Sphenoid Sinus Surgery: Anyone had their sinuses drained?

...sorry I have not heard of this but curious as have lots of mucous every day from sinus yet ent said nothing wrong... but i wonder if side effect from Glaucoma drops.. good idea to get feedback before having it done, best of luck, J.

Hi @carolynmartin33, I think fellow members like @ess77 @astaingegerdm @nrd1 may have some thoughts or experiences to share about sinus draining and sinus surgery.

Carolyn, I assume that you are considering surgery because you have chronic sinusitis that is resistant to treatment or medication. Is that correct?

@carolynmartin33
I have quite a bit of experience regarding sinus draining.
I have had sinus infections since childhood. Usually due to congestion from seasonal allergies and upper respiratory infections.
I had sinus surgery 2004 after a severe infection of all sinus cavities- ended up in the ER.
The surgery went very well. The ENT doctor basically cleared the openings to all the sinus cavities so they could drain properly.
I went home with packings in my nose. The first day home was uncomfortable, but manageable with pain meds. I was also given instructions as how to rinse the nasal cavities with saline.
I had a second surgery 2010, a less involved procedure to open up one of the frontal sinuses.
Since then I’m fine and very happy to not having to deal with infections.
My son inherited my sinus problem and had to have surgery while in college. He’s also doing very well.
We both learned how to prevent infections with saline rinses.
Wishing you a good experience!

Hi! I just had surgery on my sphenoid sinus (right side only). CT showed it almost completely blocked, surgeon thought it was a fungal ball. Surgery went well, it was blocked by polyps and inflammation. Recovery is going well, I’m mostly just really tired and still have a slight headache and ringing in my ears. I am breathing SO MUCH BETTER. Best of luck to you, I hope you get relief of your symptoms.

@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