In Distress

I'm so glad you're better, Lee Lee, I was thinking of you yesterday and woNdering how you were doing.
Enjoy your snowy Christmas in good (or at least improving) health, and may the coming year be a better one!
O.

Lee Lee wrote:Muse- yes I have had the vitamin D levels checked and they were non-existant, so I take prescription supplements now...

Mine started at 15 and are not in the optimal range of 60-70...took me a yr to get there. My doc started me on D2, a synthetic that just doesn't do the job. Get D3 if you're on D2. I take 8000 IU/day but now that I've reached the 'right' level, I 'll drop it back to 4000 IU every other day and get tested again in 90 days.

Lee Lee wrote:...have Lupus, so I take immune suppressants...

Knew someone with lupus, she took an anti-cancer drug to control her symptoms. I suggested she try 2 packettes of Coromega fish oil/day and see if the omega 3s would help...they did, enourmously. She moved & we lost touch so I don't know if they continued to help. Her response was so dramatic, it might be worth investigating.

Lee Lee wrote:...vulnerable to any random bacteria, I am a sitting duck.

I used to catch everything before my D levels increased, now I don't...pretty amazing to me. I hope you have the same good effects. When I started to catch something, I read about taking 50,000 IU/day while having symptoms...I did that for 3 days completely eliminating the sore throat, fever, congestion. Here's one of the vitamin D threads where I learned about taking large amts to fight off a virus http://drbganimalpharm.blogspot.com/sea ... itamin%20D

Lee Lee wrote:Muse- yes I have had the vitamin D levels checked and they were non-existant, so I take prescription supplements now. Also, I have Lupus, so I take immune suppressants. Between that and the fact that I used Nasonex for so long, which left me vulnerable to any random bacteria, I am a sitting duck. So to speak.
I have not had recent dental work, but I am terribly allergic to mold.

o- I did go back to the Doctor, but not the emergency room, as they were overwhelmed. We have had 2 feet of snow- unexpected for our area. Travel was impossible for a few days. Washington DC is just not prepared !
I am doing better now. The pain has lessened, and the glands are less swollen, so I may have turned the corner.
The full face mask is putting less pressure on the nostrils and I can mouth breathe. The humidity seems to hep as well.

I am not sneezing every five seconds. All in all, I think the crisis has passed. I do still feel a little stinging and imflammation, but not nearly as sharp as before.
I am still very afraid of what has happened to me, (that it will return). I'll be consulting with the specialist next week. I cannot bear to think of CPAP as my enemy as it has changed my life for the better.
Thank you with all my heart for you care and concern.
Wishing you a joyous holiday!
Lee Ann

So glad you have some relief. Since you have allergies to mold, do you dry out your humidification chamber between uses? After living in an extremely humid climate I use two chambers. One is drying completely while using the other. I alternate three hoses as it takes two days for my hose to dry. I have a Respironics Pro AFLEX and it has two air filters. The outer gray one I wash and thoroughly dry and completely replace the micro white filter once a month.

Merry Christmas!

Hi Lee Lee

I have read all the thread and do not think I have missed anything, so here is something that might help, but I do not think has been mentioned.

In your first post you mentioned air filters, but you did not mention ionizers.

ionizers not only trap the dust and mites that are around, but there are also ones which kill bacteria as well. You end up breathing very clean air.

More information at -

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=ionis ... =firefox-a
and at
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=ioniz ... =firefox-a

cheers

Mars

mars wrote:Hi Lee Lee

I have read all the thread and do not think I have missed anything, so here is something that might help, but I do not think has been mentioned.

In your first post you mentioned air filters, but you did not mention ionizers.

ionizers not only trap the dust and mites that are around, but there are also ones which kill bacteria as well. You end up breathing very clean air.

More information at -

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=ionis ... =firefox-a
and at
http://www.google.com.au/search?q=ioniz ... =firefox-a

cheers

Mars

I have used air cleaners for years. I used the Sharper Image ionizer air cleaners until I identified they made my asthma worse. My allergist said the fine particulates that result in the furniture, carpet, and so on can aggravate and exacerbate asthma symptoms. I no longer use ionizers. The US EPA says "Conclusions: Whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html#conclusions

I now use the IQ Air air purifier model: GC MultiGas http://www.iqair.com/residential/roomai ... ltigas.php which is around $1,200. The filters should last a long time in an average clean home, even with pets. The air is so clean! It is maintenance free other than replacing filters when the very sophisticated digital readout says it's time. I've had one of these units over a year and it's not even close to needing a filter replacement. It tells you how many hours are left on the filter. It even has a remote control that I rarely use.

Hi All

Well, I read the information on the link, which is about 15 years out of date in regard to ionisers, and this is what it said about them -

However, some ozone generators are manufactured with an "ion generator" or "ionizer" in the same unit. An ionizer is a device that disperses negatively (and/or positively) charged ions into the air. These ions attach to particles in the air giving them a negative (or positive) charge so that the particles may attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle out of the air. In recent experiments, ionizers were found to be less effective in removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen or fungal spores than either high efficiency particle filters or electrostatic precipitators. (Shaughnessy et al., 1994; Pierce, et al., 1996). However, it is apparent from other experiments that the effectiveness of particle air cleaners, including electrostatic precipitators, ion generators, or pleated filters varies widely (U.S. EPA, 1995).

Now, I cannot recall talking about ozone generators, in fact, I have never heard of them before now. My modern (not pre 1996) Ionisers effectively remove dust particles from the room they are in. The ionised dust particles are drawn into the unit, and attach to the blades inside. I know, I have to clean the dust off the blades that attract the dust. They are very effective, and do not need filters.

How this can be other than beneficial to my health I do not know. I have one in every room, to help prevent my throat from closing. And having the typical male attitude towards house cleaning, it is probably just as well that I do have them.

There is nothing in the link that I can see to suggest that ionisers are in any way harmful to my health.

cheers

Mars

mars wrote:Hi All

Well, I read the information on the link, which is about 15 years out of date in regard to ionisers, and this is what it said about them -

However, some ozone generators are manufactured with an "ion generator" or "ionizer" in the same unit. An ionizer is a device that disperses negatively (and/or positively) charged ions into the air. These ions attach to particles in the air giving them a negative (or positive) charge so that the particles may attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle out of the air. In recent experiments, ionizers were found to be less effective in removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen or fungal spores than either high efficiency particle filters or electrostatic precipitators. (Shaughnessy et al., 1994; Pierce, et al., 1996). However, it is apparent from other experiments that the effectiveness of particle air cleaners, including electrostatic precipitators, ion generators, or pleated filters varies widely (U.S. EPA, 1995).

Now, I cannot recall talking about ozone generators, in fact, I have never heard of them before now. My modern (not pre 1996) Ionisers effectively remove dust particles from the room they are in. The ionised dust particles are drawn into the unit, and attach to the blades inside. I know, I have to clean the dust off the blades that attract the dust. They are very effective, and do not need filters.

How this can be other than beneficial to my health I do not know. I have one in every room, to help prevent my throat from closing. And having the typical male attitude towards house cleaning, it is probably just as well that I do have them.

There is nothing in the link that I can see to suggest that ionisers are in any way harmful to my health.

cheers

Mars

Oops, well heck. I had an ionizer that also had an ozone generator in it. It was the Ionic Breeze Quadra by Sharper Image. Here is an interesting article that describes the product. This is the main reason why when you said "ioniser" my mind jumped to ozone.

"The trouble began in 2003 when Consumer Reports magazine published a report claiming the expensive air cleaners don't clean air. The magazine later claimed its tests showed that Sharper Image's Ionic Breeze Quadra Silent Air Purifier and four other units also release potentially unhealthy levels of ozone. . . . " http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2 ... image.html

Hi Gasp

The main thing is that we were both trying to help an important Forum member, with the experience that we had.

And we did not have to get all hot and bothered about our differences.

I like that

Too late for a Merry Christmas, but I hope you (and not forgetting Lee Lee) have a great New Year.

cheers

Mars

mars wrote:Hi Gasp

The main thing is that we were both trying to help an important Forum member, with the experience that we had.

And we did not have to get all hot and bothered about our differences.

I like that

Too late for a Merry Christmas, but I hope you (and not forgetting Lee Lee) have a great New Year.

cheers

Mars

I like that too! That's the best thing about helping each other is just letting it all out there and let others pick and choose what applies to them.

That said, I also miss SnoreDog. When he was on the forum it was spicy indeed. He wasn't afraid of conflict and had a sharp wit. While he could hurt feelings, he also imparted an amazing amount of knowledge. SnoreDog, I miss your tough ol' hide.

I miss him, too, may he rest in peace...
Happy New Year, Friends.
PS Feeling much better now! Thanks all.

Lee Lee Can't Log In At Work wrote:I miss him, too, may he rest in peace...
Happy New Year, Friends.
PS Feeling much better now! Thanks all.

Happy New Year, Lee Ann.

How are you doing with your "nasal condition"?
I see that you're "feeling much better", but is it all cleared up......and what worked/cleared it up?


Den (I miss him, too.)

Glad to hear your feeling better.

Gerry

Wow--I've had enough sinus problems to relate but nothing like this (I get bad sinus infections 2x / year).

Please provide more detail on your FFM situation--what type, what works, what doesn't.

Seems like optimizing the FFM might be a reasonable way to work through this?

SG

Hi,
I just got on this talk list. Am starting with some kind of a machine as soon they have everything worked out. I have central apnea where my brain doesn't make me breath at night. During the day I have the control but obviously feel terrible. Got some wonderful caring letters as I sat at the computer crying. So reluctantly am ready.
I know nothing about the infections but do always have very dry and red nostrils especially living in a "dry" climate.
My ENT Doc. sent me to the pharmacy for sesame oil nasal moisturizer. I think they make it up for him. It sure helps. Also I read about (forgot the words) the squeeze things going back into the jar. I use a special adapter to my water pick, set to the lowest. I make my own 1/3 tsp salt, pinch of baking powder and a cup of warm water. When I don't use this reguarly and am really red I cut back on the salt a bit.
I'm only starting this process soon so don't know much else. Much luck to you!

For every day moisturizing of your nose you can use AYR nasal spray and cream. Something else that is very effective but a little expensive is Ponaris nalas emollient. My son has problems with bloody noses from allergies and his nose being dry. He puts a few drops of this on a portion of a cotton ball and puts it up his nose, after a few mintues he twists it around some and leaves it in for a few more minutes.

This is also supplied to the astronauts for their flights to help keep them from drying out and getting bloody noses.

Gerry