Not impressed

[ailbhe]

I've been ill since just before Christmas. I have good days and bad days. My symptoms are basically cold symptoms, with optional additional suddenly falling temperature, down to just above 35C.

I'm really, really tired. Fall asleep in the middle of doing something with the children tired.

A lot of this is normal for pregnancy, but I'm tired and often in such pain - sinuses or ears - that I can't sleep properly, or can't lie down.

I think I'm going to buy a Neti pot, which I feel guilty about because it's such an experimental waste of money.

And think hard about food. I probably need to put more effort into eating.

Comments

[sidheag.livejournal.com]

Would you feel squicked out by a second hand (plastic) Netipot? I have one gathering dust which you're welcome to. Might be a few days before I get out to post it, though.

[rosefox]

If you can get the NeilMed Sinus Rinse thingy there, I highly recommend it. Much easier to use and more comfortable than a neti pot.

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

Seconded. And talk to a nurse to get a recipe for the sinus rinse -- I had one but lost it, really should ring my practice nurse and get her to repeat it to me. MUCH cheaper than buying the sachets, and just as good.

[(Anonymous)]

I have no idea about the dropping temperature, have you checked this with your mw? I found loads of sinus massage quite helpful, and also just a normal vicks/olbas oil/menthol crystals steam inhalation useful too. Sounds like your sinus are pretty bunged up, that would account for the ear pain too I guess. Nasty, hated this when I pregnant with both. Doesn't help with the exhaustion either.

Rachel

ps

[(Anonymous)]

I have a spare bog standard steam inhaler which I could drop off tomorrow as am meeting a friend in moondogs.

[barakta]

Have your GP sent you to an ENT for your sinus stuff, sounds like you could do with some long term medical management of it advice. I have congenital disability related sinus screwups and have found even some simple stuff makes a huge difference. I have a daily nasal spray and constant antihistamines and so far I'm not doing badly and I definitely think the nasal spray helps (and as it's local it's unlikely to be systemic and affect the baby).

[baratron.livejournal.com]

I'm rather concerned by the sudden falling temperature. It sounds like you need to get checked out by a doctor, if you haven't been recently. I can't believe this is just pregnancy plus a cold because it's been going on for too long.

Sterimar saline sprays are good for a blocked nose. I've only tried the isotonic version, not the hypertonic which is designed to be squirted right up into sinuses. But they're definitely safe for pregnancy and babies!

[ailbhe]

The falling temperature thing seems to have stopped, but if it happens again I will get it checked out. Long, long colds are fairly normal for me since I got sick in early 2007, sadly.

[feanelwa.livejournal.com]

I had a horrible sinus infection one Christmas and found that holding a cup of hot water against the side of my head was the best thing for letting it all drain and stop hurting. Leaning your head on a hot water bottle also helpful. Of course this all depends on being able to stay in one place without having to rescue toddlers from themselves for long enough :/

[1ngi.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're having a rough time.

[hopeforyou.livejournal.com]

Sorry you're not feeling so good lately. I think the neti pot is a worthwhile experiment - it has really helped me with sinus congestion. If you feel really really tired, you might have an infection - might want to see a doctor and make sure you don't need antibiotics.

Tips about the neti: Do not do it right after eating. Wait 2 hours. And it's best to use warm (not hot) water and do it first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

I find aromatherapy with eucalyptus oil or tea tree or lavender oil helps, as well as steam inhalation with thyme in a pot of water on the stove... all of these should be pregnancy-safe (and many antibiotics are -- pregnant women with Lyme have found them).

Foodwise, if you haven't already, you might want to try cutting out dairy entirely. Dairy encourages mucus production. That and sometimes orange juice can.

I hope you feel better soon. Take care.