does anyone know of a effective way to clear up my nose besides using nasal sprays? (i have many problems w/ nasal sprays, like i get all the side effects)

Try boiled (sterile) water with a little bit of salt in it (at body temperature).
Lay on the floor, put your head back and put a few drops of that saltwater in your nose.
Stay like that for a few minutes and your nose should clear. Repeat as necessary.
The water should be about half as salty as seawater.
Good luck!

Try taking some tablets with Pseudoephedrine in them which really eases nasal congestion (has completely eliminated mine at the moment). Taken in combination with Ibuprofen they work wonders.

In the UK, this available over the counter in the pharmacy so I'm sure it is in the US as well - ask your pharmacist.

Best wishes,

Rachael