Looking for company in my misery -

I have another sinus infection. This one is a real doozie - 102 degree fever, secondary chest infection, the whole bit.

Interested to know how many other fellow sufferers there are and what has worked for you. I've tried everything I know of, from antibiotics to nasal irrigation to sinus surgery with no success.

Since I just started a new job and have (1) no health insurance yet (2) no sick days and (3) a boss who doesn't yet have a thorough knowledge of me, I'm desperate.

Help!

The best stuff I take for my sinuses is the Wal-Mart brand (Equate, I think) "Tylenol Allergy Sinus". They are yellow capsules. They do make me a little drowsy, but they have honestly been the best thing I have taken for my sinus problems.

My sypathies, that really sucks. I have mild sinus problems and I use a nasal cleansing pot I got at the health food store. That works pretty well for me, I don't know if it would be strong enough for you though.

alka-seltzer plus cold medicine. I use about 2 ounces of water so I can shoot is in one swallow. It is nasty, but it does the trick. Nyquil at night.

I usually get a sinus infection every fall, and I just got over the same thing that you have now. In fact, I've still got a cough from it. I finally ended up going to the dr. and getting prescription decongestant and antibiotics, but Nyquil and Advil Cold/Sinus kept it at bay for several days before that. I finally couldn't handle the fever anymore and really needed to come back to work.

I sincerely hope you feel better soon - that stuff is no fun at all. I highly recommend curling up on the couch with a blanket, your dog (or cat or whatever portable furry heater may live in your house), and lots and lots of hot tea.

I have a sinus infection right now and am on antibiotics, but since I'm pregnant, the antibiotics aren't very strong so I still feel really yucky!

I suffered for 4 weeks with one and finally got a perscription for Zithromax. Two pills the first day, then once a day for 4 more days and I am feeling much better.

Z-packs are great, they usually work every time.

This will probably sound nuts, but lots of my family and I take a garlic tablet daily, and we all feel that it helps as a preventative. I haven't had a sinus infection in a while, and used to get about two a year (knocking on wood now). Sorry--I know that doesn't help you right now.

Nasal sprays work great for a few hours, but then you get a rebound, meaning a stuffier nose when it wears off. So try to avoid them. Plain old saline spray can help moisten. Menthol or mint tea. Humidifiers in your house.

But I agree, if it is bad and persisitent, you should see a doctor for antibiotics.

About six years ago, I went to a specialist who burned out some membranes in my nose to help me breath better. (I am fine if vertical; my nose stuffs up when I lay down for a long time.) It worked for about 4 years; then they grew back, and I am stuffy again. Have to sleep propped up with several pillows sometimes. So if your doctor suggests that type of surgery, think twice.

I am on the tail end of one too. It got started in Austin, boy are there a lot of allergens down there. I used the replacement for Sudefed and that helped. The off brand of Tylenal Sinus helps. the thing that really broke mine up and got rid of the headache was ear candling. The use a cone shaped wax covered tube and put the small end in your ear. then they light the other end. It acts as a chimmeny and pulls lots of gunk out of your ears. I think it also clears the estacian tubes and that is why you get sinus relief. I know it sounds strange, but it really works. I avoid antibiotics whenever I can.

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This will probably sound nuts, but lots of my family and I take a garlic tablet daily

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since most germs are spread by contact, this garlic odor not only keeps everyone away from you, and from touching you, but it keeps you safe from vampires as well...lol

I hesitate to recommend the garlic tablets because of the odor. Even those that claim they have no odor do on some people.

If you are going to go garlic, go for it and order some Oglio Olio (garlic oil spagetti).

Sinus infections huh? Well, they have this stuff on the markets called Zicam, but it can be nasty stuff. You always run the risk of having it "burn" your sinus up causing you to lose your sense of smell. I dont recommend nasal sprays OTC, get a RX for them and follow the directions. I have heard that it works but I've also heard my fair share of horror stories.

There is a product that you can pick up anywhere called Airborne. I love the stuff. You can take it when you're sick or you can take it when you start to feel like you're getting sick. You put the tablet in a glass of water and drink it down. It doesnt taste bad, but be prepared.

If it has moved down to your chest and you're caughing, etc, I recommend Robitussin DM. It loosens up everything in your lungs and helps you get better faster.

And as far as that congested feeling and feeling like your head is going to explode. Get some Advil cold and sinus, take the directed dosage, and sit in front of a humidifier. If you cant afford to buy a good one, put a pot on your stove and boil the water, that should move the humidity around your place, and then go jump in the shower. Make sure that it's really hot and you get a lot of steam. If you dont want to take a shower, go in there anyway, turn the water on as hot as you can, and sit in the "steam room"

My dad has been a m.d. for years and I'm a pre-med major, not that that helps anything right now, but I have been through enough sinus infection seasons to know what to do. Most doc-in-the-box places will have samples of the z-pac and they are actually now only 2 day and 3 day doses. If you can afford the 65.00 office visit they can usually give you samples if you ask. FYI

Okay that's all I have to say about this topic, any more questions let me know.

I've had two sinus surgeries. My last one (Shae Ear Clinic - Memphis, TN) did the trick. I had 3 - 4 sinus infections each winter. I haven't had another infection since my surgery in '04. I don't necessarily recommend surgery unless you are cronic - but if you are, contact the Shae Ear Clinic. They were WONDERFUL!

Is there a Vietnamese Restaurant in your city?

If so, try a soup called Bun Bo Hue. It'll cure any cold or sinus infection faster than any drug

I get a few each year and nothing clears it up like sudafed. If you don't have bad sinus issues, the sudafed can really overly dry your sinuses out.

Almost hit a fox on the way to work today. Slammed on the brakes and missed him, thank goodness. That adrenaline rush sure opened the sinuses!

So Nanwa, I should go motor-hunting every morning? LOL

I had sinus surgery almost two years ago and it worked great until I started chemo and my wbc went down so low that I caught another one. Since then, it's been one after the other all over again.

I found a product called Sinofresh that is an antimicrobial spray. It burns like heck, but it clears up mild infections within two or three days.

I posted this originally on 11/23 and I've still got the same infection. Luckily the 101+ fever is down to 99 or so, but still there.

I think eventually I'll have to have another surgery. When you've been sick for so long you forget how good it feels to be healthy.