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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Seriously addicted to Afrin...
I have a major issue... I'm completely addicted to menthol non drip Afrin. I have super bad sinuses, and I swear it's the only thing that works.. problem is I know it's soo bad for you!
My Dr. tells me not to use it for more than 2 times a day, 4-5 days tops in a row.. but this time of year that's almost impossible! Right now I am so clogged up, but it's clogged up where blowing my nose won't even help because nothing comes out (sorry TMI). If I was to spritz 2 sprays of my beloved Afrin in each nostril it would be easy breathing within 90 seconds. I just don't want to be 28 years old with a huge hole in my nasal membrane!
Anyone know of anything else that might work? I've tried all the prescription allergy medicines and all the prescription nose sprays... but nothing compares to my old friend Afrin!! 
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Posted 3/23/07 12:29 PM  |
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jillee03
LIF Adult
Member since 8/05 953 total posts
Name:
Jill
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
I had the same problem a few years back. the only thing that helped me was not using it all for about 3 days. It was torture but after 3 days I was all better and not clogged up. hope this helps
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:32 PM |
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BlueDiamonds
mommy to 3 boys
Member since 2/07 3885 total posts
Name:
proud mommy
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by jillee03
I had the same problem a few years back. the only thing that helped me was not using it all for about 3 days. It was torture but after 3 days I was all better and not clogged up. hope this helps
I've heard that the more you use it, the worse the congestion gets and then you need it again. Maybe this will work.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:35 PM |
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MrsMerlot
Unconditional Love
Member since 4/06 6005 total posts
Name:
Chrissy
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
DH is addicted to Dristan - has been using it since he was 14 and now he's 31!
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:35 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
have your tried dr sinus cleaner man thingy?
ok yes I knw thats not the name but it's a clear bottle, you fill it with water and put in a package of stuff (non addicting, non hole creating stuff) you pop it inthe microwave for some time (45 seconds maybe) then you put this black cap on. Lean very far over the sink, put the black cap up to your njostil, hold the other one closed, open your mouth and spray.
You will be amazed at what comes out.
Don't blow too hard right after, you could pop an ear drum.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:37 PM |
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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by DebG
have your tried dr sinus cleaner man thingy?
ok yes I knw thats not the name but it's a clear bottle, you fill it with water and put in a package of stuff (non addicting, non hole creating stuff) you pop it inthe microwave for some time (45 seconds maybe) then you put this black cap on. Lean very far over the sink, put the black cap up to your njostil, hold the other one closed, open your mouth and spray.
You will be amazed at what comes out.
Don't blow too hard right after, you could pop an ear drum.
WOW.. what is this?! I need to try it!!!
Can you get it at the regular drug store? I'm going at lunch!!!
Someone above mentioned stopping the usage of it. I don't take it everyday... I on'y take it when I'm super clogged like this. I get uber clogged for a week or 2, then it goes away, but when it comes back I reach for my trusty friend immediately!!
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:43 PM |
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roxygrl8
......
Member since 6/06 2987 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Ok I sympathize with you. However, my Dr. told me only to use Afrin at most for two days, because it will make your condition worse. So I will split the doses in half to make it last. When I can't use it anymore I will start to take Mucinex, saline nasal spray along with Tylenol Sinus and it will start to clear up. The reason I take the Afrin is to jump start it and that's only when I can' get anything through my nose. I hope this helps. FM me if you need anything.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:44 PM |
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Waste06
Waste not, want not
Member since 6/06 7219 total posts
Name:
Lois Mom Mommy Mama Ma
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
I've been addicted to that stuff. I was hooked on the severe congestion with menthol. Nothing else seemed to work. I was always congested.
I started going to an ENT specialist and the congestion was a result of major sinus infections. He gave me very strong antibiotics and after a few days I felt MUCH better.
You will undoubtedly burn a hole in your nasal membranes if you keep using that stuff. The nurse in the doctors office told me to stay away from it at all costs b/c is so addictive.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:50 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
I have had times I am addicted to Afrin, but I tell myself after a few days I need to stop using it, and eventually the congestion goes away.
My mom was addicted to it for I don't know how many years, then all of a sudden she just stopped needing it, it was so strange.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:50 PM |
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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by Erin0602
I've been addicted to that stuff. I was hooked on the severe congestion with menthol. Nothing else seemed to work. I was always congested.
I started going to an ENT specialist and the congestion was a result of major sinus infections. He gave me very strong antibiotics and after a few days I felt MUCH better.
You will undoubtedly burn a hole in your nasal membranes if you keep using that stuff. The nurse in the doctors office told me to stay away from it at all costs b/c is so addictive.
YES! That's the one I use.. it's like MAGIC!!
This is what I'm afraid of.. the hole!
I've gone to an ENT, I've had a cat scan and an MRI of my sinuses... it shows a lot of puss buildup, but all the antibiotics don't work.. it comes back every year!
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:54 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
ok went and looked to find out what the name is.
It's called Neilmed Sinus wash.
SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit comes with 50 packets of easy to dispense USP Grade, Preservative Free Sodium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate mixture (pH balanced & isotonic for maximum comfort). Easy-squeeze bottle comes with volume marker. Each packet contains precisely measured mixture to mix with 8 oz. (240 mL) of lukewarm distilled water, taking the guesswork out of preparing this solution. The kit also contains step by step directions for use and extensive educational material that is simple to understand.
NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit
Don't let allergies and chronic sinus issues ruin your day. Use the Sinus Rinse kit, a physician developed, complete saline nasal rinse kit. The Sinus Rinse kit helps to alleviate allergies, chronic sinus disease, and other nasal irritation from things like occupational dust, smog, and smoke. Super easy to use and travel with, too. Pre-measured packets take the guesswork out of preparing the solution and keep things clean. Plus, the smooth flow bottle empties 100% in the upright position. The kit includes the rinse bottle with cap and tube, 50 packets of saline powder, and a helpful educational pamphlet. Preservative and latex free, pH balanced, and no burning or stinging.
Because my tumor broke the walls of my sinus cavity..I have a very rough time. This is what my Ear, Nose and Throat doc, my head and neck surgeon and my oncologist all said I should use for the daily upkeep.
you can get it as walgreens/cvs/duane read type places.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:55 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
Name:
The cure IS worse!
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by Shopaholic921
I've gone to an ENT, I've had a cat scan and an MRI of my sinuses... it shows a lot of puss buildup, but all the antibiotics don't work.. it comes back every year!
Brook,
Definitely give the stuff I listed a try then. You will be AMAZED at the crap that comes flowing out.
It's kinda gross actually but in a sense watching it leave your body feels like a nice little win over that crud.
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:57 PM |
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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by DebG
ok went and looked to find out what the name is.
It's called Neilmed Sinus wash.
IMAGE
SINUS RINSE ™ Nasal Rinse Kit comes with 50 packets of easy to dispense USP Grade, Preservative Free Sodium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate mixture (pH balanced & isotonic for maximum comfort). Easy-squeeze bottle comes with volume marker. Each packet contains precisely measured mixture to mix with 8 oz. (240 mL) of lukewarm distilled water, taking the guesswork out of preparing this solution. The kit also contains step by step directions for use and extensive educational material that is simple to understand.
NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit
Don't let allergies and chronic sinus issues ruin your day. Use the Sinus Rinse kit, a physician developed, complete saline nasal rinse kit. The Sinus Rinse kit helps to alleviate allergies, chronic sinus disease, and other nasal irritation from things like occupational dust, smog, and smoke. Super easy to use and travel with, too. Pre-measured packets take the guesswork out of preparing the solution and keep things clean. Plus, the smooth flow bottle empties 100% in the upright position. The kit includes the rinse bottle with cap and tube, 50 packets of saline powder, and a helpful educational pamphlet. Preservative and latex free, pH balanced, and no burning or stinging.
Because my tumor broke the walls of my sinus cavity..I have a very rough time. This is what my Ear, Nose and Throat doc, my head and neck surgeon and my oncologist all said I should use for the daily upkeep.
you can get it as walgreens/cvs/duane read type places.
Thank you so so much!!!! I am def. going to try it!!! 
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| Posted 3/23/07 12:58 PM |
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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Posted by DebG
Posted by Shopaholic921
I've gone to an ENT, I've had a cat scan and an MRI of my sinuses... it shows a lot of puss buildup, but all the antibiotics don't work.. it comes back every year!
Brook,
Definitely give the stuff I listed a try then. You will be AMAZED at the crap that comes flowing out.
It's kinda gross actually but in a sense watching it leave your body feels like a nice little win over that crud.
lol, that's what I'm thinking! I can't wait to see it all come out!!! 
Thanks again!!!
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| Posted 3/23/07 1:00 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
You have to be careful because any decongestant can cause rebound, so as soon as you stop, you get even WORSE than you were before. This may be what's happenning. You may just have to kind of deal with it for a few days and taper it down to only once or twice a day, you might feel better overall
ETA: My ENT suggetsed NeilMed also. It's amazing and you can use it as many times a day as you want. It really helps.
ETA #2: It's especially good for allergies and infections, because it actually removes the allergens you breathed in and of course all the gross mucus buildup of an infection. it's weird at first, but when you get used to it, it feels kind of good to clean it all out!
Message edited 3/23/2007 1:06:13 PM.
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| Posted 3/23/07 1:01 PM |
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Shopaholic921
SUP..
Member since 10/05 5113 total posts
Name:
Brooke
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Re: Seriously addicted to Afrin...
Thanks everyone!!
I've promised myself I won't use it today... maybe before bed if I am MISERABLE.. but I'll go the entire day without it!
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| Posted 3/23/07 1:04 PM |
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