Sinus infections are a pain

[JimD]

LOML and I both seem prone to sinus infections. We started taking expectorants pretty regularly whenever we feel stopped up and that helps but this strategy was not totally successful for me at the moment. I am building my daughter a dresser at the moment (she goes from a dorm to an apartment next year and also thinks she has something lined up for this summer). I worked on it anyway yesterday but the combination of being tired to start with plus the dust that escapes my DC had me in bad shape after about 3 hours. I worked in the yard for about an hour today and that was enough. Kind of depressing not having the energy to do much.

Jim

[beetee3]

I feel your pain, Jim. I used to be prone to sinus problems, particularly when feeling stressed. There is a medical procedure to help relieve the problem. Essentially they stick a drill up your nose and drill out your sinus cavities, then stuff the cavities with string. After a couple of days they remove the string and you're good to go. For me, just hearing about the procedure was enough to make me not want to go through it

[dkhoward]

Jim,
I can commiserate with you. I have a chronic sinus infection. THe Doc knows exactly where the hot spot is in my sinus cavity and tells me that a simple procedure can cure what the most powerful antibiotics can't completely clear up. Trouble is, as you have heard, it involves doing things to ones nose that seem to me to be bordering on the insane. Especially since he tells me that it is an outpatient procedure and does not involve general antistesia? I don't want to be awake when things like that are being done!

So, I struggle through with all the OTC remedies, the occasional round of antibiotics, the headaches, etc.

[lcm1947]

Well sounds like we both are laid up. I was out in the shop all day yesterday and felt fine and got several things done that I'd been wanting to do and had a ton of stuff all ready to start on today but wake up this morning that would be woke up this afternoon ( 11AM ) and have been sitting here all day long messing with the computer. Not enough energy to even get up let along do anything. Thank Heaven for computers. It's just so aggravating but I make a rule not to operate any power tool unless I'm at least 90%, hand tools I can be 80% but then don't feel like it.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Same here. I have the best control that I have had in some time. I use Allegra 180 along with Astelin nasal spray. Claritin, Nasonex, Flonase, Rinocort, etc did nothing for me. I am using lots of Saline everyday when I am feeling particularly bothered. This nasty salt water does an amazing job of mostiurizing the cavity as well as allowing you to get chunks of the nasty stuff out.

[MilDoc]

Try washing yourself out - lots andf lots of salt water, repeated 6x per day, up the nose. Doesn't feel great but often provides relief quickly. Best bet is the nasal saline at Wal-Mart etc.

[Bruce Cohen]

Hey Jim,

Don't let all these "Old Women" frighten you. I had a similar problem and the ENT Specialist I went to did something called "Removal of my Turbinates". It requires the removal (in his office) by means of cauterizing some stuff deep inside your nose, both nostrils.

Doesn't hurt while its being done and there is just a bit of uncomfort the next day, along with a bit of nose bleeding.

Had it done about five years ago, and have hardly had a sinus headache since, not to mention an infection.

So that still leaves me an oldish fart, but I can breathe again

Check it out. I think you can get some info on the Mayo Clinic web site.

Bruce

[JTimmons]

Yep me too Astelin was the only thing that worked decent, the taste is horrible though. The majority of my migraines area also triggered by sinus problems.

Recently a buddy of mine gave me the below receipe, his dad was given by a doctor. I have been using it for about a week and a half it works great better than the Astelin at least for me. Used my empty Astelin bottles.

1 - cup water
½ - teaspoon soda
½ - teaspoon salt
1 - teaspoon Karo Syrup

<edit> you got to bring the above mixture to a boil, let it cool then fill your bottle.

[Mrs. Wallnut]

JimD- its not as bad as it sounds. My grandmother had a procedure done that cleaned out her sinuses (all of her sinuses) and she said it wasn't that bad. She said just a little uncomfortable thats all.

[JSUPreston]

My FIL had his sinus cavities "Roto Rootered" a few years ago. Said it was one of the best decisions he's made. He used to have chronic sinus problems. Now, they are very rare. Heck, as much as I hate the idea of a drill up the nose, I'm still thinking about it.

One question: If and when I do it, will my nose stretch out like Ahhnuld's in Total Recall? I bet y'all remember the scene I'm thinking about.

[JimD]

Thanks for the tips. I'm feeling better. I will probably get back into the shop tomorrow night. I did some more yard work after work today and felt OK. I think the wood dust aggrevates things a bit so I am giving it an extra day before that exposure.

Jim

[meika123]

This product has really helped me a lot. It's a relatively new product. Only been out about a year now. It's called Qvar. It is not available yet in aqueous form, so my doctor had me to buy some baby nipples and fit one on the bottle. One spray in each nostril twice a day, and I have gotten a ton of relief. By prescription only, so check with your Dr.

Dave in NC