Ran across a good commercial for Anorexia Bulimia from Sweden.

Anorexia is a serious disorder, and viewer discretion is advised

There are lots of recorded incidences where the “Wii-mote” (a Wii remote, lingo courtesy of JD ) goes flying and damages TVs and people. In fact, Wii Damage has many examples such as this:

But a few days ago, in an effort to hit some home runs on Wii Sports Baseball, I think I actually strained some muscles in my arm (as embarrassing as that might be to admit!). Self-inflicted sports-injury while playing the Wii!

I did turn 37 last week, so I guess old age is catching up to me! Must remember to warm-up before playing the Wii in future LOL

So after being thoroughly disgusted by my new doctor’s response to my problem on Friday, I may have finally figured out a way to “naturally” fight off an impending sinus infection. I’ve been feeling better daily for the past 3 days, and am so excited that I may have finally stumbled onto a system that seems to work. This is what worked for me:

• Meds De-tox: Because the effectiveness of my Entex medication was limited (due to continued usage), I got off the meds for 24 hours. I’m sure 24 hours isn’t long enough, but generally this step shouldn’t be necessary if I hadn’t had fought off 2 back-to-back flu’s. I used alternate meds to compensate during this period. So for example, I relied of the Afrin nasal spray to minimize congestion.
• After De-tox, use the strongest meds to dry out the sinuses: For me, it’s Entex. Although Mucinex worked well the first few days, I became alergic to it. Unfortunately that’s been scratched-off my favorite-meds list
• Nasal Irrigation: Use a saline spray (Ocean or generic brand) 3 times a day. Because instructions for saline sprays are rather non-existent, I’ll simply explain how. Bend your head forward, preferably over a sink. Open your mouth and breath through your mouth during this process. Slightly insert the saline bottle into one nostril, squeeze the bottle hard and fast, quickly remove bottle (otherwise the saline with all your mucus will drip back down all over the bottle!). Do the same for the other nostril. Repeat process again until each nostril is done TWICE. Don’t forget to wipe-down the bottle… you don’t want bacteria to grow on it inbetween application.
• Steam Treatment: Put boiling water in a big bowl, throw in salt, stir, and then put your head over the bowl. Breathe in through nose, out through mouth. I did this once per day for 30 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature, you might need to remix the water if it cools off too much and doesn’t give off enough steam).
• Garlic: Three times a day, one teaspoon of minced garlic. 100% natural garlic, pre-minced. You’ll find it in the refridgerated area of the vegetable section (usually with the pre-packed salads).

So what’s new that made it successful this time?
I believe it’s a combination of everything listed. But I suspect (and with a scientific education and working background I’m naturally skeptical) that the garlic might have been a major contributor! Garlic has been scientifically proven to be a natural anti-biotic, decongestant and expectorant.

Oh, and I’m well enough to fly out this evening. 18 hour flight to Australia, so there won’t be any new entries for a few days.

Regular readers may notice that I haven’t posted in awhile…

I’ve sick been (again). Body aches, cold shivers, lying in bed for 3 straight days. I think it’s a confluence of not having gotten over my previous sinus infection and another flu virus. I was supposed to fly out of the country, but had to delay my flight for a week.

While I’ve always had sinus infections and the flu at least once a year, I’ve never had such bad illnesses back-to-back. Trying to think it through, I think it’s because I’ve had 10 years of awesome Silicon Valley / California weather, and the winters here in Vegas are so much harsher. Let’s hope my immunity builds up in time for next winter!

Anyway, I’ve decided that the doctor that I picked earlier just isn’t going work for me…

• The Levaquin that he initially prescribed for me, I’m not sure really worked. Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t. All I can say is that at the end of the 10 day course, my sinus was better but still congested. Is he a bad doctor for prescribing me medication that doesn’t work? Is it fair to hold your doctor responsible for prolonging the illness by not prescribing medication that works?
• Trying to avoid being a hypochondriac, I usually try to tuff-out any sickness until Friday. On Friday, I usually decide that I can’t go through the weekend with the symptoms, so I need to see a doctor so that the anti-biotics get a chance to work over the weekend. This new doctor doesn’t work Fridays…
• Because I’ve been struggling through the weekend, I want to see the doctor first thing. This new doctor doesn’t come in until 1pm on Mondays…
• I’ve had more sinus infections that I’ve had birthdays. I know what the symptoms are and what the cures are. This new doctor needs to “see me” before prescribing anti-biotics. WTF?! What magic machine does he have to physically use on me to validate that it’s a sinus infection?
• Given that the Levaquin he originally prescribed be didn’t work, you’d think he’d at least try to get me something before this weekend. But no, apparently he has to see me first (on Monday) and told me to go to Urgent Care if I need to over the weekend. Lovely bedside manners!

Oh, how I miss my old doctor from California…

Due to my sinus problems, I’ve managed to compile a list of “good stuff” (just in case there are others out there with similar problems)…

1. Saline spray: I think “Ocean” is the brand name, but generics work just as good. It’s basically over-the-counter salty-water that you can shoot up your nose to help “irrigate” your sinuses. This is good if you need to moisturize your sinuses (e.g. in dry climates), but apparently the salt helps fight off bacteria (kind of like gargling salt water if you have a sore throat I guess).
2. Afrin (oxymetazoline): I buy the over-the-counter 12-hour non-drip severe-congestion kind. This is some crazy stuff, it near-instantly opens up the sinus to allow easier breathing, and really slows down the mucus drip. Not supposed to use for more than 3 days straight.
3. Entex (guaifenesin and phenylephrine): This is one heavy-duty prescription medication. Dries up congestion near-instantly and lasts a good 12 hours. I find that over 5+ days, the effectiveness seems to diminish.
4. Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan): This over-the-counter medication is amazing! The 12-hour extended release pill kicks in within 15 minutes and has full effect for at least 10-11 hours. I’ve only used it for a couple of days (was recomended to try it only recently) but I’d say it is as good as Entex, without the inconvenience of getting a prescription.

Needless to say, I’m not a doctor and don’t play one on TV. This is just to share my thoughts on my medication. As they say, your mileage may vary.