POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: shadowfluid on February 17, 2008, 02:53:03 pm
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With proper research I realized this can be from a "weakened immune system"? I learn something new everyday!
Hopefully after a few months on my meds (I'm on Day 16) this will go away? It's just interesting to me to notice the subtle changes my body is going through since diagnosis:
1) Weird red patches on my face (it looks like I'm blushing). :)
2) mildest case of shingles ever (I think I had a cluster as big as a few quarters)
3) Sinus headaches that are pretty nasty in the morn.
I wonder if anyone got these sinus headaches around the time or before they started meds? Hope everyone is well. :)
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Shadow, I've had sinus problems ever since I was a teen. I smoke a lot, though; not sure if you do. I don't know that having HIV has made it any worse per se. What really made mine worse was going down a flight of stairs, and having the left sinus crushed so intensly, that the ENT doc couldn't clean out all the bone fragments. Sometimes I'll just boil a pot of water and hold my face over it for some relief. I think that's supposed to help the skin as well; you know, open up all the pores etc. so they can really get cleaned out.
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Hi. I've had regular sinus headaches since diagnosis too. My Doc says they're aggravated due to my frequent flying (for work), acid reflux/GERD, and that they're more common for poz people.
I was in the ER all day yesterday, in fact, with the worst one I've had. Meds weren't doing anything since last week, so they did some IV antibiotics and gave me more meds and sent me on my way 12 hours later. I don't feel better today, so sure hope something breaks soon -- they're not even draining :'(
Good luck to you -- get in to the Doc at the first signs of a sinus problem beginning!
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Betty,
I quit smoking a few months ago and never got them that bad until I got HIV. Someone also mentioned I could be grinding my teeth at night. I've been clenching my jaw the last few days from anxiety/school stress related stuff. My nose looks really swollen when I get up so I think it's gotta be from the air? It does get dry out here in LA...i think Im going to saline the crap out of my nose.
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Hi. I've had regular sinus headaches since diagnosis too. My Doc says they're aggravated due to my frequent flying (for work), acid reflux/GERD, and that they're more common for poz people.
I was in the ER all day yesterday, in fact, with the worst one I've had. Meds weren't doing anything since last week, so they did some IV antibiotics and gave me more meds and sent me on my way 12 hours later. I don't feel better today, so sure hope something breaks soon -- they're not even draining :'(
Good luck to you -- get in to the Doc at the first signs of a sinus problem beginning!
Hey Bob,
That sucks. I didn't think I would have to go to the doc if I was getting them every other day? Maybe I should. It's pretty bad today.
Are you on meds for HIV? I can't wait for them to go away. I feel like I'm hungover every morning.
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I hate when my sinuses feel dried out. Try taking a hot shower. The steam can bring some relief.
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Yep, I've been on Atripla since 9/07. I've been doing the long showers, vaporizer, hot washcloth on my face, in addition to the meds. This one's a monster :'(
Hey Bob,
That sucks. I didn't think I would have to go to the doc if I was getting them every other day? Maybe I should. It's pretty bad today.
Are you on meds for HIV? I can't wait for them to go away. I feel like I'm hungover every morning.
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The hot washcloth on the face routine never helps me. Really, boil a pan of water, take it off the stove, put your face over it and put a towel over your head, around the pot. It's kind of an old-fashioned thing, but sometimes it's the only thing that brings me relief. Not saying this will clear an infection. But it really makes the headaches less.
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The hot washcloth on the face routine never helps me. Really, boil a pan of water, take it off the stove, put your face over it and put a towel over your head, around the pot. It's kind of an old-fashioned thing, but sometimes it's the only thing that brings me relief. Not saying this will clear an infection. But it really makes the headaches less.
I totally just did that. It did help a bit. A big pot of coffee and sudafed usually does it for me. I miss smoking btw... =/
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Hey Shadow, I have to say, that two things really work for me: the Neti Pot (http://www.puritansale.com/pages/file.asp?PID=5662&CID=&CPID=8588&afid=27&safid=Google&scid=6879&cm_mmc=Google-_-Himaly_NetiPot-_-neti%20pot-_-Broad+Ad_860167344%7C-%7C100000000000000028611), and just a daily saline flush. You can get both from your local pharmacy. Gosh, I am sorry you have to deal with sinus issues, the headaches hurt, and well, mucus is just gross! ;)
Hope you feel better soon buddy!
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Hi. I've had regular sinus headaches since diagnosis too. My Doc says they're aggravated due to my frequent flying (for work), acid reflux/GERD, and that they're more common for poz people...
Interesting, I've been having headaches. Maybe it s my GERD causing it :-\.
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I have struggled with sinus headaches too since diagnosis, but I am not on meds yet or near the time I should take them.
Some advice
Try the shower steam thing. They sell the Vick's vapor tablets you can throw in the shower and inhale menthol steam.
Try sitting in a chair and put your head between your legs. Gravity helps drain sinuses.
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Hey Shadow, I have to say, that two things really work for me: the Neti Pot (http://www.puritansale.com/pages/file.asp?PID=5662&CID=&CPID=8588&afid=27&safid=Google&scid=6879&cm_mmc=Google-_-Himaly_NetiPot-_-neti%20pot-_-Broad+Ad_860167344%7C-%7C100000000000000028611), and just a daily saline flush. You can get both from your local pharmacy. Gosh, I am sorry you have to deal with sinus issues, the headaches hurt, and well, mucus is just gross! ;)
Hope you feel better soon buddy!
I always wondered about the Neti Pot. The commercials are just plain creepy with that kooky lady and all. I've always had issues with my sinuses. It seems I just got over a cold a few weeks ago (with bad sinus headaches) only to have another start up. I think HIV just aggravates most all health issues we have! >:(
David
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When you go to the dentists mention the potential teeth grinding -- he should be able to tell. In fact, my dentist surprised me back in '99 or so that I was doing this, and I had to start wearing a specially molded guard at night.
I went through a year or two of bad sinus problems but it was around 10 years after infection. I was given some spray stuff which helped, but I think it had a steroid in it so after a short time they had to try and sort out a longer term solution. I went to a couple of Eer and Nose specialists and even had my sinuses CAT scanned. Showed nothing, and then it all mysteriously went away. It was merely one of a variety of odd things that was going on with me medically all at once during that couple of years. I must have seen a dozen specialists within a year for all sorts of BS. Nightmare.
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When you go to the dentists mention the potential teeth grinding -- he should be able to tell. In fact, my dentist surprised me back in '99 or so that I was doing this, and I had to start wearing a specially molded guard at night.
I went through a year or two of bad sinus problems but it was around 10 years after infection. I was given some spray stuff which helped, but I think it had a steroid in it so after a short time they had to try and sort out a longer term solution. I went to a couple of Eer and Nose specialists and even had my sinuses CAT scanned. Showed nothing, and then it all mysteriously went away. It was merely one of a variety of odd things that was going on with me medically all at once during that couple of years. I must have seen a dozen specialists within a year for all sorts of BS. Nightmare.
I noticed I have been clenching my jaw the last few days from stress. It's just sooo fuc%* weird to me. I will be sitting there totally relaxed but have a clenched jaw. I miss being completely anxiety and depression free. I can't wait for all these issues to go away. I hope the meds help the mental problems as well. So now I read that it's difficult to distinguish from migraine and a sinus headache? I did go to the dentist and he didn't do shit. Plus those guards are like $400.
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Interesting, I've been having headaches. Maybe it s my GERD causing it :-\.
What's GERD?
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Hey Shadow, I have to say, that two things really work for me: the Neti Pot (http://www.puritansale.com/pages/file.asp?PID=5662&CID=&CPID=8588&afid=27&safid=Google&scid=6879&cm_mmc=Google-_-Himaly_NetiPot-_-neti%20pot-_-Broad+Ad_860167344%7C-%7C100000000000000028611), and just a daily saline flush. You can get both from your local pharmacy. Gosh, I am sorry you have to deal with sinus issues, the headaches hurt, and well, mucus is just gross! ;)
Hope you feel better soon buddy!
Hey thanks! i'm soooo gonna try that. It's difficult to tell if it's from teeth-grinding while asleep, jaw-clenching during the day, a plain old migraine, nasal issues, or just from stress. One day I will find an SSRI that will work for me so i can deal with all this minor shit better! My hand hurt for a few days from being online too much and I flipped out the other day! ha.
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Plus those guards are like $400.
Oh, I'm sure you could earn that with two hourly appointments if you just applied yourself.
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Naw I escorted to eat two summers ago (when I was infected). Not going that route again but thanks for the suggestion.
edited: for grammar
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Oh, I'm sure you could earn that with two hourly appointments if you just applied yourself.
My rate was higher. *two snaps*
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Hey Shadow, I have to say, that two things really work for me: the Neti Pot (http://www.puritansale.com/pages/file.asp?PID=5662&CID=&CPID=8588&afid=27&safid=Google&scid=6879&cm_mmc=Google-_-Himaly_NetiPot-_-neti%20pot-_-Broad+Ad_860167344%7C-%7C100000000000000028611), and just a daily saline flush. You can get both from your local pharmacy. Gosh, I am sorry you have to deal with sinus issues, the headaches hurt, and well, mucus is just gross! ;)
Hope you feel better soon buddy!
OKay bought that thing....amaaaaaaazing. I can hear all of a sudden too. You should have heard me try to explain it to the clerk at the drugstore... "So it's like this thingy that is like a kettle and you do this *does head and hand gesture* and it clears out your snot."
She had noooo idea what i was talking about.
Some customer heard me and smiled and said, "OMG I use that! It's right over here!"
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What's GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Where your stomach acid comes back up your throat. Loads of fun.
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When my sinuses get clogged up, I use acupressure. I also use it for tension in my jaw. It usually works fairly quickly - especially if I do it when the problem is just beginning. I have a book called Acupressure's Potent Points and I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested. The instructions are easy to follow and the results are noticable. That's been my experience with it, anyway.
http://www.amazon.com/Acupressures-Potent-Points-Self-Care-Ailments/dp/0553349708
Ann
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OKay bought that thing....amaaaaaaazing. I can hear all of a sudden too. You should have heard me try to explain it to the clerk at the drugstore... "So it's like this thingy that is like a kettle and you do this *does head and hand gesture* and it clears out your snot."
She had noooo idea what i was talking about.
Some customer heard me and smiled and said, "OMG I use that! It's right over here!"
Good, I am glad it's working for you! It is a nice little thing.
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I swear by the netty pot already mentioned. If you buy it and it doesnt clear your sinus's i will promise to double your snot back!
QUESTION: What is a netty pot?
Answer: A netty pot is a device of Indian origin that delivers nasal irrigation to wash out a patient's nose. Some patients find netty pot irrigations to be very soothing.
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I'd still recommend going to an ENT specialist. In fact I need to go myself. I have a deviated septum that I believe contributes to my grade 1 (the least serious) sleep apnea, and I'm sure this is what caused my sinus issues years ago but they've not recurred, but during all of that CAT scan stuff is when I learned of the septum thing. I want it double checked again because I could have it corrected easily with a septoplasty, which for some reason was not resolved years ago. I dropped the ball when I went on disability and moved.
Anyway, if you have this odd combo of problems I'd go up the tree a bit further than irrigating your nose with Mexican flower pots.
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Here's that freakish lady demo'ing her Neti Pot: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzK9Gn4E_Eg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzK9Gn4E_Eg).
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omg LOL
Thanks David. That is fierce.
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o noes... now I'm watching all of the "related videos" for nasal irrigation
Look at this man!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQm7YpxgOnA
He irrigates with both coffee and whiskey
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That kind of stuff is just too bizarre for me to think about trying.
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The colon cleaning youtube clips are fun too.
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The colon cleaning youtube clips are fun too.
Philly I don't have insurance. Wow you have a lot of issues don't ya? (kidding)
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omg LOL
Thanks David. That is fierce.
Yeah, I especially like the little exercises at the end of the clip. I wonder if most users do those. ;)
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I'd still recommend going to an ENT specialist. In fact I need to go myself. I have a deviated septum that I believe contributes to my grade 1 (the least serious) sleep apnea, and I'm sure this is what caused my sinus issues years ago but they've not recurred, but during all of that CAT scan stuff is when I learned of the septum thing. I want it double checked again because I could have it corrected easily with a septoplasty, which for some reason was not resolved years ago. I dropped the ball when I went on disability and moved.
Anyway, if you have this odd combo of problems I'd go up the tree a bit further than irrigating your nose with Mexican flower pots.
My ENT suggested a septoplasty. I couldn't go through with it, just the the thought of nosebleeds freaks me out.
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I've had sinus/allergy problems all my life, but in the months before I ended up in the hospital with PCP and was diagnosed it was much worse. The first year on meds I had about 5 sinus infections so I went to a great ENT and had sinus surgery. Everything went well for about 6 months and then the sinus problems started again.
To make this quick, after a few trials and errors and testing for fungi and nasal rinses twice a day the Dr. and my pharmacist recommended a Waterpik to use like a pressure washer. I got the cordless one and I use it everyday. Haven't had a sinus infection in the 4 months since.
Don't know if this is for everyone, but I've been able to stop the nasal steroid sprays and the Astelin as well. Pretty good for Miami weather!
T
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Welcome to the forums, tbnia. :)