Success Stories From The Mackie Clinic
July 2014 ...
"We're here to help you Hear!"
Dave and Barbara moved to the Valley to
settle down, and like many others, to enjoy
the sun and a taste of the good life. Evenings
were spent with friends, and he and
his wife both felt great and anticipated a
long and active retirement.
Soon though retirement bliss turned to despair as Dave began to realize that something was holding him back and Barbara knew it too. At times she would call and the phone would go unanswered, bleeping away in his pocket. Dave watched TV at high volumes that were far too loud for Barbara, and even more troubling, Barbara found she needed to repeat herself frequently when speaking with him.
Soon though retirement bliss turned to despair as Dave began to realize that something was holding him back and Barbara knew it too. At times she would call and the phone would go unanswered, bleeping away in his pocket. Dave watched TV at high volumes that were far too loud for Barbara, and even more troubling, Barbara found she needed to repeat herself frequently when speaking with him.
Hearing loss affects everyone differently
but many don't consider the full impact of
not hearing. Often those who can't hear are
embarrassed to ask others to repeat themselves
and become more and more despondent
and secluded. Social isolation is one
of the most devastating but hidden consequences
of hearing loss.
Enough was enough. As a veteran, Dave qualified for hearing aid assistance from the VA. But after waiting too long for the VA to help, Dave reached out to The Mackie Clinic. Dave came in one morning and was fitted with custom hearing aids and the results were spectacular. Immediately he exclaimed with satisfaction, "Why did it take me so long to do this?"
Free to get back to doing the things he loved and free to enter conversations with friends and family, Dave's quality of life improved. During later free maintenance visits, Barbara told the staff that he hears better now than she does and can hear his favorite shows on low volume, a big difference from his hearing previously.
Does Dave and Barbara's story sound familiar? We see it all the time. Some like you and me, are trying to spend time away or time with family and their health is preventing
Enough was enough. As a veteran, Dave qualified for hearing aid assistance from the VA. But after waiting too long for the VA to help, Dave reached out to The Mackie Clinic. Dave came in one morning and was fitted with custom hearing aids and the results were spectacular. Immediately he exclaimed with satisfaction, "Why did it take me so long to do this?"
Free to get back to doing the things he loved and free to enter conversations with friends and family, Dave's quality of life improved. During later free maintenance visits, Barbara told the staff that he hears better now than she does and can hear his favorite shows on low volume, a big difference from his hearing previously.
Does Dave and Barbara's story sound familiar? We see it all the time. Some like you and me, are trying to spend time away or time with family and their health is preventing
them from enjoying
their favorite things. Hearing loss affects
approximately 36 million Americans and
only one in five people who suffer from
hearing loss buy hearing aids.
Do you or someone you love feel out of the conversation? Have you felt that you or someone close to you is stressed, anxious or uncomfortable with social situations due to hearing loss?
We offer top quality hearing aids, accessories, can service your hearing aids and administer tests to find out if hearing aids are the right fit for you. Ear cleanings and examinations are a great way to maintain your ears' health and The Mackie Clinic can help you with that as well.
The Mackie Clinic has helped thousands of patients with regaining their hearing, allergies and sinus problems. We offer hearing aids and tests to restore your hearing, balloon sinuplasty to relieve chronic congestion and allergy desensitization which can free you from your chronic allergies. Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worse allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today.
We're here to help you hear!
Do you or someone you love feel out of the conversation? Have you felt that you or someone close to you is stressed, anxious or uncomfortable with social situations due to hearing loss?
We offer top quality hearing aids, accessories, can service your hearing aids and administer tests to find out if hearing aids are the right fit for you. Ear cleanings and examinations are a great way to maintain your ears' health and The Mackie Clinic can help you with that as well.
The Mackie Clinic has helped thousands of patients with regaining their hearing, allergies and sinus problems. We offer hearing aids and tests to restore your hearing, balloon sinuplasty to relieve chronic congestion and allergy desensitization which can free you from your chronic allergies. Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worse allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today.
We're here to help you hear!
Everyone has a story to tell and each
month we'd like to share how we have
made our patients happy and healthy.
This month we'd like to tell you about
Steven's experience.
Steven was an avid hunter; he enjoyed
gardening with his wife, Becky, and
liked to travel. As a Paramedic Instructor
at South Texas College, his health was
always a concern of his and when his sinus
congestion began disrupting his lifestyle,
he knew something was wrong.
He spent less and less time in the garden,
Becky noticed. He stopped hunting
because he would get fatigued easier as
he walked. Additionally, Steven hadn't
realized how his joint pain had crept
up on him. The body needs oxygen and
troubled breathing affects your health in
many ways including: sleep disorders,
aches and pains and fatigue that prevent
an active lifestyle.
His CPAP machine was used every night. The sleep he had at night wasn't restful and often his labored breathing would wake him up. The good ole' breathing machine that he relied on wasn't any help anymore, and every night was a struggle for him.
Insistent on making a change, Steven phoned The Mackie Clinic at the recommendation of Becky, who had worked with Dr. Mackie at
His CPAP machine was used every night. The sleep he had at night wasn't restful and often his labored breathing would wake him up. The good ole' breathing machine that he relied on wasn't any help anymore, and every night was a struggle for him.
Insistent on making a change, Steven phoned The Mackie Clinic at the recommendation of Becky, who had worked with Dr. Mackie at
Rio Grande Regional
Hospital. Steven trusts Becky's judgment
on local physicians and specialists
in the area and what happened next reassured
him he had made the right decision.
At his appointment with Dr. Mackie, it was recommended to Steven that he undergo Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that has gained attention over the past few years because it is done without a hospital visit, usually completed within 30 minutes and immediately delivers relief by opening up nasal passages that previously were blocked. Steven decided that Balloon Sinuplasty was right for him and got the procedure done at The Mackie Clinic in April of 2014.
After less than an hour of work at The Mackie Clinic and a day's rest on the couch, Steven was back the following day. He couldn't believe the relief he felt when the packing was removed. Immediately he thought, "This is what it is like to breathe again". After the packing came out, Steven realized that he hadn't been effectively breathing out of his nose for years and the Balloon Sinuplasty was a return to free, unobstructed breathing, sleeping and living in general.
At his appointment with Dr. Mackie, it was recommended to Steven that he undergo Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that has gained attention over the past few years because it is done without a hospital visit, usually completed within 30 minutes and immediately delivers relief by opening up nasal passages that previously were blocked. Steven decided that Balloon Sinuplasty was right for him and got the procedure done at The Mackie Clinic in April of 2014.
After less than an hour of work at The Mackie Clinic and a day's rest on the couch, Steven was back the following day. He couldn't believe the relief he felt when the packing was removed. Immediately he thought, "This is what it is like to breathe again". After the packing came out, Steven realized that he hadn't been effectively breathing out of his nose for years and the Balloon Sinuplasty was a return to free, unobstructed breathing, sleeping and living in general.
Activities that were pushed aside or forgotten were back for Steven and Becky. Within a few weeks, Becky noticed that Steven was spending significantly more time in his garden and was getting more done in less time than when he wasn't breathing well.
Steven went on an Alaskan cruise over the summer and spent the afternoons in the forests and on his feet, something he would not do a year ago.
If this story sounds familiar or you,ve been experiencing breathing trouble and you're not living as actively as you like: Give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Dr. Mackie has over 30 years experience assisting the Valley with breathing, allergy and hearing problems. We helped Steven breathe better with Balloon Sinuplasty but we also offer hearing aids to restore your hearing, and allergy desensitization which can free you from your chronic allergies.
Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worse allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today.
Robert is an active family
man, former FBI agent and recent
retiree. "If I would have
known it was going to be this
good, I'd have done it a while
ago," he told me as he described
his daily routine of working
out, enjoying a good book and
checking his investments. Robert
also mentioned that retirement
allows him to spend more
time with his family at weekly
breakfasts and he loves seeing
his granddaughter.
Robert went on to say that he feels better than he did 10 years ago, thanks to Dr. Mackie. That's because Robert suffered from chronic allergies. As a child living with allergies, Robert felt miserable. He was constantly sick with colds and suffered from frequent sinus infections. His doctors, from a young age, had always simply prescribed antibiotics that wore off quickly. He also pointed out that the body cannot function properly, fighting off infections all the time. And while he didn't know it, his body was investing energy into an on-going battle that he never won. This battle extended into adulthood and Robert had been getting regular allergy shots since the 70's that didn't make the impact he needed.
Thankfully, medical research and treatments have advanced since the days of routine antibiotics and there are new treatments that can end a patient's cycle of allergy suffering. Robert has been visiting Dr. Mackie since 1989, and when Dr. Mackie recommended the LDA (Low Dose Allergen) treatment for Robert, he decided enough was enough and wanted to try it.
Robert went on to say that he feels better than he did 10 years ago, thanks to Dr. Mackie. That's because Robert suffered from chronic allergies. As a child living with allergies, Robert felt miserable. He was constantly sick with colds and suffered from frequent sinus infections. His doctors, from a young age, had always simply prescribed antibiotics that wore off quickly. He also pointed out that the body cannot function properly, fighting off infections all the time. And while he didn't know it, his body was investing energy into an on-going battle that he never won. This battle extended into adulthood and Robert had been getting regular allergy shots since the 70's that didn't make the impact he needed.
Thankfully, medical research and treatments have advanced since the days of routine antibiotics and there are new treatments that can end a patient's cycle of allergy suffering. Robert has been visiting Dr. Mackie since 1989, and when Dr. Mackie recommended the LDA (Low Dose Allergen) treatment for Robert, he decided enough was enough and wanted to try it.
The LDA is an allergy treatment unlike the others because it does not require a clinic visit every week, like most allergy treatments. Additionally, the LDA will desensitize you to mold, pollen, dust, dander, chemicals and food allergens.
Working out and making it to family outings have been easy for Robert since starting the LDA. He didn't realize how disadvantaged he was when his body was using its strength to resist infection and fight off allergens. "I feel like I've never had allergies," he told me thankfully. Robert is so pleased that he brought his children to Dr. Mackie. He was happy to see his children responding to the treatment in 6 or 7 visits.
Their symptoms are not bothering
them the way Robert suffered
when he was younger. His
daughter lives in Houston and
flies to see Dr. Mackie once
every two months for her LDA
treatment.
If allergies are preventing you from living the active lifestyle that you'd like to live, stop by or give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional staff is trained in diagnosing and treating your ear, allergy and hearing problems. If you think your quality of life could be improved by alleviating your ear, nose and throat problems, give us a call.
If allergies are preventing you from living the active lifestyle that you'd like to live, stop by or give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional staff is trained in diagnosing and treating your ear, allergy and hearing problems. If you think your quality of life could be improved by alleviating your ear, nose and throat problems, give us a call.
With every service or treatment of care,
there is a story. Today, we’d like to introduce
you to Thomas.
Thomas is a retired Iraq War Veteran. He worked as a State Trooper for 14 years, keeping our highways safe and secure. Thomas is medically retired after his time in Iraq, and he tells me that it gives him time to spend with his family, whom he missed very much while serving overseas. He laughs as he tells me "I've spent enough time away from them, so it makes up for it." When not spending time with his wife or children, Thomas sharpens his musicianship by playing acoustic guitar.
Thomas was given a voucher from the VA to get treatment for his sinuses. He chose to be seen by Dr. Mackie. Dr. Mackie is the Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon at the VA and has helped hundreds of Veterans like Thomas with their illnesses. Thomas needed help with his congestion problems caused by exposure to harmful chemicals while serving in Iraq.
As a result, Thomas couldn't breathe normally. He was always congested, had constant nasal
Thomas is a retired Iraq War Veteran. He worked as a State Trooper for 14 years, keeping our highways safe and secure. Thomas is medically retired after his time in Iraq, and he tells me that it gives him time to spend with his family, whom he missed very much while serving overseas. He laughs as he tells me "I've spent enough time away from them, so it makes up for it." When not spending time with his wife or children, Thomas sharpens his musicianship by playing acoustic guitar.
Thomas was given a voucher from the VA to get treatment for his sinuses. He chose to be seen by Dr. Mackie. Dr. Mackie is the Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon at the VA and has helped hundreds of Veterans like Thomas with their illnesses. Thomas needed help with his congestion problems caused by exposure to harmful chemicals while serving in Iraq.
As a result, Thomas couldn't breathe normally. He was always congested, had constant nasal
drainage, and
he couldn’t breathe through both nostrils.
Thomas was unable to sleep normally because
of his labored breathing. He suffered
from chronic nasal congestion and slept with a CPAP machine.
This was troubling to Thomas because he never had any sinus related issues that caused him to miss work, but now he was suffering from debilitating sinus symptoms.
Dr. Mackie told Thomas that he had some serious sinus issues, but they could be reduced greatly with Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minor office procedure that can be done in office with no need for an outpatient stay at the hospital. The procedure is usually completed in less than 30 minutes and is designed to open sinus pathways that have been blocked for years. After meeting with Dr. Mackie, Thomas was convinced that the Balloon Sinuplasty would help him.
After the 30 minute procedure and a day of rest, Thomas returned to the clinic. As the nasal packing came out, he realized that he could breathe out of both nostrils. Over the next few weeks, the draining and runny nose stopped and he no longer suffered from chronic nasal congestion. The procedure made a huge impact on Thomas's day to day life.
Thomas now wakes up refreshed because he is getting better rest at night. He didn’t have the morning congestion that used to part of his daily routine. The nasal sprays that Thomas had to use all the time weren't needed anymore.
This was troubling to Thomas because he never had any sinus related issues that caused him to miss work, but now he was suffering from debilitating sinus symptoms.
Dr. Mackie told Thomas that he had some serious sinus issues, but they could be reduced greatly with Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minor office procedure that can be done in office with no need for an outpatient stay at the hospital. The procedure is usually completed in less than 30 minutes and is designed to open sinus pathways that have been blocked for years. After meeting with Dr. Mackie, Thomas was convinced that the Balloon Sinuplasty would help him.
After the 30 minute procedure and a day of rest, Thomas returned to the clinic. As the nasal packing came out, he realized that he could breathe out of both nostrils. Over the next few weeks, the draining and runny nose stopped and he no longer suffered from chronic nasal congestion. The procedure made a huge impact on Thomas's day to day life.
Thomas now wakes up refreshed because he is getting better rest at night. He didn’t have the morning congestion that used to part of his daily routine. The nasal sprays that Thomas had to use all the time weren't needed anymore.
His family, especially his wife, took notice
of him being happier in general because no
longer having problems breathing through
his nose.
If this story sounds familiar or you’ve been experiencing sinus problems and breathing is not easy: Give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Dr. Mackie is a board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who has over 30 years experience assisting the Valley with breathing, allergy and hearing problems.
We helped Thomas breathe again with Balloon Sinuplasty but we also offer hearing aids to help your hearing, and allergy desensitization therapy which can free you from your chronic allergies.
Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worst allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today. 956-631-2957
If this story sounds familiar or you’ve been experiencing sinus problems and breathing is not easy: Give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Dr. Mackie is a board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who has over 30 years experience assisting the Valley with breathing, allergy and hearing problems.
We helped Thomas breathe again with Balloon Sinuplasty but we also offer hearing aids to help your hearing, and allergy desensitization therapy which can free you from your chronic allergies.
Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worst allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today. 956-631-2957
Adriana enjoys her evenings outdoors, her
days in the garden, making her home more
beautiful, fishing trips over the weekend and
doing crafts indoors. “I do it all,” she said when
asked how she spent her free time. She has
worked outdoors with her husband building
homes with him and generally preferred being
outside. She also values the time spent with her
family, like most Texans, especially her husband,
son, daughter and granddaughter.
A few years ago, Adriana came down with allergies and sinus problems unlike anything she’s experienced. She knew there was something wrong when she spent less time outside with her husband at work. Adriana needed help with her sinus and allergy problems, but didn’t know where to turn.
Adriana went to local allergists and began a year of trial and error with various steroids, nasal sprays and over the counter medications, with no success. She became frustrated that she couldn’t find relief and stayed inside the house most of the time. Her breathing and allergy problems kept her inside if the neighbors had mowed the lawn. It seemed that every doctor she went to couldn’t explain what was happening nor could they provide a solution that squashed the problem.
A few years ago, Adriana came down with allergies and sinus problems unlike anything she’s experienced. She knew there was something wrong when she spent less time outside with her husband at work. Adriana needed help with her sinus and allergy problems, but didn’t know where to turn.
Adriana went to local allergists and began a year of trial and error with various steroids, nasal sprays and over the counter medications, with no success. She became frustrated that she couldn’t find relief and stayed inside the house most of the time. Her breathing and allergy problems kept her inside if the neighbors had mowed the lawn. It seemed that every doctor she went to couldn’t explain what was happening nor could they provide a solution that squashed the problem.
Talking to a friend who worked near The
Mackie Clinic about her growing allergy and
sinus problems, Adriana was convinced to take
charge of her symptoms and see Dr. Mackie.
It started with a walk-in to our clinic where
Adriana was greeted by friendly and helpful
staff members. She made her appointment with
Dr. Mackie. And at her appointment, she tells
me the Dr. took one look and said that her sinuses
were some of the most blocked up that he
had ever seen. Dr. Mackie recommended Balloon
Sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that has gained attention over the past few years because it is done without a hospital visit, usually completed within 30 minutes and immediately delivers relief by opening up nasal passages that previously were blocked. Breathing freely allows your body more energy, staves off fatigue and corrects many breathing issues. Adriana decided that Balloon Sinuplasty was something she wanted to do and she had her procedure done in October 2013.
After Adriana’s 30 minute procedure and a night of rest, she had the packing removed and she couldn’t believe it. Adriana went from having completely blocked sinuses and being unable to breathe to taking her first clear breath of air in years. She soon called her sister to tell her that her first breath that day was like a deep breath of “Cool, refreshing mountain air”.
One month later, she went outside again to tend to her garden, was going to work outdoors and resumed her evening walks.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that has gained attention over the past few years because it is done without a hospital visit, usually completed within 30 minutes and immediately delivers relief by opening up nasal passages that previously were blocked. Breathing freely allows your body more energy, staves off fatigue and corrects many breathing issues. Adriana decided that Balloon Sinuplasty was something she wanted to do and she had her procedure done in October 2013.
After Adriana’s 30 minute procedure and a night of rest, she had the packing removed and she couldn’t believe it. Adriana went from having completely blocked sinuses and being unable to breathe to taking her first clear breath of air in years. She soon called her sister to tell her that her first breath that day was like a deep breath of “Cool, refreshing mountain air”.
One month later, she went outside again to tend to her garden, was going to work outdoors and resumed her evening walks.
While working
outside, she felt a tingle in the back of her nose
and simply sneezed, like she did years ago. It
was so different from her usual fight with congestion
and blocked sinuses that she had to tell
her family.
If this story sounds familiar or you’ve been experiencing breathing trouble and you’re not living as actively as you like: Give us a call at The Mackie Clinic.
Dr. Mackie is a board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who has over 30 years experience assisting the Valley with breathing, allergy and hearing problems. We helped Adriana breathe again with Balloon Sinuplasty but we also offer hearing aids to help your hearing, and allergy desensitization which can free you from your chronic allergies.
Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worse allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today.
If this story sounds familiar or you’ve been experiencing breathing trouble and you’re not living as actively as you like: Give us a call at The Mackie Clinic.
Dr. Mackie is a board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon who has over 30 years experience assisting the Valley with breathing, allergy and hearing problems. We helped Adriana breathe again with Balloon Sinuplasty but we also offer hearing aids to help your hearing, and allergy desensitization which can free you from your chronic allergies.
Our courteous and professional staff would be happy to help you through your worse allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms so give us a call today.
We provide care for thousands of patients across the Rio Grande Valley and each patient has a story. We can’t help but share the story of Eloy.
Eloy Garza is a busy man. You may know him as County Commissioner for Starr County. He leads a busy life, both professionally and personally. He’s always on the go at work and is rarely in the office. And with his free time, he is doing mechanic work, fishing or tending to his land on the tractor. As an outdoorsman and a busy public official, that doesn’t leave him time to be bossed around by his allergies and sinus problems. But for a number of years these symptoms were in the driver’s seat.
Eloy can remember in the 1960s when his allergy and sinus problems first started when he was still in High School. He tells me of a time where there were no doctors for this type of thing and like most people back then, he simply put up with it. He joined the service and was stationed in a few different places including, El Paso, Germany and Vietnam.
Eloy remembers coming back to Texas after a number of years and his sinus problems had gotten worse.
Eloy Garza is a busy man. You may know him as County Commissioner for Starr County. He leads a busy life, both professionally and personally. He’s always on the go at work and is rarely in the office. And with his free time, he is doing mechanic work, fishing or tending to his land on the tractor. As an outdoorsman and a busy public official, that doesn’t leave him time to be bossed around by his allergies and sinus problems. But for a number of years these symptoms were in the driver’s seat.
Eloy can remember in the 1960s when his allergy and sinus problems first started when he was still in High School. He tells me of a time where there were no doctors for this type of thing and like most people back then, he simply put up with it. He joined the service and was stationed in a few different places including, El Paso, Germany and Vietnam.
Eloy remembers coming back to Texas after a number of years and his sinus problems had gotten worse.
He began the long process of finding relief
from his symptoms and visited Doctor
after Doctor in a desperate attempt to get
better. He tried allergy injections for a few
years, but that didn’t help. He would change
Doctors every once in a while when their
methods didn’t work. He began to grow
frustrated and felt like he couldn’t do anything
about it.
Eloy said he would “go nuts” at every allergy season and after 40 years of it, he’d had enough. Eloy’s niece recommended Dr. Mackie’s clinic. She was getting the Low Dose Allergen injections from Dr. Mackie every two months and it had helped her with her allergy symptoms each season. Eloy decided that he wanted to give the LDA a shot and went to Dr. Mackie. Dr. Mackie, in addition to the LDA, recommended Balloon Sinuplasty as a way to not only treat the symptoms with the LDA but as a way to strike at the root cause of his sinus symptoms. Dr. Mackie took great care to inform Eloy that by treating both the allergies and the sinus symptoms together, Eloy would experience more a comprehensive relief from these symptoms.
Eloy was convinced that this is what he needed to escape the nightmare he was in and came in for his Balloon Sinuplasty. And after a 30 minute procedure and a night’s rest, Eloy came back to The Mackie Clinic for his follow up appointment. As the packing that protected his nose came out, Eloy immediately felt better and breathed the first full deep breath he had in around 40 years.
As a result of his Balloon Sinuplasty, Eloy was going through his days feeling wellrested because he was sleeping better at night. His sinuses were no longer blocked and he wasn’t
Eloy said he would “go nuts” at every allergy season and after 40 years of it, he’d had enough. Eloy’s niece recommended Dr. Mackie’s clinic. She was getting the Low Dose Allergen injections from Dr. Mackie every two months and it had helped her with her allergy symptoms each season. Eloy decided that he wanted to give the LDA a shot and went to Dr. Mackie. Dr. Mackie, in addition to the LDA, recommended Balloon Sinuplasty as a way to not only treat the symptoms with the LDA but as a way to strike at the root cause of his sinus symptoms. Dr. Mackie took great care to inform Eloy that by treating both the allergies and the sinus symptoms together, Eloy would experience more a comprehensive relief from these symptoms.
Eloy was convinced that this is what he needed to escape the nightmare he was in and came in for his Balloon Sinuplasty. And after a 30 minute procedure and a night’s rest, Eloy came back to The Mackie Clinic for his follow up appointment. As the packing that protected his nose came out, Eloy immediately felt better and breathed the first full deep breath he had in around 40 years.
As a result of his Balloon Sinuplasty, Eloy was going through his days feeling wellrested because he was sleeping better at night. His sinuses were no longer blocked and he wasn’t
using many doses of over-thecounter
nasal sprays. His allergic reactions
have been significantly reduced as well.
Since taking the LDA, Eloy has noticed that he can be outdoors without having allergies ruin his day. One day, Eloy was working on his tractor and his work was really churning up pollen and dust.
He began to see the pollen coat the outside of his tractor. He thought to himself “If the allergy treatment isn’t working, I’m going to find out now.” He finished the day’s work and went inside to shower. His wife saw him and immediately was worried. But Eloy was pleased to find that he wasn’t affected by the pollen and the LDA was working. He continues to enjoy working outside without fear that his allergies and breathing problems will force him to turn in before the work is done.
If you’d like the relief and peace of mind that Eloy got with his Balloon Sinuplasty and LDA, please call The Mackie Clinic.
Our friendly and professional staff is happy to help you. You can live a happy and healthy life.
Since taking the LDA, Eloy has noticed that he can be outdoors without having allergies ruin his day. One day, Eloy was working on his tractor and his work was really churning up pollen and dust.
He began to see the pollen coat the outside of his tractor. He thought to himself “If the allergy treatment isn’t working, I’m going to find out now.” He finished the day’s work and went inside to shower. His wife saw him and immediately was worried. But Eloy was pleased to find that he wasn’t affected by the pollen and the LDA was working. He continues to enjoy working outside without fear that his allergies and breathing problems will force him to turn in before the work is done.
If you’d like the relief and peace of mind that Eloy got with his Balloon Sinuplasty and LDA, please call The Mackie Clinic.
Our friendly and professional staff is happy to help you. You can live a happy and healthy life.
Cynthia has many roles throughout the work
week. She manages Starr Pharmacy in Mission.
Cynthia has her Master in Nutritional Science,
is a registered dietician and works with many
health facilities including some of the assisted
living facilities as a dietary advisor. In her spare
time, she shares her culinary knowledge with
others when she gives lectures. As a practicing
Catholic, she mentors others within her congregation
and her vocation is Healing Ministries.
When she has the time in between her work and
community activities, Cynthia likes to catch up
on her reading.
As you can tell Cynthia is busy, which is why her breathing problems needed to be fixed. She’s had breathing problems from the time she was a teenager. Cynthia suffered from near chronic sinus infections since the age of 14 or 15 and was taking antibiotics at least 3 times a year. Her symptoms were not subtle and for many years Cynthia simply lived with them, resigned to her fate as one of the 60 million American allergy sufferers.
Your breathing significantly affects your lifestyle. There are many additional consequences that aren’t apparent until you live with obstructed breathing. A patient who is struggling with breathing typically has less energy and is frequently feeling exhausted by the end of the day.
Additionally, when you cannot breathe properly, sleeping is difficult and the following day is longer due to restless sleep.
As you can tell Cynthia is busy, which is why her breathing problems needed to be fixed. She’s had breathing problems from the time she was a teenager. Cynthia suffered from near chronic sinus infections since the age of 14 or 15 and was taking antibiotics at least 3 times a year. Her symptoms were not subtle and for many years Cynthia simply lived with them, resigned to her fate as one of the 60 million American allergy sufferers.
Your breathing significantly affects your lifestyle. There are many additional consequences that aren’t apparent until you live with obstructed breathing. A patient who is struggling with breathing typically has less energy and is frequently feeling exhausted by the end of the day.
Additionally, when you cannot breathe properly, sleeping is difficult and the following day is longer due to restless sleep.
As time went on, Cynthia realized that she needed to seek treatment and didn’t want to live with sinus headaches, poor sleep quality and the unnecessary stress of her sinus problems. She began to with the Low Dose Allergen treatment with Dr Mackie that is designed to desensitize a patient to allergies. But the Dr. recommended Balloon Sinuplasty as well.
Dr. Mackie often recommends this two sided approach to sinus and allergy problems because he wants his patients to be free of their symptoms, while treating the root cause.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that opens blocked nasal pathways, making sinus infections less likely and freeing constricted air paths. It’s a 30 minute procedure that is done in the office, and is minimally invasive. Cynthia had heard about Balloon Sinuplasty from other doctors and was scared. She had heard that it didn’t help. Another thing that Cynthia had heard is the procedure hurts. But after speaking with a member of her prayer group who had the Balloon Sinuplasty done, Cynthia decided she wanted to do it.
Cynthia came into the Mackie Clinic in the
morning and after a little waiting and preparation,
the procedure was underway. Cynthia
doesn’t remember the procedure and when she
woke she asked the team at The Mackie Clinic
“When are we going to start?”
The procedure was a success and although Cynthia found the packing that helped hold everything in place was uncomfortable, when the packing came out, Cynthia couldn’t believe the difference it made. Thanks to the Balloon Sinuplasty, Cynthia can now tackle her busy schedule on overdrive, just like she used to do. She approaches every day feeling well rested because she is getting better quality sleep.
Cynthia doesn’t have the constant stuffiness or the lingering sinus infections she used to have. Close friends and family have noticed a change in Cynthia after the Balloon Sinuplasty. Her husband mentioned how she’s sick less often.
If you share any of the problems that Cynthia encountered before her Balloon Sinuplasty or if you have any allergy, hearing or sinus problems that prevent you from enjoying your life fully, please call us at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional staff would be happy to assist you.
The procedure was a success and although Cynthia found the packing that helped hold everything in place was uncomfortable, when the packing came out, Cynthia couldn’t believe the difference it made. Thanks to the Balloon Sinuplasty, Cynthia can now tackle her busy schedule on overdrive, just like she used to do. She approaches every day feeling well rested because she is getting better quality sleep.
Cynthia doesn’t have the constant stuffiness or the lingering sinus infections she used to have. Close friends and family have noticed a change in Cynthia after the Balloon Sinuplasty. Her husband mentioned how she’s sick less often.
If you share any of the problems that Cynthia encountered before her Balloon Sinuplasty or if you have any allergy, hearing or sinus problems that prevent you from enjoying your life fully, please call us at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional staff would be happy to assist you.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband,
Robert, and their dog. When she is outside
she is exercising and playing casual sports with
friends. When Melissa is inside, she’s cooking
or baking for her family. Melissa works in the
health service field. As a Cyto-Technologist she
tests samples gathered from patients by Doctors
and analyzes them. As a Pathologist she
checks her samples for any irregularities or disease.
Despite working to help patients diagnose
their illnesses, Melissa suffered as well.
Melissa developed harsh breathing problems about 20 years ago and struggled with it all of those years. She was diagnosed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor in San Antonio. The Doctor recommended Rhinoplasty, but Melissa wasn’t too sure. Rhinoplasty is primarily a cosmetic surgery, focused on the appearance of the nose. Often called a “nose job”, Rhinoplasties are done by plastic surgeons and require your nose to be in a cast for a week and require at least a few days off from work. Knowing this, Melissa was hesitant to sign up for the surgery and simply lived with her breathing problems for a time.
But Melissa couldn’t ignore the breathing issues completely and they got worse. Soon she was dealing with daily migraines and dizziness that made work difficult. Her inability to breathe normally made her experience flu-like symptoms that lingered.
Melissa developed harsh breathing problems about 20 years ago and struggled with it all of those years. She was diagnosed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor in San Antonio. The Doctor recommended Rhinoplasty, but Melissa wasn’t too sure. Rhinoplasty is primarily a cosmetic surgery, focused on the appearance of the nose. Often called a “nose job”, Rhinoplasties are done by plastic surgeons and require your nose to be in a cast for a week and require at least a few days off from work. Knowing this, Melissa was hesitant to sign up for the surgery and simply lived with her breathing problems for a time.
But Melissa couldn’t ignore the breathing issues completely and they got worse. Soon she was dealing with daily migraines and dizziness that made work difficult. Her inability to breathe normally made her experience flu-like symptoms that lingered.
Thankfully, medicine continues to progress
and newer techniques are discovered. Melissa’s
parents got the Balloon Sinuplasty done at
Dr. Mackie’s clinic with great results. Balloon
Sinuplasty is a newer procedure that is done in
Dr. Mackie’s office, is usually completed within 30 minutes and is intended to clear your sinus
congestion by opening your breathing pathways.
Melissa’s parents recommended the procedure
to Melissa. It made her feel comfortable
to have two family members personally go
through the surgery.
She describes the sensation of having a big hole in your head and she recognized that her breathing had gotten so bad over the years but she didn’t even know.
Over the next few months, Melissa began noticing the effects of the procedure in her daily life. Coworkers remarked that she had more energy and had a lively “pinkish color” to her complexion.
She describes the sensation of having a big hole in your head and she recognized that her breathing had gotten so bad over the years but she didn’t even know.
Over the next few months, Melissa began noticing the effects of the procedure in her daily life. Coworkers remarked that she had more energy and had a lively “pinkish color” to her complexion.
Her sleep was more fulfilling because
she didn’t wake up exhausted after a full
night’s rest. Melissa had trouble with her exercises
because she would wake up the following
day with headaches, which Melissa believes
were from not having enough oxygen. After the
procedure, she began training for a marathon
and continues to prepare.
The Mackie Clinic has helped Melissa and thousands of others with their allergy, sinus or hearing problems. If you aren’t living as actively as you’d like or are having trouble living fully because your sinus, allergy or hearing problems, please give The Mackie Clinic a call. Our courteous and professional staff is happy to help.
The Mackie Clinic has helped Melissa and thousands of others with their allergy, sinus or hearing problems. If you aren’t living as actively as you’d like or are having trouble living fully because your sinus, allergy or hearing problems, please give The Mackie Clinic a call. Our courteous and professional staff is happy to help.
Maria is a homemaker and a teacher for
over 21 years. She loves to spend time with
her children and take care of her mother.
Maria is a crafter and loves to make her own
handmade jewelry or knit in her spare time.
She spends most of her time with her mother,
whom she cares for, and her husband.
Around 5 years ago, Maria suddenly developed chronic allergies. She began having breathing issues as she gained more and more problems with her lungs. Maria started to get allergy related headaches. Asthma was making it hard for her to live normally. One of the more subtle symptoms that Maria and many other allergy sufferers encounter is congestion.
Maria couldn’t breathe out of both nostrils. Not only does this affect the way you breathe, but the sense of taste is highly related to your ability to smell.
Around 5 years ago, Maria suddenly developed chronic allergies. She began having breathing issues as she gained more and more problems with her lungs. Maria started to get allergy related headaches. Asthma was making it hard for her to live normally. One of the more subtle symptoms that Maria and many other allergy sufferers encounter is congestion.
Maria couldn’t breathe out of both nostrils. Not only does this affect the way you breathe, but the sense of taste is highly related to your ability to smell.
Even the most flavorful meals can appear
to be bland when you can’t properly enjoy
the aroma of your dinner.
Maria began going to a local Allergist clinic to get shots. The injections were once a week and a few times she had bad reactions to them. She ended up going to her Family Physician and asked where she should go next for relief. Her Family Doctor recommended Doctor Mackie.
Her visit to The Mackie Clinic revealed that the cause of her symptoms were allergies and having a deviated septum. Sometimes when a patient cannot breathe properly it’s because the interior of our nose isn’t allowing air to travel easily. Dr. Mackie recommended a treatment plan that didn’t cover up the symptoms with steroids or antibiotics, but a treatment plan that focused on treating the symptoms. Maria began with the LDA (low dose allergen) and Balloon Sinuplasty.
Maria began her treatment with the LDA. The LDA is a series of shots that desensitizes our patients to mold, pollen, dust, dander, chemicals and food allergens. The LDA is an allergy treatment unlike the others because it does not require a clinic visit every week, like most allergy treatments. As the second half of her treatment, Maria was scheduled for the Balloon Sinuplasty. The Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that is used to open up obstructed breathing pathways and correcting problems like Maria’s deviated septum. The procedure is done in our office and usually takes less than 20 minutes.
Maria began going to a local Allergist clinic to get shots. The injections were once a week and a few times she had bad reactions to them. She ended up going to her Family Physician and asked where she should go next for relief. Her Family Doctor recommended Doctor Mackie.
Her visit to The Mackie Clinic revealed that the cause of her symptoms were allergies and having a deviated septum. Sometimes when a patient cannot breathe properly it’s because the interior of our nose isn’t allowing air to travel easily. Dr. Mackie recommended a treatment plan that didn’t cover up the symptoms with steroids or antibiotics, but a treatment plan that focused on treating the symptoms. Maria began with the LDA (low dose allergen) and Balloon Sinuplasty.
Maria began her treatment with the LDA. The LDA is a series of shots that desensitizes our patients to mold, pollen, dust, dander, chemicals and food allergens. The LDA is an allergy treatment unlike the others because it does not require a clinic visit every week, like most allergy treatments. As the second half of her treatment, Maria was scheduled for the Balloon Sinuplasty. The Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that is used to open up obstructed breathing pathways and correcting problems like Maria’s deviated septum. The procedure is done in our office and usually takes less than 20 minutes.
When asked about the results to her treatment, Maria said she is happy to not use her asthma medication anymore. She can now smell and breathe out of both nostrils. She has stopped taking her allergy medication that she used to take all the time and the headaches that used to haunt her are gone. If you are one of the 60 million allergy sufferers that the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America has identified, think about a life free from your allergy or breathing problems.
The Mackie Clinic has the tools and knowledge to bring you relief.
Tiburcio has served in the Air Force
and is a retired 6th grade mathematics
teacher. He enjoys gardening and
making his home beautiful and loves to
spend time outside in the mornings before
the heat of the day starts. Tiburcio
spends most of his time with his wife,
Oralia and stays in contact with family.
Despite loving to speak and keep up with his family’s life, Tiburcio had been experiencing some problems with communicating with his loved ones. He would get lost in the conversation when he couldn’t hear his own voice.
Oralia began having to repeat herself to make sure that Tiburcio heard her. When Tiburcio’s sister called him, he was shouting into the phone without realizing it. Tiburcio admitted to himself that he had a hearing problem and took steps to fix it.
Many people who have worked in loud industrial environments may have some hearing loss. During his time in the Air Force he’d worked next to large jets and bombers like the B-52 and he thinks that
Despite loving to speak and keep up with his family’s life, Tiburcio had been experiencing some problems with communicating with his loved ones. He would get lost in the conversation when he couldn’t hear his own voice.
Oralia began having to repeat herself to make sure that Tiburcio heard her. When Tiburcio’s sister called him, he was shouting into the phone without realizing it. Tiburcio admitted to himself that he had a hearing problem and took steps to fix it.
Many people who have worked in loud industrial environments may have some hearing loss. During his time in the Air Force he’d worked next to large jets and bombers like the B-52 and he thinks that
during his service there were times when hearing protection wasn’t available in the moment and that certainly could cause hearing loss.
Tiburcio went to a local hearing aid specialist, where he got his first pair of hearing aids. But unfortunately, they broke. The specialist honored the warranty, and they were repaired once. After the second break, Tiburcio was told he must pay out of pocket. He didn’t want to keep paying for equipment that would break.
A Sister in law told Tiburcio about the service she received at The Mackie Clinic and she recommended he visit the clinic. Tiburcio made an appointment with our hearing aid specialists and came to the clinic.
Tiburcio said he received excellent service from the team. His favorite part of his Mackie Clinic visit was that the specialists took time to listen to his individual situation and
explained how
to operate and maintain his new hearing
aids.
After his visit at The Mackie Clinic, Tiburcio can hear great. In the past, when Tiburcio was on the phone, he would have to shout because he didn’t hear himself. No longer was he getting lost in the conversation because he couldn’t hear his own voice. He was back in the dialogue of family gatherings and his wife, Oralia, didn’t have to repeat herself. Tiburcio now feels more comfortable conversing, speaks clearly and responds immediately.
If Tuburcio’s story reminds you of loved one’s or your situation, please call The Mackie Clinic. We have helped thousands of patients across the Rio Grande Valley with their allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms. Our professional staff would be happy to assist you.
After his visit at The Mackie Clinic, Tiburcio can hear great. In the past, when Tiburcio was on the phone, he would have to shout because he didn’t hear himself. No longer was he getting lost in the conversation because he couldn’t hear his own voice. He was back in the dialogue of family gatherings and his wife, Oralia, didn’t have to repeat herself. Tiburcio now feels more comfortable conversing, speaks clearly and responds immediately.
If Tuburcio’s story reminds you of loved one’s or your situation, please call The Mackie Clinic. We have helped thousands of patients across the Rio Grande Valley with their allergy, sinus and hearing symptoms. Our professional staff would be happy to assist you.
Thomas is a retired Federal Criminal Investigator
who has worked all around the great state
of Texas with many different government agencies.
His days are spent outdoors on the ranch
where he tends to the cattle that are on the property.
When he’s not ranching, he likes to spend
time with his Wife and family. He speaks using
expressions that could be a dialogue from some
of your favorite Western films. Thomas speaks
calmly and deliberately, like he’s stewed each
word before he speaks, and seems like someone
who doesn’t let much bother him.
But there was a time when his sinus problems were trying to knock him out of the saddle. It got really bad in the 1980’s. His sinus problems began affecting him in different ways. Some of them were things that really could slow most people down including hearing problems, persistent congestion and sinuses that weren’t draining. When dealing with symptoms like these day to day, the growing strain on your lifestyle can change the way to handle daily activities. Sinus problems that complicate breathing can reduce your quality of sleep. Strained breathing and congestion can make working and enjoying your favorite pastimes a chore.
But there was a time when his sinus problems were trying to knock him out of the saddle. It got really bad in the 1980’s. His sinus problems began affecting him in different ways. Some of them were things that really could slow most people down including hearing problems, persistent congestion and sinuses that weren’t draining. When dealing with symptoms like these day to day, the growing strain on your lifestyle can change the way to handle daily activities. Sinus problems that complicate breathing can reduce your quality of sleep. Strained breathing and congestion can make working and enjoying your favorite pastimes a chore.
Thomas had enough of his sinus problems bullying him around and decided to take charge. In the 80’s the most prevalent type of sinus surgery was Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS).
Thomas had the surgery done and did not enjoy the experience. Thomas described that he had to fast before the surgery, he went to the hospital where he went under anesthesia and the recovery time painful and long. He went home after the surgery “stuffed to his brain” in gauze, as he put it. And couldn’t swallow or relax until he recovered. ESS is still offered by some Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons and often only in extreme circumstances.
The good news for Thomas was since his ESS in the 1980’s Ear, Nose and Throat surgical procedures have significantly advanced.
No longer would he need to go through the anguish
and lengthy downtime of the ESS surgery, but
instead he was offered Balloon Sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that is intended to relieve the sinus pressure and congestion, thus reducing his headaches and drainage. It’s also done at The Mackie Clinic, there is no need to stay overnight and the procedure is often done in less than 30 minutes.
Thomas chose to get the Balloon Sinuplasty done, and after a 30 minute procedure he went home. Thomas felt more comfortable recovering with this procedure when compared to the ESS. He slept upright in his recliner that night and the next day he went back to the Clinic. And when the packing came out, he took a full deep breath for the first time in many years.
As evident in Thomas’ story, getting relief from your sinus problems does not need to be painful or stressful. If you could benefit from relief of your sinus, allergy and hearing problems, give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional and friendly staff would love to help you.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a fairly new procedure that is intended to relieve the sinus pressure and congestion, thus reducing his headaches and drainage. It’s also done at The Mackie Clinic, there is no need to stay overnight and the procedure is often done in less than 30 minutes.
Thomas chose to get the Balloon Sinuplasty done, and after a 30 minute procedure he went home. Thomas felt more comfortable recovering with this procedure when compared to the ESS. He slept upright in his recliner that night and the next day he went back to the Clinic. And when the packing came out, he took a full deep breath for the first time in many years.
As evident in Thomas’ story, getting relief from your sinus problems does not need to be painful or stressful. If you could benefit from relief of your sinus, allergy and hearing problems, give us a call at The Mackie Clinic. Our professional and friendly staff would love to help you.
Jose is a full time student who is studying
Criminal Justice. He enjoys spending time
with his wife and kids when he is not studying.
He is committed to personal fitness and
likes to be outdoors or working out in the
gym. Between being a husband, a father, a
student and his training, Jose doesn’t have
the option of being sick with his allergies
and sinus problems.
Jose has always had sinus and allergy problems. He would suffer from headaches, dizziness and sinus pressure. These symptoms would intensify during the allergy season. He would feel his performance at the gym suffer and was spending less time outdoors. And being a resident of the Rio Grande Valley during pollen season can be difficult because the Rio Grande Valley can get some of the highest pollen counts in the nation during those months.
This last year, Jose’s allergies had gotten much worse. He was using plenty of over the counter medications from the drugstore and supermarket but nothing seemed to help. Two months into allergy season, Jose felt run down and had to do something.
Jose has always had sinus and allergy problems. He would suffer from headaches, dizziness and sinus pressure. These symptoms would intensify during the allergy season. He would feel his performance at the gym suffer and was spending less time outdoors. And being a resident of the Rio Grande Valley during pollen season can be difficult because the Rio Grande Valley can get some of the highest pollen counts in the nation during those months.
This last year, Jose’s allergies had gotten much worse. He was using plenty of over the counter medications from the drugstore and supermarket but nothing seemed to help. Two months into allergy season, Jose felt run down and had to do something.
He began doing some research on the many
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and Allergists
in the Rio Grande Valley.
With his research, he decided The Mackie Clinic was a good place to start to search for the relief from his tough allergy symptoms. It put his mind at ease that a friend recommended The Mackie Clinic because of the great treatment they had received.
Jose came in and scheduled his Balloon Sinuplasty after speaking with the Dr. about his options. He learned that the Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that is done at Dr. Mackie’s office, takes less than 30 minutes and is intended to open your sinuses. Our patients breathe more effectively after the procedure and many tell the clinic that after the procedure they work, sleep and generally live better lives since the procedure.
It was a relief to Jose that The Mackie Clinic Staff and Dr. Mackie took great care in explaining the procedure and educating him about what to expect. Jose felt mentally prepared for the day of the procedure.
With his research, he decided The Mackie Clinic was a good place to start to search for the relief from his tough allergy symptoms. It put his mind at ease that a friend recommended The Mackie Clinic because of the great treatment they had received.
Jose came in and scheduled his Balloon Sinuplasty after speaking with the Dr. about his options. He learned that the Balloon Sinuplasty is a procedure that is done at Dr. Mackie’s office, takes less than 30 minutes and is intended to open your sinuses. Our patients breathe more effectively after the procedure and many tell the clinic that after the procedure they work, sleep and generally live better lives since the procedure.
It was a relief to Jose that The Mackie Clinic Staff and Dr. Mackie took great care in explaining the procedure and educating him about what to expect. Jose felt mentally prepared for the day of the procedure.
He describes that day as running smoothly
and before he knew it he woke up and was
back at home.
The next day, during his follow up appointment, the packing that protected his nose came out and a drastic change happened. From that day on, he was no longer using over the counter sprays.
The sinus pressure that was bottled up in his head was released and the headaches that accompanied that pressure were gone. He resumed an active lifestyle and began going to the gym more frequently and got back to the outdoors. Jose began sleeping better and stopped waking up during the night. His wife appreciates that he is not suffering at night and isn’t getting up every few hours because of his sinus issues.
There are thousands of allergy and sinus sufferers who endure allergy season each year, not knowing there is a solution. Don’t let your allergy and sinus problems control your lifestyle. Call The Mackie Clinic today, our professional and friendly staff are here to help you!
The next day, during his follow up appointment, the packing that protected his nose came out and a drastic change happened. From that day on, he was no longer using over the counter sprays.
The sinus pressure that was bottled up in his head was released and the headaches that accompanied that pressure were gone. He resumed an active lifestyle and began going to the gym more frequently and got back to the outdoors. Jose began sleeping better and stopped waking up during the night. His wife appreciates that he is not suffering at night and isn’t getting up every few hours because of his sinus issues.
There are thousands of allergy and sinus sufferers who endure allergy season each year, not knowing there is a solution. Don’t let your allergy and sinus problems control your lifestyle. Call The Mackie Clinic today, our professional and friendly staff are here to help you!