Not the happy camper over here. I've been battling a sinus infection for 4 months and have taken about 6 different abx for it.
I just found out today that I have a staphylococcus and pseudomonas infection. [two things]
I have to begin Levaquin tomorrow, after having been on Cipro for the past 2 weeks. I'm not sure I can take Levaquin.
I took it this summer and I know I had bad side effects, but I dont' remember what the side effects were! Guess I'll find out soon!
I'm really kind of scared because of how long I've had it and how hard it has been to clear. I've been doing nasal washes for about 6-8 wks now.
The ENT told me the CT scan showed a polyp but he is hopeful it's really "just" infection and that we can clear it up.
However, surgery has already been part of the discussion. I don't want to go there.....but may it may be a necessary evil.
Dr C told me today about a new sinus procedure used at UMC [Columbia] that involves going in there with a balloon type instrument.
Has anyone heard of someone who had good results with this? I'm not even sure my dr does this type.
The sinus cavity that is blocked is the right maxillary under my eye.
Give me some hope to hang onto!! Prayers are welcomed! Posted by MommaK (Member # 10376) on :
Hi
Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time getting rid of the sinus infection. I'm not familiar with the procedure you mentioned, but thought I would mention something you might not have tried.
Our llmd prescribed a nose spray that had to be made at a compounding pharmacy. Basically you are squirting the anitbiotics into the sinus cavities! Yours may be too involved, but thought I would mention because our llmd said most drs don't know about this.
You have been prayed for, and will continue to be remembered in prayer!
MommaK
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Oh great.......
"Definition
A pseudomonas infection is caused by a bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and may affect any part of the body. In most cases, however, pseudomonas infections strike only persons who are very ill, usually hospitalized.
Description
P. aeruginosa is a rod-shaped organism that can be found in soil, water, plants, and animals. Because it rarely causes disease in healthy persons, but infects those who are already sick or who have weakened immune systems, it is called an opportunistic pathogen. Opportunistic pathogens are organisms that do not ordinarily cause disease, but multiply freely in persons whose immune systems are weakened by illness or medication. Such persons are said to be immunocompromised. Patients with AIDS have an increased risk of developing serious pseudomonas infections. Hospitalized patients are another high-risk group, because P. aeruginosa is often found in hospitals. Infections that can be acquired in the hospital are sometimes called nosocomial diseases.
Of the two million nosocomial infections each year, 10% are caused by P. aeruginosa. The bacterium is the second most common cause of nosocomial pneumonia and the most common cause of intensive care unit (ICU) pneumonia. Pseudomonas infections can be spread within hospitals by health care workers, medical equipment, sinks, disinfectant solutions, and food. These infections are a very serious problem in hospitals for two reasons. First, patients who are critically ill can die from a pseudomonas infection. Second, many Pseudomonas bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics, which makes them difficult to treat.
P. aeruginosa is able to infect many different parts of the body. Several factors make it a strong opponent. These factors include:
the ability to stick to cells
minimal food requirements
resistance to many antibiotics
production of proteins that damage tissue
a protective outer coat =========================
I believe I contracted this in the hospital in July.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by MommaK: Our llmd prescribed a nose spray that had to be made at a compounding pharmacy. Basically you are squirting the anitbiotics into the sinus cavities! Yours may be too involved, but thought I would mention because our llmd said most drs don't know about this.
Now that's an idea! Send me some info by PM. And thanks for the prayers! Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
tutu and mommak,
i've been using dr. t's nasal compounded spray since my mnn. visit; has NOT DONE ME ANY GOOD!
I'M STILL PLUGGED UP ALL THE TIME! but since it is a RX compound med; bcbs will reimburse me for it! Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
Sorry, Miss Tutu -
I have an ongoing sinus problem/ infection, and surgery was recommended to me long ago. At that time, though, no one I knew who had sinus surgery was very satisfied with the results. I think there has been considerable improvement in the sinus surgery department, though.
You probably already know the following, but just in case......''
Most chronic sinus infections are actually fungal - the Mayo Clinic figured that out years ago. Therefore, abx don't usually touch chronic infections. I know that in your case there have been two other bacterial pathogens found, but I still have to wonder about the fungal possibility...... and that the Mayo Clinic found that as long as the fungus remains, so does the irritation.
If the compounded nasal spray mentioned by MommaK and bettyg is what I think it is.... it does contain a steroid ((Beclamethasone, I think it is), so just be aware of that. I was tempted to get some of it until I learned that..... but since it is compounded, perhaps they could make it up without the steroid? Anyway, I believe that compounded spray does contain an anti-fungal and Xylitol, if I remember correctly......
If you haven't done so already, you might try nasal washes or sprays that contain Xylitol from the health food store. (Xlear is one brand, but there are others now, from what I've heard.) I've managed to cut down on the `mucus attacks' by about 40% since using a Xylitol nasal spray just once before bed. Oh, I still have too much mucus, but I have seen improvement in using it for maybe 2-3 weeks.
I found that after I spray anything in my nose, I have to lie down for a bit; otherwise, it just runs right back out my nose because of all the `guck' in there, and because I have a `deviated septum'. It's not always easy getting that stuff to go where you want it.
Betty, I'm sorry the compounded nasal spray hasn't helped you. Does yours contain a steroid, xylitol, Nystatin?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Wow, this has been a pesky bugger, hasn't it?! (pun intended)
Sorry you're still feeling bad .... have you gone to see an alternative person for it? Perhaps there are some herbs that might work better than the abx have.
You had mentioned that you do have yeast issues, so maybe the fungul suggestion is valid .... I wonder if there's an anti-fungal you can wash with.
I'm on Levaquin for Bart ... it's a tough one, but it's been tough because of the herxes ....
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Betty, you need to see an ENT and get a culture done. Don't let it go on and on.
Minitails....Thanks for the chuckles!
Truthfinder....I was using Xclear until I began the nasal washes.
Sixgoofy....I'm receiving the expert help of a gentleman in our Xango group who has 6 PhD's and counsels people on health issues.
He's amazing! (I should have called him 4 months ago! He's been advising me for about 6-8 wks now.) I saw him last night at a meeting and he said to call him today. He has a more drastic plan of action.
My nasal wash solution contains baking soda, salt, Xango (strained), and colloidal silver. I do that 3 times a day.
Thanks for everyone's help! I'll take any and all suggestions to heart.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Hey Tutu!
Sorry to hear about the sinus nightmare. Would it help to say I was in the same boat 4 years ago? Levaquin did help clear up the infection (which took 4 mos), but not the blockage. I still couldn't breathe.
5 different CT scans all showed blockage and polyps under my right eye. I was threatened with surgery many a time. But you know what cleared it up? DIFLUCAN!!! Made me a new person. Buh bye ENT and Allergist.
If you go the Levaquin route, be VERY careful because tendonitis does occur, even with minimal stretching and exercise. Just my 2 cents..
Feel better!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I know...I'm not happy about the Levaquin.
I've been on Diflucan for months and months and months. 200mg a day.
PS...The good news is that I can breathe just fine!
Thanks, lymeinhell! Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Wow, I can't believe that nasal wash didn't take care of it! I'm wondering what his next idea will bring?!
I have had no trouble with tendonitis with the Levaquin ... I still lift weights, do the elliptical (when the Lyme allows) and stretch. Some people get it, others don't. If you're not having trouble with the Cipro, perhaps you won't with the Levaquin either .... we can hope!
What about some kind of compress?
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
In this situation one may need to consider the failure of abx to kill some bacterias. I beleive Tutu had a culture of these pathogens and has them named. Which is good when you know for sure what enemy you are fighting. Now let the war begin.
Pam
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
tracy, i do NOT know what ingredients are in this anti-fungal spray!
tutu, what will a culture prove? this is all new to me ok!
Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
Wow, even with that nasal wash regimen!
Sorry you are going through that! No fun there.
Really digging deep here for an alternative solution. Don't know if you are in to this sort of thing:
I have had dueling bacteria and fungus in a oral/sinus opening that I am going to have surgically closed next week.
I've got the same thing going on with IC apparently, and have dosed it with abx and fluconazole, and every herbal I know about, but it's tenacious.
My dentist muscle tested me for the right homeopathic to inject into the gums to clear up the oral/sinus infection.
The muscle testing on this showed candida, pneumonia, and some other bacteria that I can't remember and need to ask again about.
I've had very good luck with homeopathics, so off I go tomorrow for the shots.
This may not be your cup of tea, but if you want to know anything else about what products he orders from where, let me know.
Posted by daise (Member # 13622) on :
Lymetoo and BettyG,
I'm sorry you're miserable. This is a good thread to learn from.
I've had stuff dripping into my throat for years. Claritin helped 4 years ago. Getting thyroid hormone in me helped a whole lot. I have it year round.
Maybe I need to see an ENT.
I'll see if I can get tested. I've been taking Nystatin for a few months and that hasn't affected it.
Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Daise Posted by brentb (Member # 6899) on :
I've not had any sinus problems in years. After sinus obliteration surgery I've started using colloidal silver in my irrigation wash. It's good against any pathogens whether it be viral or bacteria...whatever. You may still have congestion due to allergic reactions...look into that and if seasonal think about IV peroxide to clear the stoppage. good luck
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: My nasal wash solution contains baking soda, salt, Xango (strained), and colloidal silver. I do that 3 times a day.
Brent...see above. I'll be back later.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by bettyg: tutu, what will a culture prove? this is all new to me ok!
It will show WHICH bacteria [or fungus] has infected your sinuses. Are you on any abx for this?
Begin your nasal washes. I use a bulb syringe like the kind they use for ear wax.
I tried the neti-pot and it was not effective enough.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
bejoy....Thanks for the info. I'm taking a lot of natural stuff, but if you want to PM the info to me, I'll run it by my expert!
daise....Nystatin mainly works in the gut. I'm sure it helps keep the fungal stuff from spreading from the gut....but once it's disseminated, you need a fungal killer that is systemic.
Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
Betty, I think these are the ingredients in the nasal spray that Dr. V. prescribes, but this `recipe' is a bit dated:
***``Sporonox 0.2% to kill the fungus, Xylitol to keep the staph from clinging to the mucous membranes, Bactroban, Beclamethasone [steroid] and Nystatin.''***
Except for the steroid, it sounds like a good bug killer.
Tutu, you are lucky they would do a culture for you. I could never get my doc to do one, and maybe living here in Podunk, they didn't have the means to do so very easily.
I still wonder about fungus.... I think I would double-check to be sure they LOOKED for fungus or used the right medium to grow it. After all, don't docs usually assume it is bacterial, and that's why they routinely prescribe abx for sinus infections?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Tutu, you are lucky they would do a culture for you. I could never get my doc to do one, and maybe living here in Podunk, they didn't have the means to do so very easily. I live in Podunk too!!
I still wonder about fungus.... I think I would double-check to be sure they LOOKED for fungus or used the right medium to grow it. After all, don't docs usually assume it is bacterial, and that's why they routinely prescribe abx for sinus infections?
I wondered about that, but isn't it common knowledge that more than 80% of sinus infections are caused by a fungus?? Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Just found this!! Now to find a dr nearby who does it. I think I'll call my dr's office and ask if he does this surgery.....woohooo!!
You live in Podunk, too? Well, how come I can't get my mucus cultured and you can? Maybe my Podunk is smaller than yours.
As I recall, what the Mayo Clinic found was that CHRONIC sinus infections - or sinusitis - are usually fungal, but that ACUTE infections are usually bacterial. It's been awhile, but that's what I remember.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
"I've been on Diflucan for months and months and months. 200mg a day."
JUST learned today... hot off the press...
Diflucan and Monistat...
If Monistat isn't effective.. usually Diflucan isn't either. AND.. they don't "get" as many kinds of yeast as other products.
I used a product called Tazidole (yeast- check with ob/gyn) or something like that. Works VERY well. BIG difference.
I also did the nose balloon. Neuro-chiropractor.
It helped clear my sinuses up and "adjusted" the bones/nerves.
Might check with your chiropractor with that specific problem being mentioned?
Hope your nose feels better soon little baboon.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Podunk town of 6,000!! But we have a HUGE influx of tourists here, so we have a rather large medical facility that in most cases is larger than what would be found in a town the size of 40,000-60,000.
Tinny.....Would you look at the link above and see if it's the same surgery? I KNOW my chiro doesn't do anything like that!
I don't think my ENT even does this surgery.
Thanks for the info on the tazidole.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by Truthfinder:
Betty, I think these are the ingredients in the nasal spray that Dr. V. prescribes, but this `recipe' is a bit dated:
***``Sporonox 0.2% to kill the fungus, Xylitol to keep the staph from clinging to the mucous membranes, Bactroban, Beclamethasone [steroid] and Nystatin.''***
Except for the steroid, it sounds like a good bug killer.
I still wonder about fungus.... I think I would double-check to be sure they LOOKED for fungus or used the right medium to grow it. After all, don't docs usually assume it is bacterial, and that's why they routinely prescribe abx for sinus infections?
tracy, since it was dr. v who ordered this, that must have been ingredients! only way i could find out is contact local compounding pharmacy who made it up for me earlier this year.
ttu, thx for explaining about culture. Posted by daise (Member # 13622) on :
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