TEdds83,
It is reassurring having someone to compare notes with. I really have no idea what is causing my problems right now. I do think it is a combination of TMJ, bruxism, allergies and sinus problems.
My ENT established a plan with me a couple years ago that we are following before considering surgery. He wants me to aggressively treat the allergies first. For years, I've been on Allegra (dropped the D due to High BP), Astelin, Flonase and Singulair in addition to my second round of immunotherapy. I also use saline sprays and the Neti Pot. It has taken a couple years, but I'm finally reduced down on my amount of allergy meds and am on the Astelin and Singulair (for asthma also). The ENT added Omaris nasal spray as well for a few weeks to try to help with the current ear thing.
I haven't had dizziness lately. I've had it in the past with my sinus infections though.
I'm 10 months out trying to get my ear to pop. I flew out of town and back today and hoped that I could help the ear along in popping. My left popped as normal when flying, but the right did nothing. I hoped for a moment that it had on the way home, but my ear is still stuffy. I have 13 days left on the muscle relaxers to see if they will help the ear. If not, I have no idea what the next step might be. I'm going broke trying to figure it out. I do know it definitely isn't an ear infection. I've had that confirmed by ENT's, scopes and two Audiologists.
I have several friends who have had successful sinus surgery. I don't know on the real ramifications vocally. I'd certainly look for a second opinion before you have the surgery if that is where you end up having to go eventually. A good doctor shouldn't be offended by the fact you get a second opinion.
I'm right there with you on the cold air. We spent about 10 days in the 20's or lower with below 0 at night. It plays havoc on my asthma, but I really don't know that it had much impact on my ears. If you have indoor allergies, they get worse sometimes when you are stuck inside a lot. I'm also dealing with high altitude issues as well.
You have reflux right? That could be a cause of your problems as well. I know that I've seen a significant decrease in my number of sinus infections since I had reflux surgery a year ago. I knew I had chronic acid problems and that the acid was coming up into my throat and lungs. I had no idea that the acid was making its way up into my sinus passages. In my case, even twice a day PPI's stopped working in my acid treatment. You might have some discussions with your ENT or GI doc about that. My ENT does the dual probe pH testing with one at the LES and one at the UES to measure the impact of the acid on the throat. I'd think the fact the acid is coming up above the UES also means it could be affecting your sinuses. Just a thought. It was a "hidden" trigger for my sinus infections in addition to the allergies for years.
I know it is mostly psychological, but I lay with my ear on a heating pad to help a bit with the pain. It doesn't cure anything, but makes me feel a bit better.
Take care,
MountainReader
It is reassurring having someone to compare notes with. I really have no idea what is causing my problems right now. I do think it is a combination of TMJ, bruxism, allergies and sinus problems.
My ENT established a plan with me a couple years ago that we are following before considering surgery. He wants me to aggressively treat the allergies first. For years, I've been on Allegra (dropped the D due to High BP), Astelin, Flonase and Singulair in addition to my second round of immunotherapy. I also use saline sprays and the Neti Pot. It has taken a couple years, but I'm finally reduced down on my amount of allergy meds and am on the Astelin and Singulair (for asthma also). The ENT added Omaris nasal spray as well for a few weeks to try to help with the current ear thing.
I haven't had dizziness lately. I've had it in the past with my sinus infections though.
I'm 10 months out trying to get my ear to pop. I flew out of town and back today and hoped that I could help the ear along in popping. My left popped as normal when flying, but the right did nothing. I hoped for a moment that it had on the way home, but my ear is still stuffy. I have 13 days left on the muscle relaxers to see if they will help the ear. If not, I have no idea what the next step might be. I'm going broke trying to figure it out. I do know it definitely isn't an ear infection. I've had that confirmed by ENT's, scopes and two Audiologists.
I have several friends who have had successful sinus surgery. I don't know on the real ramifications vocally. I'd certainly look for a second opinion before you have the surgery if that is where you end up having to go eventually. A good doctor shouldn't be offended by the fact you get a second opinion.
I'm right there with you on the cold air. We spent about 10 days in the 20's or lower with below 0 at night. It plays havoc on my asthma, but I really don't know that it had much impact on my ears. If you have indoor allergies, they get worse sometimes when you are stuck inside a lot. I'm also dealing with high altitude issues as well.
You have reflux right? That could be a cause of your problems as well. I know that I've seen a significant decrease in my number of sinus infections since I had reflux surgery a year ago. I knew I had chronic acid problems and that the acid was coming up into my throat and lungs. I had no idea that the acid was making its way up into my sinus passages. In my case, even twice a day PPI's stopped working in my acid treatment. You might have some discussions with your ENT or GI doc about that. My ENT does the dual probe pH testing with one at the LES and one at the UES to measure the impact of the acid on the throat. I'd think the fact the acid is coming up above the UES also means it could be affecting your sinuses. Just a thought. It was a "hidden" trigger for my sinus infections in addition to the allergies for years.
I know it is mostly psychological, but I lay with my ear on a heating pad to help a bit with the pain. It doesn't cure anything, but makes me feel a bit better.
Take care,
MountainReader