Two suggestions re the sinus problem:
1) Wear a particulate respirator mask over your nose and mouth EVERY single time you're in the coop or touching a chicken. Do this EVERY single time over an extended period of time (three months at least) and see if it makes a difference. Especially do it after your sinus problem is fixed and your sinuses are once again clean, clear, and empty. Just to help prevent the problem from returning.
Particulate disposable masks that have elastic at the top and bottom are as inexpensive as $12 each. The elastic is held in a slot so that you can tug the ends of the elastic after the mask is on, thus tightening the mask FIRMLY against your face. Easy to release and loosen for removing the mask from your face. You can use the same mask over and over again before deciding to dispose of it and use a new one. Here's a link to the kind of mask:
http://www.cpr-savers.com/picturesweb/IndusCPRproducts/n95masks/t5000v.jpg
Here's the info on that mask:
Triosyn T5000V Respirator Mask
Item: T5000V
Triosyn Filtration Media proven to stop 99.99% of Airborne & Droplet Viruses
Cup-shaped design with full surround cushioned gasket allows for a tighter fit with reduced potential air leakage.
NIOSH Approved P95 Particulate Respirator: TC-84A-4110
Certified as a Class I Medical Device in Canada (Health Canada)
With antimicrobial protection and can keep 99.99% of all Viruses from getting to you.
One Size Only
Adjustable headstraps & nose piece for a secure & comfortable fit
Price $11.95 Here's the link to the webpage that offers it (when you click on the link, scroll down to the mask):
http://www.cpr-savers.com/Industrials/Cpr prod/Masks/avian-bird-flu-protection-mask-nano-mask.html
2) When you wash out your sinuses, bend FORWARD, not backward. That allows the irrigation solution (whether from netti pot or from shower water, or whatever) to flow in along the FRONT of your skull, so the water goes into your sinuses and NOT down the back of your nose where it will then run down the back of your throat , never reaching your sinuses.
You can then raise up straight and blow out the water and yukky stuff. Gravity can help get the water to the sinuses, and gravity can help to drain it all out.
Repeat as needed, bend over and put the water in, stand up and let the discharge fluids drain out, and repeat.
If the fluid is medication, you can simply lie FACE DOWN on your bed, tuck your chin to your chest so your forehead is touching the mattress, and put the drops into your upturned nostrils. And then stay that way for a while (ten minutes or so), so that the meds can stay in contact with the stuffed sinuses.
Or you can lie face down across the width of your bed, with your upper body hanging down over the side of the bed and your forehead, is on the floor.
Hope some of this helps.
-Carolyn
