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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Jeff G on September 18, 2012, 10:58:04 am

Title: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 18, 2012, 10:58:04 am
I have been dealing with sinus infections all my life and I find as I get older they are becoming more frequent and severe . I finally went to an ENT and he is certain I need sinus surgery to correct some abnormality's I was born with as well as fix the damage done from years of infections . He also confirmed the hearing loss and told me I'm only hearing at 40 % and need hearing aids .

Medicare will not pay for hearing aids and only will cover 80 % of the sinus surgery so I'm waiting to hear from the ENT to see if I can at least get that done , the hearing loss is something I'm just going to have to live with . I spend so much time recovering from sinus infections I'm really hoping I can afford to get that taken care of .     
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Buckmark on September 18, 2012, 01:46:20 pm
Jeff,

I hope the surgery at least bring you some relief, and the 20% deductible isn't too overwhelming. 

Do you / your doctor think your sinus problems may have at all affected your hearing?

I'm sure Miss P will be along soon to regale us with tales of his sinus surgery (which I believe he had within the past few years).

Hugs,

Henry
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 18, 2012, 01:52:12 pm

I'm sure Miss P will be along soon to regale us with tales of his sinus surgery (which I believe he had within the past few years).

Henry

No, mine was only part of what Jeff's doctor said he needs -- specifically a septoplasty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septoplasty) and turbinectomy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinectomy). I didn't have sinus surgery.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: WillyWump on September 18, 2012, 03:36:37 pm
Sorry to hear about this Jeff. But hopefully the surgery will take care of your infections once and for all. Interesting about the hearing because I didn't notice you struggling to hear in DC, with some people it is very obvious they cannot hear. You hide it very well.

Good luck with all of this.

-Will

Ps- you should also quit smoking ;), when I smoked I got sinus infections at least twice a year. I havent had one since I quit. but I'll stop preaching.

Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 18, 2012, 04:13:30 pm
The doctor called back today and my copay is less than $400 , I was pleasantly surprised so it looks like I'm in luck with that and will be able to afford it . I'm going to quit smoking before the surgery , most likely LOL . 

The doctor doesn't think my hearing will improve with surgery but did say that it would help with the infections and my hearing does get worse during the infections due to temporary inflammation .

I have the most problem hearing when there is background noise , when people talk to me I usually understand enough words that I can follow what they mean . When I watch TV and they have a background sound track playing its really difficult for me , so when I watch TV with friends I useally just read or do something else because I simply cant follow whats going on ... and they complain its to loud if I ask to turn it up so I can hear . I have been known to fake that I hear what someone is saying by just agreeing with them if they're body language tells me that its what they want to hear and its got me into trouble a time or two .
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: bocker3 on September 18, 2012, 10:33:19 pm
Jeff,

Well, sorry to hear you need surgery, but I'm glad that you can afford your co-pay and it will help alleviate this chronic problem.  AND -- if it leads you to quit smoking -- you will make that $400 back in no time!!  (when you get lemons, make lemonade -- and all that.....)

As someone with hearing issues, I get your frustration -- and your ability to adapt (lord knows I've gotten in trouble a time or two myself for agreeing to something I didn't hear -- of course, I've also had some unexpected good things happen too)   ;D
Hearing aids are extremely expensive and, for me -- I'm not ready to take that leap yet (I know, it makes no sense).  In the meantime, I adapt -- like you (and Sid yells at me for having the TV to loud).

Good luck with the surgery (and the pre-surgery smoking cessation) -- let me know if you need anything.

Hugs,
Mike
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on September 19, 2012, 01:06:14 am
Jeff,

Sorry to hear about your problems and hope the surgery will alleviate them.  I have used hearing aids for almost eight years now and cannot imagine life without them.  It is a big step but a necessary one for me with moderate to severe hearing loss.  They are never covered by insurance or medicaid which is a problem.  While it was an enormous investment, I have not regretted doing it.  Hope it works out well for you.

Gary
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: spacebarsux on September 19, 2012, 02:20:58 am
Hope the surgery goes of smoothly and brings you some relief, Jeff. Best wishes and hugs.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: jkinatl2 on September 19, 2012, 03:40:27 am
Hope the surgery goes of smoothly and brings you some relief, Jeff. Best wishes and hugs.

Jeff, as a fellow long term sinus sufferer, I applaud your courage. I hope your surgery goes well and that it earns you a much much better quality of life.

Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 19, 2012, 10:33:38 am
Thanks everyone ! , your well wishes mean the world to me . 
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Ann on September 19, 2012, 10:56:53 am
Hey Jeff, not sure how I missed this thread. I'm happy to hear your copay is far less than you feared, and I hope the surgery goes well and fixes the problem once and for all.

I've been experiencing the type of hearing problem you describe (not quite as bad, but noticeable) for the past six months or so, mainly in my right ear. I was at my GP's yesterday for other things and asked him about my ears, thinking they might only need to be syringed. He had a look and said they look fine. He suggested that maybe chronic hiv inflammation may have been a contributor and that if things didn't change or if they get worse in the next few months (he knows I recently started meds), he'd refer me to an ENT specialist.

I'm hoping that maybe your hearing will improve after your surgery, given that you mentioned it gets worse when your sinuses are acting up.

Good luck, you're in my thoughts.

Hugs!
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 19, 2012, 11:23:41 am
Hey Jeff, not sure how I missed this thread. I'm happy to hear your copay is far less than you feared, and I hope the surgery goes well and fixes the problem once and for all.

I've been experiencing the type of hearing problem you describe (not quite as bad, but noticeable) for the past six months or so, mainly in my right ear. I was at my GP's yesterday for other things and asked him about my ears, thinking they might only need to be syringed. He had a look and said they look fine. He suggested that maybe chronic hiv inflammation may have been a contributor and that if things didn't change or if they get worse in the next few months (he knows I recently started meds), he'd refer me to an ENT specialist.

I'm hoping that maybe your hearing will improve after your surgery, given that you mentioned it gets worse when your sinuses are acting up.

Good luck, you're in my thoughts.

Hugs!

Thanks Ann , and please do follow up with the ENT because this is something you don't want to let go . I'm convinced that if I had addressed this years ago I would be dealing with less damage to my hearing .     

I'm going to wait until after surgery and see if there are any improvements before I delve any deeper into hearing aids . I will be happy to wear them if it comes to it . Its a totally different subject but after doing some research I'm convinced that the hearing aid industry is ripping off consumers , there is no need to charge so damn much for them with today's technologies . From what I read hearing aids on your side of the pond are even more expensive so take care and do some preventative medicine if need be .       
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Dachshund on September 19, 2012, 01:02:26 pm
I'm so glad you will be able to afford your surgery. I suffer from chronic sinus infections and they are just the worse. I hope the surgery helps your hearing. Take care.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: BT65 on September 19, 2012, 05:30:57 pm
It seems there are many who can sympathize with the sinus issue.  I can also, and with one of my sinuses in my left nasal cavity being crushed, it drives me nuts all the time-even though I quit smoking a couple weeks ago. Anyway, good luck with the surgery.  I sure hope it helps clear out those infections.

I think it sucks that Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids.  I understand it's a big investment, and one you have to be ready to make.  I had no idea you had a hearing issue.  I don't think you ever mentioned it.

Well, you know I love you, and will keep your issues in my thoughts.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: J.R.E. on September 19, 2012, 05:50:12 pm
Hey Jeff,

Good luck with the upcoming surgery. Hopefully this will resolve the issues that you've had for so many years.

Good Luck---Ray
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Solo_LTSurvivor on September 19, 2012, 11:20:24 pm
Jeff,

Sorry for being tardy to the party.  I hope all goes well and you get all fixed up.  I can't wait to see the photos of your new ear bobs (https://www.hearingaidtv.com/learnmore.asp).  Maybe you can spray paint them gold  ;D

Edited to fix spelling after attempting to be a smart ass.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Ann on September 20, 2012, 10:07:53 am

Thanks Ann , and please do follow up with the ENT because this is something you don't want to let go . I'm convinced that if I had addressed this years ago I would be dealing with less damage to my hearing .
       

I sure will, Jeff! It's really starting to bug the hell out of me when I'm trying to listen to someone when there's background noise. At least it's mainly in my right ear and often enough I can maneuver around so my left ear is nearer to them. Sometimes that doesn't even help much, but it's better.

I agree with you about the exorbitant cost of hearing aids. There is a member of these forums (who I won't name - it was made clear to me that our discussions were private) who has hearing problems and we've had a few discussions over the years about how the costs are so unnecessarily high and prohibitive. Highway robbery. So wrong! I mean, "the industry" can keep lowering the cost of new computer technology, so why does the cost of hearing aid technology continue to rise? Makes no sense to me. >:(
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: wolfter on September 20, 2012, 08:52:23 pm
Sorry I've been too busy to respond.  I had sinus/reconstructive surgery after a serious car accident in highschool.  It was a terrible recovery.  I was left with chronic sinus infections for the next 20 years and feared the procedure worse than any other I've endured.

I reluctantly had it done when they discovered the crypto mass on my brain since they could do it all at once.  I was prepared for a long horrible recovery.  Evidently the newer techniques are far superior as I had little more than discomfort that only lasted a couple of days.  After the healing, I was pissed for needlessly suffering.

He also made me swear off the over-the-counter nasal sprays as they give immediate relief but cause further damage.  I use prescription nasonex but not very often. 

Take care and best wishes.
Wolfie

Edited to add, I too thought I was suffering hearing loss and it has mostly been corrected after the surgery.  Now I can just wait on the hereditary deafness that all the men in my family get.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 20, 2012, 09:52:36 pm
The surgery is all set for next Wensday . The doctor is doing a Septoplasty and he is going to liposuction some structures inside my nose and open my sinus cavity's around my eyes . He told me the technique he uses that involves liposuction reduces the chance I will ever need to have it done again because it eliminates the inside of the structures that could grow back . 

We talked again today and he told me not to hold out much hope that this will help with the hearing . My right ear rings and hisses nonstop and while he thinks the surgery will be a tremendous help in reducing sinus infections he doesn't think it can reverse the damage already done to my hearing . He told me that he has treated more than a few HIV positive patients and added that HIV inflammation and sinus problems go hand in hand in his opinion .

If other forum members has any advise on hearing aids such as are there any low cost hearing aids that are worth having I would love to hear from you . By low cost I mean in the $500 range . Searching for Hearing aids on line is tedious and I suspect most of the reviews are planted by the company's that peddle them , its all spam sites .

Thanks to all of you for your insight .     




     
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 26, 2012, 03:24:26 pm
I had my surgery today and I'm back at home now , my buddy Tim is here looking after me and its only mildly uncomfortable but I'm still bleeding allot , to be expected I'm told .

The doctor had to do allot more surgery than he thought I needed at first , told me it might take two weeks to heel up . I'm just glad its done , I have had a sinus headache for 12 years it seems .   
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: phildinftlaudy on September 26, 2012, 03:57:31 pm
Jeff -
Glad the surgery is out of the way..

HEY, give me a call, I may have some good news for you regarding hearing aid....

-Phil
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Buckmark on September 26, 2012, 04:19:54 pm
From doctor's visit on 9/18 to surgery on 9/26?  Dang, that's fast.

I hope your resting comfortably, and that you got some nice pain pills. :D

Hugs,

Henry
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: bocker3 on September 26, 2012, 06:44:27 pm
Hey Jeff,

Hope you are resting comfortably -- I am assuming he gave you some decent pain pills?

Glad it is past and now all you need to do is heal!

Hugs,
Mike
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 26, 2012, 07:16:15 pm
I just talked to Jeff on the phone. He's semi-OK but a bit of blood pouring out of his nostrils still.
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: J.R.E. on September 26, 2012, 07:26:01 pm
I had my surgery today and I'm back at home now


Jeff,  Wishing you a speedy recovery !

Ray
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 26, 2012, 07:31:34 pm
I just talked to Jeff on the phone. He's semi-OK but a bit of blood pouring out of his nostrils still.

Yessss , its my time of the month, I'm on the rag  , I got my friend , There's a Red Party tonight at Club Menses coming out my face . The pain meds are working nicely . Thanks errbody .
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: WillyWump on September 27, 2012, 09:32:45 pm
Yessss , its my time of the month, I'm on the rag  , I got my friend , There's a Red Party tonight at Club Menses coming out my face . The pain meds are working nicely . Thanks errbody .

Can't you shove some tampons up there? I'm sure one of the ladies here could recommend a good brand  ;)

Glad you are over the surgery and hope you recover nice and quickly.

Hugs-
Will
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 27, 2012, 09:51:04 pm
Thanks Will , its been a bad day with this but I'm going to make it yet . 
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on September 27, 2012, 09:53:44 pm
Jeff,

My best wishes too for a quick recovery.  I am on my second set of hearing aids and cannot function without them.  They are frighteningly expensive (mine were $5000) but the price drops if your loss is less severe.  I have moderate to severe loss (on a hearing test without amplification, I have trouble hearing consonants and vowels.)  Most people have slight to moderate hearing loss (they need volume.) If this is the case, the price will be lower.  My hearing aids are dispensed in my ENT's office and I trust them completely.  You need professional assistance and I would not recommend internet or wholesale.  A reputable hearing aid specialist (ideally working in a doctor's office not a store) will work with you over the years to make adjustments as needed.  These are intricate devices and rarely do they "get it right the first time" but it is so worth it to once again be able to hear properly.

It is a big decision and I wish you all the best.

Gary
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: bocker3 on September 27, 2012, 10:14:52 pm
Thanks Will , its been a bad day with this but I'm going to make it yet .

Jeff

Sorry you are having a rough time of it -- hopefully, it will pass quickly and you'll get to feeling the benefits.  Now -- take another pain pill and go to bed!!

Hugs,
Mike
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 30, 2012, 11:33:44 am
Sinus surgery sucks ... I have read the news today and reviewed Wolf's thread and I'm happy to keep my own set of problems and not trade them for another . There is no time for feeling sorry for myself

My buddy who insisted on taking care of me came down with the chills and a fever so I spent the last few days nursing him until he went home last night . Thank god Ive had a flu shot already .

Another close friend of mine son was killed Thursday night in a motor cycle accident , he was only 30 . Its one of those weeks where you just go through the motions knowing time makes things better .   
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: emeraldize on September 30, 2012, 10:27:58 pm
Hey Jeff,

I missed this thread -- glad you made it through quickly and in keeping with the womanly post-surgical theme -- I trust you're now post-menopausal?

This was one of those times where you really did want your doctor in your face.

Em
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on September 30, 2012, 10:52:36 pm
Hey Jeff,

I missed this thread -- glad you made it through quickly and in keeping with the womanly post-surgical theme -- I trust you're now post-menopausal?

This was one of those times where you really did want your doctor in your face.

Em

Thanks Em ... I'm off the rag and on the mend  ;) .
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on October 15, 2012, 09:54:25 am
Just an update ... Since I was born with little or barely functioning sinus drainage I had no idea what it should feel like to be able to freely draw a breath through my nose , this surgery has been a friggin miracle . I was due for some good luck and hit the jackpot this time when I made that appointment with the ENT .       
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: wolfter on October 15, 2012, 12:01:58 pm
Glad you're getting some much needed relief.  Did he preach to you about nasal sprays?
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Jeff G on October 15, 2012, 12:22:47 pm
Glad you're getting some much needed relief.  Did he preach to you about nasal sprays?

No , he did write a script for Dymista , its a steroid / antihistamine spray but my insurance doesn't cover it .

I'm using a steroid spray that doesn't have the antihistamine in it that a generic . I never have used overthe counter sprays , in fact I'm not a big fan of over the counter meds of any kind unless directed to use it by my doctor .   
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: J.R.E. on October 15, 2012, 03:00:54 pm
Just an update ... Since I was born with little or barely functioning sinus drainage I had no idea what it should feel like to be able to freely draw a breath through my nose , this surgery has been a friggin miracle . I was due for some good luck and hit the jackpot this time when I made that appointment with the ENT .     


Jeff,


THAT"S GREAT !! Really glad to hear the surgery went well!!



Ray  8)
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: pozniceguy on October 15, 2012, 05:58:49 pm
glad to hear  you have  some  relief...and a new  way to  actually breathe.... hope it all clears  quickly  for you....

.BTW  I  got  my  hearing aids from a very  reputable  on line  supplier...much less expensive that Dr office..... and they can quickly  adjust them  with you on line  using your  computer  that they can control by  remote


Nick
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: WillyWump on October 15, 2012, 07:35:03 pm
Just an update ... Since I was born with little or barely functioning sinus drainage I had no idea what it should feel like to be able to freely draw a breath through my nose , .     
Wow, I bet it's like a whole new world breathing normally! Glad you are doing so well!

-Will
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: bocker3 on October 15, 2012, 10:09:57 pm
Woo Hoo!  Don't stop at breathing -- smell the roses too!

Glad that the pain was worth it in the end.

Hugs,
mike
Title: Re: I need surgery
Post by: Anqueetas on October 17, 2012, 01:09:55 am
One tips from a fellow Chronic Sinus infection, doing saline irrigation on your nose twice a day keep my sinus infection free all year. Before I decided to have a sinus surgery,I know I have the same problem. Each year I will took at least 3 courses of antibiotic and voila become resistance to some of them.

now after surgery and saline irrigation, there is no more steroid for my nose no more anti histamine, no more pill for my nose but well is have to take pill for HIV.

Hope your sinus is getting better soon  :)