Customer Reviews

Sinus Survival: A Self-Help Guide for Allergies, Bronchitis, Colds, and Sinuses

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book has made a tremendous difference in my quality of life. I have suffered with sinusitis off and on for 20 years. The author provides clear and useful advice on how to deal with this problem. I followed his recommendations during a recent bout with acute sinusitis and recovered from it faster than I ever have before. The author discusses conventional medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and even emotional/social considerations in treating this disease, all in an effective way.

A good deal of what Dr Ivker talks about in this book rings true for me. I've been on far too many antibiotics over the past few years. And when I finally made the effort to visit an ENT, he confirmed what the book claims, a chronic sinus infection that cannot be treated by antibiotics alone.

That said, the book also has its weaknesses. If you haven't already gone headlong into the vitamin and mineral supplement lifestyle, this is all new to you. If you look at the dosages, it's not always consistent throughout the book.

Then there's the link between sinusitis and candida. I do believe that there's something to Dr Ivker's claim here. But his discipline in documenting the linkage is weak. I'd really hope that he further research and explore the current literature and studies out there. And his cure for candida -- heavily based in diet -- is not especially helpful for a vegetarian. While is diet does prod one towards eating a more healthy and vegetable-oriented meal, the suggestions really cannot be followed by a vegetarian! It's a bit ironic, but taking dairy (cheese and milk), fermented soy products (soy milk, tofu, tempeh), etc out of your diet makes you even more dependent on fish and meat. Dr Ivker doesn't address this challenge.

All said, I think the book is a good read, and provides many useful tips. It needs more focus from a good editor and thorough review of the clinical literature by the author. But, his plan is a heck of a lot better than the alternative presented by endless rounds of antibiotics.

After reading everything on this and related subjects, 50+ books, I discovered this one, and as a sufferer of sinus infection and allergies, 2 sinus operations, 10 years of allergy shots, more anti-biotics than anyone would believe, I conclude that this book is correct on sinus infection & surgery, allergies, medication and prevention. After my second sinus operation, I told the surgeon about this book, who now recommends it to her patients. The nasal irrigation described in this book is usually more effective than any prescription, with no side effects. Just do it all the time, not just AFTER you become ill.
Do yourself a favor, and read this if you have any sinus or allergy problems: you may then know more than your doctor--especially a GP.

I have an earlier edition and think I
like it more. Don't get me wrong,
I think there is real value in the
material for someone who hasn't barged
through all the latest material on the net.
The core sinus recommendations are still
on the mark and topical - even up to the
Mayo/fungus causality studies.

But the latest edition really turns
up the holistic elements true to title.
Probably the book for you if you want
a book which is expansive enough to
consider spiritual and mental elements.
The holistic expansion also includes
pretty much of a "kitchen soup"
set of supplements and the rationale,
science, and or research motivation
behind it is a bit light for my tastes.
I guess I'm also a little troubled by the head
long jump into candiasis/candida
controversy and branching into
"Sinus Survival" products
and marketing. In other words
there's a stronger "leap
of faith" element then the original.
And I'm starting to feel like there's
a "Sinus Survival" cottage industry.

While it is nice to see a more holistic
consideration of this material a note of
skepticism would of appealed a bit more.
But the optimist in me hopes I'm completely
wrong about all this!

I had suffered for years with sinus problems - taking antibiotics, losing time from work, feeling depressed and hopeless.

I adhered to the program and enjoyed a two-year remission from my sinus challenges. I fell "off the wagon" so to speak and am suffering again for the first time in years but I am dusting off my copy of Sinus Survival and following these steps once again.

I discovered this book about five years ago after another depressing trip to the doctor for sinus antibiotics. Dr. Ivker explains what is happening and why so you can take some control over your own situation. He presents traditional and holistic approaches so you can choose what might be best for you. Without this book I'd still be miserable. I just bought the new edition so I could find out what the latest info is and I'm looking forward to using it.

Sinus Survival has helped me enormously, especially in terms of learning about the yeast connection, the need for saline irrigation, and steaming of the sinuses. Since being treated for yeast overgrowth, my sinuses, as well as a whole host of other needling symptoms, have greatly improved. Even my new ENT is very familiar with the book. By the way, I did need sinus surgery after all due to an obstruction in one of my sinuses. The best thing about Sinus Survival is that I was able to try many techniques for improving my sinuses and breaking the cycle of sickness. I may still occasionally need my ENT, but I don't have that hopeless feeling that I had for many years when all I received was a prescription for antibiotics.

Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Sinusitis. After being on antiboitics every other month, I was told surgery would help. However, after surgery I was not better. In fact, my health was deteriorating. I was constantly feeling sick which led me to be angry and frustrated most of the time. There were many times I was unable to do the things I wanted to do with my three children. Every medical doctor told me there was nothing they could do. I couldn't accept this. My journey to my new life began after buying Sinus Survival by Dr. Robert Ivker. Desperate to be healtier, I immediately began Dr.Ivker's program. The work involved in the program empowered me. I had to change many aspects of my life such as diet, supplements and exercise. It was not just about getting my sinuses healthy but my emotional and spiritual self as well. My new life began one and half years ago. I have never been more healthier than I am now. I have only had three infections in the last eighteen months. My journey is not over, however I no longer have Chronic Sinsutis. What I have learned from Dr.Ivker's book has also improved my family's physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Dr. Ivker's book has given me a new life. This experience has truly been a gift from God. A gift that has led me to my new life and a greater appreciation for it.

Bought this book last week. After six months of not being able to smell or taste, and having ears plugging up, I am feeling a bit better. I have intermittent episodes of smelling/tasting in only a week. Yes, I have done acupuncture, chinese herbs and naturopathy. My energy level is up a couple of notches (thanks,kukicha tea), I can sorta keep up with my babies. For me the candida/fungus link is absolutely there. So just following the diet and taking some supplements is a start to getting better!! YEAH!
p.s. I did find a positive "I AM" getting better attitude helps.

"Sinus Survival: A Self-help Guide" by Robert Ivker (isbn: 1585420581) This `survival' book is amazing. (In contrast to "The Sinus Cure" by Debra Fulghum Bruce, which in my opinion, okay, I'll say it: "sucks"). I've owned both books for five+ years now. In short, the `survival' book gives me plenty of `knowledge meat' to work with, while the `cure' book didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know. The `survival' book, on the other hand, I refer to every year, and learn (or relearn) more than I did before. Dr Ivker, is a sinusitis sufferer himself, went the extra hoops beyond MD to become DO and has many self-help options in here. He includes a thorough exploration of what EMT-physicians consider, and/or exams to possibly do, or surgeries, etc and why. True to his word, I've followed his steps and have become someone who regularly had two or more sinus infections every year, to someone who has been infection-free for five and counting. And for those earlier unfortunate times while suffering from one, I still gained immediate relief (beyond the antibiotics) from some specific steps he recommends. Can you tell I really like this book! Lol's