So, I kinda bombed last week… I had this lingering sinus infection most of the week and I was highly unmotivated as a result. I’m trying to dose up on a lot of Vitamin C and other things to boost my immune system — and trying not to get too discouraged that it is hanging on for so long.
The good news is that I did chip away at almost all the goals on the list, but I only completely accomplished three of them. By the way, I really, really tried to get 7.5 hour of sleep every night, but all the congestion made sleeping difficult and uncomfortable. Which, of course, doesn’t exactly lend itself to helping me get better — it’s kind of a vicious cycle!
Here’s to hoping this week is a better week — and that maybe I can find some relief from the sinus infection. {I’m *this* close to breaking down and trying a neti-pot. But it just weirds me out so much that I’ve not worked up the nerve yet! Yes, you can tell me I’m crazy! :)}
Last week’s goals:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Finish reading Quest for Truth:Taken and Spy for the Night Riders aloud to the children.
2. Start our summer schedule.
3. Write a love note to Jesse.Personal Goals
4. Finish reading Escape from Saddam. Start The Referral Engine.
5. Run at least five times.
6. Listen to 2 hours of The Little Big Things.
7. Sleep for at least 7.5 hours every night.
Home Management
8. Follow my Freezer Cooking plan and blog about it.9. Make Homemade English Muffins.
Business Goals
10. Write one article for another site.
This week’s goals {pretty much a repeat!}:
Family/Mothering Goals
1. Finish reading Quest for Truth:Taken and Spy for the Night Riders aloud to the children.
2. Go to a baseball game and musical production as a family.
3. Write a love note to Jesse.
Personal Goals
4. Finish reading Escape from Saddam. Start The Referral Engine.
5. Run at least five times.
6. Listen to 2 hours of The Little Big Things.
7. Sleep for at least 7.5 hours every night.
Home Management
8. Follow my Freezer Cooking plan and blog about it.
9. Make Homemade English Muffins.
Business Goals
10. Write one article for another site.
How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!
You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.
TiaZhan says
Zand Herbal Formulas have two products in particular – Insure Herbal and Astragulus formula.
Sorry so long, but I’m certain this will benefit so many:
For over 20 years my family and friends have been cold, flu, and allergy free for many a season. Back in the ’80s I happen to come across a thin booklet by a naturopathic – Dr. Marcus Laux. I trust this man with my life and that says a lot since i don’t like to taken any pills (not even aspirin or advil) much less antibiotics. Anyhow, his 6 week regimen, which included rotating primarily the two products I mentiond to renew your immune system, well, it changed my life…
*my father struggled with dibilitating allergies for decades (shots, pills…etc) and was cured for 2 years before a minor setback encouraged us to start another round of treatment for a longer, almost, permanent cure.
*I haven’t been sick in over a decade; twice that if I’d had the product on hand in one occurence. I also no longer have a constant post nasal drip that just stayed with me after one allergy season. I’ve been allergy free for over 15 years.
* my daughter suffered from bronchitis and asthma until 3 – that led to nebulizer treatments I regret. After the age of 3 is when I found Insure for Kids. Many years as a college student or even today as an adult, she’ll request I overnight her a bottle.
I don’t sell the stuff and I don’t get paid or recognized by their company in any manner. I do, however, thank God for the products and the doctors, Janet Zand and Marcus Laux, who led me to try them.
Jan says
p.s. Neti pots have been linked to fatal brain infections I would be cautious
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/20/news/la-heb-neti-pot-amoeba-20111220
Jan says
Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D3- like 1000 units a day- it is Vitamin D not Vitamin C that boosts the immune system and prevents colds.
Karyan says
Crystal, you may want to try eucalyptus oil and a steam shower. Simply turn on a super hot shower (turn it as high as it goes, sit in the bathroom but not the shower) and sprinkle some eucalptus oil in the shower, start with 6 drops, but you may need closer to 20. Hope you feel better soon.
Lois says
I understand how you feel about the neti-pot, Crystal. I tried something a couple years ago, but instead of going to the other side of my nose, it seemed to go burning down my throat and into my eyes and that was the end of that. I can squirt some spray and just bought the saline again because allergies are clogging me up good right now. I also “generic Vicks” myself good–throat, under nose, chest, top of forehead. I wipe it on a tissue and breathe it in while trying to go to sleep.
Do try the Breathe-Right strips. They always help me enough to get to sleep anyway when I can’t breathe.
And one more thing I tried last night. I bought the Celestial Seasonings Sinus Soother at Walmart yesterday and it seemed to really help last night before bed. Tonight I have it ready in a thermos to drink a little in the middle of the night when I wake up clogged with my throat itching like crazy.
I understand how frustrating it is when you think you’re doing all the good stuff you should be and somehow get sick like that anyway, and then can’t get the good sleep you know you need. I’ll pray you get over it very soon and get some relief and sleep. (And I do agree that if you haven’t, make sure you don’t need antibiotics.)
Nicole says
My family swears by a netti-pot, but I absolutely refuse. I am pretty sure I would feel like I was drowning myself. Plus, its gross. They use it regularly, however, and love it, so I guess if you are brave enough it is worth a try?
I feel for you, I was sick with sinus/throat junk all winter and couldn’t shake it. Hope you feel better this week!
Melanie says
Hope you feel better! Good luck to all on achieving our weekly goals!
Melanie says
My doctor gave me a few pointers when I had my second sinus infection earlier this year to try to boost my immune system and get rid of it naturally since we both wanted to give it a try without taking antibiotics.
-Vit. C pill morning and night
-Saline nasal spray VERY often, especially right before you go to bed.
-Take Mucinex daily, I got the Walmart version (much cheaper)
-Drink lots of water and plenty of sleep.
It worked for me after about a week of this.
Carol@simple_catholic says
A little late getting linked up this week, oh well. 🙂
I hope you feel better soon, Crystal. You aren’t crazy about not using a Neti Pot. I’ve never tried it because it werids me out too!
Becky says
It sounds a little gross, but I find that I can get over the mental part of using a neti pot by using it in the shower. I think part of the problem for me is that I feel like the fluid will run all over me and my clothing. I still have trouble doing it if I’m well, but if I’m feeling lousy, I have no problem if done in the shower for some reason. Good luck!
Michelle Norris says
Allergies have hit our home hard over the past month and a half! I am thankful no one has had a full fledged sinus infection and that you are getting some relief this morning!
Amy S says
I had sinus, deviated septum sugery last September. They basically had to rebuild the inside of my nose. My surgeon one of the best in our area had me to use a sinus rinse (squirt) bottle after the surgery. It is a great thing. Always make sure that you use luke warm distilled water and sinus rinse packets. It takes a little getting used to, but is a wonderful thing to help with allergies and sinuses. I am an avid user and could not make it without one. I use mine regularly. I have had chronic allergies all my life and it is a life saver. Try the squirt bottle, the tea pot is just not the same. You won’t regret it.
Jessica says
Several years ago I suffered from chronic sinus infections. My doctor reccommended using a sinus rinse bottle. It cleared up the problem. I highly reccommend it. I wasn’t eager to try it, but it made me feel so much better!
Just be sure to use distilled water and never share the bottle!
Feel better soon,
Jess
Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo says
I am happy about my last week’s goals, I was able to accomplish most of them. Doing the goals every week has really helped me be on track
Brandi @ Savvy Student Shopper says
I won’t use the neti-pot either; it’s very strange to me! Then again, I can barely do nose sprays or even eye drops 😉
Hope you feel better, especially because the weather is warming up!
Trista says
I absolutely do not think you’re crazy about the Neti-Pot. I have always found them to be weird. However, since I’m preggers and couldn’t really take anything for the horrible sinus congestion I had been having, I broke down and gave it a try last month. IT IS AMAZING!! The ability to be able to breath is totally worth the (perceived) grossness of the Neti-Pot. I hope you feel beter SOON!
Becky says
Same here — I just tried it for the first time a couple months ago when I had a bad sinus-y thing during my first trimester. I used the bottle instead of the pot, and I watched 2-3 youtube videos beforehand so I could see how it worked (and verify that those people didn’t choke or drown!). It was a very weird feeling, but it did help clear out the junk. I wouldn’t want to use it often, but I definitely see now the benefit of using it when I have sinus congestion.
Beth says
So sorry you’ve been feeling bad! And if it makes you feel any better – I bombed on my goals this past week, too! 🙂
I’ve posted my new ones for this next week (although most of them have just been moved from last week!)
Hope you feel better soon!
Megan says
The Neti Pot can be a great thing if used correctly (and with the right kind of water); but I’ve been told that it can just make everything worse if you don’t do it the right way! Lately I’ve been using Simply Saline Nasal Solution (not medicated) and it works better. 🙂 Hope you start to feel better soon, sinus infections stink!
Laura says
I use a water bottle with a “squirty” top as my neti pot. The benefits being a bit more pressure and it is so inexpensive that I can recycle it when the nasty cold is gone – less chance of germs building up : ). I admit that I am an addict – as soon as I feel a cold coming on or I work in my garden (potential mold allergens) I use the “salt water swish” and I really feel that I benefit : )
Lesson Lady says
I have to agree with the others that said that the Neti pot is very helpful. I got a sinus infection and started using it after some trepidation and my sinus infection cleared up SO much faster than it normally does! I have tried taking various medicines but that never clears it up so fast. The first day it started to rinse out all the bad stuff and by the second day the infection was already clearing up! I did use it twice a day as recommended when you have an infection.
I also got the pot for free as one of the FREE offers and use a safe, healthy salt instead of purchasing packets.
Melissa says
Have you ever tried the mentholated Four Way nose spray? It doesn’t have the stuff in it that makes it addictive, but it really clears out a stuffy nose. It’s absolutely a temporary fix, but when I’m really miserable, I keep it by my bed so that when I wake up and can’t breathe, I can use it and go back to sleep.
Kim says
I know exactly what you are talking about and I love that stuff!! The only place near me that sells it is Walmart, and now they don’t seem to be selling it there anymore. I don’t know what I am going to do!?! 🙁
Melissa says
Oh no! I just did a search online, and it’s discontinued! You can still get the kind that is non-mentholated, but I haven’t gotten any relief from the regular type. What a bummer.
Kim says
Same here. There’s something special about the menthol. My dad works for a branch of Novartis (who manufactures 4Way). I am going to check with him and see if there is still any out there that I can get my hands on. If I find a way to buy some, I’ll report back to you. (:
Melissa says
Yes, if you find something, I would love to know what it is! Thank you!
Rachel says
I tried the Neti-Pot (got it free about a year ago) when I was sick about six weeks ago. I’m pregnant and they won’t give me anything for the cold, except to rest and drink (which is hard to do with two very active boys). I can’t really say that it made a difference for me. Vicks rubbed under my nose and on my chest did more for it than anything else.
Jody Susan says
P.S. You might cut back on dairy until this heals up.
Jody Susan says
Crystal, I took your eBook advice.
Take my Neti pot advice: use it! 🙂
You will be so glad you did! Just make sure the water is somewhat warm, you stir the salt thoroughly, and measure correctly (it will burn if you don’t).
I have heard you should use distilled water – or at least boil it, and let it cool. I don’t know if I should tell you it is because you can get a “brain eating amoeba . . .” Too much information?!? 🙂
Crystal says
Ever since reading that article on the brain-eating amoeba, I’m even more weirded out about the Neti-Pots! 🙂
Emily says
All of the sinus rinse products are completely 100% safe if they are used appropriately. That means following the doctor’s instructions and manufacturer’s instructions. Sterile water is the key – if you do that, you’ll be fine!
tacy says
I just got over a sinus infection, and I believe I got the infection from my neti pot. So beware the negative side of neti pots! :/
Jennifer says
Every time I have ever tried a neti-pot for a cold or allergies I have ended up getting a sinus infection. So I can’t really recommend it, but would actually tell you to stay away.
I hope you feel better soon!
Kim says
Make sure you are using sterile water. Also, it is best to use it to *prevent* allergies and illness. If you are already quite congested when you start using it, then it won’t be very effective and the solution is likely to just get trapped up in the sinuses instead of flushing them out like it supposed to. HTH!
Laurie G says
I had sinus surgery last fall- think you cannot breathe out of your nose for 3 excruciating weeks. My saving grace was my Sinus Rinse bottle (plastic). It is made by NeilMed and comes with saline rinse. They sell it at Walgreens and other stores. It is awesome. I have never done a Neti pot, but the bottle saved me. I hope you feel better.
Sarah says
I promise if you take these things- you will be CURED and never be sick for more than a few days again. I did a lot of reading since I have been pregnant and or breastfeeding for the last 4 years straight and cannot take traditional remedies. They work BETTER than anything I have ever used and I have not been sick for more than 2 days in the last 4 years.
– Raw Manuka Honey (take one tsp. every few hours)
– Elderberry syrup (take one tsp. every few hours)
– Probiotics (use as directed on the bottle)
– Multi Vitamin or pre-natal vitamin if pregnant or breastfeeding
– Lots of water
– Use a neti-pot (but boil the water first or use purified water and let it come to appropriate temp. before using to prevent bad bacteria)
You can give this all to kids over 1 year too! It is a bit expensive at the start to stock up. All are at Whole Foods or another health store, but they will last a long time and it is cheaper than a doctor’s visit and cheaper than cold medicines and prescriptions that do not always work.
PROMISE!!!
Crystal says
I’ve been doing elderberry syrup (ever since getting sick), probiotics (I take these all the time), multi-vitamin (also take this all the time), and lots of water (I’ve tried to double my water intake since I’ve been sick). I’m also doing some other things like extra Vitamin C, Echinacea, etc.
I’ve not heard of the Raw Manuka Honey. Do you just take that dosage of the honey when you are sick or think you may be getting sick? Or all the time?
Also, I’m curious if you take the Elderberry Syrup all the time or just when you think you’re getting sick?
Kim says
It sounds like you are doing a great job of trying to keep your body healthy! Everyone’s immune system seems to naturally work a little differently. After all, we are all unique, so why wouldn’t our immune systems be unique too?
I can take all the good stuff in the world, I drink lots of water, and use my sinus rinse bottle everyday. My husband does none of this. I get sick. He doesn’t. It’s frustrating, but at the same time I see it as God’s grace on our family. Since he is rarely sick, he helps take care of me and the kids when we are sick.
Crystal says
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
Wendy says
I think it depends on how strong your immune system is too. I don’t do any of the things you mentioned and I don’t usually get sick either. Maybe 1 cold in the past 4 years. Of course I shouldn’t say that, now I’ve jinxed myself 🙂
Danielle B says
Hope you knocked on some wood after typing that! 😉
Bobbie-Jo says
Have you ever tried adding eucalyptus oil to your humidifier and running it over night? This is a miracle oil in our house for sinus issues. I put a dropperful in the medicine cup of my humidifier and within an hour there is relief. I have read that getting a good pure oil is key – I get mine at beeyoutiful.com. Hope you feel better :/
Amy f;) says
I had chronic sinus problems all last year. I tried every neti pot/rinse thing I could find and they didn’t work for me (It seemed that they made it worse). I went to four different Dr’s in four different towns.
How I finally got better:I drank twice as much water as normal for a while (and yes, I had to use the bathroom quite frequently as a result). I stayed away from forced air heaters (which meant investing in a new heater for my bedroom and “freezing” in our minivan). My problem ended up being fungal related and I just stayed home (who wants to go out much when you are miserable???) and ate raw garlic 3 times a day for a few days.
I found the book “sinus survival” by Ivker from my public library to be helpful (although I do not agree with his theology) and there were some helpful ideas in don colbert’s sinus booklet too.
I hope you just get better without having to read or eat garlic though!
Crystal says
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Ac says
I have to second the water idea. I started drinking significantly more water last year (you’re supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces – if you weigh 140 lbs, you should drink 70 pounds) and was absolutely amazed at the difference in my health, my looks and how I felt. I was sick far less, my menstrual cramps were so much better, my allergies were so much better and in general when I did get sick, it was much shorter. Unfortunately I’ve kind of fallen off the wagon but I’m getting back on!!! Oh, and I wasn’t exhausted mid-afternoon all the time so that was huge as well.
Ac says
HAHA – 70 OUNCES, not pounds. Sorry.
Lana says
This herb is a miracle cure for sinus infection and inflamation. I have used it for years and recommended it to many who have found relief. You can get it from Vitacost. You only need to take it for 3-5 days. Do not take this daily. http://www.vitacost.com/nutricology-artemisia
Crystal says
Thanks so much!
Samantha says
I LOVE my Neti! I have the CVS version. I tell my husband that “I’m going to go drown myself” when I go use it. 🙂 I was scared at first but got use to it. Have you ever been to the Ocean and gotten water up your nose? That’s what it feels like.
Kristen@DSG says
I’m sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. I hope you give yourself a break. Running when you can’t breathe isn’t fun, or good for you! I love to smear Vick’s right under my nose before I go to sleep to help me breath easier and get better rest. I hope you’re feeling better soon!
My goals this week are to stick to routines that I let slip the last couple of months, and knock out the errands that always get pushed to the back of the list, and don’t get done. I already did one today, so I’m hoping I get them all done! 🙂
September says
This probably isn’t something you’re wanting to hear right now (and I wouldn’t suggest for someone who hadn’t been consistently exercising), but if you can make yourself run it will do wonders for your sinuses. Standard rule is that if it’s above the throat you can do cardio, if it’s below (i.e. chest) you should rest. It’ll be MUCH harder to motivate yourself to get out there, and definitely keep tissues handy, but a decent workout really does flush all that stuff out of your body, especially if you combine it with something like mucinex (I buy the generic version).
I’ve always struggled with recurring sinus infections and since I started running regularly I haven’t had any. Then last year when we were moving I stopped working out for three months and got my first infection in over five years.
Kristen@DSG says
Funny, I just posted that I hopes she gives herself a break! lol. I didn’t see your post until after, so I wasn’t trying to contradict you. 🙂
September says
Oh I’m not offended…and that’s partially why I prefaced it with saying that I wouldn’t recommend if someone wasn’t in shape and exercising regularly (that is to say, that their regular workout isn’t particularly difficult). I run 5-6x/week anywhere from 6-10 miles/day and I think I get a little skewed sometimes in the fact that–while I thrive on it–most people don’t exercise as much as I do, lol!
Erin @ My Mommy World says
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been sick 🙁 But if it makes you feel any better, I have tried the Sinus Rinse bottle that others have mentioned, and I didn’t feel like it helped me.
It was a little scary to start out, but I was able to tolerate it ok (and I’m a big baby about stuff going in my nose). In the end, it was actually pretty annoying afterwards, because water kept dripping out for a few hours after I used it. I hope you are better soon 🙂
Shelly @ Frugal Family Home says
My husband and myself use the sinus rinse. It has worked great for us. I use it regularly at this time of year to help with my allergies. It really does help. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Melodie says
Crystal, double your water intake to flush the congestion out of your system! Hope you feel better soon!
I love the neti! Do try it! My husband does not love it. It doesn’t work for him. But it’s great for me and works for my 3 boys ages 3 – 5. It takes some getting used to, but worth it! I would wait for a neti-pot freebie before trying it though. Otherwise it’s wasted money if it doesn’t work for you.
When I’m really congested I use Allergy Buster all natural nasal spray. I got it free in the mail a while back and it packs a punch with congestion. It zaps right through the congestion enough that I can breathe again for a few hours. I try to do it an hour or two before bed so I’m clear enough to neti at bedtime. But I don’t use the nasal spray right before neti potting because I don’t want to rinse the meds right back out again. I give it some time to work first. Then I take regular benedryl to knock myself out for the night.
Emily says
If you decide to use a neti pot (or squirt anything up your nose), make sure you’re using either sterile solution or boiled water. There are bacteria in tap water that are killed by the acid in your stomach, but when you put the water in your nose they can get from your sinuses to your brain (not very common, but also not worth the risk since you can just boil the water to prevent it).
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri
Emily says
Yes, if you make your own solution, it’s important to follow doctor’s instructions! And those should absolutely include boiling the water.
Victoria says
You should try Breathe Right Strips if you haven’t already. I’m not a fan of the netti pot, but when I have a sinus infection I use a saline spray and sleep with the stips on. They really work at opening up your nasal passage when you are congested, plus its med-free. Hope you feel better soon!
Emily says
Crystal,
Instead of a Neti-Pot, I’d actually recommend a Sinus Rinse. This is what it is (not my affiliate link):
http://www.amazon.com/NeilMeds-Sinus-Rinse-Regular-Bottle/dp/B000RJGB5C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1337641070&sr=8-3
Basically, a Neti Pot shoots water in one side and out the other. My ENT told me that this is not an effective treatment and really shouldn’t be used. A Sinus Rinse shoots the water in one side – and then you let it come back out that same side. When I used the Neti Pot, I thought I was dying because I couldn’t breathe! However, with a Sinus Rinse, it just feels like my nose is being cleaned out, and I don’t have any trouble breathing.
I struggle with sinus infections but actually have less of them because I use the Sinus Rinse 2x every day. When I do have an infection, the Sinus Rinse definitely helps me feel better and get over it quicker.
The Sinus Rinse bottle can be purchased at any drugstore. You can buy packets for the Sinus Rinse or you can make your own solution. If anyone wants the “recipe” from my ENT, let me know.
Sorry for the long comment – but I hope it will help someone!
Crystal L. says
I’ve also been told by medical professionals NOT to use a neti pot. It can spread the infection from an isolated sinus pockets (?) to other healthy ones, making your overall sinus infection worse.
I feel for you though!!! I get sinus infections like crazy. Just finally got over a bout!
Lea Stormhammer says
I have chronic sinusitis and I was told the same thing. A neti pot is great for rinsing out for mild congestion, etc. but NOT for a full sinus infection.
If your sinus infection lasts more than 10 days and isn’t obviously getting better or if you have more than 1-2 per year PLEASE see an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. In either case, the sinus infections most likely will not go away without antibiotics and/or you may have an intrenched sinus infection or something that isn’t a sinus infection at all and needs medical treatment other than antibiotics to get better.
I will live with a mild and reoccuring sinus infection for the rest of my life because I did not get it treated properly to begin with and it damaged my sinus cavitites beyond repair. Surgery was required but could not completely “fix” it. If you continue to have problems, please, please, please get it treated.
I’m not writing this to scare people but to encourgage them to get medical help. I know that as Moms we tend to put ourselves last and we often also avoid “unnecessary” medical care to save money.Getting proper treatment in the beginning would have saved me more than a few thousand in medical bills and lost income now through the course of my life (I can still work – thankfully – but I will most likely not be able to work full time or in the way I would like).
Lea
Crystal L. says
Thanks for the info Lea! I definitely get more than 1-2 sinus infections each year. Next time I get one I will ask my doc for a referral to an ENT specialist.
Allison says
Let me second this comment! I had a sinus infection that didn’t respond to mild medications and I avoided getting it treated with potent medications due to pregnancy and breast feeding. I have surgery coming up in a few weeks. My ENT says sinus infections can cause scarring if untreated, leading to long term drainage problems. Also, if you are planning to use the neti pot, use distilled water to avoid sending yuckies from the tap into your nose. Your stomach can address what’s in tap water, but your sinus needs purified water!
Charity says
You’re not weird, I’m too weirded out to try it too. I’m afraid I’d feel like I was drowning! Yikes!
Trish says
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who had (what felt like) a miserably unproductive week. At least you had an excuse. I just lost my mind for a week and apparently couldn’t for the life of me figure out what I was supposed to be doing.
I have tried a neti-pot but find that keeping a humidifier going all night seems to do a huge amount to help when congestion is an issue. Without the salt water dripping down the back of my throat.
Danielle B says
Today I was looking over my to-do list from last week and said, “What did I actually do last week?” Survived. That’s just about it. 😉 It’s nice not to feel alone in the “Misplaced Brains” section though.
Lori says
Hi Crystal! I’m so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I’m on my 4th week with (as I call it) “the Plague” – and I think I am finally seeing the light – I haven’t been able to talk with a normal voice in 3 weeks!! Use the Neti pot. It sounds nasty, but it really does help. And you are not crazy – my husband and son won’t use it either!! Feel better soon. I enjoy your blog very much; thank you for all you do.
Amy says
It’s a very weird feeling but so worth it! I had my free neti pot for over a year before I finally broke down and tried it. I could not believe the difference. Now I use it the minute I start getting congested (but I still have to psych myself up to do it!) 🙂
Amanda says
I feel better about my lack of productivity last week now, but I’m sorry you’re feeling bad. I have the exact opposite problem that you have. I LOVE my neti pot, but I had an ear infection that ruptured my ear drum and you can’t use it while you have a ruptured membrane, so I’m desperately waiting for it to heal and having to take much more allergy meds than usual because of it. Several relatives had suggested it to me, and I finally tried it after seeing a doc about ongoing sinus headaches and he told me to try it, too. It’s really not like when water goes up your nose at all…it just pours in one side and out the other very gently (the squirty bottle feels like water going up your nose and that i can’t handle…it also goes up your ears and stops them up, and if you’re already congested you dont want congested ears too! been there!) If you decide to try it, just know that it takes a few days of using it to get you all cleared out, and then it’s a preventative measure after that…still use it even when you don’t feel congested. It even helps prevent sickness because if you use it daily it will wash away viruses and bacteria I’ve read. Hope you feel better!
Gencie says
I think your site told me about a free Neti-Pot about a year ago, and I got one! I’ve never used it, but my husband has, and it works pretty well (sometimes). He says it feels neat!
Victoria @Snail Pace Transformations says
I am totally with you on the Neti Pot thing, I can’t get eye drops in my eyes without blinking and making a mess, I cannot imagine trying to get something up my nose!
Jen @ Master the Art of Saving says
Good luck on your goals this week. 🙂
I’m really excited about mine so far, I’ve been working really hard on them. One of my goals is to lose 10 pounds this month and so far I’m right on track to achieve it. 🙂
Kimber says
Nice work!!
Jen @ Master the Art of Saving says
Thanks Kimber. 🙂 It’s hard work, but it’s well worth it.
Jen says
I was completely afraid I of the Neti Pot too, then when I felt congestion starting a few months ago I just had to try it. The congestion never got worse and the relief was amazing. My one suggestion is to use the refill packets instead of trying to do your own.
Wendy says
I bought the neti pot for my son. He had BAD congestion in his head. He didn’t really like the pot. He said it didn’t have enough force behind it to clean him out. I had to go get the sinus rinse squirt bottle and he said that worked great! After he began using that squirt bottle his congestion cleared up quickly. I hope you feel better soon.
Sullivan's Mom says
My husband, faithful Neti user, has said that it if you are super congested it won’t work because it can’t flow through your sinuses. One doctor told me that it was good preventative thing to do….helps rinse out any pollen or particles that can get lodged in there and give you allergies or lead to sinus infections. But yeah, if you are heavily congested it isn’t going to do much.
I’m going to start using it after I’ve been outside for long periods of times, to help flush away the allergens.
Good to know the squirt bottle works well too!
Wendy says
I think your husband is absoultely right. I just wish I had known this before I spent $14 on the neti-pot that is just sitting there after only being used once. Thanks for letting me know of your experience. At least now I know it wasn’t just my son using the pot wrong.
Sara says
I second that- when I used it pre-allergy shots, I think my membranes were too inflamed. I never got very much to drip out (sorry. Might as well be direct.) Whenever I used it I ended up with a bunch of water in my head. But, I do think it’s generally a great technique. Now that I am 6 months into allergy shots, I should really give it another shot. My husband used sinus rinsing all throughout his Iraqi deployment, and swears by it. (And he has lots of sinus issues, including shrapnel in his sinuses.)
Kris says
I totally agree with this! I am a Neti user the last 3 years since I didn’t want to take claritin while pregnant. You have to catch the sinus/allergy issues “early” for this to work, but it really does help. I use this when I first get an irritated nose or dull sore throat. 🙂
Amy says
Yes! My sinus doc said the rinse bottles are more effective than the pot because of the “force” of the rinse. I know they work for me!
Kim says
Love my sinus rinse squirt bottle! It helps so much that I even travel with it now. Yep, I drag that thing with me to visit out-of-town family and on vacation- haha! I have bad allergies and used to get sinus infections 6-8 times a year. The sinus rinse doesn’t help much once I get an infection, but it does seem to help prevent them. I still get a few sinus infections every year, but not as many as I used to. It definitely helps flush out the allergens, and I especially recommend it for those who can’t take antihistamines. The sinus rinse and eating local honey everyday help alleviate my allergies when I’m pregnant or nursing and can’t take the *good* medicine. (:
TIP: To save a *ton* of money, make your own solution instead of buying the overpriced pre-mixed packets. Get a clean plastic container or Ziploc bag. Mix together 2 parts non-iodized salt (the iodine stings in your nose) and 1 part baking soda. Use 1/2 tsp. (you may prefer more or less depending on the hardness of your local water) of the mix per sinus bottle. Don’t forget to use water that is warmed up to about body temperature; it is much more comfortable than cold water. Enjoy breathing!!
Melissia @ Bravely Frugal says
Sorry to hear that you have been sick. One of the good things about goals that is different from deadlines is that we can give ourselves a little flexibility and adapt them as needed. Thanks for being such a great example!
Sullivan's Mom says
I used the neti pot for the first time ever this week. Such a bizarre feeling and I gagged and coughed. I do think it helped though!
Kim says
Love my sinus rinse squirt bottle! It helps so much that I even travel with it now. Yep, I drag that thing with me to visit out-of-town family and on vacation- haha! I have bad allergies and used to get sinus infections 6-8 times a year. The sinus rinse doesn’t help much once I get an infection, but it does seem to help prevent them. I still get a few sinus infections every year, but not as many as I used to. It definitely helps flush out the allergens, and I especially recommend it for those who can’t take antihistamines. The sinus rinse and eating local honey everyday help alleviate my allergies when I’m pregnant or nursing and can’t take the *good* medicine. (:
TIP: To save a *ton* of money, make your own solution instead of buying the overpriced pre-mixed packets. Get a clean plastic container or Ziploc bag. Mix together 2 parts non-iodized salt (the iodine stings in your nose) and 1 part baking soda. Use 1/2 tsp. (you may prefer more or less depending on the hardness of your local water) of the mix per sinus bottle. Don’t forget to use water that is warmed up to about body temperature; it is much more comfortable than cold water. Enjoy breathing!!
MelissaZ says
I second the squirt bottle! I think it’s so much less weird (and less contortionist & messy) than trying to use the little pot.