Nose dilemma

[Big Kahuna]

I tried the neti pot and the NeilMed sinus rinse for several years, but it made my particular problems worse. Yes, there was some immediate, short-term relief, but they seemed to prolong my sinus infections by a week or two. I should also note that I wear a helmet with good ear protection when I ride so, my issues may stem from water rushing in through my nose rather than through my ears. Your sinus cavities are as unique as your finger prints, and I suspect that mine just can't tolerate water coming in through my nose. I don't know for sure, but I feel like the pressure forces mucus upward, against the natural flow, and creates a stubborn clog. I've gone to five different physicians and specialists over the past seven years, and so far, the regimen listed above is the only thing that has worked.

I too was very reluctant to take daily meds, but I finally gave in. Again, this is just my personal experience, and your results may vary.

I had Sinus Surgery in 2008. Before that, it would take months to get over sinus infections. I remember being sick just about the entire 2006 race season. Drinking hot chocolate in early June at the Lake Norman Race, If I drank anything cold I would get caughing fits. After the surgery I did 2 races. The first one was dead in the middle of the summer. I was blown away at how well I could breath, was not even tired after the race like I use to be. I use to stay just about totally clogged up on the left side.

Have you seen about having surgery? I only flush now when I feel the sludge coming in or if I have been around alot of dust.. I do have more ear pressure issues that I did not have before.

 

[King Kang]

Yes, one of the specialists I saw did a sinus scan and suggested that surgery might fix things, but he wasn't too confident that it would. Hence, I decided not to invest in it. The Singulair improved my breathing dramatically, and I know exactly what you mean about not getting as winded anymore. Daily uphill runs are nowhere near as challenging as they once were.

 

[Patrick]

I have real bad allergies. So bad that sometimes I question why I ride and keep doing this to myself. After a day of riding or out on the river. The only thing that kind of works for me is taking a long hot shower and mix up a little solution of warm water and salt and use on of those ear drop plunger deals to suck up some solution and spray in my nose. similar to the netty pot. and for me I have to take tons of allergy meds and steroid creams because of my allergies and eczema. which is mostly caused from being in the water.