Blergle, slightly lessened

[valis2]

The dizziness seems to have abated slightly. The fever was not so bad last night, and I actually fell asleep at 10 and stayed mostly asleep. I also slept for a couple extra hours after the boys left for school, which I wasn't able to do yesterday. Took a long hot bath, which did help alleviate a teensy bit of the nasal blockage.

I'm off to the store today. I'm going to buy a neti pot. I've had serious reservations about it because I choke really, really easily and I just have been...not wanting to try it, but the misery is so miserable that I think I want to try. Also, I am meh about going to a doctor about this because a) I have had two rounds of antibiotics in the last three months, and they often won't prescribe more after that and b) I'm in another state so I'd have to go through all the new patient stuff. And if I went through all of that and they said, "Oh, just drink more fluids and rest" then I would be sadface.

I am feeling just a teensy bit better, but I have a feeling that once I get through the shopping, dinner, and watching the boys tonight that I'll be completely zonked again. Thank goodness we're almost into the weekend, which means I don't have to get up to see the boys off to school, and as long as I keep us well-stocked with groceries, I might not need to leave the house. *crosses fingers*

Thanks, flist, for all your sweet well-wishing and kind words. You rock!

Comments

[hardboiledbaby]

So glad you've been able to stay in touch this trip. The thought of a neti pot makes me cringe a little, but I do really hope it helps you. *hugs*

[valis2.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Me too! I do like being able to pop in occasionally and say hi, y'know? Love the laptop so much. :)

[mariannelee.livejournal.com]

Some serious hugs here. And boys can work...

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, they've been making part of dinner, cleaning, etc. :) Thank goodness, because I'm just not up for a lot of stuff right now. :(

[ook.livejournal.com]

If you need neti pot hand-holding or advice, I would be more than happy to telephone you! I didn't think I could use a neti pot either, but I'm a champ at it now! When you are really clogged up, it helps to use the neti pot 2 or 3 times a day!

Oh...and you can use just half of the powdered stuff per 20 oz. of water. I find that overly salty water is more likely to make you gag. Also, do NOT use tap water....use bottled water heated in the microwave. BE SURE TO TEST the water FIRST so that you don't make it too hot!

Also, when you are congested, it helps to avoid dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream).

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I tried the neti pot last night and this morning. I managed to get it to work in one direction, but not in the other--is that normal? I can't figure out why!

I warmed up a bottle of water on a heating pad, lol. And I'll try using less of the powder.

I usually avoid most dairy products because I'm a little lactose intolerant. I've heard that advice before, too, and generally I cut out the little bit of dairy I do eat (mostly a bit of cheese, and soymilk, which probably doesn't count, lol).

Anyway, if you have any other advice about neti pot usage I'm eager to hear it.

(I wish I could do the phone thing, but I am just not up to it right now. :( Thank you for the kind offer, though.)

[ook.livejournal.com]

The reason you can only get the water to pour through one side of your nasal passages is because the other side of your sinuses is CLOGGED SHUT with snot and crud! :(

It helps to use warmer water and to try 3 or 4 times a day when you are sick (it really flushes the crud out of your head and prevents infection). Keep flusing and the clogged side will eventually open up. What I do is: right side (blow nose), left side (blow nose), then repeat both sides (sometimes I need to heat more water).

I know that they make a bulb-type "squirter" type of thing to squirt the warm water in, but I think pouring the water in using the neti pot is more gentle for people new to the process.

I suggest using a pan on the stove or a glass measuring cup in the microwave to heat the water -- faster and better that way! Then pour your water and the saline powder into a "mixing cup" (or use the measuring cup) to mix. Just be sure to TEST the water FIRST before using. You can always pour some cold water into your "mixing cup" to adjust the temperature.

[ashkevran.livejournal.com]

I hope you are starting to feel better. Re: neti pot - my recommendation is the same as ook's - to use 1/2 of the packet of solution the first few times...not the entire envelope. And be careful of the water temperature, don't let it goet too hot. They can be very beneficial, but rather odd to start off.

-Angel

[valis2.livejournal.com]

It really is a weird sensation. I've been kind of weirded out by it, but I actually did manage to make it work from one side, but not the other, strangely enough! Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it.

[lady-branwyn.livejournal.com]

I have joined you in blergatory. This damn virus must be all over the Midwest. Wish it would go away. And yes, why bother to pay good money for a doctor to tell you to drink more fluids and rest?
V. nice that you can keep in touch during your travels.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I probably should have seen a doctor, and at home I would have; but all in all it turned out okay. I'm starting to feel better. *sigh of relief*

I am so sorry that you are in blergatory, you poor thing! I really hope that it does not give you the Full Tour. *shudders* Feel better soon, sweetheart. *hugs*

I like keeping in touch, too! When I'm up to it, I'm going to plug in my aircard and fire up my fpage and read. :) Technology willing, of course.