Hey guys!

Do any of you get monthly infections? Seems to be me.

Every month, i get swollen lymph nodes, stuffy nose, post nasal drip, and green/yellow flem.

I have a huge swollen lymph node under my chin, and its very painful.

Tyson, I hadn't had any problems with this. Then I got runny nose, draining in my throat, and coughing twice in the last 2 months. Went away on its own the first time after 2 weeks. I always take Zyrtec and Flonase in the morning and Singulair at night, whether I have symptoms or not.

It came back 2 weeks later and I went to the Dr. for an antibiotic, I got a Zpack (Zithromax). It went away a day into starting the Zpack. I went to the Dr. right away that time because I was traveling to visit relatives who are heavy smokers and I knew that would aggravate things. I can't stand cigarette smoke.

I think I read somewhere that antibiotics are not good with either Mestinon or CellCept, but I am not sure which one or if I even read that anyone else know if antibiotics can be taken with these?

Tbarney- Thanks for your response! Yet ive been to the doctors numerous times and been given almost every antibiotic im allowed to take, the only one I have left is kelfex, works good. But im just wondering if there is something deeper to these infections...and also, if this infection is worth going to the doctors

Tyson,

It's likely that you have an allergic response going on and that with your suppressed immune system, it just blossoms into an infection. My hubby had this - without a suppressed immune system. He had a recurring sinus infection that they eventually treated for 3 weeks with daily IV antibiotics - only to have it recur yet again.

Go to a ENT (preferably one that doesn't think sinus surgery is the first option). The one my H went to said he could justify surgery - - but would prefer to treat with antihistamines and cortisone pump sprays to avoid surgery. Even as a ENT surgeon, he said sinus surgery should be an absolute last resort - dangerous and not always successful anyways. The 3 perscriptions he wrote were for stuff I have never heard of - -but they really worked. Hubby got relief and it's been 6 months since has had a sinus infection!!

If they can get the allergic reaction under control - even with your suppressed immune system, you'll have a better chance of not getting those nasty infections.

Let me know what you think - Sue

Well, sue, i def. agree with everything youve said here. Yet ive seen an ENT who just gives me drugs everytime, and this cant be helpful. Yet im unsure what you mean by an allergic reaction.

Please exlpain

One of my kids used to have seasonal allergies. I think allergies make the nasal passages and sinuses swell. Then whenever he got a cold, things couldn't drain properly because of the swelling, so he'd get a really yucky infection. I remember the doctor explaining that his head was like a swamp (we called him "ol' swamp-head")--a breeding ground for bacteria. We used to give him zyrtec for a few days whenever he got a cold so that his allergies wouldn't prevent drainage. Does that make some sort of sense? I know it's a little vague...

Abby

It's pretty much like Abby described.

Something (pollen, pollution, ozone, grass, dust, whatever) begins an allergic reaction that spins out of control - until the sinus membranes become so irritated, swollen and inflammed they just can not drain properly.

Then - bingo!! Bacteria begin to have a field day - -- and then you need antibiotics to kill the infection. However, if the allergic reaction is never addressed - you just end up repeating the cycle.

Hubby went thru this for 3 cycles. The PCP assumed he just hadn't killed the infection. So he ordered 14 days of daily IV antibiotic infusions. Didn't work. That was when hubby was referred to ENT - who addressed the actual cause that was setting up the infection.

Hope this makes sense. Maybe new ENT?

Sue

Tyson,

Looked up the meds ENT prescribed:

1) corticosteriod nasal spray - to be used for first 5 days, then every other day, etc
2) antihistamine 2X daily
3) decongestant 1xdaily

Use as directed for 3 weeks. Return visit - - everything was great.

Ongoing:
Use antihistamine daily, use decongestant as needed - stop the prescription nasal spray.

Use saline nasal spray at least every four hours to bathe / cleanse sinus membranes

Do NOT ever use Afrin or any other OTC nasal spray. Actually makes sinus membranes more susceptable to sinusitis!


The good news? Six months has passed and he feels better than he has in long time!

Sue