Allergy Medications

Just started taking Allegra today on an experimental basis for seasonal allergies. Not sure if that's why my throat and ears hurt, but my doc thinks it might be a contributing factor. Got to try right? :)

I've also heard about Rhinocort spray. Looking for some feedback on both Rhinocort and Allegra, including any experiences, side effects, etc.

Does Rhinocort work faster? Can you take both at the same time? Any other suggestions for allergy relief? Nasonex and the non-steroid Nasocrum have been mentioned before.

I know some docs don't prescribe nasal steroids when you're on tx, but mine has no problem with nasal or oral steriods. And in this case, the benefits will outweigh any negatives as long as it works.

-- Jim

[cuteus]

I did not need any, TG, but like I mentioned before, Nasalcrom is my daughter's lifesaver, since I did not want to use steroidal meds on her. they did prescribe the Rhinocort and Singulair, but I stuck by Benadryl and Nasalcrom instead.
just an alternative to consider.

[jmjm530]

Now I remember your post on Nasalscrum.

I had looked it up before and it sounded very interesting because it's a non-steroid. Right now, I'm sort of taking things for diagnostic purposes to see if my symptons are really being caused by allergies. So, I'd probably start with a stronger steroid, and then if it works, stage down to a non-steriod like Nasalcrum. Not sure where Allegra fits into the mix but my doctor handed me a handful of free samples so I decided to start taking them today. :)

Benedryl and anything with decongestant properties is out because of prostate issues.

Thanks for the input again.

-- Jim

[carpedi]

I've been taking Allegra and Flonase (prescription) alternately for "allergy symptoms". I have a nagging, wheezy cough that just won't quit, a sore throat, and it feels like someone has their foot on the base of my throat. Nothing really stops it and I suspect it's just the effects of the Riba. My doc did say that if you have allergies, you'll have lots more with the Riba!  I tried Benadryl,(made me hyper), and Zyrtec (no effect, so I don't have a magic wand (or even something that sort of works) for you - sorry! If YOU find something, please let me know! Good luck.

[jmjm530]

My last biopsy was three years ago. Grade 4/4, Stage 3/4. I was under the impression that 3/4 meant between stages 3 and 4. Turns out it means stage 3 out of 4 stages.

Several months ago, a second pathologist reviewed same slides:
Grade 2/4, Stage 2/4. Again, this means stage 2 out of a possible 4 stages.

Hmmm.

For the tie break :) I used my current doc's pathologist:
Grade 3/4, Stage 2-3 of 4. (let's call it stage 2.5)

When I dropped off the slides, I included my fax number for the report as well as my phone number if she had any questions. You can imagine my shock when she actually called me to go over the report. Had I been prepared I would have asked a few more questions, but when was the last time your doc called you to explain something? LOL.

Anyway, she said I'm "far from cirrhosis" which was consistent with the second pathologist as well.  Based on the fact that it took 35 years to get to stage 2.5, she believes that's where I probably am now or even better since I'm on treatment.

These new interpretations now give me more confidence to treat for 42 or 48 weeks, as I'm a geno 1 who was non-detectible at week 6. Previously, I'd been thinking 72 weeks because I thought I had "significant fibrosis or even cirrhosis." Now, I think "moderate fibrosis" is more accurate although there is a little bridging, therefore stage 2.5 as opposed to stage 2.

Anyway, the jury isn't in on what I'll do, and a lot depends on how I feel as I approach week 42, but overall I'll take this as good news. I may also take a Fibroscan test at some point to help with the decision.

But beyond my treatment, there is an interesting lesson here. One set of slides, three different pathologists, three different biopsy reports. Add this to sampling area (the liver is a very big place, the sample is very small) and you realize even needle biopsy is  not an exact science.

The other lesson is that it might not be a bad idea to get your biopsy slides reviewed by more than one pathologist. Just make sure you get ALL your slides together including the special stained slides. Sometimes they only hand you one slide which isn't enough. I had a set of five.

-- Jim

[friole]

This is good news.  I am a firm believer that we manifest a lot of things because of what we think.  Moderate fibrosis is a breather.  Rest easier, my friend.

I would think it would be a load lifted to dream about 48 weeks , not 72 --- especially since you have been clear since week 6.

Congrats, Kathy

[jmjm530]

That's the plan but studies suggest different parts of the liver may yield different results. Not like stage 0 here and stage 4, there, but it could be a stage aprt. Also, sample size can be very important. BTW I sent you an email to the address listed in your profile.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

http://tinyurl.com/96ukp
Scroll down to page 22.

Add to that frequent undersized samples and different interpretations (like in my case) and it's easy to see how someone could be off a stage. Still, it's the best we have right now.

-- Jim

[Lynne5477]

I take Chlorpheneramine Maleate by prescription.  You can get it over the counter as Chlor-Trimeton but try the 12-hour ones; don't waste your time with anything less.  This is primarily  anti-histamine; no decongestant.  My step-son takes either this or Allegra........he likes both about the same.  Besides the fact this one really works for me and has for years, I can get a 30-day supply of 12-hour capsules for only $2.35 via RX.  Over the counter is considerably more.

It does make my dad and my brother a little drowsy sometimes but does nothing to me, my mom, or my step-son.  Dr's always try RX'g something else for me but nothing works as well as this for me.

BTW, Benadryl makes me hyper, too.  Couldn't sleep at all when I took that.

Good luck to you.

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the tip. I've been taking Allegra and Nasonex daily for the past four days. Tomorrow,I'm going to swap out Nasonex with Rhinocort and try that for a few days. See what works better.

Have you tried either Nasonex or Rhinocort and what is the recommended dosage? The Nasonex web site says take as many squirts as your doctor recommends but I just had the doc's secretary call in the rx and I doubt if she knows. :)

-- Jim

[Lynne5477]

Don't know about the others but I did try the Nasonex.  I didn't like it and couldn't really tell if it helped me or not.  I have a friend that loves it, though.  My step-son has used it as well and likes it but says it does give him a slight dull headache.