Comments on: Fixing It

By: Marem

Marem — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:02:30 +0000

Does a nettie pt work with a deviated septum? I am having a bad sinus headache for 2 weeks. The right side of my nose is stuffed but when I use the nettie pot it just pours in one nostril and out the other but is not clearing the congestion.

The wierd thing is that I have had this headache and sinus problem since I had a few fillings replaced two weeks ago. I am wondering if they are related.

By: sara

sara — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:09:49 +0000

I had to have sinus surgery a few years ago … also a problem with the turbinates. The unwound something and straightened it out; I honestly don’t remember all of the terminology. The surgery was a pain, but oh my hell it was so worth it. I was one big sinus infection for years and I haven’t had one since the surgery. I have a constantly drippy nose, but it is so much better to have my sinuses always draining than getting infected. Just wanted to pass it along in case this is an option for you. It was SO worth it.

By: Lindsay in Seattle

Lindsay in Seattle — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:54:09 +0000

Brain tumors…not very fun. Just got one taken out on Valentine’s Day… Showin some love from Seattle. I hope you get some relief soon, and it doesn’t have to be brain surgery!!! Good Luck, Jon.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:42:50 +0000

I know i”m late in commenting but wanted to throw in my two cents…

My dad has suffered from TERRIBLE sinus infections and issues forever.
Last summer he saw a series of ENT’s all telling him something different. The first told him his issues stemmed from a deviated septum and scheduled him for surgery. My mom called “bullshit” and scheduled my dad for another doctor. This one found a tumor in a sinus cavity in the middle of my dad’s head. He was immediately sent to another specialist b/c of the tumor’s tricky location.

Long story short- Tumor was removed, found benign and while he was shooting long gross black boogers and such from his nose for the next month or so, he is feeling remarkably better and can actually finally breathe!

just a reminder to be vigilant if your symptoms don’t improve…

By: Sonya

Sonya — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:06:50 +0000

I have the jaw popping problem, and my doctor never said anything about exercises. Can you describe them? Maybe its time for a new doc.

By: jules

jules — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:08:28 +0000

hello! i am a lurker but i had to post a comment when you mentioned the enlarged turbinate. my husband had his turbinates shaved down in summer 2006. it was not a fun ordeal! i guess it did help, but he was a mess for about a month after the surgery. hopefully, you can avoid this. he also uses a sinus rinse similar to a netti pot and it works very well. good luck with the sinuses.

By: monica

monica — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:42:42 +0000

Odd as it sounds, I also have an enlarged turbinate. Along with a deviated septum. I’ve tried nasal spray for years and it hasn’t helped me. I’m taking the plunge and having septoplasty and a turbinate reduction in a couple months. If it’s something you’re considering, feel free to email me and I’ll let you know how it all turns out! Although, I do hope the nasal spray works for you! I would give anything not to have to go through a surgery to get fixed!

By: Lexi

Lexi — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:08:35 +0000

I had the same problem… chronic constant sinus infections that would not stop, just subside for a week and come back… ENT did CT scan and discovered GIANT middle and inferior turbinates, a deviated septum, and a polyp in one of my upper sinuses… what was happening was that I could never actually completely drain my sinuses, so the infection persisted. What we eventually did was surgery, but they went in and reduced the size of the turbinates using radio waves! As I understand it, those with good pain tolerances can have that done in-office no problem… needless to say, it was so very worth it in the end. I went almost a whole year following the surgery before I got a cold, and I’ve had no more than one cold a year ever since… and I think only one of them actually made it to the point of infection. Glad to know your seeing a ENT. They really know what they’re doing… and I don’t say that about many doctors, but there’s just something about that specialty…….

Good luck!

By: SMR

SMR — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:49:09 +0000

Neti pots are good. there’s also a slightly easier to use sinus irrigation system from Neil Med (http://www.neilmed.com/). Comes w/ pre-mixed saliene packets so just add warm water and shake. I find it a little less messy and more effective than the neti pot (they also sell neti pots for a ‘more gentle’ clense). good luck w/ those sinuses! I feel your pain (I’ve had 2 CT scans and all kinds of structural problems but the rinse is keeping me out of surgery!).

By: southerngirl

southerngirl — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:13:30 +0000

You should be sure to install hypoallergenic filters in your heater and if you have carpeting, have it professionally cleaned. Cat dander can remain in a house for years.