It occurs to me that Nettie Potts might make a good character name, but today I’m passing on medical advice. As one of those uninsured Americans, I’m always looking for cheap, effective alternatives to prescription drugs. After my doctor tried me on a couple of different nasal sprays to combat chronic congestion ($110+ for a tiny bottle with side effects), he suggested I try sinus irrigation based on the testimonials of a few of his patients. Basically, you pour water in one nostril, and it comes out the other. You can add salt and baking soda to the water to increase its efficacy. It works like a charm, costs almost nothing, and has no side effects that I’ve discovered. I bought a SinuCleanse pot from Walgreens which comes with measured packets of salt and soda. When those ran out, I mixed my own using a kitchen scale. If you find yourself snuffling or constantly clearing your throat, try a neti. I use one daily.
Okay, so after spending close to $200 in cold medicine, sprays, gargles, herbal teas, and various other things to fight this wicked cold that’s got me laid up worse than the month I had Mono, I went and bought one of these evil pots.
I don’t know how you do it. I mean, yeah. I’m pretty sure it worked. I feel damn irrigated. But it also made me want to die a little inside.
I guess it’s one of those things like doing tai chi in central park and writing an entire album about your relationship with a transvestite–you’ve just got to be damned hardcore to pull off.
I’m sorry for your sufferings, Dustin. I’ve never used the pot in the midst of a wicked cold, because since I started using one, I haven’t had any colds, wicked or otherwise. I started using it to address sinus issues, and it cleared them up. If I use it regularly, it’s easy—easier I imagine than your experience—and problems don’t develop. It’s a bit like flossing, I suppose. No fun in itself but much more pleasant and less expensive than what it prevents. Have a brandy. It probably won’t help, but you won’t mind so much.
Fill the Neti Pot with brandy?
That’s a BRILLIANT idea!