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OT: Talk me out of my cranky-pants mood

Kari

Veteran

I've been fighting a losing battle against pollen allergies for the last few weeks. While Nasonex and Mucinex are keeping the nasal congestion at bay, my eyes are so itchy and dry that I have blurry vision when I try to wear contacts, my throat is itchy and sandpaper-raw, I cough until I throw up, and have given myself a badly pulled rib right under where my underwire hits. This is the WORST allergy season I've experienced since 2004 or so.

On top of all that, this week I've also developed a heck of a sinus infection, and my doctor isn't available to see me until Wednesday afternoon. I feel like I've been punched in the side AND in the face at the same time.

I'm really, really mad at my body, and in need of something to make me smile and less cranky. Anything fun or entertaining that you've come across online that could jolt me out of my foul mood?

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34 replies

Latest reply was from annagybe

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(((HUGS))). I'm so sorry :(. Feeling grotty is so GROTTY. I know what a cracked rib feels like

Can you see an ER doctor in the meantime for your sinus infection?

I vote extra TLC from Brian. A massage. Watch a few movies that make you smile. Ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. Tea. And a great view of the beautiful happy items in your closet.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Oh, poor Kari! this is not fun at all!
How about watching your favorite funny movies - always works for me. Everything Angie suggested sounds like a good idea too. It is a weekend so you will have an opportunity to relax and it may help as well: stress may be adding to your problems too.
Have you tried Cod FX remedy? It works miracles for flu and colds by boosting immune system and making your body fight the illness. It may help with allergies and sinus as
well:
http://www.coldfx.com/
<<<HUGS>>>

Kari

Veteran

Angie, two of my friends have had cracked ribs (one while pregnant, which sounds exceedingly awful) and have wisely cautioned me to brace my side with my arms when I'm coughing - or to use tape. I'm fairly sure it's just a pulled muscle though - from what they have described, I'm nowhere near to feeling the amount of pain that a cracked rib would entail. I'm just sore from wearing a bra, to be honest!

If it gets really bad, I have an urgent care clinic literally within walking distance that I can visit over the weekend. The sinus infection only just reared its ugly head yesterday afternoon, but I've had one before and I know what it feels like (and there's that unpleasantly distinctive metallic taste!)

B. and I were planning to curl up together for a movie tonight, so I'll let him know a little extra TLC is in order.

Off to brew some more rooibos tea with honey. I am drinking like a fish this week!

Kari

Veteran

Sveta, I have not heard of Cold-FX before. Thanks! It looks like it's only available in Canada, but it sounds kind of similar to Airborne or Emergen-C.

Aida

Veteran

Awww that's no fun, sorry to hear your allergies have gotten worse Kari If you're looking to go out, I also vote eastside wineries with me and Christy?

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Kari, google Reactine and get the U.S. version of it. I have a horrible problem with sinus infections and my doctor treats it with double dose extra strength reactine and a steroid spray. Often the reactine is enough to keep it out of my ears until everything else works.

(((hugs))) coming from my way too. I know how painful the sinuses can be from experience and hope you get better soon.

Kari

Veteran

Aida, when are you going? I live ridiculously nearby. That would be fun!

Dianthus, Zyrtec is the US version of Reactine. It used to work on me really, really well but the last few years I've seemed to not have much of a reaction to it. (Same thing with Clairitin, which also used to to the job.) I'm wondering if I've become immune after using it every Spring when seasonal allergies rear their head. Benadryl *does* work, but I can't take it if I plan to be awake (I pretty much fall asleep if I've taken it, so it's definitely not usable during the day on a work day.) I'm hoping my doc can suggest something a bit stronger (a more comprehensive allergy/sinus-targeting medicine) as the over-the-counter options don't seem to be working for me any longer.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think my doctor suggested Aerius when reactine starts to fail me. I have a Rx for steroid spray and use it whenever I find that tylenol doesn't work on a headache. In those cases, it is almost always allergy induced sinusitis. The one I use is fluconase. I find it quite effective.

Have you tried the neti-pot? Some people swear it helps.

DonnaF

Veteran

Oh, Kari, my sympathies. I have seasonal allergy problems, too, but nearly so bad as what you are going through. Would taking a ferry ride (not sure which one) help to get you away from the stuff causing you problems?

I wouldn't suggest this during a sinus infection, but my daughter uses a neti pot to flush out her nose. She also washes her hair before bedtime to remove the offending pollen. We have noticed that when her system is on overdrive fighting allergies that she is also more prone to getting sick, so please be careful. (Allergy mucus doesn't lead to chapped upper lip, but cold mucus does.)

Ummm. Indoor malls have pretty good air conditioning/air filter systems. You would just have to avoid the stores that have a lot of clothing coated with sizing or whatever it is that makes them smell. High-end merchandise doesn't tend to have this problem. Also, trying on pants would probably add too much stress; cute dresses and shoes would be a safer bet. Movie theaters are also pretty good.

Kari

Veteran

Dianthus, I *think* (from what I can find online) Fluconase is the same product essentially as Nasonex, which I take. It is *great* for blocking nasal congestion. If I don't take it, I end up a bleary, snotty mess all spring (to put it bluntly!) Unfortunately this allergy season seems to have gone straight to the eyes and throat, which the nasal spray doesn't really minimize. But I'll see what my doc recommends.

To answer your question (and Donna's suggestion): I tried a Neti-Pot years ago and couldn't quite get the mechanics of it (the results would have been really funny to watch) but the rest of my family swears by them when they are going through colds, sinus infections, or allergy infections. I think I might give it another try.

Yes, I have been washing (washing my face and bathing) a lot to remove the pollen that clings to me outdoors. It helps a LOT - especially the steam/humidity from taking a bath!

Donna - "trying on pants would probably add too much stress; cute dresses and shoes would be a safer bet." You're a girl after my own sartorial heart!

catgirl

Veteran

The year my allergies were that bad, I actually went and got a steroid shot. Otherwise, I would have gone all "Shining" on someone.

This year, I somehow escaped allergies, even though it's a bad season. I'm wondering if you can outgrow them. I hope so.

In any case, do you watch Flight of the Conchords? I give you this, the gift of hilarious take-offs on 80s songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqfcwgT0Ds

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Kari. Big hugs. It sounds as if you really need some rest and care and a break from all that pollen!!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Oh, you poor thing! Big hugs!!!

Kari

Veteran

Oh, Una, I *love* Flight of the Conchords. Thank you! (Fashion is Danger is another one of my faves too.)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, poor thing! TLC for sure. I also recommend the Neti Pot... I discovered it a couple of years ago, and now I use it at the first sign of a runny/stuffy nose. Besides clearing out all the nasty stuff, it gives relief from the pressure (until the pressure builds up again, but a little respite can get you through the day).

To commiserate, last year I had a horrible cough like you described. They gave me meds for the pain, but the meds made me vomit left and right. My throat was so raw after that! I hope you feel better soon. :T

kellygirl

Veteran

Ugh, I can totally relate. We all have seasonal allergies--this year seems worse that usual. For itchy eyes, we just use Opcon drops and take Zyrtec. When our allergies are really bad, we add a benadryl before bed. I've never used a neti pot but I have used a nasal rinse--a system that I bought at Costco. It comes with packets that you dissolve in distilled water and then use to flush your sinuses. It's kind of *gross* but it really helps. Another product worth looking into is Xlear. It's a sinus spray with xylitol. Definitely less messy that the sinus rinse.

Good luck!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Aww. I'm sorry, Kari!

Have you tried Zaditor for your itchy eyes? I've developed a really terrible allergy to oak pollen since moving here and the Zaditor eye drops help. I have to use it twice a day (once in morning, once in evening), and it stings like *&^% for about a minute afterwards but it does help me. I'm sending hugs. Allergies are the worst!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Kari - how miserable for you! I suffer from sinus infections so know how rotten that feels, but with your added allergies and rib pain, it just STINKS!!! Please take care of yourself and I highly recommended getting together with Aida - that sounds like good medicine!

christy

Veteran

Oh Kari...logging in quickly to say I am SO sorry to hear this allergy season has hit you so hard. I don't have allergies and these darn cottonwoods are giving me the itches, so it must be awful for you! Your post title caught my eye because I too have been in a cranky pants mood all day (though for work and stress reasons, not health-related) so I wanted to commiserate a bit. Aida hit the nail on the head - we really DO need to plan to go to the wineries sometime. Maybe once your allergy miseries subside a bit? Snuggle up with B, drink your tea and feel better soon!!!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Kari - I missed if you have tried Allegra? Claritin gives me night-sweats (!!), Zyrtec was ineffective, but Allegra works like a charm. Of course, it's not for a sinus infection, but maybe try it for your allergies - it's a different drug than the other two.

*hugs*

Take this link for cranky-pants-itis:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/paws/a.....-positions

Kari

Veteran

Christy and Aida, let's DO it! I'll PM you with my availability.

Christy, sorry to hear that the week has been stressful. Work related stress can absolutely put me into my cranky-pants mode too. I hope that it subsides. Have a glass of wine for me this weekend, OK?

My friend who is a nurse (and has some ear/nose issues of her own) recommended a sinus rinse pretty similar to what Kellygirl mentioned, so I'll see if I can pick one up at the pharmacy tomorrow. Better late than never, eh?

I have not tried Allegra yet but it's one of the products I was planning to ask my doc about on Wednesday. I'll add the others you all mentioned to the list, too. Thank you!

B. is out picking up chicken noodle soup and crackers for me. He's a sweetie.

Diana

Veteran

Poor Kari! Sounds like you need lots of tea and snuggles. And a hot toddy perhaps.

Re: the rib pain. One thing I learned from my doc when I pulled a muscle under a rib a few years ago was that you can take Ibuprofen (Advil) for serious pulled muscle pain but you need to take at least 3 (600 mg) for it to be effective. Apparently the starting dosage for arthritis is actually 800 mg so it's not as crazy as it sounds. It totally worked though and was less scary than prescription painkillers.

(((Big hugs)))

ramya

Veteran

Kari, I have Sinus problems myself and my dad who is a doctor, recomends,steam inhalation...
I like to add some vicks vapourrub to the boiling water and inhale...

hope u feel better soon

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Kari - you never know. After striking out with two OTC meds, I was ready to just give in and suffer, and my husband convinced me to try one more - it's been a life-saver. You'd never know I have severe seasonal allergies when I take Allegra.

Chrizzle

Last week was like that for me, Kari. Bad allergies, plus work stress made me so cranky I could hardly stand myself! I was taking 3 different allergy meds every day and getting only minimal relief. We went away for the weekend (out near Scenic Beach on the Kitsap Peninsula) and changing location seemed to have short-circuited the allergy attack, and I've been much better this week.

Allergies tend to trigger asthma attacks for me, and asthma makes me cough violently. Took a while for it to be properly diagnosed as asthma since I didn't have the classic "asthma wheeze". If you find that you're coughing a lot, especially at night, you might want to ask your doctor if an inhaler might help.

Hope you feel up to going out and having fun with Aida and Christy.

christieanne

Veteran

Brian must go get you some allegra and opcon or zaditor drops for your eyes - OTC now (they were Rx until last year) and I would bet they work. I started getting allergies living in a high pollen agricultural area and I can tell the difference when I don't take the allegra. Sometimes I double up with no sleepiness at all. Claritan just knocks me unconscious practically but Allegra (or it's knockoff generic equivalents) is fantastic.
I also used to get bronchitis form my colds/allergies and know that coughing until your chest hurts feeling. Poor girl! Some steam therapy usually helps me. And just tons of rest.

Please see a dr if sinus infection is suspect so you can get antibiotics quickly. Some things are not worth messing about with.

Movies, TLC, rest, tea, frozen yogurt or popsicles. Hang in there and let us know how you feel after weekend

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm checking in. How are you feeling today, Kari? Stay at home and keep that bra off!

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

Oh Kari ((hugs)) I sympathise. Here in the UK it's been a hideous time for allegies, too. As I've got older, I've started to have reactions to the three main OTC drugs for hayfever - they act like sleeping tablets on me - no allergies, but not awake, either!! I use a nose spray (the same one as you, with a different, English, name, I think) but it doesn't help my eyes or throat. Or my skin - I am so ITCHY!!!! I am determined to go the the doctors in the autumn and ask what help I can have for next year

I also get sinus problems - I find this stuff works well for me (not sure if you can get in the US?) http://www.sterimar.com/en/ - it seems to help with the pressure build up, and the horrible taste/smell you get.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

ugh. i've not read all the comments yet, but Kari we're having a horrendous allergy season down here in the bay area. i can definitely relate! the worst about breathing related problems is *you cannot take a break*. sprain your ankle and you can stay off it for a while, but you can't stop breathing to rest your poor muscle!

re: sinus rinse. Mr. E started just recently and it's helped him a LOT (the rest of the family has done so for years and has been pestering him relentlessly). He got this Neil Med Sinus Rinse kit from safeway for around $10. It has little packets so you get the mix just right (yay! no burning from not knowing what you're doing!) and this squeeze bottle that makes it super easy to 'perform the rinse'. I just pour some in my hand, snork it up the nose and spit it out in the sink. (Hope no ones eating!) I get a lot of gunk in the back of my throat and i find my 'method' (if you can dignify that activity with such a name!) gets rid of the stuff back there.

you might also ask your doc about anti-allergy/anti-inflammatory eye drops. i know some people who find that they get a lot of relief from those. also, i find that sleeping propped up/half sitting up helps things drain better.

Best of luck - why do sinus infections have to be right there In Your Head? really! best of luck, feel better soon! steph

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