What's your experience with sinus infections, and when do I see a doctor?

Hi Fluther. Long time no see. Wish I was here for a happier reason, but I’m at my wits end and really kind of lost as to where to turn.

I want to preface this by saying I know most folks here aren’t doctors, I simply want to hear others experiences. I am not asking for straight up medical advice. I just have been lucky most of my life to not be sick many times, and have been blindsided at age 32 by what I believe to be a sinus infection.

Anyhow, I flew home from visiting family in PA last Tuesday and everyone there had been sick including my twin two year old nephews. I knew I was doomed when last Saturday I felt a tickle in my throat (nine days ago). Landing in Tucson Tuesday night my ears never really popped on the way down. So that’s where it all began, but it was only a matter of time anyhow.

Since then things have plummeted drastically. I have been at home, doing nothing, since then, every single day I have felt dramatically different from the one before and after. Mostly it has been a retched combination of extreme sinus pressure, coupled with being almost unable to hear out of at least one ear at a time, facial pain and pressure, headaches, congestion, coughing, etc.

From googling (always dangerous) and from what I have heard from others, this seems to be a sinus infection, right? I have RUN THE GAMET on options here, I have been loading up on vitamins and steaming my face with eucalyptis water, taking baths, doing a neti pot twice a day, and have gotten to the point where I am taking dayquil as much as I am able to. It provides almost no relief. Nor does nyquil.

I have been unable to work for a week since I got back, which is frustrating, I have a friend coming into town, a backpacking trip, and the biggest work event of the year all in the next 10 days. I need this to go away. But I understand the human body does not comply with your social life all the time.

I also have no medical insurance (please don’t lecture me on this), am fairly skeptical of doctors, and would love to not take antibiotics as they always give me a yeast infection. From reading about sinus infections online, it seems like doctors won’t prescribe an antibiotic until they feel it’s a bacterial sinus infection anyhow, which you generally need to have had for 7–10 days, so not sure I qualify. I tried to go see a doctor today and everywhere is booked up, even urgent care. I then became frustrated and now I just don’t know what to do.

Does anyone have any personal experience with sinus infection timelines? I know they are common, I also know I am a big baby when I get sick because it happens so rarely. Tips, tricks, anything to relieve this pressure which has just today shifted over to the right side of my face to the point where it is almost numb.

And I did get tested for covid on Friday, it was negative and yes I am vaccinated too if that matters.

Thanks Fluther.