My 12 year old son has had massive sinus infections and 2 sinus surgeries since we moved here to San Antonio 3.5 years ago. These were not problems he had until after a pneumonia diagnosis in fall 2007 (when we lived in Kansas City). He also has developed asthma (or what has always been mildly present became a bigger problem) since the pneumonia episode.
He has already missed 15 days of school this year and we're at wit's end. He's had allergy testing done 3x in 3 years and he's allergic to absolutely nothing. One day he is fine (sinuses pink, not swollen, no fluid evident on x-ray), and the next day his sinuses are red, swollen, and his cavities are full of fluid. We've had an immunology work up done and his pneumoccocal vaccine was low and was boosted. We thought this would be the answer, but it hasn't been. We go back to a different hem/onc today to re-do all of the immunology testing again today.
It is awful watching him be sick and fatigued all of the time. He's been on so many steroids and antibiotics. This school year he's been on antibiotics every month since September (which goes against everything I believe in), in addition to steroids, and is now on a topical anti-fungal, anti-biotic, steroid nebulized mist.
My husband is convinced it is related to the changes in barometric pressure. My son is always fine from May-September when its just hot and dry here and no low pressures. Over the weekend he charted 1st day of symptoms for the 35 illnesses he's had over the past 3 years (I keep a diligent diary of all of this on my phone), and each coincided with a low pressure (rainy, foggy, cloudy). Only one of the 35 instances since September 2008 have happened when the weather was clear.
We haven't had the ENT say to us yet "I think you'll only get relief if you move to a state with consistent barometric pressure", but if we don't get some answers related to his immune system, then we have literally exhausted all efforts at finding a trigger for the sudden onset of his symptoms.
My husband has suggested needing to move. (My son was born in Dallas and spent 1st 5 years there, then 3.5 in Kansas City, and now 3.5 in San Antonio.) It sounds stressful and extreme to me, but I have to get this kid healthy. Just wondering if anyone has ever moved because of an illness and what was your final breaking point.
I have not but I know that people often do. In fact, lots of people move here (to Arizona) for the purpose you describe. I couldn't begin to tell you if we have consistant barometric pressure though, I just know it's almost always sunny and clear. I sure am sorry that you are struggling with all of this, it sounds completely awful!
I think before moving you may need more medical intervention. Is your ENT a pediatric specialist? Texas Children's has a great pulm and ENT service. I also think Denver children's has a great department. Perhaps consider traveling for another opinion. I am a proponent of pediatric board certified docs when trying to get a handle on something that appears to be going from an acute issue into a chronic one. Hang in there and don't be scared to get another opinion.
Thanks Elizabeth. Our ENT is not a ped specialist. Yes, I have considered traveling for a second opinion (thought about Mayo as they've done some work on use of steroids and anti-fungals related to sinus infections).
I have asked our ENT when he will start consulting with his peers and he said now. I'll ask him about a dr at Texas Children's.
We do know there is nothing structurally wrong. He's had 2 surgeries and several CT scans, none of which showed structural issues. So, it's the trigger that's eluding us.
@Ursula - yes, my husband keeps sending me houses in Phoenix on realtor.com. I better make sure he hasn't already booked a moving truck.
I caution you about AZ it was once the place to escape allergies but now everyone brought their trees and plants and many have severe sinus issues here. I definitely would go to Texas children's or Denver children's. They do research and also only focus on kids which is different than adults. If you do visit phx I do know a great ENT and pulm.
Betsy - I really can't offer any advice but I want to send you and your boy and husband a big hug. I have a 12 year old boy too and I cannot imagine what he - and your family - has gone through. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
we've thought about it. my husband gets migraines that are triggered, from what we've gathered, by big shifts in weather - sunny to cloudy, high pressure to low, cold to warm. he attended boarding school in the andes, where it was a constantly 62-75 degrees year-round, and he never got a migraine. once he moved to the states, they started. how often he gets them depends on the season and how much the weather shifts. not sure where to go ... the andes are sort of far from minnesota. ;o)
i think you may be on the right track, and i hope you can find a doctor who takes seriously what is going on with your son and can offer some help to alleviate it.
betsy...so sorry. i don't know anything about it medically...but i do know that i would do anything within my abilities to help my children be healthy...even if that meant moving. i hope that you can find some answers soon! big big hugs!
I think I would consider it, especially if it is a chronic problem. I live in Kansas City, so I know exactly what you mean by changes in barometric pressure. It's horrible! The weather here changes at the drop of a pin. I have always had sinus problems living here. And they say this is a horrible place to live if you have asthma. My dad lives in Oregon, and when I visit there I have very little problem with my sinuses.
My grandma had asthma her entire life. When my mom was a child they moved to Arizona for a year to see if it would help. It didn't really seem to help her and they ended up moving back to Illinois. She tended to stay indoors when the pollen was bad.
I think everyone is different and you won't know how it work for your child until you try it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to watch your child struggle like that. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
I moved for work when I was younger.... before I moved I used to get severe allergy and hayfever also with a touch of asthma... in the new place it all just about went away to the point that I rarely had to use any medication, in the last few years I have moved back to be closer to family and it seems my allergies are much better from the 10 years or so of living else where.
Having said that I had a good friend that moved from where i used to live specifically for the issues you listed (there was lots of back-burning where we lived played havoc on her sinuses..... she also had the bonus of moving closer to specialised care.... she too had had several surgeries on her sinuses...I can't remember the whole story but I do believe when it got to the third surgery the doctor (a different one) deceided to do a more radical surgery to help with the issue.
Maybe this is random, maybe you've considered it: Is it possible you have a mold issue in the house? There remains a lot that is not understood about many people's reaction to mold. There are tests that can be done. Sometimes you can't see the mold under the house, in the walls, where ever. And if you live in a place that tends towards humid, that could be part of it.
The pressure thing is a new suggestion to me, but it sounds like your records might back that up. I think it is worth looking into further, although I wouldn't expect the traditional medical system to give you a lot of support relative to that theory - you might have to go to the alternative world to get more information.
I see nothing wrong with moving for health reasons if you are certain you are moving someplace that will actually make a difference - wouldn't want to go from the frying pan to the fire, know what I mean?
@Susan Beth - That's my concern with moving - it sounds a little drastic with no guarantee that it will fix the problem.
And, I agree, I don't think there is anyone in the medical community doing research on the impact of barometric pressure on sinus issues (from what I've found). And when we bring it up, we get a "yes, that's possible, but it's probably a sinus/fungal/immune/allergy/insert your opinion issue".
Re mold: We have not had the house inspected for mold. It is 9 years old and we've had no water leaks since we've lived here for 3.5 years. Additionally, his allergy testing came back with no allergies to mold. Definitely not ruling it out, but haven't had the home inspected yet.
Saw the hem/onc yesterday and they drew blood for an extensive work up. We should have results in 2-3 weeks (not sure why it takes so long in this day and age). The nurse prac seemed concerned that he was growing aspergillus niger - not typically a fungus that people grow in their bodies. She said it pointed to an immune deficiency. He had a full immune work up 18 months ago which didn't show anything, but trying to rule it all out again. So, we wait, for now.
Betsy-- I unfortunately have no suggestions for you, but hoping you find a reason for all of his sickness. I think the not knowing and trouble shooting would get to be very hard. Good luck to all of you!
Betsy, we have not done it ourselves, but we have friends that have. Their daughter has severe chron disease along with arthitis and they had to move from Ohio to one of the southern states to keep her in a more consistant weather pattern. They did, however wait until she was done with high school. (I believe she was diagnosed in middle school). They discussed it as a family and decided that she would like to finish school with her friends and then move. She has done wonderfully well since the move. Much less pain.
I would second what other have said regarding getting a second opinion. Pediatric ENTs are not easy to find, but I know that they do have them on staff at Texas Childrens. It sounds like you are getting the full work-up already. Texas Children's is a wonderful facility all around and they have some of the top experts in the field in many fields of study. Hugs to you and your son, I hope everything works out for the best.
I definately agree about getting a visit into Texas Childrens. Also, has you son had his sinuses surgically 'cleaned out? Both of my sisters live in East texas and they had this proceedure done (its day patient) and their lives are back to normal. They still have some 'flare ups' every now and then, but NOTHING like what they were dealing with before. You might ask about it.
Wow, Betsy, that sounds so terrible! I can't really help with your question but I wanted to send some virtual support and hugs. I hope you can get some answers and some peace for your boy.
Sorry your family is dealing with that...my nephews have similar issues with sinus infections. They can't get rid of them. We live in MN, so it's not good for allergies, even this winter! I can't live without my trusy neti pot! That's what keeps my family sane during major allergy season. Hope the doctors can figure something out for your son, and things improve for him. Friends of ours moved to AZ for this reason, but I haven't heard yet if it has helped them or not...
My 12 year old son has had massive sinus infections and 2 sinus surgeries since we moved here to San Antonio 3.5 years ago. These were not problems he had until after a pneumonia diagnosis in fall 2007 (when we lived in Kansas City). He also has developed asthma (or what has always been mildly present became a bigger problem) since the pneumonia episode.
He has already missed 15 days of school this year and we're at wit's end. He's had allergy testing done 3x in 3 years and he's allergic to absolutely nothing. One day he is fine (sinuses pink, not swollen, no fluid evident on x-ray), and the next day his sinuses are red, swollen, and his cavities are full of fluid. We've had an immunology work up done and his pneumoccocal vaccine was low and was boosted. We thought this would be the answer, but it hasn't been. We go back to a different hem/onc today to re-do all of the immunology testing again today.
It is awful watching him be sick and fatigued all of the time. He's been on so many steroids and antibiotics. This school year he's been on antibiotics every month since September (which goes against everything I believe in), in addition to steroids, and is now on a topical anti-fungal, anti-biotic, steroid nebulized mist.
My husband is convinced it is related to the changes in barometric pressure. My son is always fine from May-September when its just hot and dry here and no low pressures. Over the weekend he charted 1st day of symptoms for the 35 illnesses he's had over the past 3 years (I keep a diligent diary of all of this on my phone), and each coincided with a low pressure (rainy, foggy, cloudy). Only one of the 35 instances since September 2008 have happened when the weather was clear.
We haven't had the ENT say to us yet "I think you'll only get relief if you move to a state with consistent barometric pressure", but if we don't get some answers related to his immune system, then we have literally exhausted all efforts at finding a trigger for the sudden onset of his symptoms.
My husband has suggested needing to move. (My son was born in Dallas and spent 1st 5 years there, then 3.5 in Kansas City, and now 3.5 in San Antonio.) It sounds stressful and extreme to me, but I have to get this kid healthy. Just wondering if anyone has ever moved because of an illness and what was your final breaking point.
I have not but I know that people often do. In fact, lots of people move here (to Arizona) for the purpose you describe. I couldn't begin to tell you if we have consistant barometric pressure though, I just know it's almost always sunny and clear. I sure am sorry that you are struggling with all of this, it sounds completely awful!
I think before moving you may need more medical intervention. Is your ENT a pediatric specialist? Texas Children's has a great pulm and ENT service. I also think Denver children's has a great department. Perhaps consider traveling for another opinion. I am a proponent of pediatric board certified docs when trying to get a handle on something that appears to be going from an acute issue into a chronic one. Hang in there and don't be scared to get another opinion.
Thanks Elizabeth. Our ENT is not a ped specialist. Yes, I have considered traveling for a second opinion (thought about Mayo as they've done some work on use of steroids and anti-fungals related to sinus infections).
I have asked our ENT when he will start consulting with his peers and he said now. I'll ask him about a dr at Texas Children's.
We do know there is nothing structurally wrong. He's had 2 surgeries and several CT scans, none of which showed structural issues. So, it's the trigger that's eluding us.
@Ursula - yes, my husband keeps sending me houses in Phoenix on realtor.com. I better make sure he hasn't already booked a moving truck.
I caution you about AZ it was once the place to escape allergies but now everyone brought their trees and plants and many have severe sinus issues here. I definitely would go to Texas children's or Denver children's. They do research and also only focus on kids which is different than adults. If you do visit phx I do know a great ENT and pulm.
Betsy - I really can't offer any advice but I want to send you and your boy and husband a big hug. I have a 12 year old boy too and I cannot imagine what he - and your family - has gone through. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
we've thought about it. my husband gets migraines that are triggered, from what we've gathered, by big shifts in weather - sunny to cloudy, high pressure to low, cold to warm. he attended boarding school in the andes, where it was a constantly 62-75 degrees year-round, and he never got a migraine. once he moved to the states, they started. how often he gets them depends on the season and how much the weather shifts. not sure where to go ... the andes are sort of far from minnesota. ;o)
i think you may be on the right track, and i hope you can find a doctor who takes seriously what is going on with your son and can offer some help to alleviate it.
betsy...so sorry. i don't know anything about it medically...but i do know that i would do anything within my abilities to help my children be healthy...even if that meant moving. i hope that you can find some answers soon! big big hugs!
I think I would consider it, especially if it is a chronic problem. I live in Kansas City, so I know exactly what you mean by changes in barometric pressure. It's horrible! The weather here changes at the drop of a pin. I have always had sinus problems living here. And they say this is a horrible place to live if you have asthma. My dad lives in Oregon, and when I visit there I have very little problem with my sinuses.
My grandma had asthma her entire life. When my mom was a child they moved to Arizona for a year to see if it would help. It didn't really seem to help her and they ended up moving back to Illinois. She tended to stay indoors when the pollen was bad.
I think everyone is different and you won't know how it work for your child until you try it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to watch your child struggle like that. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
I moved for work when I was younger.... before I moved I used to get severe allergy and hayfever also with a touch of asthma... in the new place it all just about went away to the point that I rarely had to use any medication, in the last few years I have moved back to be closer to family and it seems my allergies are much better from the 10 years or so of living else where.
Having said that I had a good friend that moved from where i used to live specifically for the issues you listed (there was lots of back-burning where we lived played havoc on her sinuses..... she also had the bonus of moving closer to specialised care.... she too had had several surgeries on her sinuses...I can't remember the whole story but I do believe when it got to the third surgery the doctor (a different one) deceided to do a more radical surgery to help with the issue.
Maybe this is random, maybe you've considered it: Is it possible you have a mold issue in the house? There remains a lot that is not understood about many people's reaction to mold. There are tests that can be done. Sometimes you can't see the mold under the house, in the walls, where ever. And if you live in a place that tends towards humid, that could be part of it.
The pressure thing is a new suggestion to me, but it sounds like your records might back that up. I think it is worth looking into further, although I wouldn't expect the traditional medical system to give you a lot of support relative to that theory - you might have to go to the alternative world to get more information.
I see nothing wrong with moving for health reasons if you are certain you are moving someplace that will actually make a difference - wouldn't want to go from the frying pan to the fire, know what I mean?
@Susan Beth - That's my concern with moving - it sounds a little drastic with no guarantee that it will fix the problem.
And, I agree, I don't think there is anyone in the medical community doing research on the impact of barometric pressure on sinus issues (from what I've found). And when we bring it up, we get a "yes, that's possible, but it's probably a sinus/fungal/immune/allergy/insert your opinion issue".
Re mold: We have not had the house inspected for mold. It is 9 years old and we've had no water leaks since we've lived here for 3.5 years. Additionally, his allergy testing came back with no allergies to mold. Definitely not ruling it out, but haven't had the home inspected yet.
Saw the hem/onc yesterday and they drew blood for an extensive work up. We should have results in 2-3 weeks (not sure why it takes so long in this day and age). The nurse prac seemed concerned that he was growing aspergillus niger - not typically a fungus that people grow in their bodies. She said it pointed to an immune deficiency. He had a full immune work up 18 months ago which didn't show anything, but trying to rule it all out again. So, we wait, for now.
Thanks for your support and suggestions ladies.
Betsy-- I unfortunately have no suggestions for you, but hoping you find a reason for all of his sickness. I think the not knowing and trouble shooting would get to be very hard. Good luck to all of you!
Betsy, we have not done it ourselves, but we have friends that have. Their daughter has severe chron disease along with arthitis and they had to move from Ohio to one of the southern states to keep her in a more consistant weather pattern. They did, however wait until she was done with high school. (I believe she was diagnosed in middle school). They discussed it as a family and decided that she would like to finish school with her friends and then move. She has done wonderfully well since the move. Much less pain.
I would second what other have said regarding getting a second opinion. Pediatric ENTs are not easy to find, but I know that they do have them on staff at Texas Childrens. It sounds like you are getting the full work-up already. Texas Children's is a wonderful facility all around and they have some of the top experts in the field in many fields of study. Hugs to you and your son, I hope everything works out for the best.
betsy - is he on steroid nasal spray year-round? that's very, very basic but it never hurts to ask. sometimes the basic things get missed/overlooked.
I definately agree about getting a visit into Texas Childrens. Also, has you son had his sinuses surgically 'cleaned out? Both of my sisters live in East texas and they had this proceedure done (its day patient) and their lives are back to normal. They still have some 'flare ups' every now and then, but NOTHING like what they were dealing with before. You might ask about it.
Mary - yes, Nasonex
Melissa - yes 2x - July 2009 and Dec 2010
Wow, Betsy, that sounds so terrible! I can't really help with your question but I wanted to send some virtual support and hugs. I hope you can get some answers and some peace for your boy.
Sorry your family is dealing with that...my nephews have similar issues with sinus infections. They can't get rid of them. We live in MN, so it's not good for allergies, even this winter! I can't live without my trusy neti pot! That's what keeps my family sane during major allergy season. Hope the doctors can figure something out for your son, and things improve for him. Friends of ours moved to AZ for this reason, but I haven't heard yet if it has helped them or not...