Question:
Sinus headaches? How will I deal with them after sugery?

I have severe sinus headaches during allergy season. As a pre-op, I take Advil Cold and Sinus, but after surgery, that will no longer be an option. My doctor has prescribed flonase and that should help. Also, I've order one of those Ionic Breezes from the Sharper Image to try to trap allergins in my home. But I am still worried. What do post ops recommend for combatting severe sinus headaches?    — beckyvee (posted on October 24, 2003)


October 24, 2003
Maximum Strength Tylenol Sinus Or Maximum Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus. They both work well for me. I get sinus headaches all the time.
   — domestic G.

October 24, 2003
I take one Alavert (Clariten's generic) daily and no longer have sinus headaches from allergies. Have you ever tried it? I couldn't do the flonase...made my nose bleed!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 24, 2003
I had that problem. Sinus headache was the only thing I complained about to my surgeon on my first post-op visit. I used children's chewable sinus and headache products for a while. Later I discovered Claritin makes a dissolvable tablet. Works wonders and I still use it even though I could probably swallow tablets by now. I also use Excedrin QuickTabs for headache pain, they are minty tasting dissolving tablets that contain acetaminophen (same as Tylenol) and a little caffiene.
   — Carole V.

October 24, 2003
This season I have had many headaches. 1 extra strength tylenol tablet has cleared up my sinus headaches pretty well.
   — M B.

October 24, 2003
I take Sudafed. No cutting up the pill b/c it is already so small and it seems to last for hours. I use it for sinus/allergy. Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

October 24, 2003
I practically LIVE on Advil Cold and Sinus...I am pre-op and am wondering why you will not be able to take them? I see by other people why have answered that they are able to take other variations in pill form. I am glad you asked it and I would love to know if anyone else takes the Advil.
   — Adele R.

October 24, 2003
Thanks for the post and answers! I had a "doozy" of a sinus headache last night, and the regular acetominophen I took didn't do much. I'm glad you all think it's fine to take Tylenol/Sinus. I also didn't know Excedrin made a tablet that dissolves. Sounds like another good option.
   — Carlita

October 24, 2003
I would do a Tylenol Sinus with a bit of caffeine.
   — mrsmyranow

October 24, 2003
From my understanding, Excedrin is a big no-no also.....it not only has Tylenol (acetaminophen) and caffeine in it, but also aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Aspirin in an NSAID and not to be taken (according to BTC). And the fact that it is quick-dissolve makes no difference. The fact is that the NSAIDS (including aspirin) don't cause the trouble by actually being IN the stomach....the problems lies in the circulation of the drug that affects the stomach lining. Some people use an NSAID patch thinking it wouldn't be in the stomach....WRONG! It is absorbed through the skin and circulates in the stomach, possibly causing the same damage we need to try and prevent.<p> Advil Cold & Sinus is another no-no....Advil's main ingredient is an NSAID and a big no-no.<p> But as always, never take the advice of ANYONE on this or any other website over your surgeon's. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

October 24, 2003
Also, I went from 1 sinus headache a week pre-op to 1 every 2 months post-op. Something I was eating was obviously a trigger food.
   — mrsmyranow

October 24, 2003
I get sinus headaches during allergy season also. In fact the day of surgery, my in-laws sent me fresh flowers to the hospital. I got a bad headache from them. My doctor said I could take benadryl and tylenol sinus without a decongestive. Ask your doctor of course. My doctor said decongestions shrink the blood vessels and might hamper the healing process of the new stomach. Now at 10 months post-op I am allowed decongestives occasionally. Ask your doctor you are not the first person he answered that question for I am sure.
   — june22

October 24, 2003
My doctor's office says only Tylenol products post-op as the previous poster explained, Advil, Excedrin and the others have Asprin which is a no-no post-op. I do know post-ops who still take the occassional Excedrin for headaches because it is the best, but the risk is ulcers. As Tylenol makes roughly the same variety of meds, (i.e. Cold & Flu, Sinus, Extra Strength, and so on) as the rest of them, save yourself the ulcer worry and start with Tylenol products. If they don't work, then call your doctor for possibly some prescription alternatives that are also free from the Asprin component. Good Luck.
   — Ryan M.

October 24, 2003
I have always suffered from sinus infections & headaches, as have all of my sisters. We all swear by the red Excedrin - it's aspirin-free, just acetominophen like Tylenol, but with caffeine added in. It is by far the best solution to a sinus headache I've ever tried - better than advil any day. And still okay for post-ops! Good luck.
   — barbdeane

October 25, 2003
I, too, am one of the many that is plagued with sinus headaches. My PCM prescribe allegra for me and that seems to control them. One the occasion that I do have one, I take Tylenol Sinus Daytime or Nightime. Works great.
   — Kathy C.




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