@carolynmartin33, @colleenyoung, @annie1979, @astaingegerdm, and all...
I, too, have had years of congestion and allergic reactions causing seemingly constant sinus congestion, drainage, and infections. I had multiple sinus infections annually over the last several decades, getting progressively worse requiring a bunch of antibiotics.

I had sinus surgery about 30 years ago, pretty straightforward and simple, with packing and discomfort but no additional issues. It helped temporarily. Soon I again began having sinus issues and simply dealt with them as they occurred as I didn't want a 2nd surgery.

Last year I was having serious sinus headaches, constant congestion, and infections. I was referred to Mayo ENT and had sphenoid surgery to clear the blocked sinuses and serious infections. I tried sinus rinses for several months, to no avail. Then, the doctor added a special antibiotic medication to use with the rinse. The infection I had was antibiotic-resistant, but this did nothing to help either. A fungus ball was a consideration as well. So, the surgery.

The doctor really cleared out my sinuses. I had some bleeding and ended up in the ED after choking on blood while sleeping. Surprisingly, I had little discomfort. No real pain after surgery. I was supposed to use the sinus saline rinse afterward but had a bad burning reaction when I used it. After having the same reaction to a 2nd rinse, I began using the NeilMed Xylitol rinse and it works well.

I had other health issues I was attacking as well, so I dropped off using the rinse. Now, after months of no use, I'm beginning the Xylitol again and will continue using it daily to keep everything open and happy. I have begun having congestion, a few headaches, and as I'm not stupid and certainly want to avoid another infection or surgery, the rinse is my new friend again and forever.

The surgery was definitely important to my overall health. I haven't had any bronchitis or lung infections since this surgery either.

I do have problems with antibiotics now, after taking so many for so long. But, I'm learning as I go...I take an excellent probiotic daily that has changed my life, recommended by a Mayo doctor. No more IBD problems out of control, and I take antibiotics if needed with an additional probiotic in the a.m. as well as p.m. It works. I now can finish a 10-day antibiotic cycle with few side effects handled by OTC meds. And, don't need treatments for sinus infections since surgery.

I am certainly a patient pleased with the results of the sinus surgery. I waited too long to address the issue properly as I was busy with other health issues that took priority over my sinuses, or so I thought.

I learned a lot with this surgery. One thing is to do it if you truly need it. Don't postpone it unnessesarily. Second, Afrin is your friend. The doctor used Afrin nasal spray in the examination and after surgery to stop bleeding. In fact, in the ED the doctor used Afrin spray to stop the post-surgery bleeding. It worked. But, I only use Flonase if/as needed. Third lesson is to continue with regular use of the nasal spray. It's important to your continued good results.

I hope some of this information is helpful and you have a good experience with surgery. Keep us posted of your progress.
Be well and be blessed. Elizabeth