Cathe, PLEASE READ! I need help!

bayerngirl

bayerngirl

Cathlete
Hi Cathe,

I need your help! I did posted a few weeks ago in the ask Cathe forum for your help, unfortunately you didn’t see it. I know you are very busy girl this day’s. I hope you find the time to get me some advice. I was 2 month into the STS rotation; I was doing the 6 month rotation. The end of March, I started getting a sinus infection, my left nostril was so blocked, that I couldn’t breathe. I went to a German ENT doctor for weeks, but he didn’t help me at all. In April 20, I had enough with the pocking, getting needles up my nose (the ENT doctor sucked the infection out, that was a lot of fun!), He tried to do the nose rinse (that is what they call it here in Germany, put this time I knew better), there was no way I was gonna let him do it twice. DH took me to the University ENT Clinic in Regensburg. All I wanted is a second option; they ran a lot of test and did a CT scan. I was admitted the same night, the doctor (who is also the director/Professor from the clinic), he told me I needed surgery that night. I ended up having surgery the next day, because they wanted to operate on me around 3 a.m.! I told them there is no way, I let anybody operate on me that late (I was afraid they half asleep, lol! I know I am not awake around that time!):p. Not to mention that was my first surgery. Like I said I had surgery April 21, on my sinus (plus Stirnhoehlen-/Schiebeinoperation links) I was in the hospital for few days. I stopped doing STS in March, my nostril was completely blocked for weeks and I couldn’t breathe. The surgery went well, put I still have a lot of swelling in my face/ head, and I still have a lot of headaches since my release 3 weeks ago. The bleeding finally stopped, hope it stays that way. I woke up on Mother’s day completely blocked and had nasty stuff coming down my nose again; DH took me to the clinic in Regensburg. The doctor had to stuff 2 tampons (with meds for to bring down the swelling in my nose), she also cleaned it out (with a machine, not sure what you call that?) I am back on antibiotics and meds to bring down the swelling. Mother’s day I spent half the afternoon in the hospital. I haven’t done any high impact stuff or heavy lifting since the end of March. Two weeks ago, I started to go fro long walks (mostly with my dogs) and last week I added the tubing for resistance. Not sure what is causing this infections and why I get them. I am going nuts here; I am so frustrated with everything. I do want to get a good workout in one of those day's besides walking and using the tubing. I don’t know what else I can do? In Jan. I started running and I miss it. I am afraid I have to start from scratch if my nose isn’t getting better anytime soon. Every week I am telling myself, next week I can start running and do STS again. I miss getting a good workout in. I am not saying working with tubing isn’t a good workout; I miss weight lifting. I was lifting really heavy too, I am afraid I will start with 3 lb. chest flies. :(This is my second month without heavy lifting. DH bought me for my b-day, 2 more barbells, one is an EZ bb the other is for triceps. He also got me “Thanks to Catherine” those carpet sliders! I am dying to try all of them out. I am sitting here almost in tears; I am so frustrated with my nose problem. I searched the forum and saw you had sinus surgery before? Do you have any suggestion or rotation that I can do until my nose clear up (I didn’t see any suggestions on the forums) I do wanna do something, otherwise I go crazy. I would really appreciate it. I am sorry for posting this again, but I really, really need your help!

If anybody has any suggestions/ advice are welcome!

I am so jealous, you girls are almost done with STS and I can’t get past M1. Awesome job everyone!

Thanks in advance!








 
Hi Belinda,

Hang in there! I know it's incredibly frustrating not to be able to work out, I hurt my back last year and had to take a couple of months off of working out and I too thought I would go insane. Just keep walking and doing what you can but let your body heal or you'll be fighting this a lot longer!

Mostly I just wanted to say I'm sorry that you've had so much trouble recently!

Take Care,
Steph
 
two ideas

But, first, I am so sorry you haven't been feeling well! I know what its like to be constantly on antibiotics, I hated it! With me it was skin infections. As for coming back to workouts, what do the doctors say about exercising? Do they say its ok? How do you feel (other than frustrated lol!) ?

1. Can you do cycling? On a stationary? If you have access to a bike it might be less strenuous than running. I'm concerned that you really need to let your nasal passages heal because any kind of cardio could hurt you from breathing hard. I think you should consider sticking with the walking for a while. I really hope you feel better soon.

2. You might want to take a probiotic like this one http://www.renewlife.com/products/critical-care-50.aspx because that can help your body fight off additional infection. Once you have been on an antibiotic the body needs help to repopulate the natural flora and fauna in your gut. They helped me lose the weight I gained with the antibiotics. Good luck!
 
No words of advice. Just wanted to send you {{hugs}}. I'm so sorry you are having to go through all this. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers for a speedy recovery. Hang in there.
 
get well Belinda

Hi Belinda,
Im sorry that you have to go trough all this trouble, I don't know if this can help a little bit I did have surgery a while ago and I didn't workout for a year!
My point is take all the time that you need to get well.I really wish you the best..Maybe you can do a new hubby just to think about something different beside exercising...
And you should try to get Cathe attention going on Facebook, I think she check on those website every day early....
Is better be late than sorry..
 
Thanks for your kind words, Steph! Sorry, to hear about your back. When I wrote this post this morning (I am 6-8 hour ahead the states), I was so frustrated. I woke up at 4 a.m I had difficulty breathing through my nose, both my nostril were blocked. This morning I went back to the clinic (in Regensburg, I just went there Sunday), the doctor had to open my nasal passage, I had 2 tampons up my nose with meds to bring down the swelling again. He also cleaned my nose (I had so much mucus blockage). The antibiotics isn’t working, starting tomorrow I have to take oral cortisone for the next 4 weeks and another nasal steroid spray. I really hope this is it, I had enough. I never thought a nose can bring you down like this.

Thanks RapidBreath for your advice! I asked the doctor about working out, he said not to do high impact stuff or heavy lifting (I still have a lot of swelling in my head and nose), he told me it can last up to 8 weeks) to completely heal! I am not sure if he knows who Cathe is or how tough her workouts are. How do I feel since the surgery 3 weeks ago? I still have a lot of pressure/pain behind my eye/cheeks, I am congested, I have green or yellow nasal drainage plus I have nasal fluid dripping down the back of my throat, I have headache every day, sore throat, I am constantly sneezing (all the pollen that is flying around isn’t helping at all) I feel very run down. Thanks for the advice on probiotic,I will order some today I know all those meds aren’t good for my stomach. Good news I haven’t gained any weight since I am sick. I lost 5 pounds.

Thank you so much for the hugs and prayers, Mesuredoak!
Thanks for your kind words,Worseenemy! What kind of surgery did you have, if you don’t mind me asking? Not working out for a year is a very long time. I am reading a lot again lately, thanks for your suggestions. I also love shopping. I will take it easy the for a few weeks. I couldn’t run right now, even if I wanted to. I think my head would explode.

Sorry if I made a typo, I am soooo tired right now.

Thanks for all your advice!







 
Sinus surgery recovery

Belinda, I did have sinus surgery -- doctor removed bone and tissue from sinuses on both sides. Before that, I had chronic, continual infections -- practically year-round. I was on antibiotics constantly, and sick almost all of the time. If I did a hard workout or got the slightest bit run down, I got sick.

It took me a few weeks to recover from the surgery, but I want to point out that I did not have an infection when I went in for the operation. My ENT would not operate if I had an active infection, so I was on two antibiotics at the same time for more than a month -- right up until the operation. That may have helped my recovery.

That may be part of what is causing your tough recovery. And while my doctor can't say for sure what was causing my chronic infections, he saw structural problems that prevented drainage and created a perfect bacteria breeding ground. I also had what he called "badly managed allergies."

Since the operation, a few things have helped me remain healthy. First of all, I do the sinus rinse with a Neti pot both morning and evening. This was part of my post-op recovery and I have continued it since then.

Secondly, I've become much more careful about my diet. I can't be sure that it has helped, but I have cut sugars and refined carbs way down (almost completely out) of my diet.

Did your doctor give you any blood tests to check for immune system problems? Mine did and I came back normal, which showed that it wasn't an immune system issue for me.

I wish I could be more helpful. However, I will say that right now you need to take the pressure to work out off of yourself. I know that it feels like forever, but you won't help your recovery if you overly stress your body right now. Your body is probably using a lot of energy to heal, so give yourself some time and don't worry! The workout DVDs and equipment will be there when you're healthy.

Best wishes for a speedier recovery. Feel free to PM me if you like.
 
Knee surgery..

I Had knee surgery,not even close of what you had, but surgery and recovery on some point is almost the same. But it took to long after I got injured for them to decide that I need MRI, I got Ligament replace and a tear minuscules fix ,so my knee was getting bent because I was so afraid to put any of my body weight on it,if I did, I could feel my knee shifting , so after the surgery, instead of been with the crutch's for a few weeks it took me months, and I was on therapy for a long time. Not doing anything for a year that happen on 2005, so now I can do all Cathe IMAX and all that stuff.....
I hope you doing better today...
Are you living in USA?...

Eunice
 
Kathryn, my left sinus was completely blocked, plus I couldn’t breathe anymore for almost 4 weeks. The doctor told me after surgery that my infection was so severe that between my sinus cavities and nose a thick wall was created. No medications or treatment (like the other ENT doctor did), would brake through that, the only thing that was left is to operate to stop the infection from spreading more. No matter what meds the other ENT doctor gave me, nothing worked. I took all kinds of different antibiotic, I was eating decongestants like they were M&M’s, inhaled corticosteroids, and took medicines to help thin the mucus with no improvement. I’ve been using the sinus rinse since March, I still use it 3x a day! My symptoms were so severe; pus was forming in my sinus cavities and nose. I needed surgery. Plus my CT didn’t look so great, they found stuff in my frontal sinus, the infection just kept spreading. If the infection goes into your brain you die! I’ve been on antibiotic since April 1, today was my last day taking that stuff (I hope for good!). I think I’m resistant to antibiotics. In the hospital I was giving heavy duty antibiotics 3 x a day through IV!

My sinus infection is linked to all my ear infections, I have a history of ear infections. Right after surgery I had another ear infection, good thing I was in the hospital. I still didn’t tie these two together. That same night my ear was bordering so much and while I was sitting in the doctors office (it was right next to my room) a light went off in my head, all my ear infections that I had been having over the years were on my left side. My sinus infection, was on the left side. I told her I have been having a lot of problems with my left ear for years and if that could have anything to do with my sinus problem, she told me it’s all connected. Last year DH, DD and I were vacationing with our RV to Santa Fe, my left ear ruptured, because of the altitude. I ended up in the ER, I was told I had Swimmer’s ear. She sent me home with antibiotics and pain killers. She also advised me to see a doctor before I few back to Germany in few days. DH set up an appointment on base (my DH is in the Army) with a military doctor, he gave me the ok to fly with a ruptured ear! That was a big mistake! I was in a lot of pain flying from the states to Germany. Once in Germany I saw a military doctor here on base, he sent me to a German ENT doctor. He was a good ENT doctor, he doesn’t do surgery anymore. I constantly have symptoms of fluid buildup in my left ear since last year. My ear canal is shaped funny, so it’s a breading ground for fungus to grow.


The beginning of this year, I cleaned up my diet, I don’t eat a lot of sugar or refined carbs. This helped me to shed a lot of weight. I cleaned up my diet big time. I lost a lot of weight!

Before I had surgery they took a lot of blood tests. I know on base they had been taking a lot of blood tests lately. I don’t think I have an immune system problem! But to make sure I will call the doctor tomorrow and ask.

Kathryn, you have been a lot of help! I know my body needs more time to heal, It’s very frustrating.


Eunice, sorry you had so much trouble with your knee. Glad you are doing better. My DH is in the military, we are stationed in Grafenwoher Germany. My kids are in collage in Texas. I am German!
 
Did your doctor give you any blood tests to check for immune system problems? Mine did and I came back normal, which showed that it wasn't an immune system issue for me.


Kathryn, good point! Your post really made me think and it has been bordering me since I read your post. My white blood counts never show up normal for a few years now. The (military) doctors in the states and here in Germany always told me not to worry about it, which is normal due to all my ear infections. So I figured OK that is normal, what do I know? They the doctors, right? A few months ago I ask my military doctor (he is great! He always sends me to a specialist) I have the paper works, just never made it over there. The German ENT hospital took a lot of blood works, I now if you have an ear infection your white blood counts wouldn’t show up normal! I will call my ENT doctor in Regensburg and let him now about my white blood counts problem, I didn’t think about it at all. Everything went so fast when I was in the hospital, I wasn’t thinking about my blood tests. I must be brain dead:mad:Maybe I do have an immune system problem? Great! What is that mean now?

Thanks for poitning this out!
 
Hi Belinda

Hi Belinda I hope you are doing better, sorry I did not replay before but I'm a driver here in my house with 4 daugther,take me here, take me there, go pick one up, go drop of some one else, you know pretty busy..
I'm married to a military also we are on Twentynine Palms Ca, Right now my husband is over seas. Iraq... and I stay along,I say along because no family close,ether way you know, with my kids but everything fine. My oldest is 18 and the baby is 4..so I have all kind of stuff to do with them... But I can't wait to get Friday I dream been Friday, you know is a weekend of and I love it..
and my husband is from Texas, I'm from Mexico..
Well I just wanted to say hi and see how you doing..have a good weekend...

Eunice
 
Thanks for asking, Eunice! My nose is still very stuffed, but at least I can breathe a little better. My headache is a different story; I have a giant headache every day. I was given meds after surgery to bring the swelling down, I am still on it. This whole process is just getting so frustrating. The weather here in Germany isn’t helping my headaches either; it has been raining off and on for the longest time and today it’s hot outside. I never had a problem with the weather change before, I do now! So far the meds haven’t shown any sign of improvement, I am so frustrated. Maybe I am putting to much stress with the tubing and my walks on my body? It’s not like I am working out for hours, for crying out loud! I work one body part a day and I walk 3 miles every day, that isn’t overdoing it? I am starting to believe everything is backfiring on me! I am sorry for rambling on, but this is taking so much out of me, Physical and mentally.

I looked at your pictures; your girls are so beautiful! That must be tough raising four kids. You doing a fantastic job! How long is your DH in the Marines? My husband is active duty for 28 years, I can’t wait for retirement. LOL! I am tired of moving and leaving my family behind. Sorry, I am having a pity party today! I hope you and your girls have a relaxing and fun weekend.

Take care,
 
Belinda,
I'm sorry you're having headaches. Mine have gotten a lot better since the surgery but I still get weather-related sinus headaches. I'm better than a barometer and predicting fast-moving low fronts because I get terrible headaches for two days. I wish I could offer some help for that but I've found that nothing but time helps them go away.

Have you had a course of steroids? My doctor put me on prednisolone (similar to prednisone) to take down the swelling. Steroids can have nasty side effects, but it could help reduce swelling. During the post-op period I couldn't use my steroid nasal spray, but I resumed it after I had recovered.

Hang in there. I know how hard it is and how discouraging chronic sinus problems can be. And the weather really can make things worse for you. Try to be patient and I hope that better health is coming your way soon.
 
Hi Belinda

bayerngirl said:
Thanks for asking, Eunice! My nose is still very stuffed, but at least I can breathe a little better. My headache is a different story; I have a giant headache every day. I was given meds after surgery to bring the swelling down, I am still on it. This whole process is just getting so frustrating. The weather here in Germany isn’t helping my headaches either; it has been raining off and on for the longest time and today it’s hot outside. I never had a problem with the weather change before, I do now! So far the meds haven’t shown any sign of improvement, I am so frustrated. Maybe I am putting to much stress with the tubing and my walks on my body? It’s not like I am working out for hours, for crying out loud! I work one body part a day and I walk 3 miles every day, that isn’t overdoing it? I am starting to believe everything is backfiring on me! I am sorry for rambling on, but this is taking so much out of me, Physical and mentally.

I looked at your pictures; your girls are so beautiful! That must be tough raising four kids. You doing a fantastic job! How long is your DH in the Marines? My husband is active duty for 28 years, I can’t wait for retirement. LOL! I am tired of moving and leaving my family behind. Sorry, I am having a pity party today! I hope you and your girls have a relaxing and fun weekend.

Take care,
Click to expand...

Hi Belinda,
I'm sorry that you still feeling bad, I hope I have a answer or relief to your pain, have you take yoga, or breathing? I have a friend that say that breathing can be very helpful on pain situation.I totally understand your rambling and I don't blame you..any body in your situation will do the same..
My husband is active duty for 12 years but hes not going to reenlist again hes tired of been away from his daughters. So probably next year we are moving to Texas or I really want to go back to Virginia, I love that place...
Take it easy and be patient...I hope you are doing better...

Eunice
 
Pearlstrand said:
Belinda,
I'm sorry you're having headaches. Mine have gotten a lot better since the surgery but I still get weather-related sinus headaches. I'm better than a barometer and predicting fast-moving low fronts because I get terrible headaches for two days. I wish I could offer some help for that but I've found that nothing but time helps them go away.

Have you had a course of steroids? My doctor put me on prednisolone (similar to prednisone) to take down the swelling. Steroids can have nasty side effects, but it could help reduce swelling. During the post-op period I couldn't use my steroid nasal spray, but I resumed it after I had recovered.

Hang in there. I know how hard it is and how discouraging chronic sinus problems can be. And the weather really can make things worse for you. Try to be patient and I hope that better health is coming your way soon.
Click to expand...
·

Thanks Kathryn! I just got back from the doctor (here on base). He is running mor blood tests. He also wants me to see an Infectious Disease Specialist at the University Clinic in Regensburg. I reached a point right now, where I say HELL with everything. I am so tired of doctors:(

My sister just got diagnosed with Auto immune system problem, hashimoto’s tyroiditis ,I can't remember the other one:mad::( I hope I am not getting all this crap!

I was laughing at your post, been better than a barometer! LOL! I feel every weather change and we got a lot! I hope these terrible headaches go away soon.

Since last Thursday, I am on steroids (Prednisolon), and the nose rinse, I am also taking Dclofenac-NatriuAntirheumatikum/Dntiphlogistium (it’s a German med to bring down the swelling, I am taking it since my surgery), I been taking steroid nasal spray’s since April, my doctor changed it last week to Nasonex, I am still taking the nose rinse, I am also taking Pantozol to keep all the medication from messing up my stomach.

How many weeks did you take Prednisolon? I have to take it for 4 weeks. I know all of this meds have nasty side effects, I stopped reading them. LOL! Did you have any side affects? I was a little shocked when my ENT doctor put me on Pednisolon! Did you take it at the exactly the same time every day?

You said you got sick if you did a hard workout, when did you start working out again? What kinda workouts did you do?

I really appreciate your advice and help!


 
worseenemy said:
Hi Belinda,
I'm sorry that you still feeling bad, I hope I have a answer or relief to your pain, have you take yoga, or breathing? I have a friend that say that breathing can be very helpful on pain situation.I totally understand your rambling and I don't blame you..any body in your situation will do the same..
My husband is active duty for 12 years but hes not going to reenlist again hes tired of been away from his daughters. So probably next year we are moving to Texas or I really want to go back to Virginia, I love that place...
Take it easy and be patient...I hope you are doing better...

Eunice
Click to expand...


Hi Eunice, I been going through my yoga collection to see which one doesn’t put to much stress on my head. Last week I did “The New Method 20/20” Integrated Yoga, this one had a lot of pilates moves. I did like the workout. I had a giant headache afterwards, way too much pressure for my head right now. I can’t do any forward bends or backbends. I will try to do Gaiam Gentle yoga, see how that one goes. If that doesn’t work out, there is always Cathe’s Stretch Max with the bands, I love that one! I am doing SM a lot since my surgery.

The military is a tough life. When my husband retires, we need to get used to each other again. I don’t even know what it’s like having him around all the time. LOL! He is always gone! My DH wants to go for 30 years (he can go 35 or longer!), I told him that is our last move. He can move to the Nordpole if he wants too, I am done! I am not moving again. We move almost every 2 years, that’s a lot of moves. Virginia is very nice. We always get stationed like Oklahoma (Lawton), El Paso, TX and Georgia (Hinesville) or Germany. I don’t want to retire in any of this places. I followed my husband for 28 years and going, he is gonna retire where I wanna live. I see myself by an ocean somewhere, lol! No sure where that is gonna be? LOL! A girl can dream, right? LOL!

Good luck to you and your family! Tell your husband ,to stay safe!

Take care,
 
Hi Belinda

I will thanks, I know is hard and is funny that you said you have to get use to be around him, I know it happen the same over here, but is fun you don't get to much into fights, and you are always on the honeymoon mood.I will like to go to Germany is nice over there?
I really hope you can get over with this sickness, I was thinking of you today and wondering how a sinus infection can get you so bad. But there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Do you have little kids? I had a baby before I got hurt and after I got my knee surgery she was just learning to crawl so it was really hard for me to hold my baby to get her out of her crib. I cried because I couldn't even cook for my self the first time,that was so horrible... I had to sleep with a machine on my knee that it was moving my knee up and down all night and all day. horrible and everything just because I wanted to learn to ride the bike. So no more bike for me.

San Clemente is the perfect place to retire, there is a beautiful beach nice weather good food, very healthy place to live, not for me though, if we get out we are moving to Texas close to my mother in low, she is very nice with me not problem at all, but I'll like to live a little bit far away from them...
Well have a good day and don't stress to much.

Eunice
 
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