Strange symptoms

[daddude2001]

My wife is suffering with some very strange symptoms. Anyone out there able to help? She had infected sinuses 11 months ago. several courses of very strong antibiotics. Feels like thick gunge running down the back of her throat but does not cough anything up. Feels like the liquid gunk is moving from her ear, over her head and down to the other ear. Sometimes her cheeks just below her eyes are swollen. Feels like strands of wire in a web over her head and down her neck. At its worst, very load screeching in her left ear (tinnitus). Nothing seems to help. Has tried: antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamine, pulsatilla. Nothing gives much relief. Help.

[flirty41]

Sounds like she still has infected sinuses. Whatever, she ought to see her GP, who could refer her on to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist for further investigations/treatment, which might involve X-rays, scans etc. She may need to have her sinuses washed out under anaesthetic, or some more advanced procedure, depending on the results of her investigations. On the other hand, it might be something completely different, but she should get it checked out.

[daddude2001]

Thank you flirty for your answer. She has been seen by an ent specialist who shook his head and told her to buy a personal stereo to drown out the noise! She has been referred back to him but we dont hold out much hope. They wont do a scan (probably money...our district is in the red). She had a sinus xray about 4 months ago which showed nothing. Today its bad again. Seems to be centering in her throat now. She says she can feel a lump very deep in throat but at the back. Because she got distressed in the surgery last week she has now been put on Valium and sleeping pills. No improvement. Anyone any further ideas? Thanks

[flirty41]

I'm no doctor so I can't give much more advice. It's unusual for consultants to worry about the money aspect of the NHS - their patient's need treating whatever! And there are things that can be done for tinnitus if it's really bad. See what happens when your wife goes to the consultant again. If he still won't do anything, and if you're still unhappy, why not ask your GP to refer your wife for a second opinion to a different consultant? There's obviously something not quite right and she shouldn't have to live like that. Good luck!

[tracymort]

Having surgery on bocked sinuses does not last! my partner has had blocked sinuses for years but recently discovered these candles you burn in your ear!! I think they are called hopi candles (will look them up and get back to you on the name, you can get them in health food type shops)! Weird I know but they really help! Also give up dairy products!! Dairy products can increase mucus production which obviously would aggravate the problem of blocked sinuses. Sounds like your wife could benefit from allergy testing too. I know it sounds all a bit hippy but if conventional medicine hasn't helped than you might as well give it ago!

[coemgen]

How about increasing the amount of onions/garlic in the diet? It apparently has a beneficial effect on clearing sinuses.Or you can buy garlic capsules.I notice you haven't mentioned Echinacea, that's supposed to be very good too.

[daddude2001]

Hi everyone and thanks for all the advice. We see another Consultant tomorrow (Sep 11th) in the morning and I have booked an appointment with a Homeopathic GP in the afternoon. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to help us and will let you know how it goes.

[daddude2001]

Wife a little better this week. We saw the Consultant and he has agreed to her having a scan (2nd October). Only took 12 months to decide! Homeopathic Dr was very good and it would appear her treatment is working. Fingers crossed. The Consultant has decided there is no physical explanation for her symptoms and has suggested she see a psychiatrist.

[mikewith]

Thanks for the update and all best wishes!

[paulz]

I suffer dreadfully with my sinuses [lragely my own fault as a smoker]. They vary from dullness / popping in the ears, pain from loud music/aircraft/traffic etc. Steam works wonders for me the electric one [I think from Argos] is especially good - try some olbas oil in the water [start with one drop then work up]. Don't go out for at least an hour afterwards though. They best cure I had was a marathon session in a turkish/sauna baths, the steam shifted all the gunk, the heat dried it up i was fine for months afterwards. She could also try a Chinese herbalist as well, acupuncture will help and as other have said diet too. Good luck - ps is it easier when summer [if it ever comes] is here?