Extra hugs beyond a normal hugs dosage to you, Kari. I so feel ya on the pollen count being insane this year (though we're on opposite coasts--here the combination of no snow-winter and warm, mild weather or something like that has created this monster). As I had mentioned, I am suddenly experiencing some intense (for me) asthma symptoms out of nowhere, and I have no idea why--pollen? (Which I can usually see, but this year all the green-yellow gunk you spot on cars and driveways is not in sight). Too much dairy? (Why I was gonna say--no ice cream, despite Angie's well-meant suggestion!) What else? It sounds so miserable to hear how you're suffering! I agree that a trip to the ER might be the thing to do. This is too much to put up with.

If I can come up with some funny videos and what not, I'll come back and let you know.

I hope you're spoiling yourself this weekend and feel like there are signs of improvement. A few years ago my husband and I both had a horrid sinus thing that wouldn't go away. The advice nurse recommended ibuprofen. She said after about three days Sudafed stops working but an anti inflammatory will ease the pressure. It did help.

Meanwhile I leave you with the twitter feed for Emergency Puppy
http://twitter.com/#!/EmergencyPuppy

Thank you all. I'm feeling a tad better today as I've been able to stay upright on the couch and not have to bend over so much as I did when I was at work last week. Tonight B. and I are going to briefly dine with friends, but we're in for a relaxing evening of pet-sitting Shadow. Just the ticket!

Oh the pollen is outrageous this year. I had one of those coughing fits last night and almost vomited. I take daily claritin in the morning and benedryl at night before bed. You have to keep the dosage even by taking it at the same time every day so that it "builds up" in your system. And it does take time, like 3 or 4 days, before you start feeling the benefit.

You can also increase your intake of Vitamin C and also take something to boost your immune system because while you are fighting the allergens, some other bug might just take advantage of you while you are distracted with allergies.

I've got my daughter on the claritin this year because she is suffering as well...so bad she is getting major nose-bleeds from her raw sinuses. Its rough out there these days! I have a new nick-name for my car...The Pollen-Mobile!

I'm so sorry you're feeling so cruddy. I had to laugh at crankypants reference. I came up with the word a few years for a spectacularly bad day.