I don't have a neti pot, but I've done a little hydrating with regular water. I suppose I should buy some saline nasal spray. I need to see a doctor but I don't want to take the time off to do it due to the layoff. I need the money. I'll see what I can work out that will take the least time off of the clock.

I don't have a neti pot, but I've done a little hydrating with regular water.

You can add 1/2 a teaspoon of table salt to every 8 oz. of lukewarm water, and -- though it's messy -- sniff it into one nostril at a time from a cup or a bowl. I recommend doing it in the bathroom, while wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet (maybe a bathrobe?), due to the messiness factor.

Some of the water will go through your sinuses to the back of your throat, and you can just spit the water out. The rest will drain out of your nose, generally for the next hour or so, when you least expect it.

But it *really* does help.

You can add 1/2 a teaspoon of table salt to every 8 oz. of lukewarm water, and -- though it's messy -- sniff it into one nostril at a time from a cup or a bowl. I recommend doing it in the bathroom, while wearing clothes you don't mind getting wet (maybe a bathrobe?), due to the messiness factor.

I use a syringe. Minus needle, of course, as that'd just be gross. I kneel on a chair, lean forward so my head's more or less upside down, and squirt water into my sinuses from there.

Great for breaking the ice at parties!

The rest will drain out of your nose, generally for the next hour or so, when you least expect it.

The ocean did that to me. The Pacific, to be precise. The Caribbean wouldn't be so presumptuous. I was in krav with something warm and salty dripping from my nose. Wasn't till I made it to the bathroom that I realised I hadn't preemptively gotten a nose bleed.

I really wish I could watch the Oscars, but I am at the razzenfrazzen theater, witing for the evening show to begin. Feh. At least I can watch it on tape, and fast forward through most of it. I'll get to see Jon Stewart's stuff, though.

I've never been to JCPenney's website before. I saw a commercial, liked the dress, went to the website... and it came up on Plus Sizes. I'm not sure whether to be insulted or scared.

Sean, we're Tivo-ing it if you want a copy later.

My TiVo just tried to get me to switch to Law and Order Criminal Intent. I was like "hmmm....", but decided to stick with the Oscars, if only for the watch and post in Natter. ;)

Spidra, I know it's gross, but have you tried saline water, or a neti pot? Sucking salt water up your nose isn't the most delightful thing ever, but it's the only thing that stopped the persistent pain in my sinuses.

I second this idea, and would expand on it. When I was a kid, I didn't have a pediatrician, I had an ears, nose and throat man. One of the times I was particularly miserable with a sinus infection, he said to mix 1 Tbs. Baking Soda, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 c. hot water - and snort the mixture. If you do this, I can guarantee two things: A. You will HATE me for 3 or 4 minutes; and 2. Your sinuses WILL get cleaned out. The third thing is, that if you were experiencing major nasal congestion, about five minutes after you snorted this stuff, you would start to love me again.

Simple, inexpensive saline nasal spray is gentle and is often very helpful when used consistently. While not nearly as explosively effective as the above method, it may be a good choice.

Thanks for the advice guys. I have no nasal congestion, which is the weird thing. Just loads of sinus pain. I will try taking your advice, but when I'm getting close to bedtim. I don't want to be dripping for hours while I'm trying to work.