Those of you with Sinus Issues

I once suffered with repeated sinus problems.  I spent one whole summer with severe asthma, thinking I was going to DIE until I was referred to an Allergy Specialist.  The root of my asthma was an enormous sinus infection.  That was 2001, I haven't had one since.  

Why?  I take OTC long acting allergy pill every morning.  I get them at Costco, cheap.  They're tiny, easy to take.  Allertec is the name and its the generic to Zyrtec.   I take it year around, since I'm allergic to dust as well as grass.  During grass season, now-July, I use a generic version of Flonase once per day.  It's $5 a month.  The pills are about $5/month also.  Get on a program rather than suffer with these symptoms, which can permanently harm your sinuses and lungs when that icky stuff is inhaled.

Just my $.02 on the prevention soapbox this morning.  :)

So true! I have COPD and my pulmonary doc has me on generic Zyrtec also. He says it is the best because it handles indoor and outdoor allergies plus doesn't cause the sleepiness so many do. I also use the generic flonase for daily for dust allergies. It can also cause our bands to feel miserably tight. It really does make life more bearable when you have breathing issues whether from lungs or nose or both! And it certainly is the season!

 

There've been a couple of posts by people stating that sinus problems were causing the band to be tight.  My concern is that if we just chalk it up to that and it's not that, then we miss a sign that were just too tight.  Sinus issues or not, too tight is too tight.  Intolerance to liquids (getting stuck) is another sign things aren't ok at all.

That's true, if it's allergies it clears up once the allergy issue is resolved but it should cause liquids to not go down. I never felt super tight when it was allergies just a little snugger than usual, If it is causing that much trouble then absolutely see your surgeon for a partial unfill at the very least and if it continues for weeks get it checked out!

I already take a generic form of Zyrtec and a presciption for Singulair and Flonase and another prescription nasal spray which I can't remember the name of...so 4 meds I'm on for my allergies, which I found out are numerous and these meds are just keeping things so I am able to feel "OK"...I still feel pressure and stuffiness all of the time.  It never goes away, ever.  I also do the netti pot and I have this organic rub I put on my chest at night that seems to help a lot.  I have so many things I do to try to combat my sinus problems that I am going broke!!!  I forgot what it feels like to have clear nasal passages...I mean what's that like to take a deep breath through your nose...hmmm????  

I also have an air cleaner in my house and have gone gluten free (one of many things I'm allergic to is wheat).  I never drive with the windows down (big no-no when pollen, mold, ragweed and dust is your enemy).  I mean when you are allergic to everything what the Hell are you supposed to do!!!!  What really burns my ass is medical science is supposedly so advanced but for some reason it can't figure out how to stop my nose from getting stuffy???  Such a simple problem you would think????

Sorry I just had to vent...hahaha!!!!     

Oh I do want to add that I am blessed that I never have problems with my band.  My band is pretty much perfect.  I can eat what I want when I want.  I lost 180lbs to date.  And I just went for my yearly check up and he check my band under fluoro and said  my band looks perfect.  So my meds and allergies don't cause any problems there.

 

Congrats Crystal! It's good to keep those allergy symptoms under control as much as possible. So many times we see someone say their band is tight due to mucous from allergies, then post that they really were tight.

Crystal have you tried allergy shots? They did wonders for me for about 5 yrs. Then my lungs got funky, COPD, now I can't tell what is from allergies and what is from the lungs. I do know that feeling of, if I could just get a good deep breathe I'd feel so much better. I also change our furnace filter monthly instead of every 3 mos. like they suggest. It's amazing how quick they get dirty. Here's to technology, maybe someday they will come up with something.

I was wondering about allergy shots but I'm allergic to multiple things.  Can they do allergy shots if you have many allergies?

I am with you guys! A year round sufferer with allergies to mold, dust, cats, and feathers, plus chronic sinusitis and a diverted septum. For many years I would get a sinus infection in the Spring. Had to change allergy meds every year so that your body doesn't get used to them. Since being banded, I have actually gotten better. Off the CPAP machine, off Singular so now I am on Patanol eye drops, generic Flonase. Haven't had a sinus infection in a couple years (knock on wood) and can breath pretty well now on the cheap generic stuff.

Allergies can be terrible, especially if banded. I used to wake up coughing from such sinus drainage. I was so worried when I got banded, but have been ok.

I certainly don't keep my band tight at all because of fear of being stuck and the sinus drainage issues.