Update – My book Eat Pray Get Well (Forward written by Doug Kaufmann – Host of televisions Know The Cause) is now on shelves and can help you heal your mind and emotions as well as your body. Eat Pray Get Well ~ A Journey from Chronic Illness, Brokenness & Junk Food Junkie to Wholeness & Wellness. Now available on www.eatpraygetwell.com, Amazon, and some book stores near you.
I have cotton packed in my nose but I am smiling ear to ear in this picture because for the first time in over 25 years I know I am on the road to recovery!
If you missed last week’s post, I wrote about my upcoming trip to Atlanta to see Dr. Dennis, an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. He would be my final opinion before giving into sinus surgery number five. I know many of you sinus suffers have also had multiple sinus surgeries to no avail so you have been anxiously awaiting this post. So where do we go from here? I can’t wait to fill you in! But first I need to give you a quick back story. I debated whether to include this next piece of information but not to include it just felt wrong, because as I thought about the title of my site, Eat, Pray, Get well, I asked myself why did I bother to include the word “pray” if I didn’t intend on sharing my thoughts and experiences about where prayer fits in when you are battling a chronic illness. When I saw Dr. Dennis on Doug Kaufmann’e show Know The Cause, I immediately recognized him as the doctor who performed my adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy back in 1999. What I neglected to mention was right after that segment I excitedly ran through the house to find my husband. I told him I needed to find an old prayer journal because there was something very important in there I needed to show him. After a little digging I found it. My entry from 10/22/1999 said this, “He is going to be the one to help you (Dr. Dennis), he will be the one to change your life”. Those are the words that came over me on that day in 1999 when I was praying about my health, but those words made no sense to me as Dr. Dennis had already performed my surgery and I was preparing to move out of state. How can he help me? Throughout the years as I struggled with my health and dealt with multiple surgeries that journal entry crossed my mind a time or two but I quickly dismissed it because I simply could not make sense of it. When I saw Dr. Dennis on KTC explaining his treatment protocol for fungal sinusitis I knew in my heart I was being led to go see him. I boarded a plane, journal in hand, and 16 years later I was sitting in his chair and he was indeed ….helping me. UPDATE – I ended up being a reoccurring guest on Doug’s show “Know The Cause”- to watch one of my interviews where I talk about my sinus and other health issues, click here.
I nervously shared my journal entry with him along with my past sinus issues. It was met with a gentle spirit and words confirming that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, under his care. After scoping my sinuses he said on a scale of one to ten the fungal/bacterial condition of my sinuses was a ten. My sinuses were filled aspergillus as well as staphylococcus and pseudomonas. He spent hours injecting amphotericin B and performing debridement of the sinus cavities. He was able to rid my sinuses of the fungus and infection outside of surgery. I believe God was with us that day as Dr. Dennis even had to fashion his own tool at one point to be able to gain access into one of my sinuses. He and his beautiful nurse Jeanette even said a prayer or two as they were working on me. Now that my sinuses are cleared my treatment will be more effective. I will begin taking Vancomycin and Fortaz for the bacterial infection and Amphotericin B through a nebulizer for the fungal infection as well as Lamisil orally, which is also an anti-fungal, and oxygen for two hours per day. In addition I will also follow Dr. Dennis’ treatment protocol which I have created links to at the bottom of this post. My treatment also includes Dr. Dennis’ Sinus Defense, citri drops (both orally and irrigation), Bentonite, vitamin b1, thymus, ultra clear plus, NAC (N-acetyl-L-Cysteine) and a calcium/magnesium/zinc complex. The majority of people with chronic sinusitis have a T cell deficiency making them 9,000 times more allergic to mold so it’s important you follow every recommendation to clear your sinuses and your environment of mold. Eliminating sugar from your diet is also a must. Natural antifungals like oil of oregano, colostrum (this one was huge in my healing as it helps heal leaky gut which in turn had a drastic effect on my sinuses).
This is probably the most important post I will ever write. It was an unforgettable day and as I waited in the airport for my return flight home I had hours to ponder over some deeper questions.
What did I learn from my experience with Dr. Dennis? That fungus is powerful and can do us great harm, but that the power of prayer is even more powerful. God had this meeting with Dr. Dennis lined up for me long before I had any understanding of what that journal entry meant. I also thought about the power of human compassion. In the 25 years I sought help from many different doctors only a few ever stopped and truly gave me their time. Dr. Dennis spent over two hours with me and he made it clear he wasn’t letting me leave until he knew he truly made a difference. I would imagine he even lost money that day as he had patients he didn’t get a chance to see. I asked myself the tough questions, if someone were needing my time and my knowledge would I display that same example of mercy and selflessness? I think before meeting Dr. Dennis I would have been ashamed by my answer but now I know the answer is yes. I feel like I am a better person for spending time with him and on the way home I found myself being kind to everyone I saw. Whether it be in the airport or out in the streets. We all need each other but we rarely take the time to extend ourselves and help. I don’t know about you but I want to be a Dr. Dennis in someones life. I want my life to matter and I want to make a difference. What would our world be like if not for selfless people like him? I also learned that God is always working in our lives and we need to pay attention because it’s so incredible we don’t want to miss it!
Click here for Dr. Dennis’ Sinusitis wellness website – if you have chronic issues read and re-read this website in it’s entirety. Your body CAN heal when given the right tools!
Disclosure, This post is not sponsored however it does contain affiliate links in which I get a small percentage from sales. My opinions however are my own and do not get paid to write about any food or supplements. In addition, I would never back any product or supplement that didn’t personally help me in my recovery.
Recent Posts
Comments (23)
Leave a Reply
If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue, Sinus Infections, Fibromyalgia, Food Allergies, Auto Immune Disease, Acid Reflux, Candida, Depression – this book is for you.
I have been fortunate to be featured on national Television including PBS American Health Journal, Know the Cause, CTN, ABC, NBC, CBS and more. I was sick for decades, endured many surgeries, took over 100 courses of antibiotics, and then I changed everything and everything changed. My book Eat Pray Get Well is about overcoming a tumultuous childhood, decades of chronic illness, and finding God in the process. Includes exclusive interviews with renowned Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, Supermodel Carol Alt, Doug Kaufmann, and many more. Plus 55 gluten free recipes woven throughout.
As an Amazon Associate EatPrayGetWell.com earns from qualifying purchases. EatPrayGetWell.com also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale and other sites. EatPrayGetWell.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.
Erin…please keep the information flowing. You have helped me more than you will ever know.
Thanks Margaret, that makes me so happy to hear!! Erin
Oh Erin I just listened to your podcast on Know the Cause and I am latterly in tears. I have tried for years to get doctors to listen to me about my health problems and my chronic sinusitis infections. I do believe you are my answer to my prayers or at least I have a start and will further look into all the wonderful information you posted. I health became much worse since moving to Florida in 2012 from Michigan Then on top of losing my husband in 2015. It has been one thing after the other. The homes heating a cooling system broke and when I went to have it replaced the Heating unit was full of mold. I told my neurologist about it and he blew me off. I had a new indoor heat pump unit and AC unit installed and had the air ducts cleaned and disinfected but it really has not made that much of a difference with my sinus problems. I still can not breath out of my nose well and its much worse at night and when I wake up. I also have this white sticky substance I get out of my nose that reminds me of cotton balls. And this substance is usually white yellow or green. I pray that these products will make a difference but I am wondering If I should take a trip to GA to see this Dr. Dennis. I am even more desperate to get my health back especially after losing my husband. It is very scary being ill and not feeling well when you are all alone. I have been praying for answers and help for some time now and telling my husband up in heaven to please find a way to help me. I do believe you are the answer to my prayers. Thank you so much and God Bless you
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks so much for writing and I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. Sounds like you know what the culprit is. You saw the mold in your heating unit now you have to test your house and see what you are dealing with. It’s cheap enough to do. Also, have you taken antifungals? You were breathing in mold for some time without knowing so now it’s in your sinuses. I am not a doctor so I can’t tell you what to do, but once it reached my sinuses I needed antifungals (first a script, then natural antifungals). Also rinse your nose with antifungals like citridrops. You said you see “yellow and green” which sounds like infection. You can get mold plates from microbalance.com and test your home and go from there. Also start eating an antifungal diet (which all my recipes are) and see how you feel. If you do have a bacterial infection that will never go away permanently without addressing the fungus first (or at the same time). I’ll be praying for you and thanks again for all the kind words.
Erin
PASSED this on to my wife…..she suffers as you do….hope it helps….
Hi Steve, please do because if she follow’s the proper protocol and covers all bases (her environment, her diet, antifungals, supplements, etc she should definitely improve considerably! Take care. Erin
Hi Erin, I have been waiting on this post since I saw you had an appointment. I am so excited to hear about suggestions beyond antibiotics. I have terrible sinus issues but never heard fungus was normally the culprit and my doctor never mentioned that either. I have an appointment to go back to my doctor and I will ask for antifungals. Thanks for your transparency! God bless!
Thanks Kathleen- even though the mayo clinic came out with those findings in 1999 most doctors don’t even seem to be aware of it…happy healing! 🙂
Hi Erin. I found your site through your post on Curezone. I do appreciate you sharing your story, but may I ask, what have your symptoms been specifically while enduring sinus trouble? Since you were diagnosed with Aspergillus like myself, I am curious if you felt that CONSTANT sinus pressure on a daily basis. After moving out of my toxic apartment three years ago, that pain NEVER goes away. Most people complain of being congested with mucous, but I can usually breathe just fine. It’s this pain and pressure that drives me insane, and it definitely causes my constant fatigue.
I don’t know if you’d be open to keeping in touch, but it would be nice to do so with someone experiencing the same struggle. I’ve spent the past 1,000 days researching Mold Illness, and perhaps we can help each other. The problem with Curezone is that I have yet to find someone with similar symptoms. Everyone over there is obsessed with Candida. What we have is VERY different, and in my opinion, much more serious.
I wish you well regardless, and hope Dr. Dennis has helped you. Unfortunately, his products online did not work for me. I feel I would benefit more from seeing him in person, but his rates are way beyond my budget. For now, I am seeking similar antifungal treatments from integrative practitioners.
Happy Holidays.
Hi Beth!
I’m sorry to hear you have had similar issues. I had lived in a moldy house (I was not aware of it at the time) then moved into an apartment that also had a mold problem. My symptoms started at 6 with asthma and allergies. Then at 19 I got my first sinus infection and really my over all health declined for years. When I started to get sick I was put on round after round of antibiotics (first mistake because we know now they cause fungus). Probably over 100 courses of antibiotics total. My diet was also terrible. So along with the sinus issues I had problems throughout my entire body. Chronic fatigue, reflux, neuropathy, heart arrhythmia’s, restless leg, I can go on. As far as my sinuses I ALWAYS had pressure, headaches, drainage, and infection. ALL of my other health issues are in the past but the sinuses I feel are the last piece of the puzzle to cure. Fungus is stubborn and with fungus bacterial infections are common too BUT once you kill the fungal infection the bacterial infection will leave as well. But not before you get rid of the fungus. I think Dr. Dennis’ products are wonderful and they have in fact been helping me, but I wonder if you are a more difficult case as I am? If you read my article you saw he put me on MANY different treatments to combat the fungus/bacteria. Then once it’s knocked out I will stay on the sinus defense and citri drops for life. I can’t give you medical advice but if it were me, I’d start on Amp B through a nebulizer. You already KNOW you have aspergillus..that’s wonderful that you know what you are dealing with. So many people ask for a culture and the doctors tell them they don’t have fungus when in fact they do. Also I would take something orally (nystatin, lamisil). Then after I finished the prescription antifungals I would rotate natural antifungals for life. (Caprilyic acid, olive leaf, garlic, etc). Make sure your environment is free of mold. Buy the candles on Dr. Dennis’ site. It clears rooms of mold spores within 3 hours. You also should be following Doug Kaufmann’s diet. Look up knowthecause.com if you have never heard of him. Have you had a CT scan? Don’t ever give up. You WILL get better!! It took years for the fungus to take hold and it will take some time to free your body of it. Feel free to contact me anytime. Erin
Thanks for the quick response! I can’t imagine how you’ve been dealing with all of those issues for so long. I guess it depends on how much your body can take. Looking back on the past three years, I was doing pretty well compared to now. My breaking point was over this past summer when my hormones really started to fail on me. My HPA axis is breaking down very quickly. The last thing a 32 year old needs is to feel like she’s approaching menopause. Have your hormones been affected as well? From your pic you seem to still have fullness in your face, so that is a good sign. Mine looked like that until just a few months ago. As a fellow female, I’m sure you can understand the horror of premature aging. Before all of this, I was also aspiring to be a fitness model, and despite all my efforts my physique is ruined.
I think the nebulizer is a great idea, but I am first willing to try a special Sporanox spray made by ITC pharmacy in Colorado. I just need to find another infectious disease doctor willing to prescribe it.
Doug Kaufmann has the right idea of fungus in general, but I disagree with some of his suggestions. I WISH I could have all the food he recommends in Phase One of his plan. Perhaps his recommendations are better suited for someone with traditional Candida.
I will consider ordering the candles, but I’m hesitant since I already sent back a bunch of products to Microbalance.
As for the CT scan, I’m just frightened of the radiation. I would only consider it if I had a doctor I could trust. I would have to be convinced that it would show something that we didn’t suspect. I don’t believe surgery is the answer. We know it’s fungi and inflammation causing my pain. Was the scan useful to you?
My gosh, I’ve spent so much time writing…I’ll let you breathe for now 🙂 I can go on and on with all of the info I’ve acquired.
Hope you have a nice weekend!
Hi Erin,
My history begins similar to yours. Lots of antibiotics. Unfortunately the effects thru the years left me with different symptoms. Always plugged up ears since 2005 maybe later plugged pain teeth eyes nose and ears. Doctors finally said 2008 would try sinus surgery but could do nothing for my ears. But never got answers to what was causing anything. 2010 2years after my surgery I lost my vision I had retinal detachment at age 42 single mom two kids. Still no answers just surgery to place a metal buckle to attach eye back to my head. By the grace of god my vision came back doctors didn’t think it would. Not 100% but that’s ok. Doing my own research and some other testing found out I’m allergic to everything. Parasites in sinus most likely aspergilis. Lyme disrase and much more. I don’t know if you can givee contact information to Dr Dennis,would appreciate if you could. I have been told to late to do anything because its passed ears and into eyes. So I’m doing the best I can with what now I know and lots of prayers. Thank you for listening and any help you can give.
Hi Lori- I am emailing you offline. Thanks so much for writing in. Erin
I hope that you will contact me via email. I am scheduled for my second sphenoid surgery on Thurs Dec 1. Our house flooded and we ended up with mold. Then I got sick with oppacified sphenoid which I had surgery for and ended up with a pic line and 5 weeks of cipro and cefipime because of pseudomonas. They had to stop the antibiotics because of severe allergic reactions. The concern was osteomylitis of the skull but the last ENT said he didn’t think I had it and that my headaches were due to other causes. 3 years later, I now have another severe sphenoid opacification, and bone spurs due to osteomylis and they have scheduled a much more intensive surgery (opening the entire sphenoid to make one sinus, and getting rid of diseased bone in other places). I have seen God do many miracles in my family and I have no peace about this surgery but do not know where else to turn. My husband and I have been praying and were wondering if I would need to go out of state when I found your site. If you could contact me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Erin, I know this is a God-send for me reading your post. It’s amazing the many ways that our stories are similar with sinus surgery and many antibiotics which then have caused on-going serious yeast infections and other health issues. I do eat gluten-free, soy free, dairy free and on the Candida diet. I am using the home spray, candles, laundry additive, citrus spray, Candida Rid, Beta Max, and Sinus Defense. Yet my sinus issues with extreme facial pain and massive headaches continue. We’ve taken up carpet in our home also. I do want to ask you one question about Dr. Dennis. Could you possibly email me privately please? I surely would be grateful. Reading your website is such an answer to prayers for me!
Thank you for the message and will email you offline. Erin
Hi Cindy- I tried to email you and I got a notification that your server rejected it.
Will you please try again? I’ve been waiting for your reply. I SO need your help and suggestions.
Sounds like you having been doing no sugar, no grains, corn, soy for a
while now? I don’t know what your symptoms are but it sounds like you said
you are not better. Are you sure your issue is fungal/mold related? Have
you checked your enviornment?
The suppliments I take are b12, bcomplex, oil of oregano, caprlyic acid,
garlic, magnesium/calcium, vitamin C, milk thistle, Beta glucan, micro
chitosan, prescriptions I took were nystatin and voriconozole. In the past
I had also done the liver cleanse ultra clear. Hope this helps!
My symptoms are daily pressure in the head, headaches, joint and muscle issues. I’ve gotten so healthy in other areas but this one issue with the headaches remains. I’ve followed Dr. Dennis protocol with his products and the environment for the last 4 months. I do have an appointment coming up soon with Dr. Dennis and I’m very excited about that. I also feel that it is an answer to many years of praying about this. I’m trying not to lose hope but so weary of waking up daily with pressure and pain in the head and neck/shoulders. Thanks for telling me the supplements and prescriptions that you took. One question — what did the dr do to specifically find out what type of fungus and bacteria you had? This is very helpful. THANK YOU
Doctors can do a culture of the sinuses to see what is growing. good luck at your appointment!
Hi Erin, I just stumbled upon your website. I have a very long history of sinus issues. Have been to more doctors than I can remember. It all started with sinus problems in the summer of 1996. Ended up being treated by an ENT who rushed into a sinus surgery. That’s when my hell really begin. Here I am, now 20 yrs later, not only with the same sinus problem, but also severe asthma that sent me to the emergency room 3 weeks after that sinus surgery.I have been to doctors from: MN, IA, MO, CO, TX, and NY. Have been going in circles with this not getting anywhere, Yet I will not give up looking for the cause instead of just keep treating the symptoms. Have been robbed of some of the best years of my life. I think I have had some extremely plain old bad luck in my past pairing up with doctors. I was 1 of the 200 patients that fell into that Mayo Clinic study back in 1997. Would you have time to email me privately? I think you may have seen one of the doctors I have talked to.
Amazing Blog. Really enjoyed reading.