Dominic went back to this Dr. on May 19 and did another x-ray the sinuses have gone up to 9 almost 10 mm. The Dr. spoke to Dr. C and they are worried that he could get meningitis with the infection being so close to the brain. We tried Flonase and Muslix from the April 27 appt. he had major drainage so we thought that was working. But with it getting bigger it seems nothing is helping.... Considering he has been on antibiotics for the better part of 2 years he shouldn't have an infection.

Dominic had a Cat Scan done on Monday and we are waiting for the results of that test. He has been diagnosed with allergies and we are adjusting to our new very clean house, air purifiers with hepa filters in every room, daily vacuuming with the new hepa filter bag less vacuum.

I am just wondering if any of ya'll had Chronic Sinusitis and what to expect. The dr said we would wait for the Cat Scan but that he might need surgery. This just terrifies me. I know they are excited that they **think** they found what might be holding him back from recovery from lyme.

So what are ya'll thoughts and opinions on Chronic Sinusitis? I tried to do a search but the search is not working.

Thanks for all ya'll help
Starr

He's treated over 7,000 children with Lyme, so I'd think he's seen it all.

If you don't have his contact info:
Dr Charles Ray Jones
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203 - 772 - 1123
Fax: 1 - 203 - 772 - 0682

To read his "Children with LD", go to www.wildernetwork.org/LDpediatricfund.html

Will continue to keep both of you in our prayers.
 

Corrine E. started taking Serrapeptase, and noticed that her sinus problems were improving. I don't know how's she's doing now, though.

Just a thought.
Carol

[This message has been edited by Carol in PA (edited 27 May 2005).]
 

Also, I do have bartonella, which has improved tremendously on rifampin and ketek. I believe Dr. Jones uses rifampin and zith for children with bart, and maybe would consider ketek now that it's building a promising reputation. Biaxin can also sometimes help with stubborn sinus infections.
 

As a Mom I can only comment on what I think I'd do. Since your LLMD and ENT both verify that he has sinusitis and both are concerned about meningitis, I think I'd go ahead with surgery in the hopes that he'll make a full recovery from lyme. Infections in the sinuses, gums, jaws, ears, etc. can really hold us back when it comes to recovery.

Good luck!
 

I had chronic sinus problems in 1998 and had a blockage on one side shown on a CT. Struggled with if I should or shouldn't have surgery and decided to go for it...glad I did.

My problems have been few and far between since that time. In 2002 I had 2 sinus infections back to back and started to worry but a few rounds of abx and I was okay. Youre right since he's been on constant abx he shouldn't be having these issues.

Like others said, I'd call Dr. Jones and see what he thinks but since it's growing I'd be concerned. I'm extremely glad I had surgery and it cleared up problems I'd had fron 1989. I'd probable do it again.

Second opinions are good too.

Hope Dominic is feeling better soon!

Take care.
 

She has since been diagnosed with Lyme and I don't know if her chronic sinus issues were somehow connected to undiagnosed Lyme.

She was on antibiotics for 4-6 weeks at a time, many times, for the sinus stuff anyway. They told us that it is difficult for antibiotics to reach "way up there" and that the surgery would help, and it did.

Since your son has been on anitbiotics, it is possible that he might have a resistant bacteria that is infecting his sinuses. This happened to us when we got strep while on Biaxin, which is supposed to cover strep. So we did another antibiotic for 2 weeks and then went back to the Biaxin. Our LLMD used Ceftin on our daughter when her sinuses acted up during Lyme treatment.

You might also want to ask for a culture for yeast, which can cause or complicate sinusitis, and also threaten the brain. Unlikely for your son though (my daughter has diabetes which makes yeast a bad problem for her).

Anyway, my daughter didn't even have general anesthesia (although that is offered). They just poked holes and did "lavage" with sterile water and let the sinuses drain. No big recovery problem or anything.

After that, her sinuses were just so much better. And her respiratory problems also got better, once her sinuses were dealt with.

p.s. do you have allergy covers for mattresses and pillows? this helped us a lot with allergies...sounds like a nice new house!

[This message has been edited by Lyddie (edited 27 May 2005).]
 

Fortunately, I have a great ENT doctor that did a CAT scan of my sinuses and determined that they weren't draining properly. He cut a "window" in the bottom of them to let them drain. He also said that strains of bacteria that get embedded in sinuses/tonsils become resistant to the abx, and/or the abx are unable to reach that area effectively.

The surgery was no problem at all, no pain. The only issue I had was the packing that was put in my nose after the procedure that had to remain there for 24 hours, which made me feel claustrophobic. But it definitely made the sinus infections disappear, and was worth it.
 

We don't live in a new house but it sure does feel new, we have had so much changed in the last year. The dr's are saying for the better though. New a/c duck work and units..got rid of old moldy stuff.

We do have the mattress covers for all three kids beds and pillows and i have to wash bedding twice a week. Lots and lots of cleaning...dusting 3 times a week and wiping down window ledges and bathroom's with a special "mixture" for mold. It is all natural with tea tree oil and lemon extract.

I think that is one of the things i love the most about Dr. C and this new Dr. they both belive in all natural products and don't think antibotics are the only option.

It is great to hear how some of ya'll had surgery and would do it again. All i have been hearing are horror stories...but then again isn't that what family is for to scare you more then you already are??? This is the only place i can come and get honestly answers and support.

As soon as we get the results of the CT scan then i will call our ENT for an appt. When I spoke to the ENT he said it looked like we were already in good hands and it didn't do any good to see him until we got the results...so more waiting. Dominic had tubes and his tonscils and antoids removed with he was 2 by this ENT so at least this ENT has a history with him.

I am just getting home from work and wanted to check in and say Thanks. I will re-read everything and check out some of the links tonight.

Hugs and Thanks!
Starr
 

I REALLY hope this is the answer! Your other children are doing so well, so now it's Dominic's turn!

I liked what you said, "All i have been hearing are horror stories...but then again isn't that what family is for to scare you more then you already are???" How true!!

I have two inlaws who had this surgery and while it was difficult for a week afterward, they both had good results.

Keep us posted! We'll be praying for you!

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu
 

but with having active Lyme the surgery may take a lot out of her as well.

most sinus surgeries are in and out in the same day. you may request an overnight after the surgery which should be followed by an administration of IV antibiotics and IV gammaglobulin.

if you opt out of surgery and see an immunologist IV gammaglobulin (or IVIG) will eradicate the sinus infection over time (yes without the need of recourse to surgery), as well as help in the battle with Lyme.
 

To do a nasal flush , instead of getting a nasal spray bottle , I got one of those small suction things that is used on infant sinuses , bought in any store that carries baby stuff

take 1 quart warm water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and mix well
when ever i use this I warm it slightly though not much , suck it up into the nasal syringe and squirt it into the sinuses

when the saline water goes into the sinuses it will sometimes go into the throat ,. it doesnt always feel great when doing it but it sure feels wonderful when im done doing it as it breaks up the mucous and breathing is much better