Strange Question

[honeybean]

Hey all,

Do any of you have sinus problems (mainly sinus pressure/inner ear)? On top of that, does/can the pressure affect your vision (pressure causing flashes, afterimages, etc)?

If so, what the h*ll do/can you do about it? x_x

Comments

[ex_naggingf]

I've had a lot of sinus congestion w/ pressure. I started using a neti pot a few years ago...it's wonderful for cleaning out your sinuses and relieving the pressure caused by congestion. If you decide to try it, get the pot, not the squirt bottle. Everyone I know that's ever tried the squirt bottle, end up getting water in their inner ear.

Here's what I use: http://sinucleanse.com/
You can buy the saline packets generic from Walgreens, etc (they're much cheaper than the name brand ones).

[honeybean]

I've been wondering if a neti pot was the next step. I've been avoiding it, but drastic times...

Does your sinus pressure ever cause vision problems? I'm very concerned, as everything checks clear with the opthamologist, which makes me worried about neurological problems.

[ex_naggingf]

I've never had vision problems, just ear probs sometimes.

[wikdsushi]

Yup, yup, yup. Nasonex has been a lifesaver.

[honeybean]

You've definitely been through the ringer with sinus stuff. I think I remember you had a surgery for it a few years ago?

Does the pressure ever affect your vision? That's my main concern at the moment - because otherwise I've got a neurological problem to deal with. :(

[wikdsushi]

Yup, got my sinuses roto-rootered in '05. Haven't regretted it a moment.

Pressure sometimes screws up my vision. Things kind of get wavy, though it's so subtle it's hard to explain. There are various things that can cause vision problems, though. Your best bet's going to be talking to your doctor. You can ask about an allergy nasal spray and see if it helps. Try it first for a week or two and see if things ease or clear up.

[honeybean]

Has it really been six years? o.o I could have sworn it was like...3 years ago. Maybe two. See? My brain is going.

I saw the opthamologist yet again today, and she is referring me to a neuro-opthamologist, with the concern that's been on everyone's mind - M.S. I have so many of the symptoms, but lack the lesions on the MRIs. At this point, I'm not sure I'd be all that devastated if I was diagnosed with it - the symptoms are devastating enough without a formal diagnosis.

Anyway, I'll ask about a nasal spray. I can't quite make myself purchase a neti pot.

[rightxhere]

Yep quite often, worse so when my sinuses are playing up (like today, I was around smokers at the weekend and my sinuses / throat are wanting to kill me now, it's made my ears hurt like hell too from the pressure).

Only thing I do, because I'm a wuss when it comes to trying out new stuff... is apply a hot, wet facecloth to my face, from my forehead down to the end of my nose and right across my cheekbones. It almost always helps me.

[honeybean]

I tried your suggestion with the hot washcloth and it was soothing. I wish it could beat this thing, but I'll take whatever small comfort I can get.

Do your sinuses ever affect your vision?

[rightxhere]

I'm sorry it didn't help in a big way, but I'm glad it was soothing just the same. *hugs*

At times it does, especially when they're affected in the forehead region. I get blurry vision a lot with it, and sometimes these weird dots when my forehead and cheekbone sinus cavities are affected.

[canisdoofus]

YES! Story of my life, especially here in perpetually-humid Florida!

Claritin-D is really your best option. Also, taking a very hot bath or holding your face over water vapor helps alot. And salt water! It's unfortunate you don't have a beach around.

[honeybean]

I'll definitely talk to my new doctor about it next week. This is a nightmare. It wavers in intensity, and just when I think it might be going away it comes right back all "HAHAHA, J/K LOSER." Grr.

I've been doing steams with some essential oils (yay for aromatherapy training finally coming in handy), and it helps a little.

How would one use salt water? Diffuse salt water somehow?