Have you tried Rice Milk? That, along with Almond cheese are soy-free alternatives, and the rice milk is less offensive than some kinds of soy I've tried.. Not sure if the almond is entirely milk-protein free though..
also, Neti pots are wonderful - and you only feel slightly like you are drowning. However, since you are entirely blocked up, I don't think that a Neti would really help at this point - I find it most useful when I can breathe slightly through a nose and would like to open it up further. I can show you a few tips on how to use one with less drowning feeling ick, though, if at some point you would like to give it a try.
I really liked the lite/plain VitaSoy because it was pretty much like skim milk. Just a good consistency, very slightly sweet but not too much. I haven't tried rice milk for a while, but remembered it being thinner and sweeter - I suppose it would be worthwile to try different varieties. Soy milk also I believe has more protein.
I will check out the almond cheese. I like almonds, so even somewhat cheesy and almondy would be theoretically enjoyable.
Thank you for the very cordial offer of neti pot lessons. I would appreciate that. I have about 5 percent nasal capacity currently. It's a true friend who gives one nasal irrigation lessons. Besides general stuff going into/out of my nose embarrassment, I'm worried that I'll get all phobic and frustrated and burst into snotty tears at some point while I'm figuring it out.
No worries, I've nearly cried using the Neti - it isn't a comfortable feeling at first, but once you get used to it, its not so bad. The biggest tip is to keep your head tilted FORWARD. Otherwise, it runs down your throat and you are waterboarding yourself. But if you tilt forward, and to one side, it tends to work alright. And making sure the salt to water ratio is right, that's super important - too little and it's uncomfortable from the water - the idea is to match what's already in there.
I also keep a towel right with me, to blow my nose, drip, and wipe with. It can be a messy process.
My mom loves almond cheese - it also melts sort of more like actual cheese, although it solidifies into something resembling a plastic lump if you leave it too long. Tastes good, though, I have to admit. It's a little soft, but you can grate it and make tacos, etc.
So I got in to see the allergy doc, and it turns out I have an infection in my sinuses, throat and chest. He has me on Cipro, which is the hardcore antibiotic that occasionally makes people's tendons burst. I'm relieved it's an infection and I hope to feel better in a few days.
In the meantime, it feels like my sinuses are full of tweed, ants and Christmas tinsel.
Don't know if you've already tried it, but some of my friends with allergies have been taking local honey with some good effect. A spoonful or two a day. It has to be produced within 10-20 miles to be effective though. Once you've gotten past your infection, I would seriously consider the neti pot for maintenance. Or if you can stand it, take a cup with about 5-6 Tbsp of salt in the shower and fill it up with the warm water. Plug one nostril with your finger and hold the cup up to your other nostril and suck the water through your nose and let it run out of your mouth, taking breaths in between. It basically flushes any dust, mold, pollen, etc. that collects up there. The salt buffers the water so it doesn't burn, and also helps kill bacteria. I usually only do this if I feel a sinus infection coming on, or if I'm having a reaction to dust, but it always makes me feel better.
Let me add my voice to the chorus praising nasal irrigation. When I have a cold, I mix up some warm saltwater in a mug, cup my palm, pour a bit in, plug one nostril, and snort it off my hand. I tilt my head back, count a bit, and let it all run back out my nose. Blowing also required. Like T said, a wee bit of air getting through is probably necessary.
Please don't start taking steroids (prednisone). They are very bad for you. one anecdote among MANY: My father used a steroidal asthma for 10 years. He took a fall on some parking lot ice and his bones turned to powder when he hit. Bone deterioration a side effect, doctors say, of the steroid.
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Have you tried Rice Milk? That, along with Almond cheese are soy-free alternatives, and the rice milk is less offensive than some kinds of soy I've tried.. Not sure if the almond is entirely milk-protein free though..
also, Neti pots are wonderful - and you only feel slightly like you are drowning. However, since you are entirely blocked up, I don't think that a Neti would really help at this point - I find it most useful when I can breathe slightly through a nose and would like to open it up further. I can show you a few tips on how to use one with less drowning feeling ick, though, if at some point you would like to give it a try.
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I will check out the almond cheese. I like almonds, so even somewhat cheesy and almondy would be theoretically enjoyable.
Thank you for the very cordial offer of neti pot lessons. I would appreciate that. I have about 5 percent nasal capacity currently. It's a true friend who gives one nasal irrigation lessons. Besides general stuff going into/out of my nose embarrassment, I'm worried that I'll get all phobic and frustrated and burst into snotty tears at some point while I'm figuring it out.
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I also keep a towel right with me, to blow my nose, drip, and wipe with. It can be a messy process.
My mom loves almond cheese - it also melts sort of more like actual cheese, although it solidifies into something resembling a plastic lump if you leave it too long. Tastes good, though, I have to admit. It's a little soft, but you can grate it and make tacos, etc.
Heres to hoping you feel better very, very soon.
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In the meantime, it feels like my sinuses are full of tweed, ants and Christmas tinsel.
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Please don't start taking steroids (prednisone). They are very bad for you. one anecdote among MANY: My father used a steroidal asthma for 10 years. He took a fall on some parking lot ice and his bones turned to powder when he hit. Bone deterioration a side effect, doctors say, of the steroid.
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