sinuses & pelvic problems

[Judie P]

I think I am actually venting but looking for a few remedies I might have missed.  I have been dealing with on and off pain in my pelvic and public area. especially when I have excessive gas trapped in my lower intestines.  When I urinate, it begins to hurt towards the end.  I believe I was also retaining water.  I finally got an appointment with my nurse practitioner, and she said it was probably constipation and we had this program we were going to start for the next two weeks to get me regular.  That evening, I started with a sore throat which developed into a terrible head cold.  I had a low grade fever for three days and finally saw a different doctor about that.  So, I never started the program because my teeth and sinuses were in pain.  I also had sinus pressure and a runny nose.  I was taking 200mg of Motrin every six hours for the pain, and a product called Umcka for sinus congestion, etc.  Then the cough set in.  By the next day, my ribs were killing me.  I also had to wear bladder pads because every time I coughed, I urinated in my pants.  Lovely.  So I was given a five day supply of antiobiotics for upper respiratory infections, and stayed home for a week.  Tons of post nasal drip, congested ears, pain and pressure in sinus areas:  solid ear pressure, and pain in front of ear, along left side of nose and upper gum area.  The cough is pretty much gone, but the pain and pressure has not stopped.  Still having to wear bladder pads because of urgent urination or blowing my nose too hard.  I have continued the Umcka for the swelling\inflammation, and 200mg of Motrin which seems to work well for at least eight hours.  If I don't do that, the pain increases whenever I breath in through my left nostril or through my mouth.  Nose began to run again last night as I was teaching class.  Needless to say...  last night at 3am I woke to terrible pain in my pubic area and lower back.  Got up to urinate and it hurt like heck.  Went back to bed and all the pain stopped.

I have tried steam, I have tried flonase, I have tried eating less mucus producing foods.  I have tried rest.  I have to work as I am self employed, so I go in and cannot even think because I am concerned about what the heck is going on.  I see my nurse practitioner tomorrow for the pelvic, constipation problem but I am thinking maybe starting with a CT scan of my sinuses first.

I feel defeated in so many ways.  Any suggestions or words of wisdom? 

[Tharrell]

Chicken soup is good for the soul? I'm so sorry you are suffering! Hot chicken soup helps with loosening the excretions. Hot wet towels on the sinus will help them drain.
For the lower area have you thought about a uti? Did they do a urine test? My daughter actually had pyelonephritis and it did not,show up in her urine. The ER had to do a ct scan and saw she had a kidney infection and had to put her on a 24 hour fast antibiotic and sent her home with more antibiotics.
Hope you get this figured out quickly!

[Judie P]

Thanks, Tharrell, they did do a urine test and it was too contaminated by cells or vaginal cells.  I will have to do it again.  I was thinking an UTI myself, but that was what we were checking for two weeks ago.  Then the rest happened....  My doc was saying that if things were the same, we might do a CT Scan of the pelvic area, but with the sinus problem....  I wish I could do an entire body CT scan and see what all is happening!  Thanks for responding, I needed some kind words.  Hugs, Judie P

[Tharrell]

Oh I hear you about the full body scan! If we are already in the machine, just scan the whole thing already!
Sending you prayers and hope you get answers soon!

[Nomad]

I went through something extremely similar 2-3 years ago.
I have found taking Oil of Oregano a life saver.
Prevents sinus infections and for many people helps to prevent UTI too.
I know an MD who takes ur to prevent UTI.
I also take D Manose when I have any signs of a UTI.
Wouldn't hesitate to take antibiotics for either of these things if necessary, but the oil of oregano is an OUTSTANDING preventative and can move things along faster.
I take capsules.
If I get a bladder inf. the pelvic pain is hideous.
Heating pads are helpful.
I too have cut out dairy. Also soda.
I drink lots of water.
Knock on wood, both of these things have improved for me
BTW, I too like Umka. I like zinc losenges too and lots of vitamin C !!!!!!!!!!
I get the buffeted kind to protect stomach and bladder.
Hang in there!

[Judie P]

Thanks, Nomad.  Just saw the nurse practitioner and she is ordering a sinus CT scan to make sure nothing else is going on.  I love her!  She is also ordering another round of antibiotics for five days.  Thank you about the oil of oregano.  I have heard about that before.  I will try it.

[irish]

Did the NP do another urine test? It may be that you have a urinary infection that had been lingering for some weeks and then your system got weaker and the sinus infection kicked in. The reason I mentioned doing a UA again along with a sensitivity is because often these urinary tract infections are very stubborn and need 3-4 weeks of antibiotics if not more. Also, when the antibiotic runs out the docs like to wait a week or so and then so another UA to make sure that the infection is gone. Untreated urinary tract infections can end up causing kidney issues if not addressed. Good luck. irish

[Judie P]

Thanks, Irish.  No, we did not do that.  I think so much was going on at the time, she probably forgot.  I am seeing her again in two weeks.  However, the antibiotic she prescribed is different than what is usually used for sinus problems.  That is because I am allergic to penicillin.  So, I see what I will be taking also helps with UTIs.  LOL  The CT Scan is because she is not sure I have any infections.  We are also checking out nerve problems, TMJ, tooth abscess, along with sinus problems.  We want to get to the bottom of this problem.  I will be taking Doxycycline, which is not thrilling, but I can take.  No dairy two hours before or 4 hours after.  And... two glasses of water with each dose and no laying down for 45 minutes.  Otherwise, I can develop esophagus problems.  Thank you so much for thinking of me.  You are the best!