Have you ever been in a situation where your intuition, judgment or just plain common sense tells you to do one thing, but for whatever reason you find yourself doing the exact opposite? What if it goes beyond intuition, judgment, and common sense, but actual past experiences……..do you listen to that logical voice in the back of your head or do you potentially repeat the same mistake?
Although it remains relatively warm for the Fall Season, there must have been a barometric change which triggered a massive multi-day sinus headache. I have a number of friends who swear that since they regularly flush their sinuses they have virtually eliminated their sinus headaches.
Approximately a year ago (ironically about the same time of year – probably due to the same barometric pressure change) I encountered a similar sinus headache. After non-stop encouragement from several friends, I agreed to consider flushing my sinuses. I was convinced that an effective sinus rinse would eliminate a sinus headache. It was explained that sinuses are like screens on a window. They get dirty and dusty making it difficult for air to travel through but after they are rinsed, the air flows freely through.
There were several sinus rinse/flush remedies recommended. It was quickly realized that some of the remedies were somewhat costly during these economic times. Not sure the level of potential success, I began to compare ingredients and kits. There appeared to be a commonality among all of the kits – a flushing bottle and a packet (sodium) that was added to water. A reasonable alternative model was identified that would match any kit for far less money.
I exercised the use of the alternative sinus rinse kit almost a year ago to the day. Have you ever been in a situation where your intuition, judgment, common sense, or PAST EXPERIENCES tell you to do (or not do) something, but for whatever reason you find yourself doing the exact opposite?
Unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures or long-term sinus headache pain results in the lack of common sense and/or short-term memory. With that said I went to the store and purchased myself a turkey baster and salt.
Unfortunately, it did not take long to flashback to the experience of a year prior. It was quickly realized the design flaw of this alternative equipment. The length of the turkey baster forced the angle of the head in the most unnatural position. Then, the natural force of gravity in conjunction with the speed of the water thrusting out of the baster nearly resulted in the projectile of the eyes out of my head. I wish that I could say that the repeat experience of high-velocity water flowing through my nasal cavity will ensure that I will not three-repeat this exercise in the future, but I am an illogical male.
Nonetheless…….I did error this time well beyond my previous experience. There was an over-estimation in the quantity of salt used. One never can truly appreciate the powerful strength of salt until it travels places it was never meant to be. The burning crackling sensation could probably effectively remove rust off a 67’ Chevy.
It is highly unlikely that I will forget the adventure this time around, but it does bring to light the fact that often we will forget logic (and even past experiences) during times of great pain in hopes of finding a remedy to our pain/problem. What should be realized is that sometimes in an attempt to cure a problem another is created. It is may be best to consult a licensed physician and stay away from the turkey baster.
Husband, father, coffee connoisseur and lover of all things hockey. At 51 I sometimes wonder have I done enough. I have been married to my best friend for 30 years. She knows all my faults and loves me anyway, As a father of “almost always” perfect boys, I am always surprised at what life has to offer. It is messy, scary, thrilling, and always fun.
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