Chronic sinusitis/to fly or not to fly

[chperplt]

If sinus surgery is required, expect to be out of flying for about 2-3 months under the self-grounding regulation. Afterwards, you'll be able to fly without having to lug a second suitcase full of kleenex.

Medical prob = medical leave

Not true.... I had sinus surgery and was grounded less than 3 weeks. All the FAA requires is a note from your ENT or Flight doc that says you're completely healed, and they don't require the note until your next medical.

 

[unreal]

Glad to know it isn't just me who's been having sinus issues lately. I think it's mostly an allergy thing (pollen counts here have been super high lately), but it's gotten to the point where I have to pop a decongestant before I go fly or else I'll feel the squeeze during descent. Not so fun to have to depend on that. I saw an ENT last month, and he said that from what he could tell it was simply a pollen allergy. He prescribed me some Nasonex, but it doesn't work too well for keeping you clear while flying it seems.

I do like the idea of the sinus rinse thing, though. I'll have to give it a try. Anything to keep from having to pop a pill before I can do my job.

 

[unreal]

This thread is probably dead by now, but thanks for the tip on the sinus rinse stuff. Been using it a few days now, and I've stopped needing to take a decongestant before flying. Good stuff.

 

[AV80R]

This thread is probably dead by now, but thanks for the tip on the sinus rinse stuff. Been using it a few days now, and I've stopped needing to take a decongestant before flying. Good stuff.

Still alive! lol

I went to walgreens looking for that stuff couldn't find it, what is it called?

Didn't see "Sinus Rinse" there...

 

[unreal]

Still alive! lol

I went to walgreens looking for that stuff couldn't find it, what is it called?

Didn't see "Sinus Rinse" there...

It's called NeilMed Sinus Rinse. It was in the Walgreens where I live, but barring that I think it's sold elsewhere too. It's in a big flashy box that advertises to everyone just what you're buying, too. :laugh:

 

[AV80R]

It's called NeilMed Sinus Rinse. It was in the Walgreens where I live, but barring that I think it's sold elsewhere too. It's in a big flashy box that advertises to everyone just what you're buying, too. :laugh:

I'll check it again, thanks a lot, hope it helps.

My doctor wants me to take allergy shots as apparently I have severe allergies to pretty much everything and then some... The problem is I have to get two shots a week for the first 6 months and they cannot be spread out more than that because I have to "gradually increase my resistance."

Well, with a week on week off schedule I just don't know how I can do that?

Anyone else with a similar problem?

I though about giving the shots to myself but someone needs to "watch me" in case I have a reaction to the shots... So, I'm in limbo...

 

[ZONA]

I know exactly what you are dealing with. I have always had very bad allergies as well as moderate asthma since childhood. About a year or so things got really bad and went to see an ENT. I Was diagnosed with severe sinusitis, severe rhinitis, as well as nasal polyps. As you can imagine flying 18-20 leg four day trips was becoming very problematic. After trying just about every "faa approved" nasal spray on the market my doctor said that surgery was my only option. I was on med leave for about 2.5 months following surgery to make sure things healed properly and not to rush back although I probably could have come back sooner.

I'm approx 7 months post op and my problem is that when I am not flying I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. I can finally breath through my nose which was something I had not been able to do in 15+ years. For some reason though flying is still giving me issues, nothing like it was before I had surgery but after the 3-4 leg it never fails that I start having sinus problems either clogged up or a runny nose. Usually by the 2/3rd day my ears start to plug up and flying becomes less and less enjoyable.

I'm at a loss for what I should do next, I have been back to my ENT and he told me he can see the polyps starting to grow back. Nothing like they were before I had surgery, but the fact that after only 7 months with continuous Flonase use they are already making a comeback is not good.

I'm not sure what I should do next, I feel like the smartest thing to do would be get out of flying all together before I get any older and it's to late to start over in another field. I just turned 30 and with my sinus/asthma problems as well as family history of these conditions getting worse with age I'm honestly not sure if I could even hold a medical until I'm 60/65. I have a four year degree but would like to stay in aviation, possibly dispatch.

Anyone ever had a similar situation? Any suggestions?

 

[Flying Illini]

I know exactly what you are dealing with. I have always had very bad allergies as well as moderate asthma since childhood. About a year or so things got really bad and went to see an ENT. I Was diagnosed with severe sinusitis, severe rhinitis, as well as nasal polyps. As you can imagine flying 18-20 leg four day trips was becoming very problematic. After trying just about every "faa approved" nasal spray on the market my doctor said that surgery was my only option. I was on med leave for about 2.5 months following surgery to make sure things healed properly and not to rush back although I probably could have come back sooner.

I'm approx 7 months post op and my problem is that when I am not flying I feel better than I have ever felt in my life. I can finally breath through my nose which was something I had not been able to do in 15+ years. For some reason though flying is still giving me issues, nothing like it was before I had surgery but after the 3-4 leg it never fails that I start having sinus problems either clogged up or a runny nose. Usually by the 2/3rd day my ears start to plug up and flying becomes less and less enjoyable.

I'm at a loss for what I should do next, I have been back to my ENT and he told me he can see the polyps starting to grow back. Nothing like they were before I had surgery, but the fact that after only 7 months with continuous Flonase use they are already making a comeback is not good.

I'm not sure what I should do next, I feel like the smartest thing to do would be get out of flying all together before I get any older and it's to late to start over in another field. I just turned 30 and with my sinus/asthma problems as well as family history of these conditions getting worse with age I'm honestly not sure if I could even hold a medical until I'm 60/65. I have a four year degree but would like to stay in aviation, possibly dispatch.

Anyone ever had a similar situation? Any suggestions?

It's the airliner environment. Seriously. My health is much better now that I am flying corporate. Have you tried taking Naproxin Sodium or some other anti-inflammatory? That may help open up the sinuses a bit.

Good luck.