Cpap on hold/ all stuffed up/ no mask to use/ miserable

magpie · Post by **magpie** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:31 pm

I'm totally miserable. Allergy medicine isn't working so I am not sure if I'm dealing with a cold or not but I have totally medicated myself and can't get even a tiny bit of air through my nose. I've taken benadryl, and nose spray and my regular allergy medicine and still can't breathe. I don't have a FF mask. I was asking for one with my new setup but that is now on hold also. So I can't use my little second hand machine as I can't breathe through my nose. I'm miserable. If it doesn't clear up I will have to go out of pocket and buy yet another mask.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:52 pm

have you tried a nasal wash? I don't mean one like Otrivin either... I mean a saline nasal wash.

magpie · Post by **magpie** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:03 pm

yeah I did. got a little relief but not enough

wcurtin1962 · Post by **wcurtin1962** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:31 pm

Try breath right strips. The larger size have more lifting power to hold the nose open. Don't use the clear type they don't stick as well as the regular types

azaloune · Post by **azaloune** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:21 pm

Magpie,

I have been where you are as far as allergies. I am not a Dr but, I am a long time sufferer of allergies and sinus infections.

*The following may be TMI for some with vivid imaginations.*

My idea is this, try some decongestants instead of antihistamines (along with the saline rinses). I think you may have taken too much to "dry it up" and not enough to get it to drain. Too many antihistamines make it all too thick to drain, but, it is not dried up.

Decongestants may help you breathe again but may disturb sleep. But, it sounds to me as if you are not breathing or sleeping. I know in the past, I have chosen breathing.

**Disclaimer** I am not a Doctor or a medical professional of any kind. I am not giving medical advice. I am a long time sufferer of allergies and am sharing my experience with a fellow sufferer. THAT IS ALL.

magpie · Post by **magpie** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:24 am

Thanks A. I do take decongestants but only during the day because of them interfering with my sleep but you are right breathing is more important. I'm doing a bit better this morning congestion wise so I will see how the day goes. Hopefully by tonight I will be clear enough to us the machine again. I had a terrible night.

roster · Post by **roster** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:27 am

Magpie,

Maybe something in here will help: viewtopic.php?p=160144#160144.

It is titled for colds, but it also works well when I have bad congestion due to allergies.

Rooster

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:51 am

When i can't breath at all, I use Dristan spray. I use it only once a day right before I go to bed. They clear up my sinues instantly and all night. I usually feel the stuffed up feeling coming back around 9 a.m. the next morning. Suggested use is only 3 days with these sprays. I had allergies about 3 weeks ago and used it so I could breath with my cpap. It was great.

I never used sprays before, and I was amazed at how they clear you up. I thought when you get stuffed up, you just deal with it. For me, oral medications didn't work to clear up the stuffiness.

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:40 pm

I'm so sorry to hear you're still having trouble, Magipe. I hope things will go better for you tonight. Speaking of nasal decongestants, my allergy/asthma doc perscribed Astelin spray for me. Only use it as a last resort kind of thing, but can be used often I think. It tastes ans smells horrible, but it clears it up quick!

magpie · Post by **magpie** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 1:59 pm

Rooster thanks for the link.

Treesap, I am using Afrin nasal spray it is a 12 hour thing also. It usually clears me up but its not working this time.

Drummergirl, I'll ask abut the Astelin when I see my doctor in a month. BTW, welcome to the hosehead club!

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:12 pm

Thanks! I'll feel much more a part of it when I actually get to use it at home! Never heard from the doc. last week, so I'm banking on a call sometime before Wednesday, at least I hope. I have to go out of town to see my endocronologist and get labwork Monday. Bet they'll call while I'm gone. LOL, it always happens that way! Yea, mention the astelin. My allergy doc loves to perscribe it. Don't think it has many side effects. Just hope none of it runs down your throat whenyou use it... icky gnarly taste! But if it meant using the pap or not, I'd use it in a second, bad taste and all!

Had one of my crazy dreams last night, or actually this morning. Dreamed I had the machine all set up in my room and then I woke up. I wanted to go back to sleep them because I had the machine in my sleep! I guess that's how anxious I am to get this thing going, LOL!

echo · Post by **echo** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:17 pm

Drummergirl -- heh heh I also had a CPAP dream last night but I can't remember the details. We must both be really anxious to get the ball rolling

I hope you hear from them early next week!!!

echo · Post by **echo** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:20 pm

magpie,

sorry to hear you're feeling all stuffed up. Normally "snorting" salt water works for me, but I've heard on other forums that a Nettie pot works very effectively (same ingredients but more gentle). http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/neti-pot.htm

Though i guess that's what you already tried (nasal saline wash)? Hmm I don't know what else to sugest, hopefully some of the other suggestions will help you out. Good luck!

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:40 pm

[quote="echo"]Drummergirl -- heh heh I also had a CPAP dream last night but I can't remember the details. We must both be really anxious to get the ball rolling

I hope you hear from them early next week!!!

Thanks, echo! Yes, we must be! Surely this coming week, I keep thinking to myself. Hope yours starts off quick as well!

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