at least get some air into my sinus now. Finally feel like I am not struggling to breath during the day.
Just wanted to thank everyone for there support and emails. I haven't responded to all of them yet but I will as I get the energy.
James
Great that you have found a doctor that you feel good about - I know what a difference that can make to my whole outlook on what is going on.
It feels like there is a crack of light at the end of the tunnel.
Still holding you in my thoughts and sending healing vibes!
Great that you have found a doctor that you feel good about - I know what a difference that can make to my whole outlook on what is going on.
It feels like there is a crack of light at the end of the tunnel.
Still holding you in my thoughts and sending healing vibes!
_________________
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jskinner
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:21 pm
- Location: Greenwich, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Contact:
My GP has declared that my oral thrush problem is gone and no longer need to be treated. To me it still looks like there is some problem. My GP said I just have some coated tongue left.
http://james.istop.com/apnea/reports/ToungeMarch22.jpg
I got an email from someone recently that said he had a similar issues to mine and that it was causing nasal congestion as well. He said it was Candida and that when he treated it both the thrush and the nasal congestion went away.
The other factor is the fact that I am using the Oral mask each night. I'm wonder if this is somehow factoring into the tongue issue any as it has a real impact on my mouth each night?
http://james.istop.com/apnea/reports/ToungeMarch22.jpg
I got an email from someone recently that said he had a similar issues to mine and that it was causing nasal congestion as well. He said it was Candida and that when he treated it both the thrush and the nasal congestion went away.
The other factor is the fact that I am using the Oral mask each night. I'm wonder if this is somehow factoring into the tongue issue any as it has a real impact on my mouth each night?
Seems getting the correct diagnosis is key, Candida can be hard to get rid of, but this site seems to think they have a cure:
http://www.candidafree.net/?gclid=CN_8- ... YAodP2hMEw
and stop kissing your dog, you can get reinfected
http://www.candidafree.net/?gclid=CN_8- ... YAodP2hMEw
and stop kissing your dog, you can get reinfected
someday science will catch up to what I'm saying...
Irrigating the Sinuses
I bought a little rubber "thingie" the attaches to the end of my water pic and can be used to irrigate my sinuses. It obviously has to be on a lower pressure but it really works. It uses salt water and gently forces the solution into the sinuses.
Also, My naturopathic Doc told me that I could sniff powdered Nystatin, which is anti yeast med, directly into the nose.
I'm so sorry you're suffering. I know there is a answer for you.
Victoria
Also, My naturopathic Doc told me that I could sniff powdered Nystatin, which is anti yeast med, directly into the nose.
I'm so sorry you're suffering. I know there is a answer for you.
Victoria
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SleepySandy
- Posts: 330
- Joined: Sat Jan 13, 2007 5:25 pm
- Location: Seattle, WA
I wondered this as well.Lyza wrote:Are you cleaning your oral mask everynight? You could be re-infecting yourself.. Same with toothbrushes...
James are you disinfecting the oral mask every night?
If you haven't changed your toothbrush recently I would change it. Then disinfect it every day or change it every day.
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jskinner
- Posts: 1475
- Joined: Sat Aug 26, 2006 9:21 pm
- Location: Greenwich, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Contact:
Yeah I ordered some of the Threelac product that they recommend about a week ago and am now waiting for it to arrive.Snoredog wrote:Candida can be hard to get rid of, but this site seems to think they have a cure: http://www.candidafree.net/?gclid=CN_8- ... YAodP2hMEw
Hey but the dog is so cute, how can I resistSnoredog wrote:stop kissing your dog, you can get reinfected
I have had sinus surgery....
I had sinus surgery back in 1990. I can totally relate and feel so bad for you. Sinus pressure/congestion is HORRIBLE! My CT scan back then showed diseased bone and blocked passages. I had ethmoid sinuses removed, and the turbinate (sp?) spaces widened. It was done first on one side, and the next side was to come next. I had such dizziness for several months after the surgery that I refused to have the other side done. But after the vertigo passed, it did help the first side for many years!
My only comment, and I did not read all of the postings, so it may have been said before, is that allergies, both inhalant type as well as food allergies can cause these problems. Also, it is true that experts tried to implicate fungus in chronic sinusitis.. but it turned out to be that it was naturally occuring fungus that some people were reacting to in an allergenic manner. So yes, you could have developed a Candida sensitivity. Besides the meds, stopping all alcohol and sugar is imperative if that is your problem. Candida thrive on sugar. The fact that you had oral thrush suggests either that they have been dosing you on many antibiotics (when bacteria was never the cause of your sinusitis) or you immune system is lowered. Prednisone will help your sinuses if allergenic reaction is the cause, but it will also lower your immune system, predisposing you to oral thrush again.
Some people are unlucky enough to live their lives with chronic sinusitis... If I get a minor cold, my sinuses swell up like balloons. It makes you want to blow your head off! During allergy season, my only savior is a long acting cortisone shot called Decadron LA.
I hope you find your answers soon.... eliminate sugar and alcohol for sure, and you could also start taking active, live acidophilous (sp?) to balance your Candida again. Check with the health food store for this.
And check with your dr. to rule out other health issues such as auto-immune disorders.
Good luck!!! I know the pain!
Napagirl
My only comment, and I did not read all of the postings, so it may have been said before, is that allergies, both inhalant type as well as food allergies can cause these problems. Also, it is true that experts tried to implicate fungus in chronic sinusitis.. but it turned out to be that it was naturally occuring fungus that some people were reacting to in an allergenic manner. So yes, you could have developed a Candida sensitivity. Besides the meds, stopping all alcohol and sugar is imperative if that is your problem. Candida thrive on sugar. The fact that you had oral thrush suggests either that they have been dosing you on many antibiotics (when bacteria was never the cause of your sinusitis) or you immune system is lowered. Prednisone will help your sinuses if allergenic reaction is the cause, but it will also lower your immune system, predisposing you to oral thrush again.
Some people are unlucky enough to live their lives with chronic sinusitis... If I get a minor cold, my sinuses swell up like balloons. It makes you want to blow your head off! During allergy season, my only savior is a long acting cortisone shot called Decadron LA.
I hope you find your answers soon.... eliminate sugar and alcohol for sure, and you could also start taking active, live acidophilous (sp?) to balance your Candida again. Check with the health food store for this.
And check with your dr. to rule out other health issues such as auto-immune disorders.
Good luck!!! I know the pain!
Napagirl
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PeaceSleeper
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2007 4:40 pm
- Location: Ontario
Suggestions for sinus infection and fungi
I've had long term experience with sinusitis (20+ yrs) and sinus infections. The best book on the subject IMHO is Sinus Survival by Dr. Rob Ivker. I have been on his program a few times in 10 years, and the results are remarkable.
Though I experience minor congestion daily, my overall level of sinus congestion on the Sinus Survival program has dropped from a 10 to about a 2 on a scale of 1-10. Dr. Ivker asserts, as does the Mayo Clinic a few years back (2003), that most sinus infections are not primarily bacterial, but fungal in nature. Mayo is working on a trial currently for their patented approach to fungal therapy using a nasal spray with an antifungal.
Finding a physician who understands both sinusitis and fungal disease has been very challenging in Canada. (Still looking.....) Most docs seem not to want to treat with antifungals because of the strong perceived risk of damage they can cause to your system. I've been on long-term (6 weeks) diflucan a couple of times and had no liver issues, which is the primary concern. However, this might not be true for others so a close physician relationship and good communication would be crucial before undertaking long-term antifungal therapy.
I have only very recently restarted CPAP therapy again, so it will be interesting to see how much damage pressurized air does to my sinuses. I think they are heathy enough now to withstand a lot of insults. However, I would not be able to pursue CPAP therapy without having healthy sinuses. It would just hurt too much!
If you are not already practicing the Ivker program, I would suggest getting a copy of his book and at least following the basic quick fix program for a couple of weeks. Stopping all sugar intake can be challenging initially, especially with Timmy's on every corner in Ontario.
I've also had multiple sinus surgeries, but the disease returns every time within a few years post-surgery. Surgery is only effective if there is something structurally wrong that can be corrected by surgery in order to improve airflow or improve drainage.
Though I experience minor congestion daily, my overall level of sinus congestion on the Sinus Survival program has dropped from a 10 to about a 2 on a scale of 1-10. Dr. Ivker asserts, as does the Mayo Clinic a few years back (2003), that most sinus infections are not primarily bacterial, but fungal in nature. Mayo is working on a trial currently for their patented approach to fungal therapy using a nasal spray with an antifungal.
Finding a physician who understands both sinusitis and fungal disease has been very challenging in Canada. (Still looking.....) Most docs seem not to want to treat with antifungals because of the strong perceived risk of damage they can cause to your system. I've been on long-term (6 weeks) diflucan a couple of times and had no liver issues, which is the primary concern. However, this might not be true for others so a close physician relationship and good communication would be crucial before undertaking long-term antifungal therapy.
I have only very recently restarted CPAP therapy again, so it will be interesting to see how much damage pressurized air does to my sinuses. I think they are heathy enough now to withstand a lot of insults. However, I would not be able to pursue CPAP therapy without having healthy sinuses. It would just hurt too much!
If you are not already practicing the Ivker program, I would suggest getting a copy of his book and at least following the basic quick fix program for a couple of weeks. Stopping all sugar intake can be challenging initially, especially with Timmy's on every corner in Ontario.
I've also had multiple sinus surgeries, but the disease returns every time within a few years post-surgery. Surgery is only effective if there is something structurally wrong that can be corrected by surgery in order to improve airflow or improve drainage.
