What has been done for you when oral antibiotics aren't working?

Posted by Boe Campbell @boecam, Feb 14 6:28am

I'm a retired CRNA whose had sinusitis all my life. I was hospitalized as an 8 yo, T&A at 10, sinus endoscopy at 41 with polypectomy, Septoplasty at 45 and FESS with Sphenoethmoidectomy in 2012. I've taken so many antibiotics throughout my life to fight sinus infections that are exacerbated by head colds. My ENT in South Carolina did incredible work on me in 2012, and other chronic sinus sufferers with the brain lab technology. It's been a rough 12 months for me (2025-2026) and I bugged him a lot about ongoing issues. He said, everything looks good, but I knew something wasn't right. I had a cough and chest rattling particularly at night when laying down. I knew it was coming from my sinuses. I elected to have an MRI and paid out of pocket. I shared the results with him and he said, let's do a CT and discuss revision surgery. It was at this point I elected to see a physician at Mayo. I've anesthetized patients in 3 states, 2 countries, and in 30 plus facilities. The care I received from Dr. Erin O'Brien at Mayo was thorough and professional. She ordered tests and we have the results. I'm trying to be patient in hearing back from her Team. I'll move up there for however long it takes to deal with my current sinus/chest issues. I'm into my 23 day of taking 1 gram of Augmentin twice a day. My chest isn't any worse, yet better from 3 weeks ago, but not gone. I feel like an IV or PIC Line for intravenous antibiotics is what I need before revision surgery, unless revision surgery takes care of it all. It's a miserable existence! I feel better in the mornings and after eating. I crash late afternoon. Can any of you relate, or offer tips I haven't considered? Thanks in advance!!

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Hi,
My, you have been through an awful lot! How awful for you! I think you are on the right track with your treatment at the Mayo Clinic. However, regarding antibiotics, I have read that some foods are natural antibiotics. Perhaps you might want to do some research into that to see what foods might work for you, if any.

A couple of things that have helped me when I had a chest cold is putting Mentholatum on my chest and also gargling with Listerine, the original flavor. The new sweet flavored ones don't work as well.

Another thing that has helped me is prayer. Just ask God for help and he will be there for you. I'll say a prayer for you also.
I wish you the best.
PML

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This may sound crazy but your might want to consult an endodontist and have him/her check your back upper teeth. Endodontists have specialized x-ray machines to get the best look at those root areas. I've had many CTs of my sinuses that missed my abscessed tooth. I was treated by an ENT for years thinking it was my sinus when it's my tooth ! Never hurts to get another opinion.

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