On the health front

[valis2]

I went to Husband's clinic today, and the doctor I saw was not his doctor, and she was contemptuous of my doctor's antihistamine prescription, and recommended I take Mucinex D, which I have taken before and which has done nothing for me. So I will try again, but I'm not really that convinced. I understand that she's all about the decongestants, but I am not about them, having often heard that when they wear off the sinus membranes swell larger than they were before (and that has been my general experience with them as well). However, she is pointing out that the sinuses are packed with misery, and this will be the best way to get rid of the misery. And she gave me a free sample of a nasal spray. No thank you, I hate nasal sprays.

So I haven't slept much because of the terrible head pain. And now that I'm home my lower back is sending huge bursts of pain whenever I move. Hell, even when I'm sitting still. I'm really unhappy. Thank goodness I stayed home, because I can barely sit here and write this, much less work for eight hours in the same position. And I still have to package eBay hellish stuff and go to the PO.

The clothing auctions were a complete waste of time this week, so I might wait to set up the next set. I mean, they're ready to go, but there's no way I can photograph them while I'm feeling like this.

blergh.

Comments

[lavillanueva.livejournal.com]

Ack, it seems every time I sign on to lj, there's more yuck happening for you. If only there were magic words to say and make it disappear! I hope you get it sorted soon, it must be awful to endure that kind of pain day in and day out. :(

[valis2.livejournal.com]

haha! Yes, once in a while I get sick, and then everyone on the flist has to listen to waaaaaaaah for a week or two. So sorry to spam you with misery. *hugs*

I'll be fine soon, I'm certain. ;)

Headaches

[bk7brokemybrain.livejournal.com]

I will make a second, and final, suggestion that you try massage to help your headaches. Amma is an Eastern Massage technique that focuses on the energy channels and acupressure points. It also is done without oils, and clothed, using small, soothing, circular movements and strokes. It feels wonderful when done to the head and face and always opens up my sinuses, even when I wasn't aware they were blocked. I get that little 'pop' of pressure release, you know? Plus, all the muscle pain that goes along with it dissipates.
I see you are in Wisconsin. If you are interested, Google 'Amma therapy' to try and find a practioner near you. My bf and his mother suffer greatly from chronic sinus pain and infections, and always experience real relief when I work on them.
Also, have you tried a Neti pot for nasal lavage? It's a great alternative to nasal sprays.
I'll answer any questions you have. Otherwise, I won't go on about it.
Feel better and be well.

Re: Headaches

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. Right now money is tight, and I'm not interested in trying out new therapies, but I really appreciate your help.

I've heard about Neti pots before and they have always sounded interesting (though gross, I have to admit). Recently my sinus problems seemed to die down--this is the first infection I've had in over a year, and I'm really happy that the frequency has been decreasing over time.

Thanks again for the helpful help.

[ook.livejournal.com]

You gotta irrigate your sinuses! It works!

You can buy a cheap Neti pot at most drug stores. sinucleanse.com

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Boy, everyone who uses Neti pots really swears by them! I will definitely look into it again, thanks!`

[ook.livejournal.com]

There's videos on that web site showing how the neti pot works. Also, check out "neti pot" on Wikipedia. And yes, EVERYONE who tries them ends up loving the neti pot. :)

[kakiphony.livejournal.com]

I third the Neti pot. I was very resistant to it at first and thought it was gross and felt like jumping in a pool without my nose plugged. But at the insistance of both J and my allergist I gave it a shot for a full week. It is a miracle. It reduces my cold and holds allergies at bay really well. Washing those sinus cavities is so important -- it gets allergens and viruses out. I now swear by it.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Very very fascinating. Will look into that, and thank you! I appreciate the advice very much.

[gmth.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear this is dragging on for you. I hope you get some relief soon. Chronic miserableness is the pits. *hugs*

[valis2.livejournal.com]

It's not only the pits for me, but for my poor flist, who gets spammed with misery posts for days on end! ;) *hugs* Thanks for the sympathy. I think I'm going to sit on the couch with a hot pack, some pillows, and a video game.

[sylvadin.livejournal.com]

Don't dismiss the theraputic benefits of massage for treating headaches. It often helps especially if you have the common headache trigger of tension in the neck and/or shoulders. Massage can also work better than many pain medications at easing the type of back pain that us creative types get from hunching over the worktable for hours. I know this from personal experience. ;-)

I've met more than one massage therapist who was willing to barter craft goods for treatments. Light a candle then pass the word through your local grapevine and maybe you'll find someone who gladly accepts alternate forms of payment too.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I really don't generally get headaches anymore, not since I had the eyelid operation. And this headache is a sinus pressure headache--I think it will fade away once the pressure is finally relieved. *crosses fingers*

Thanks so much for the thought, though--a MT would definitely be what I would go to if I have a problem in that arena. Studies have shown over and over again that MTs are just as effective as chiropractors for certain kinds of pain. Especially neck and shoulders.

*giant hugs*

[vanityfair00.livejournal.com]

Are you taking any antibiotics to actually get rid of the infection?

I like my neti pot but I'll admit it's not as pleasant when you're already sick. For a sinus headache I like a hot compress on my face. I hope you feel better soon!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm on day 7 of 10 of the antibiotic course, and hoping that it beats it up before I'm finished taking it.

I've been doing hot compresses, and they really are lovely. I haven't had to do those in years! But this has driven me to it, grumble.

[vanityfair00.livejournal.com]

If you aren't feeling better like right now I would ask for more antibiotics. My ENT always gives me a 3 week course for a sinus infection because it takes longer for the medicine to work its way up to the sinus cavities. If 10 days was going to work you should have seen some improvement by now I would think.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

My regular doctor isn't around, though, and won't be back until next Monday, and the other doctor wouldn't give me a different prescription, so here I am. Plus, I'm just not interested in driving around to find yet another doctor, lol. I want to stay home! ;)

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

Hope you soon feel better.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Me too. Right now I'm ready to take up permanent residence in my bed, lol.