Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7



Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Is neti my friend?

.

Today I stopped in at the pharmacy and bought a neti pot. I have wanted one for a while, but I admit, I was afraid. I remember the feeling of having water up my nose -- way back when I did cannonballs in the deep end of the pool. I was afraid the neti pot would give me that same sensation, but I was assured by many people that the neti pot is "wonderful," "best thing ever," "you'll want to use it all the time."

Since autumn I've had so much dry nose (TMI?) I feel like I can't breathe. Added to that since a few weeks ago I have felt like I have a low grade sinus infection. I thought the neti pot couldn't hurt if I could just get over my memory of the burning sinuses caused by water up my nose.

I read the directions carefully and mixed up the water with half a packet of the saline mix (the directions said use half the packet if you're a beginner). I used body temp water, carefully positioned my head (I've watched many YouTube videos) and started pouring. At first I felt nothing. The water ran in and the water ran out. Then about five seconds into it I felt the burn. Not quite as bad as pool water, but definitely not comfortable. I finished the pot, blew my nose, and then I felt water in my left ear. Weird. I blew again and then I started to feel ear pain. I read that if you blow too hard you can have ear pain, but I didn't think I blew that hard. Then I read that if you're Eustachian tubes are too big, you might not be able to use the neti pot.

I'm not turned off completely, because my nose actually feels really good, but I'm a little hesitant to try again after the sinus and ear pain. I'm curious if any of my friends out there use a neti, have you had these problems and what did you do? Am I doing it wrong?

.

7 comments:

  1. I don't have the pot, instead I have the squeeze bottle. That might make a bit of difference because you lean forward instead of to the side? My struggle was with feeling like I was drowning, and it was suggested to me that I say "kah kah kah" while rinsing. It helps a bit. I've not really had it loosen anything when I'm stuffy, though, so I might not be the best person to comment. :>)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Okay . . . the ear pain thing you have going on? Not ever going to try it now. I've had five surgeries on my ears and I do not know how to swim . . . I'm afraid of the feeling of water in my nose, too. I was going to try the neti pot one day, but now I shant.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've always been leery of those things. I can swim just fine, but too many laps of freestyle make me feel like I'm going to drown, so, NO, No water in my nose. Thank you.

    Feel better! Try a humidifier in the house, or less heat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lenetta, Now that I think about it, I may have closed my mouth, which I understand is a no-no. Trying again today. I'm just stubborn enough to make it work (I hope!).

    Sarah, Don't let me turn you off -- please! I am going to try again. I'll let you know how it goes.

    Thanks, Barb. Nothing serious -- more a nuisance.

    Sara, I thought for sure you had tried one (just a guess). I have tried a humidifier but my husband is convinced that all they do is spread bacteria, even though I clean them regularly. So when he sees me get one out, he starts lecturing. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aren't you going to show us your video?

    I watched the Nasopure video with a bottle thingy. She was a doctor and showed even 2 year olds doing it!

    never heard of it until this post.
    sorry you are feeling bad.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Haha, Jamie. Nope -- no video for me! I just watched the Nasopure video too and it does look a little simpler than the Neti pot because you don't have to turn your head. I'm glad I taught you something new today! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've never had a need to use it but I could see my hubby using it. Keep trying, from what I've read and heard, it's all in the technique! I hope you feel better soon! If all else fails... eucalytus oil at the bottom of a shower of super hot water helps. Or as my Polish grandma (Babcia) would do... boil water with vinegar and then breathe in the steam.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your comments -- sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!