Tips on dealing with sinus pain?

[catnapper]

I have a sinus infection that won't go away. I'm on my third course of antibiotics. The doctor said that if this one doesn't work, they want a CAT scan of my sinuses... oh gee, doesn't that make me feel great?!? If I wasn't already frustrated with this sinus infection, now I have to worry about what happens next?

ANYWAY, I am in so much pain. Sinus meds won't cut the pain... I tried everything over the counter to the point where my bedroom looks like a drug store. My usual routine of HOT shower followed by ice pack isn't working. Migraine pills work for a little while, but then I'm left with the side effects. I have to balance the head pain vs. side effects (which make my skin SUPER sensitve to the point where a brush against something feels like someone took razors to the spot) and truly, I don't want to simply numb the head pain -- I want it to finally go away!

Its been over a month now. I'm beyond frustrated. I've gained MORE weight due to seeking out comfort food. I've spent a small fortune on dr. visits, prescriptions, and over the counter stuff. Not to mention how much money I lost at work for the days where I didn't feel like dealing with customers.... when you're in a commission based job, not working with customers means you just gave yourself a paycut.

I'll take ANY hints anyone has to offer.

[Shelteez2]

Have you tried flushing your sinuses twice daily with a Neti pot? It won't help the pain, but it will help flush away the infection, which in turn will get rid of the pain.
It takes some getting used to, but I swear by mine and I do it even when I'm not all congested too.
Hope you get to feeling better soon. Sinus pain sucks!

[kuhio98]

Have you tried flushing your sinuses twice daily with a Neti pot? It won't help the pain, but it will help flush away the infection, which in turn will get rid of the pain.
It takes some getting used to, but I swear by mine and I do it even when I'm not all congested too.

I was going to sugges the same thing. Neti pot is a great idea.

[KYS]

Shelteez2:Have you tried flushing your sinuses twice daily with a Neti pot? >>>>>>>

LONG:
I use to have chronic sinus infections and did not want surgery.
In the past my allergist use to give me large doses of antibiotics often since I had chronic infections. One day I had a reaction to the drug. I can no longer take sulfa drugs. I am now more carefully about taking antibiotics in fear I will run out of the ones I can take. Note: If your infection is caused by a virus the anti-biotics will not work.)

Once you get your Sinus infection in check, Both the ENT specialist and the allergist told me to use the saline rinses. (can not use when nose is plugged up.)

Flushing your sinus's 2 times a day is one of the best tools for keeping sinus infections in-check.
I use sinus rinse by NeilMed. It comes with a bottle or you can use a Neti Pot.
I also use a product called Simply Saline, which is a spray can.

Medication during the day like Claritin and Sudefed also helps me.

My heart goes out to you. Luckily, I never had the bad migraines.
Hugs

[boomersooner]

My husband has been flushing his sinuses with a neti pot now for about 3 years, and I can't remember the last time he had a sinus infection.

[Laura's Babies]

I too have been flushing for years and have not had a sinus infection since. I carry a sinus flush kit with me to the boat that I bought over the counter at the local drug store that I take to work. My sinuses started burning this last trip and I started flushing... on day 2 the burning stopped and so did the sneezing I was doing.

I highly recommend flushing with either a Nedi pot or one of those kits like I got. (The kits even have the mix to put in the water in pre-measured packs.)

I had a sinus infection every single March for years until I discovered flushing them myself... the doctors do it and charge you big bucks and you can do it yourself!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Where do you get a Neti pot? I have the same problem. What exactly is it?