Saturday, January 10, 2009

Neti

I went to the doctor yesterday to see if I could get some good drugs for my never-ending sickness. The doctor was actually a PA that I hadn't seen before, but she was jolly and good humored. After checking me out, she said I have a sinus infection and promptly prescribed me some antibiotics. She also suggested that I drink lots of fluids, feel free to take cold medicine to decrease congestion and consider using a Neti Pot. Sure, sure. Wait, wha?

My Dad was overjoyed when I told him, because not only does he think I need surgery for a deviated septum (which I don't), but he has also been after me to use a Neti Pot. He said that he'd call and see if they carry them at the Walgreen's down the street. Uh, ok. And, guess what! They do have them at Walgreen's!

Incredulous, but also curious, I went to Walgreen's today and bought a Neti Pot kit. It comes with a small plastic pot, some powdered saline packets to mix with water (my doctor said you can make your own with a quarter teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of water) and a plastic spoon.

It actually kind of looks like drug paraphanalia. (Dude, you put the pot in your nose and whoa! It's aaaaaawesome.)

I read the directions.


Then I mixed up some of the powdered solution with warm water, stuck the pot in and commenced drainage. It felt a bit abnormal, but not painful and it didn't run down my throat like nosespray sometimes does.

It was weird, but I guess I'll keep doing it and see if things improve. Between the Neti Pot and the antibiotics, I should be better at some point. (God, I sure hope so. Because being sick is pretty damn boring.)

2 comments:

Laura Bee said...

My husband swears by the Neti. It reminds him of swimming in the ocean. It also helps him clean out all of the wood dust that's up his nose at the end of each day. (TMI?) Anyhow, I think he's kind of addicted to the little pitcher, and I've heard from others that they're obsessed too. Watch out. You may become a Neti junkie.

Kittykat said...

It's good to know other people find it helpful, too! My husband is kind of creeped out by the Neti, but I'm finding that it really does help to clear everything out. It's such a treat to be able to breathe through my nose again!