Lovin’ my Neti Pot!

Back in early 2010, I came down with a terrible sinus infection.  My whole head hurt badly and my ears were both blocked.  They did not both block at the same time (maybe within a few days of each other). It’s a bit of a long story, but the link to that story is above. In the end, it turns out that I had a severe sinus infection.  I was given ear drops and oral antibiotics.

By the end of 2010 when winter came around again, I ended up with bad headaches.  I was sent to see an ENT who prescribed Avamys, a nasal spray.  After using it for a few days, my pain has subsided.

The following winter (this winter), the headaches came back.  I have to just conclude that the sinus infection has somehow affected my sinuses permanently and these headaches will continue to come back every time the weather changes.  I refilled the prescription for the avamys, but then I remembered the Neti Pot I purchased previous to the first time I used the Avamys.  I did not end up using it as the Avamys did the trick.  But…wouldn’t it be nice if there was a more natural way of helping these headaches? Taking Tylenol every 5 seconds simply wasn’t doing the trick.  So, I pulled out my Neti Pot and decided to give it a go.

I gotta admit- I was scared to use the Avamys as I was nervous to have fluid shot up my nose.  I felt like it would hurt or something. Now…I plan on guiding a continuous stream of fluid through one nostril and out of the other?  I must be crazy!  Well..all I can do is try!

So I got the box out and read the instructions. I would need distilled water, which I already have on hand as I use it in my hair steamer.

After cleaning the Neti Pot, I poured the distilled water into the pot up to the fill line.  As per the instructions, I put the Neti Pot into the microwave for a total of 25 seconds (in 10 second intervals) to warm the water up.

The box also had these little sachets in it which is to be emptied into the pot after the distilled water in the pot has been warmed.

So I did as instructed, emptied the packet into the pot, placed the lid on, and gently swished it around to mix.

I had to brace myself for several seconds before I built up the nerve to put the end in my nose, opened my mouth slightly so I could breath through my nose, and watched in amazement as the water flowed out of my other nostril. No discomfort…actually kinda soothing (I know, this picture is weird and perhaps creepy, but I’m trying to document this as accurately as possible! LOL)

I’ve used my Neti Pot 4 times so far. I haven’t used it yet today but I will shortly.  So far, it’s been helping with my headaches.  If you want to try it too, I bought mine at Shopper’s Drug Mart, but I’ve seen them at Walmart too.  Just follow the instructions; don’t use regular tap water in it…make sure it’s distilled.

Now excuse me while I go and flush my sinuses! 🙂