I'm on Steroids

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OK, it's not what you think. My entire life I've suffered from allergies, and consequently, my entire life I've taken daily cocktails of antihistamines and decongestants. Well this year they stopped making my favorite decongestant, Drixoral, which I've been taking for over twenty years and I've been at a loss. It's not like I've wanted to take drugs my entire life, however.

Thirty-five years ago I had my tonsils and adenoids taken out with the thinking it would help my sinuses. A decade ago I had surgery to correct my deviated septum. And that helped for a little bit, but the only way for me to be able to breathe and to cope is with my nasal passages open, and the only reliable way to keep them open is with aspirin and anti-histamines and decongestants.

However, at my recent physical, my new doctor suggested nasal steroids. Since I'm getting up there in age where the effects of antihistamines and decongestants are now a concern--raising blood pressure among them, it's important to try and find a more local solution versus a systemic one.

So, for the past week I've taken Flonase every morning, and I'm finding it very effective so far in opening my nasal passages and allowing me to breathe. And this is especially true at night. Last night I slept soundly without waking up all night long for probably the first time in months.

My doctor thinks the nasal steroids will ultimately cure my snoring as well. The jury is still out on that one, but with time, who knows? So far though, I'm pleased. I like to be able to breathe, you know?

Thanks for reading.

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13 comments:

Anna said...

My daughter has been prescribed Flonase as well and it was because the Rx and even over the counter decongestants and antihistamines would make her woozy and sleepy. Not a good way for a kid to be in school, so the doc had her try the nasal steroids. They worked. Luckily, the allergies have gotten better as she's gotten older, so she doesn't have to use anything most of the time now. Good luck with the sprays!

December 04, 2008 10:31 AM
Paul Eilers said...

Wow! What a muscle head!

Is that picture photoshoped? Has to be.

I've had problems in the past a swell from nasal congestion. What worked for me was to see what foods I was allergic to and was causing me to be stuffed up.

When I eliminated dairy products, I cleared right up!

December 04, 2008 12:38 PM
Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

I've been on antihistamines for, well I can't remember how long. Didn't know about the blood pressure effects though, and that could be a problem. But how wonderful to be able to breathe at night. Bliss!

December 04, 2008 1:01 PM
Anonymous said...

That picture is just gross. There is nothing at all attractive about that body.

I sure hope the steroids don't do that to you ;)

Good luck with the Flonase. Sounds like it's working good for now.

December 04, 2008 8:55 PM
Unknown said...

One thing that I have found to be good that is completely natural is Turmeric. These come in 500mg tablets (equivalent to 10,000mg of the root powder) and provide 95% curcumin. Apparently curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels it also increases the production of natural cortisone in the adrenals.
The tablets can be taken either one or two per day as necessary and also aid with pains caused by arthritis and gastrointestinal problems as well as cardiovascular use. So it appears to be a win win tablet. Anyway, I thought you might like to look into it. Just as an extra - I purchase mine from a company called Healthspan in Guernsey.

December 04, 2008 9:11 PM
Anonymous said...

Hubby has sleep apnea and uses a CPAP machine to help him breathe at night. It helps us both to sleep...no snoring.

Is that a real photo or photo shopped? If it is real, that is totally and completely gross! How can anyone be happy looking like that?! Ugh!

December 04, 2008 10:38 PM
Laura said...

Yeah, breathing is a good thing. I'm sure getting a restful night's sleep was great. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a long long time but mine is toddler related. :)

December 05, 2008 12:13 AM
Anonymous said...

WOW! What a great image for this post! It definitely made me do a double take.

Of course, that's what anyone who doesn't suffer from allergies or asthma thinks of when they hear the word "steroids". On the other hand, anyone who has asthma or allergies thinks medication! As a matter of fact, until I saw the picture, I had forgotten that's how most people view steroids.

December 05, 2008 1:23 PM
Anonymous said...

Bad thing is... steroids have side effects.

Please follow the proper intake of medications as prescribed! You take good care of yourself..

December 05, 2008 3:16 PM
AVCr8teur said...

That's a scary picture. Why would anyone do that to themselves?! Good luck in finding clothes that fits. I don't think what you're taking will do that to you. :D

December 05, 2008 5:36 PM
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