Antibiotics

randyh · Post by **randyh** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:09 pm

Hello everyone, its been a while since I have been here, but wanted to thanks everyone for all the advice and help. I have been GF for a few months now and have had no D since I have been GF, its so nice. I have gained over 19 pounds in the past few months since going GF, even my doctor was surprised and said I must be doing something right. All the gut pain is gone. Now I face a decision, I have a pretty bad sinus infection that I have been fighting using any natural method I can find because I didn't want to take antibiotics, well I still have the sinus infection and the doctor prescribed a Z-Pac. We talked about that and she said that it was the least gastro affecting thing that she could prescribe. I am having the prescription filled this afternoon, but I am very apprehensive about taking it since I don't want to have a possible reaction, but the sinus infection is getting the best of me and I have to do something about it. I guess i will take the chance and try it. Anyone have any suggestions to minimize the impact? And if it does have an impact does anyone have any idea of how long it will take to get back.

Thanks again to everyone for you time and advice.

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:40 pm

Hi Randy!

I did fine when I took the Z-Pak for sinus infections. But here's what really works the best to shorten the illness: NeilMed sinus irrigation bottle with salt packets used 2-3 times a day and Mucinex. Of course, lots of fluids. Once my infection was over, I began doing the irrigation once a day and I have not had an infection in the last 2 years since. It is so helpful to daily flush out any germs or pollutants that you breathed in during the day. Greatly reduces the chance of infection/inflammation. Antibiotics do not penetrate well into the sinus cavities anyway, since they are basically "absesses" (pus and infection-filled spaces). That's why "mechanical" cleanout methods are effective. Hope you feel better soon, and glad to hear that you are an MC success story!!!

Hugs,

Polly

randyh · Post by **randyh** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:51 pm

Thanks Polly,

I use a nettie (not sure of the spelling here) every day. This all started when I ran out of the salt solution during the holidays and was so busy that I did use my nettie pot for about 7 days, big mistake.

Glad to hear the Z Pac was well tolerated, makes me feel better. I really want to get the sinus infection on under control, it is really difficult to get through the day with a sinus headache most of the time, and the pressure is terrible.

Thanks for info and the advice.

Blessings,
Randy

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:27 pm

Hi Randy, I, too, just got over a brutal sinus infection, ran me into the ground physically. I tried to hold off too, but ended up on ammoxicillan, bad for mc. I've had a little deterioration, but not too bad. I take probiotics and increased those while I was on it. I say amen to Polly's Neti-pot. I used my constantly and it helped a lot. I just wish I had have used it as a preventative, instead of when it hit me. I'm not going to get lazy this time and use it daily as she suggests. JoAnn

Post by **tex** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:03 pm

Hi Randy,

Sorry about the sinus infection, but it's good to read how well you've been doing with the MC. I can't add anything to the expert advice that you've already received, except to say that I agree that your doctor probably made the right selection - if an antibiotic is necessary, the Z-Pak is probably the best choice for the job, with a minimal risk for GI issues for someone with MC.

Thanks for the update, and good luck with the treatment.

Tex

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:56 pm

I did the sinus rinsing at least 4 times a day when I thought I was really fighting off an infection. Worked for me!
I also took Sudafed and the Mucinex 1200mg 2 times a day.

That is great news that GF diet worked so well for you! Yea!!!!!

Pat

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:57 pm

Another vote for sinus irrigation here. Through 5 years of pregnancy and breastfeeding, I only had one sinus infection that required antibiotics. I never tolerated Sudafed, so the most I took for congestion was Neo-Senephrine nasal sprays and irrigated the heck out of my nose. It worked great. I never even had a fancy neti-pot. I used a 10CC syringe to squirt the warm salt water up there. My husband has allergies and sinus issues and I'm BEGGING him to try it. He just can't fathom putting water up his nose. It's his loss I guess. But I know it would make a huge difference!

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:50 am

My DH just will not use an irrigator of any kind. FINALLY I was able to get him to use Simply Saline spray. There is nothing added - no preservatives or anything. It comes in a white canister type thing. He will use that and says it works, he doesn't get sinus infections much but has allergies and it just feels good to moisturize the sinuses. That is what I use unless I really feel like I am in the throws of a sinus infection and then out comes the NeilMed irrigator. I prefer the one that you can squeeze as opposed to the Netipot. I've used both.

Pat

randyh · Post by **randyh** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 11:58 am

I have been using a neti-pot for a couple of years on a regular basis, it has kept many sinus problems at bay, however during the holidays I got busy and ran out of the little salt packets for it and didn't use it for a week, bad mistake, thats when I started having sinus problems.

So day one with the Z Pac and so far so good, no tummy upset at all, in fact looking forward to lunch. I took some Sudafed yesterday but didn't feel the need to take it today, but will be irrigating the sinuses a few times today to keeps things moving if you will. Much relief from the pressure of yesterday.

Have a great weekend you all and keep on rinsing those sinuses. LOL

Randy