A short time ago I posted a query about laryngeal paralysis and what
could cause it.  Well, I think I've discovered what the cause is:  a chronic
sinus infection...  that went undiagnosed for perhaps 3 years!  No blame to my
doctors, I honestly didn't notice any symptoms other than the loss of voice so
nobody made the connection.  A couple months ago I developed bronchitis and
occasionally total voice loss so went to the doctor for THAT.  A short dose of
antibiotics and inhaler fixed me up nicely... for a few days and then the
bronchitis came back.  So my doc asked me to get a sinus CT and lung xray.
    We discovered that my sinuses - every one of them - are all full of
crap.  In fact they've been like that for so long that some of the tissue in
the sinus cavities was thickening and there was a lot of "ossification".  To be
honest, I was surprised at how bad it is because I never had sinus headaches or
anything that would make me think I had an untreated problem.  Anyway, now I'm
on a 2-month dose of antibiotics and a pending appt with an ENT, and my doctor
suggested that I rinse periodically with saline solution.  And so my question
to you all...
    I've rinsed with saline a couple times.  Does it really help to clear
out the sinuses?  It feels to me like it goes directly down my throat or back
out when I blow.  Once I did try it by hanging my head upside down and waiting
a few minutes before blowing.  That gave me a sinus headache.  Should I keep
doing it even if I get a headache?  Is there a proper technique that I should
use?  I want to beat this thing and don't feel like the antibiotics are doing
anything yet.  (Simply blowing my nose is unproductive too, and THAT's
frustrating.)

- Sharon
"Gravity...  is a harsh mistress!"