I have severe sinus disease and get horrible sinus infections.  If you don't do well on antibiotics, try Musenex along with the nasel spray and Zyrtex.  They will relax the membranes and help you drain.  Although without antibiotics, I'm not sure it will clear up.  Did the doctor suggest a medral dose pack?  I take medications all year long, my allergies are a complete mess and even have tubes in my ears!  I so feel your pain!

dianne

Thanks for the input! I will ask my GP about the other options. Your situation sounds awful. I've only been like this for a few weeks, I can't imagine having this condition chronically.  Right now, the Flonase is helping... my nasal passages actually feel like they're open again! Such a relief from what I've been feeling the past few weeks. I've been using Hydrasense (saline rinse) as well to help clear things out. Interestingly, I've been doing some research, and found that recent studies suggest that antibiotics make virtually no difference in recovery from mild to moderate acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in about 60 to 70% of adult cases.  I agree that this probably doesn't apply to severe cases or to chronic sinusitis, but it does make me want to try to wait this out a few more days just to see if things don't improve further with the Flonase and Hydrasense.   It's just that my pouch has really been functioning very well over the past 18  months. I seem to have finally achieved a good balance with my lifestyle, diet, supplements, probiotics, etc and I really don't want to do anything to compromise that unless absolutely necessary. Ugh. Stupid sinuses!

Spooky, I think you are doing the right thing.  Wait it out if you can.  Having chronic sinusitis is a major inconvenience but I deal with it.  I'm so used to it.  I also have nasal polyps so that makes things ever worse.  But what all of you,go through withnUC and Crohns is far worse!  Feel better!

Jeffsmom, any chronic condition is significant, I wouldn't downplay anything anyone has to go through.  Our quality of life is impacted regardless of what the issue is, and we all have our own day to day challenges. Hope you feel better too, and Jeff as well. I was happy to see from your other post that things seem to be going better for him latey. Wonderful news!

Thanks again for your suggestions!

Thank you!  It's been a journey, that's for sure.  You too be well!

In addition to the nasal steroid (Flonase), I'd suggest a decongestant (pseudoephedrine works best) rather than an antihistamine. Remember not to get the longer-acting forms. 

Thanks Scott. Unfortunately I take prescription Reactin daily for skin allergies. Can't win for losing. I suppose I could cut it back for a few days while this is clearing up.

I wasn't suggesting stopping a needed antihistamine, but rather not adding one. In any case, the pseudoephedrine is still useful to help the sinuses drain.

Musinex it is guienfarinesse.  Not spelling correctly.  But it's the best decongestant on the market. Used to be called ENTEX PSE when it was by prescription.  

Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an expectorant, not a decongestant. It can also help with sinusitis. Mucinex D includes both pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin, but the problem with combination drugs is that they don't let you cut back on just one of the ingredients.

I seem to be doing well with just Flonase. Today is the first day in several weeks that I haven't had rivers of ectoplasm. LOL  I'm still a bit congested and tired, but I think I've turned a corner. Happy to have potentially dodged the antibiotics.

My doctor put me on IVIG. It's a pain but I have not had sinusitis since I started. It is a once amonth imnfusion of antibodies.

I have to respond to your sinus question.  I too have serious sinus issues.  I have had two sinus surgeries and still suffered terribly. (j-poucher since 2009)I have been to an allergist, Ear Nose and Throat   Specialist, Immunologist, etc.  I have had steroids, antibiotics, over the counter meds and used a nebulizer.  I replaced my carpet with hardwood floors and bought a new mattress and  an air purifier.  I have no pets. I drink lots and lots of water.  Still no relief from crushing headaches and sinus blockage.  It even effected my hearing and vision.  Finally, after many years of this, I consulted a chiropractor.  I told him my main issue was sinus infections.  After the first adjustment which included a pulsing device he used on my face, he told me I would have sinus drainage, a bowel movement and need to sleep within a couple of hours.  That is exactly what happened.  After a few more visits, my sinuses opened up and so did my life.Cost $30 for visit. $20 for second visit per week if needed.  $10 for third during one week.  Cheap compared to a trip to the pharmacy.  That is my story.  I know how it sounds.  (I did not receive a voo doo doll with the treatment.  LOL)  I don't understand it but it helped me.  I had reached the end of what medicine could do for me.