Hi All,

In 1998 I had sinus surgery after repeated infections. Officially, this is what I had done:

-submucous resection
-septoplasty (deviated septum)
-partial turbinectomy
-functional endoscopic sinus surgery
-bilateral ethmoidectomies
-antrostomies

OK, so about 2 weeks post-op, I complained of a bad smell up my nose (left side)...I would get what I call "swimmer's sinus" as it felt just like swimmer's ear, but in my cheek area. Finally, it would drain out (without warning, I might add), and then the whole left side would swell up, even though everything came out. i would go through cycles of this. I had some laser work done several times after the surgery. In 2000 or 2001, I saw another sinus specialist who tested for immune deficiencies and also tested the cilia in my nose to make sure it was moving properly. All was normal. He operated to put holes in the bottom of my maxillary sinuses so that mucous could drain down my throat if it was unable to come out my nose.

Here we are now, almost 2005, and they are proposing yet another surgery. My only problem is on the left side and it is primarily swelling, at times becoming infected. He says it is chronically inflamed tissue. The ONLY thing I respond to is steroids, which I love. I looked at the paper he gave me to call the person who schedules the surgeries. He has me down for an ethmoidectomy and a maxillary antrostomy (left side only on both). However, didn't I already have this done? Can it be done again?? If I understand correctly, an "ectomy" is a removal. I know I had my middle turbinates removed. As for what an antrostomy is, I don't have the vaguest notion. Obviously I am going to ask him about all of this, but I thought someone like Chigger or Halls might have some input.

Oh, and just in case anyone is wondering, I can't do the sprays or the washes because they can't even get to where they need to go on that side. Allergy tests are mildly positive for a few things. I am on Clarinex and Singulair currently.

Thanks for any advice,
Inq

An enthmoidectomy is not a removal of the ethmoid sinus, but a opening of the ethmoid. I have had it done 2x now w/no luck unfortunately, but for most it helps a lot. If you are going to get it done I suggest getting stints in place after the surgery to help keep the scar tissue from building up and keep the passages open.

I think you should consider irrigating even though you say washes don't get to where you need. You can learn how to irrigate correctly and it will likely help you.

Also, I would condsider taking something better than Clarinex and possibly a nasal steroid to keep swelling down like NasacortAQ or Flonase. These help me a lot and if I didn't take them my sinus passages would shut completely and I wouldn't breathe very well at all.

Since your allergy test came up positive for a few things maybe you should also consider taking allergy shots. I have been on them for almost 7 months and I it does help most.

It isn't unusual to have to repeat sinus surgeries and sounds like it might not be a bad idea. Removal of any sinuses are usually called obliteration's. I am having one done in Jan. If you feel you need a second opinion don't hesitate to get one just to make sure what your doctor is doing if what is best for you.

Halls

In october 2003, I had sinus surgery on my right side only. I wanted him to operate on the left also (just to enlarge the opening of the maxilary sinus), but my ENT refused saying the CT scan didn't show anything wrong with the left side. About a week after surgery, I was prescribed Patonal eyedrops, and after using them, I also developed a horrible smell on the left side of my nose. It smelled like rotten fruit. My ENT was baffled, but I believe the Patonal plus the improved cilia functioning on the right side probably stimulated the left side to push stuff out. Anyway that's when I started irrigating and the smell went away within a week. But like you, I always feel there is just a little bit of gunk stuck way up there, and if only he had operated and cleaned that side out too. But in my case, it isn't so bad that I want to do another surgery.

Clear, white and pale yellow is a sign of allergy. Really dark, bright yellow/green is a sign of infection. It sounds like you have a little of both. Your allergies might not be as mild as you think. I agree with others who have said to try a different antihistimine. Allegra and Zyrtec are way superior to Clarinex IMO.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope it goes well