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Sinus infection

Jason123
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Hi everyone...I have been suffering from a sinus infection since the end of January 2024 and things have been getting alot worse. Mucus build up been running down the back of my throat on a daily ba s, I can only breathe though my mouth which has a big impact on my life..I have been suffering from daily Anxiety disorder and also been getting panic attacks. My ears both have infection and in one f them I keep on hearing a ringing noise which stops me from sleeping, I have only been getting 2 hours to 4hours sleep each night. My concern are now been getting chest tightness on a daily basis and also been get dark red blood clots from the left side of my nostril..I have been diagnosed with a large polyp up my right nostril which was diagnosed in June 2023, there are a few smaller polyps up my left nostril..I have seen my ENT specialist at the end of February 2024 which I have been put forward for an operation to have my polyps removed. Iam really worried because iam experiencing pins sensation on my face and around my eyes and also on top of my head...I have written a letter to my ENT specialist explaining my situation is alot worse since I saw him last..I had no response from him.l went to the doctors on the 12th April 2024 on an out of hours appointment. The doctors phoned the ENT on call registrar for advice. The doctors gave me a course of antibiotics which I have finished and some fluticasone propionate nasal drops, I have to take this for 6 weeks to see it would help my sinus infection but unfortunately I started to get chest pains after using this medication which I have stop using. Also got a swollen tounge after using earcalm...Iam having a really bad time with health recently and I can not stop worrying thinking I might have sinus Cancer 

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    Hi Jason 

    I had the same symptoms as you 6 years ago and was put on the two week pathway. I saw a lovely ENT consultant who performed a transnasal endoscopy which showed nothing untoward but required a CT scan which showed a polyp. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with breast cancer a week later and ENT was put on hold. I was also given all sorts of medication to take but found a saline nasal spray was the best form of treatment.

    I'm not trying to downplay your symptoms/feelings but try and relax a little as I doubt your anxiety is helping matters.

    Given you have had the necessary tests etc, I can only assume that your polyps are benign, otherwise you would have been operated on by now. The pins could be due to a polyp leaning on a nerve. The chest pains down to anxiety and stress. 

    You are doing the right thing by seeing your GP when you noticed changes and should continue to do so if your sinuses don't get better. 

    I hope you're getting help with your anxiety x

  • Offline in reply to Magpiemaggie

    Hi There. Goodmorning. Thankyou for your reply to my post..iam sorry to learn that you had brest cancer, how are you now? The worry I have is the bleeding I get from my nose, its mostly coming from the left side, it's dark red and clots, my nose has been bleeding since 13th April 2024, I will try saline nasal spray but not the gas type..as for my Anxiety and panic attacks the last one I had was on Wednesday, it always starts with pains in my leg as if you have been sitting for long periods. Thankyou for replying always take care.

  • Offline in reply to Jason123

    Hi

    I am doing well. I also had blood coming from my right nostril, and still have at times (especially in the colder months). I have put it down to central heating creating a dry environment as the bleeding stops when my nostrils are moist, so I try and keep them moist by using saline and steam. 

    Are you scheduled to have the polyps removed? 

  • Offline in reply to Magpiemaggie

    Hi there..thankyou for getting back to me.Iam schedule to have my polyps removed yes, but the ENT specialist said it might be with in 42 weeks because The NHS use that as a guide. My large polyp which is inside of the right nostril is already hanging out the end of my nose. On Tuesday gone I was experiencing ectopic beats of the heart for over 4hour, I was in my car at the time and had my friend to take over. I was in control of my Anxiety but it looks like it's going back to how thongs were. I don't know how to cope anymore. Have a lovely weekend 

    .take care 

  • Offline in reply to Jason123

    Hi Jason 

    So it looks like they have ruled out cancer. Its unfortunate that the NHS is under so much pressure that waiting targets are not being met. This leads to patients becoming anxious and stressed. I can understand how this can impact your mental health. I think not being in control is exacerbating the issues. 

    But you can control some things - you can treat your nasal passages with medication and saline 

    You can look at the polyp in your right nostril see that it looks like healthy tissue and is not cancer

    Every time cancer thoughts enter your head, look at the polyp and tell yourself its not cancer. Cancel a negative thought with a positive one. 

    Try and do things you enjoy, keep yourself busy 

    Make sure your GP is up to speed with your mental health and that your given support for this, ask for counselling if you haven't already. 

    Ask your GP if they could try and expedite your surgery by writing to your consultant, pointing out how this wait is impacting you. 

    Hopefully by taking some control over your situation, will help you feel better and get you through this. 

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