Zebra
Senior Member
- Messages
- 866
- Location
- Northern California
Hi, Everyone -
I feel so silly asking for help with such a "small potatoes" type problem, but I am really uncertain what to do here. My feeble mind has been chewing on this issue for 48 hours now, and I have yet to make a decision. Maybe you could help me?
Here's Some Background: When I developed ME/CFS, it came with sudden onset sinusitus, which has become chronic (aka: 5 years). It was diagnosed by an ENT and confirmed by CT scan. My regular treatment regimen is Flonase in the AM, and simple saline solution in the PM.
What's Going on Now: This past Friday, I thought I was experiencing an unusual, and severe flare of sinusitus, but by Monday there was no denying I have a full on infection. I have been diligent with at home treatments (saline irrigation, steaming, sinus massage, special herbal nasal spray), and I can tolerate the facial discomfort, sore throat, and cough (the latter are due to post-nasal drip). I am also experiencing dizziness when lying down and I am lightheaded when standing up.
Why I Am Considering Antibiotics: What is deeply concerning to me my body's systemic reaction to such a simple infection. My fatigue is overwhelming, and I am also experiencing weakness in all four limbs. ME/CFS is such a slipperly slope, and I am scared because I feel much worse than my baseline level of "bad," and I am terrified of back sliding even further.
Why I Don't Want to Take Antibiotics: I have already taken a course Bactrim for a different, and potentially dangerous, infection earlier this year, so I am loathe to 1) overuse antibiotics and 2) screw up my gut flora, which I have been trying to nurture back into balance after a colonoscopy. Also, I know my doctor will not take, nor wait for, a nasal swab. He will just prescribe Amoxicillin, and tell me to come back if that doesn't work. (ugh)
So, the Question Is: Does a sinus infection warrant antibiotics for someone with ME/CFS?
Again, I feel silly asking you all for help with a simple sinus infection, but you can see that I've been thinking this over quite a bit, and I need input from others. If you have the energy to help me make an informed decision, I would appreciate it.
Thank you very much!
Zebra
I feel so silly asking for help with such a "small potatoes" type problem, but I am really uncertain what to do here. My feeble mind has been chewing on this issue for 48 hours now, and I have yet to make a decision. Maybe you could help me?
Here's Some Background: When I developed ME/CFS, it came with sudden onset sinusitus, which has become chronic (aka: 5 years). It was diagnosed by an ENT and confirmed by CT scan. My regular treatment regimen is Flonase in the AM, and simple saline solution in the PM.
What's Going on Now: This past Friday, I thought I was experiencing an unusual, and severe flare of sinusitus, but by Monday there was no denying I have a full on infection. I have been diligent with at home treatments (saline irrigation, steaming, sinus massage, special herbal nasal spray), and I can tolerate the facial discomfort, sore throat, and cough (the latter are due to post-nasal drip). I am also experiencing dizziness when lying down and I am lightheaded when standing up.
Why I Am Considering Antibiotics: What is deeply concerning to me my body's systemic reaction to such a simple infection. My fatigue is overwhelming, and I am also experiencing weakness in all four limbs. ME/CFS is such a slipperly slope, and I am scared because I feel much worse than my baseline level of "bad," and I am terrified of back sliding even further.
Why I Don't Want to Take Antibiotics: I have already taken a course Bactrim for a different, and potentially dangerous, infection earlier this year, so I am loathe to 1) overuse antibiotics and 2) screw up my gut flora, which I have been trying to nurture back into balance after a colonoscopy. Also, I know my doctor will not take, nor wait for, a nasal swab. He will just prescribe Amoxicillin, and tell me to come back if that doesn't work. (ugh)
So, the Question Is: Does a sinus infection warrant antibiotics for someone with ME/CFS?
Again, I feel silly asking you all for help with a simple sinus infection, but you can see that I've been thinking this over quite a bit, and I need input from others. If you have the energy to help me make an informed decision, I would appreciate it.
Thank you very much!
Zebra