Runny noses suck!

<climbing up onto soapbox>

I know, I know.

There are a ton of topics here about runny noses, colds, etc., but I feel the need to vent to some folks who will understand.

This last month has been EXTREMELY emotionally taxing. (If you really want to know, PM me. It's a complicated story that has absolutely nothing to do with my CPAP.) So I've been stressed to the gills, so much that for two weeks I felt selfish taking care of myself (read: I didn't use my CPAP one night for two weeks solid).

After a month it finally got to me. My body gave out. There ain't nothing you can do about a runny nose that won't go away. I wasn't even going to try to wear a mask the last few nights because my nights amount to blowing my nose until sleep finally got the better of me. And all of this when I was starting to get REALLY good about using my CPAP

That's so not so not fair. Murphy strikes again.

<stepping down off soapbox>

Doug.

Vent away!!! We're here to listen!

I'm so sorry! Hope you feel better soon and can get back on the PAP!!



Are you taking anything for it?

NeedinZs wrote:Are you taking anything for it?

Thanks. High blood pressure prevents me from taking the vast majority of OTC cold remedies. That said, a combination of Coricidin HBP, Cold-eeze Zinc tablets, and hot baths usually works well. This time that combination provided some relief, but not as much as I would've liked.

Doug.

My doctor told me to try AirBorne. It is in the medicine aisle and it is not your typical cold medicine but rather is suppose to make the cold better quicker. I teach and so am always exposed to germs and reason she recommended it. It is a combination of herbs and vitamins to help boost your immune system. There is a generic version out as well.

After a month it finally got to me. My body gave out. There ain't nothing you can do about a runny nose that won't go away. I wasn't even going to try to wear a mask the last few nights because my nights amount to blowing my nose until sleep finally got the better of me. And all of this when I was starting to get REALLY good about using my CPAP

That's so not so not fair. Murphy strikes again.

<stepping down off soapbox>

Doug.

I was experiencing the same runny nose problem from cpap, never had it prior to treatment. I also take blood pressure meds, so I know you are limited to certain meds for drying up your nose problem.
The prescription spray that really worked and works when I need it, is
Bausch& Lomb, Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Solution 0.06% (Nasal Spray) It works so well for me I thought I would pass on this info.
Ed

Oh honey.... GIANT CYBER HUG!!! {{{{{GEODOUG}}}}}}

I feel for you. I've been there and done that. Lucky me, I don't have high BP, so I can try all the drugs. But when I get a good case of rhinitis, NOTHING helps. Even the doc shrugs his shoulders...

Do look into Airborne. Call your doc or pharmacy and ask if it's contraindicated for High BP. I take it every morning during the cold/flu season. I work in a school district office, and see lots of low income preschoolers. Those poor little things are always run down and sick. Every surface in my office is a disease carrier.

Also make sure you take the zinc tabs often during the day. Cold Eeze is one of my favorites, but you can find house brands that are good, too. Bartell's Drug up here makes a house brand that is very good, and has lots of nice things like Echinacea in it. Take it several times a day, and don't drink hot liquids for at least 30 minutes after it's dissolved.

My father the MD touts Echinacea and Golden Seal, which is a big surprise to me. My Vegan sister talked him into it, and he saw results, so he's sold. He says to take it every 4 hours when you're awake, for the duration of the cold. Don't take it daily, like a vitamin. Doesn't work that way. I buy it extremely cheaply at Grocery Outlet. Do be sure you check your expiration dates when shopping there.

I've been stuffy for the past few weeks since the weather here changed, but I'm still managing to sleep pretty well. It's amazing that I can breathe through a stuffy nose. Who knew?

Cheers,
Babette

Well, if I want to reframe this, I can look at it this way:

I've been in a mental fog the last two days. This week's given me an appreciation for how much good the CPAP does--even if I haven't got the holy grail of CPAP (read: "the perfect mask"), an AHI of 0.0, and 100% compliance. It's been quite the reality check.

The lesson I've learned is that, while it's a Gud Thing to know my numbers, I need to take a step back once a while.

Doug.