Randall's Sinusitis Surgery Story

 Randall Hester and his son
Randall Hester and
his son

Randall Hester was fed up with the chronic sinus infections he had been suffering for more than a year. A single father and truck driver, Hester didn't have time for the debilitating symptoms his infections caused. In addition to not being able to breathe and suffering from teeth pain, Hester was burdened with having to carry a nasal irrigation system around with him, which he had to use three times a day to flush out his blocked sinuses.

"It really affected my quality of life," Hester said. "I'd be at work or doing something with my son and constantly have to take breaks to flush my sinuses. I was miserable."

After exhausting a number of treatment options — such as medication — that only provided temporary relief from his symptoms, Hester was referred to Dr. Albert McClain, a Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center-affiliated ear, nose and throat physician and local pioneer of balloon sinuplasty™, a novel treatment for sinusitis. Though he had never heard of the procedure, Hester was intrigued after Dr. McClain described its benefits, which include long-lasting relief from sinusitis, a fast recovery and minimal cutting and bleeding.

On the day of his procedure, Hester was more excited about getting his life back than he was nervous. The entire procedure took less than two hours. Immediately after, Hester was thrilled that he could already notice an improvement in his symptoms.

"It was like I hadn't had anything done to me," Hester recalled. "About a week after my procedure, it was as if I had never even suffered from sinusitis."

Nearly six months after his procedure, Hester feels better than ever and his sinus infections have yet to return.

"Deciding to have balloon sinuplasty was one of the best decisions I've ever made," Hester said. "I would tell anyone with sinusitis to stop wasting time living with their symptoms and talk to their doctor about whether or not the procedure is right for them."

Find a San Diego Otolaryngologist
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego otolaryngologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Ear, Nose and Throat Information
To find general information about ear, nose and throat care, visit Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders in Adult Health or read the Ear, Nose and Throat News archive.