I recently visited an ENT as a referral from my primary care to figure out if I have sinus problems. She was wonderful, as she recognized that I have "mess going on."
First, my nose is slightly crooked from it being broken several years ago (my dog broke it, seriously). It feels like I am always stuffed up. Sometimes, OTC meds will help. Sometimes, it hurts just to breathe in.
Second, it seems that my tonsils are abnormally large although not infected and no history (past 1-2 years) of infection. Everyone who looks in my mouth always asks "Are your tonsils always that large?" Yea, I'm tired of that question.
She ordered a CT scan of my head and neck. Everything came back normal. No sinusitis, infection, or otherwise. My nasal passages are clear, although narrow. The ENT felt that because I have just a slight deviation in my septum, surgery seems to be unnecessary. I'm okay with that. I'm not vain and the less surgeries, the better.
The ENT asked me to try some nasal sprays (Nasonex and ? for swelling). She was confident in saying that my headaches are not being caused by sinus problems. She recommended researching doctors and seeing a neurologist to help with the pain.
I need to find a good migraine doctor in my area. So the search begins.
Thanks for listening.
i had my first appt with the ENT this week. i have had a sinus infection for over 2 months now, and my PCP sent me with the hope that they can help me.
i go tuesday for a CT of my sinus cavity, and then they will discuss with me my options. ( we know that i am probably headed for surgery, and they will remove my tonsils at that time as well. seems i keep the sinus infections and tonsilitis)
sorry that there wasn't more help. i love my neuroloogist, and am scheduled to go back to see him next month. i'm hoping i will have more information from the ENT to share when i do go, as it was his med student who suggested that i look into sinus problems to begin with. ( wonder if my being extremely congested at all 4 appts was the giveaway).
good luck, and remember that even in the worst of times, there are many of us out there going through the same things you are.... and we are here if ya need us!
Thank you for sharing. It means a lot to me. This is the first time that I have reached out to others. I am amazed that I am not alone. I have had such fragmented care over the last 10 years that I am reluctant to share with others, including doctors. It's my fault for not being strong enough to push the issue, but at the same time, the doctors I have seen didn't seem to care much about my pain and I felt they swept me under the rug. I am hoping through research, this great website, and keeping a diary will equip me with some answers to the questions a new doctor will definitely ask.