Sinuses?

Soo...I've been having what I think is a reoccuring sinus issue. I get headaches that only happen around my left eye...sometimes its just pressure, but its accented with blinding pain and an inability to function on a normal level. I've tried taking benedryl and excedrin but it doesn't really help (only makes me sleepy). I can't take decongestants because the active ingredient in them gives me heart palpitations...but I need some way to clear my sinuses because this is only getting more frequent and painful. At this point I'm finding it hard to concentrate on school work and its led to more than one migrane, which usually end in me throwing up.

Help...please?? I've tried hot compresses and I've blown my nose to the point where I feel like my brains are going to be projected out of my ears, but none of it helps

Hmmm, that's horrible. Obviously Mucinex is a decongestant, but does it have the same active ingredient as the others? I would definitely go to your doc though, because if it's that bad you may need an antibiotic and maybe they can prescribe you something stronger for the pain.

ETA: Try filling up your bathroom sink with steaming hot water and leaning over it with a towel over your head.

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Posted by kris_gets_hitched

Have you ever used a neti pot? I've heard that it does wonders for some people who have major sinus issues.

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The idea of pouring water up one nostril and having it come out the other gives me the heebie jeebies...but I might not have a choice.

some people swear by the netti pots but Im too scared to have water go up one nostral and out the other.

I would go to the dr's and see what they say or can prescibe for your. Sometimes those cronic sinus problems means you may have a divated septum and you might need to get surgery.

feel better!!!

*edit* to add something... def go to the dr because I had such a bad sinus infection 4 years ago that I had double vision for 3 weeks because my sinus was so infected it was pushing on my ocular muscle no bueno

last year I had the worst sinus infection of my life, seriously I felt like I was dying for a week straight. The Dr gave me antibiotics but also told me to take Claritin to help get rid of some of the pressure and to get a netti pot.

The netti pot seems weird at first, but it definitely helps, it will clear you up after a few goes. And now I take Claritin along with OTC sinus pills to help with the pressure.

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Posted by T E R I

last year I had the worst sinus infection of my life, seriously I felt like I was dying for a week straight. The Dr gave me antibiotics but also told me to take Claritin to help get rid of some of the pressure and to get a netti pot.

The netti pot seems weird at first, but it definitely helps, it will clear you up after a few goes. And now I take Claritin along with OTC sinus pills to help with the pressure.

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I just noticed you had basically the same advice! I never tried the netti pot though.

I get constant sinus infections. Mine give me awful earaches that feel like someone is stabbing me in the ear with an ice pick. Other times it's my cheeks. The neti pot is really good. the first time you use it, its a little scary, but after a couple of times, its so easy and it makes you feel better. I also cant take the sinus/cold meds. I feel like Im having an 8 hr anxiety attack. But I can take childrens liquid Dimatapp. I should own stock in it. It's the only thing that doesn't make me feel crazy. I also like it cause I can take half a dose if I want to.
If I catch it early enough, I don't have to go on antibiotics. I try not to take them if I don't have to. If it gets to the point where it's not getting any better, my dr will give me a z-pack. A couple of times I have had to do 10 days of Omnicef antibiotic cause I was in a cycle where as soon as one would end, a few days later it came back. The omnicef knocked it out for while.
Feel better!

Ok Ilana...if you don't want to take meds or use the neti pot....I might have a have a solution for ya.

Try using tiger balm. I know it can be smelly, but if you rub a little bit in around your temple and eyebrow area of your left eye. (Just make sure you don't get it into your eye.) Massage it in real good and cover the area with a cloth or towel. What happens is by massaging the tiger balm into your skin the more you massage, it begins to warm, so by covering it you want to maintain that warmth.

I recommend doing this at night when you know you are relaxing before heading to bed.

You will find that it works also for headaches, and sore muscles, too.

HTH

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Posted by MikesBride2B

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Posted by kris_gets_hitched

Have you ever used a neti pot? I've heard that it does wonders for some people who have major sinus issues.

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The idea of pouring water up one nostril and having it come out the other gives me the heebie jeebies...but I might not have a choice.

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I felt the same was as you. I am a big big checken I am 25 and just got my friend needle without someone holding my hand last year. A few months ago I was in so much pain i have the neti pot a try, it is amazing. It does not hurt at all, there is no pain or disconfort....it feels odd at first but it clears everything out. I swear by it now

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Posted by kris_gets_hitched

Have you ever used a neti pot? I've heard that it does wonders for some people who have major sinus issues.

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I use my neti pot EVERY day....I have sinusitis, and get infections way too frequently.....the neti pot helps A LOT.

Not sure if you remember Ilana but a few months ago I had sinus surgery. I was constantly getting sinus infections, I've had at least a dozen from January to September it was awful.

I highly recommend the Neti Pot. It really helps relieve the pressure and clears everything out. Yes, its gross, but it doesn't hurt or anything. Also, if it is something that happens frequently, maybe consider seeing an ENT so they can take a look at whats going on. Other good over the counter stuff is: Afrin and Clartin.

Okay...sleeping did not help, I'm just as headache-y and nauseous as last night...

Can I get a neti pot at CVS?? If so I'm gonna march down there right after dropping FSD at the bus...I can't take this anymore.

Thanks girls for the advice...it really really helped.

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Posted by ShellyNY

I get constant sinus infections. Mine give me awful earaches that feel like someone is stabbing me in the ear with an ice pick. Other times it's my cheeks. The neti pot is really good. the first time you use it, its a little scary, but after a couple of times, its so easy and it makes you feel better. I also cant take the sinus/cold meds. I feel like Im having an 8 hr anxiety attack. But I can take childrens liquid Dimatapp. I should own stock in it. It's the only thing that doesn't make me feel crazy. I also like it cause I can take half a dose if I want to.
If I catch it early enough, I don't have to go on antibiotics. I try not to take them if I don't have to. If it gets to the point where it's not getting any better, my dr will give me a z-pack. A couple of times I have had to do 10 days of Omnicef antibiotic cause I was in a cycle where as soon as one would end, a few days later it came back. The omnicef knocked it out for while.
Feel better!

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OMG this is EXACTLY what happens to me...I feel like I'm about to go out of my mind with anxiety when I take decongestants. I will definitely try Children's Liquid Dimatapp...thanks for the tip!