Hi, I am new to your group and I wonder if you all can help. I am 62 years old, and have been healthy. Last April I had an infected wisdom tooth removed. Weeks before and after I had terrible sinus issues (NEVER had a sinus infection before) Dentist discovered a tiny fistula, a hole to my sinus. Told me not to blow my nose for 3 weeks. When I went back, he said it was closed (and in fact, foul tasting drainage had stopped) but x ray showed my sinus was still infected, my sinus was still clogged. I was on assorted antibiotics for 6 months. (I rarely take antibiotics)
My sinus (it's only left side, site of tooth) are much improved. I probably did have a bacterial infection as well. But, I have expelled several fungal balls over the past few months (either through my nose, or mouth), I have a putrid smell all the time. The mucus is yellow (some days more than others), and I sleep with those nasal strips. I netti pot 3 times a day and have tried all kinds of home remedies (tea tree oil, etc.) My problem is I do not have health insurance (only catastrophic... $10,000 deductible) and won't get medicare for 3 more years. How do I know if this is really dangerous, without doctor run-around? What are symptoms? Help please. I am not myself, and haven't been for 10 months (that's when wisdom tooth made it's appearance ... and this all began)
It's all pretty frightening.
I know for sure they are fungus balls. The first one kind of shocked me...this gray, clay-like ball in the shape of my sinus, came out as I was swallowing. There have been several more. However, I am seeing a change...last one was softer and more yellow than gray. That was 2 weeks ago.
I have spent a great deal of time on line trying to find answers. I'm sure also that this is a result of that fistula after my tooth was extracted. I have never had allergies before. Although my doctor and dentist both have prescribed all kinds of antibiotics, steroid nasal spray, etc.- even though I keep telling then it's fungus.
I have little trouble with total congestion (did this spring)...drinking lots of fluids to keep discharge moving, which is now a pale yellow (not green, as before.)
Everything I've read about surgery is that it oftentimes doesn't work.
...and then there's the cost.
But, I just don't feel like "me" anymore. I just want this to go away. any suggestions?