Referred to ENT dept for sinusitis

yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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I have a hospital appointment tomorrow for my chronic sinusitus, which started over a year ago.
Has anyone here been referred for this? What do they generally do at the appointment? Am I likely to have a scan or xray?

I've been taking antihistamines and a steroid nasal spray for 6 months without any discernible difference. I have a constantly blocked nose, pain behind one eye and frequent pain in my head, especially if I have been looking down for a while, such as when reading a book. But I have no nasal discharge, which is usually a symptom.

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  • bri160356bri160356 Posts: 5,147
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    yorkiegal wrote: »
    I have a hospital appointment tomorrow for my chronic sinusitus, which started over a year ago.
    Has anyone here been referred for this? What do they generally do at the appointment? Am I likely to have a scan or xray?

    I've been taking antihistamines and a steroid nasal spray for 6 months without any discernible difference. I have a constantly blocked nose, pain behind one eye and frequent pain in my head, especially if I have been looking down for a while, such as when reading a book. But I have no nasal discharge, which is usually a symptom.

    Have you seen a Specialist/Consultant before now or have you just had treatment from your GP?

    12+ months is a long time to put up with that condition.
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    just the gp so far. they gave me some antibiotics, then said it was probably a side effect of my anti depressant meds, then started on the nasal spray.
    You wouldn't think that something as minor as sinusitis could be so dehabilitating but it's completely messed up my sleep patterns and the pain gets so bad that I often can't do anything but go back to bed for a few hours until it shifts. Am hoping they can help me tomorrow.
  • bri160356bri160356 Posts: 5,147
    Forum Member
    yorkiegal wrote: »
    just the gp so far. they gave me some antibiotics, then said it was probably a side effect of my anti depressant meds, then started on the nasal spray.
    You wouldn't think that something as minor as sinusitis could be so dehabilitating but it's completely messed up my sleep patterns and the pain gets so bad that I often can't do anything but go back to bed for a few hours until it shifts. Am hoping they can help me tomorrow.

    The scenario of your illness is an all too common theme on this forum; i.e. long periods of ineffective treatment by your GP before eventual referral to a Specialist.

    I had a similar experience a while ago; repeated and lengthy misdiagnosis of a sinus/eye problem by my GP. In my case it actually resulted in me having an emergency operation.(I’m not saying that your case will end up like mine by the way!)

    However, the Consultant who did my emergency operation, a very eminent Ophthalmic Surgeon, told me quote “any pain/infection/disease from your neck upward should be treated as a potentially serious problem until it is found to be otherwise.

    I have no medical qualifications so I wouldn’t presume to offer any advice other than to say that once you are in the Specialist/Consultant ‘loop’ so to speak, then make sure you stay at that ‘level’ of treatment until you are satisfied with the outcome.

    I wish you well.
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    thanks.

    it may be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency as i had a gastric bypass 3 yrs ago. My gp said I'm not due a blood test for another month though. I may have to become more assertive.
  • bri160356bri160356 Posts: 5,147
    Forum Member
    yorkiegal wrote: »
    thanks.

    it may be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency as i had a gastric bypass 3 yrs ago. My gp said I'm not due a blood test for another month though. I may have to become more assertive.

    When it comes to the NHS "he/she who shouts loudest gets the best treatment".
  • yorkiegalyorkiegal Posts: 18,929
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    just back from the hospital. the doc said it's not sinusitus as my nose is clear. It's not though. It's stuffed on one side.

    he said it's probably neuropathic pain but is sending me for a scan just to be sure.
  • chitariverachitarivera Posts: 36,905
    Forum Member
    yorkiegal wrote: »
    just back from the hospital. the doc said it's not sinusitus as my nose is clear. It's not though. It's stuffed on one side.

    he said it's probably neuropathic pain but is sending me for a scan just to be sure.

    Those nasal sprays they give you can make your blockage and inflammation pain worse.
    Also, it might be allergies - dust mites, and dry heat that blocks your nose and inflames your nasal passages and sinuses.

    Have you tried a humidifier by your bed to see if your blockage clears?
    And anti dust mite bedding etc?
    Or a simple but effective remedy such as putting lavender oil on a cloth hankie, placing the hankie on top of your pillow but under the pillow case and breathing in the aroma over night?

    Sometimes doctors miss the obvious and prescribe things that make the symptoms worse.
    A humidifier is approx 20 quid from amazon and lavender oil isnt expensive, so for very little expense,having a go with these things might help you.

    I do hope you get it sorted.
    Good luck.
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