Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

[Guest guest]

I fit the no asthma category (usually) and don't take any meds (except antibiotics and steroids when I have an infection) except aspirin. Aspirin desensitization is the one thing you don't mention -- I'm curious why.JoanOn Oct 20, 2011, at 11:17 PM, mcraemills wrote: Hi all, First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years. I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so uncommon. I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better, though I know research shows the polyps return oftentimes very rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check. My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this diagnosis. The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice-daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates (thought I'm not stringent about this). My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took Singulair for a month and had a bad reaction to it. In addition to feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate, and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and have noses full of polyps. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, if the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype / tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared. Thanks so much, Mcrae

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your reply, Joan. Did you ever try Accolate, Singulair, or Zyflo? If

so, what was your experience? Do you feel your polyps are well controlled?

(sorry if I could look back to previous posts to find this out but there are so

many).

Regarding desensitization, it seems like a promising option. My understanding is

you have to take a daily dose of aspirin for life after desensitization. I hope

to have children in the near future and I don't think you are supposed to take a

lot of aspirin when you're pregnant. Also is there longitudinal data on the

effects of taking aspirin daily for 40 - 50 years (if I'm lucky to live that

long that is). What are the known side effects - does it irritate the stomach?

Either way, I think I'll reconsider when I'm 40 or so.

>

> > Hi all,

> >

> > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman

> > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years.

> > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show

> > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal

> > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so

> > uncommon.

> >

> > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better,

> > though I know research shows the polyps return oftentimes very

> > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a

> > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who

> > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check.

> > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness

> > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this

> > diagnosis.

> >

> > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice-

> > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and

> > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live

> > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates

> > (thought I'm not stringent about this).

> >

> > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took

> > Singulair for a month and had a bad reaction to it. In addition to

> > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it

> > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a

> > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which

> > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I

> > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of

> > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate,

> > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is

> > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required

> > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help

> > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of

> > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and

> > have noses full of polyps. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, if

> > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype /

> > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to

> > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who

> > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take

> > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared.

> >

> > Thanks so much,

> > Mcrae

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I tried Singluair a little bit before being desensitized -- I don't remember if it helped and I was spooked a little by the reported side effects. Haven't tried the others. I am prone to infection unfortunately and do get polyps when I have infection. I get rid of them with either steroids (budesonide) in the saline rinse, and now nebulized betamethasone. I would guess that you wouldn't want to take aspirin if you are pregnant and that long term effects would be something wise to consider. It certainly doesn't fix all problems. On the other hand, my ENT said that for some patients aspirin can reset the leukotriene pathway, so that eventually patients are able to give up aspirin altogether. I don't know that there is much about this in the literature however. I do think that most people are able to reduce the dose after a year or so and that it is probably the most effective way to keep polyps at bay. But doesn't work for everyone and everyone has a different experience. One thing to consider with a forum like this is that people who have had more success with treatment are probably less likely to join a group -- so comments etc. may well be skewed toward those experiencing more problems. On Oct 21, 2011, at 1:57 PM, mcraemills wrote: Thanks for your reply, Joan. Did you ever try Accolate, Singulair, or Zyflo? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel your polyps are well controlled? (sorry if I could look back to previous posts to find this out but there are so many). Regarding desensitization, it seems like a promising option. My understanding is you have to take a daily dose of aspirin for life after desensitization. I hope to have children in the near future and I don't think you are supposed to take a lot of aspirin when you're pregnant. Also is there longitudinal data on the effects of taking aspirin daily for 40 - 50 years (if I'm lucky to live that long that is). What are the known side effects - does it irritate the stomach? Either way, I think I'll reconsider when I'm 40 or so. > > > Hi all, > > > > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman > > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years. > > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show > > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal > > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so > > uncommon. > > > > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better, > > though I know research shows the polyps return oftentimes very > > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a > > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who > > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check. > > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness > > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this > > diagnosis. > > > > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice- > > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and > > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live > > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates > > (thought I'm not stringent about this). > > > > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took > > Singulair for a month and had a bad reaction to it. In addition to > > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it > > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a > > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which > > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I > > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of > > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate, > > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is > > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required > > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help > > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of > > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and > > have noses full of polyps. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, if > > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype / > > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to > > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who > > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take > > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared. > > > > Thanks so much, > > Mcrae > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Mcrae,

I had my second surgery this July and did the desensitization in August. I have noticed a difference, although I only regained my sense of smell for about 2 months (just prior to surgery because of prednisone until about a month after the desensitization). I was on zyflo for about a year, but never truly noticed a difference so my dr took me off it a month after the desensitization. I have also tried singulair, but never noticed a difference with that either. Overall, I am hoping to control my polyps with the asiprin and by avoiding foods that I absolutely know have an impact.

I had the exact same concern as you did about the desensitization. My husband and I are planning to have kids relatively soon, but in the long run I decided to go through the desensitization. My biggest reason was that I would rather try it, find out it works and then figure out the next step if/when I get pregnant than not try it at all. Knowing as many answers as possible makes me feel like I have at least some control over this awful condition, so I would rather try something and find out if it works than not try it and be left wondering.

I was taking 4 full-strength aspirin for the first month, but am now down to 2. Our plan is to eventually bring me down to 1. Jury is still out on if the aspirin is really working- I don't have polyps yet but there is some swelling (which is why i have lost my SOS again). My current meds are 1 zyrtec (I can't go more than 24-30 hrs without antihistamines or I will itch terribly), symbicort, aspirin and flunase.

Maggie O'Brien maggieinitaly@...

From: mcraemills <mcraemills@...>samters Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 3:57 PMSubject: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

Thanks for your reply, Joan. Did you ever try Accolate, Singulair, or Zyflo? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel your polyps are well controlled? (sorry if I could look back to previous posts to find this out but there are so many).Regarding desensitization, it seems like a promising option. My understanding is you have to take a daily dose of aspirin for life after desensitization. I hope to have children in the near future and I don't think you are supposed to take a lot of aspirin when you're pregnant. Also is there longitudinal data on the effects of taking aspirin daily for 40 - 50 years (if I'm lucky to live that long that is). What are the known side effects - does it irritate the stomach? Either way, I think I'll reconsider when I'm 40 or so.> > > Hi all,> >> > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman > > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years. > > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show > > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal > > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so > > uncommon.> >> > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better, > > though I know research shows the

polyps return oftentimes very > > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a > > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who > > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check. > > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness > > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this > > diagnosis.> >> > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice- > > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and > > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live > > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates > > (thought I'm not stringent about this).> >> > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took > > Singulair for a month and had a

bad reaction to it. In addition to > > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it > > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a > > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which > > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I > > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of > > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate, > > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is > > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required > > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help > > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of > > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and > > have noses full of polyps. I'm just

wondering if it's worth it, if > > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype / > > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to > > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who > > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take > > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared.> >> > Thanks so much,> > Mcrae> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Joan - thanks again. You are right to point out, and it's good to remember, that

the board is a bit skewed with opinions of people who have been less successful

with treatments and continue to have problems.

Maggie - best of luck with the desensitization. The prospect of something

working so well as people have described to control these debilitating symptoms

is definitely intriguing. My allergist is not suggesting it at this point and

seems to want to try these other approaches. Considering this and my other

concerns, I think I will wait for now. I'm just worried the polyps will grow

back soon once I go off prednisone and I'll be back to square one if I don't try

the more aggressive approach that my allergist is recommending with accolate /

zyflo etc. Right now I'm just doing the rinse and trying to stay healthy overall

with diet, supplements, and exercise. I'm not on an antihistamine either. My

allergy test has only ever been positive for cats and dust, and my doctors think

the allergic reactions I had before were likely caused by structural issues in

the nose from the polyps and the mucosa not functioning properly.

> >

> > > Hi all,

> > >

> > > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman

> > > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years.

> > > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show

> > > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal

> > > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so

> > > uncommon.

> > >

> > > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better,

> > > though I know research shows the polyps return oftentimes very

> > > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a

> > > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who

> > > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check.

> > > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness

> > > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this

> > > diagnosis.

> > >

> > > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice-

> > > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and

> > > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live

> > > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates

> > > (thought I'm not stringent about this).

> > >

> > > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took

> > > Singulair for a month and had a bad reaction to it. In addition to

> > > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it

> > > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a

> > > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which

> > > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I

> > > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of

> > > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate,

> > > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is

> > > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required

> > > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help

> > > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of

> > > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and

> > > have noses full of polyps. I'm just wondering if it's worth it, if

> > > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype /

> > > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to

> > > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who

> > > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take

> > > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared.

> > >

> > > Thanks so much,

> > > Mcrae

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I do know that 600mg daily aspirin and pregnancy are incompatible. For some pregnancies, a daily dose of 75mg has been recommended to maintain a pregnancy (but that is not related to Samters but another condition), but I think higher doses are dangerous.If you are planning a pregnancy you would need to go off aspirin for at least 2 weeks before falling pregnant. I had my first 2 children before Samters and my 3rd with Samters.Regarding singulair - that helps with my asthma - even with aspirin desense i still need singulair for asthma. i'm not sure how beneficial it is just for polyps.Good luck with creating your family!BeckyFrom: maggie obrien <maggieinitaly@...>"samters " <samters >Sent: Friday, 21 October 2011, 21:34Subject: Re: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

Mcrae,

I had my second surgery this July and did the desensitization in August. I have noticed a difference, although I only regained my sense of smell for about 2 months (just prior to surgery because of prednisone until about a month after the desensitization). I was on zyflo for about a year, but never truly noticed a difference so my dr took me off it a month after the desensitization. I have also tried singulair, but never noticed a difference with that either. Overall, I am hoping to control my polyps with the asiprin and by avoiding foods that I absolutely know have an impact.

I had the exact same concern as you did about the desensitization. My husband and I are planning to have kids relatively soon, but in the long run I decided to go through the desensitization. My biggest reason was that I would rather try it, find out it works and then figure out the next step if/when I get pregnant than not try it at all. Knowing as many answers as possible makes me feel like I have at least some control over this awful condition, so I would rather try something and find out if it works than not try it and be left wondering.

I was taking 4 full-strength aspirin for the first month, but am now down to 2. Our plan is to eventually bring me down to 1. Jury is still out on if the aspirin is really working- I don't have polyps yet but there is some swelling (which is why i have lost my SOS again). My current meds are 1 zyrtec (I can't go more than 24-30 hrs without antihistamines or I will itch terribly), symbicort, aspirin and flunase.

Maggie O'Brien maggieinitaly@...

From: mcraemills <mcraemills@...>samters Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 3:57 PMSubject: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

Thanks for your reply, Joan. Did you ever try Accolate, Singulair, or Zyflo? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel your polyps are well controlled? (sorry if I could look back to previous posts to find this out but there are so many).Regarding desensitization, it seems like a promising option. My understanding is you have to take a daily dose of aspirin for life after desensitization. I hope to have children in the near future and I don't think you are supposed to take a lot of aspirin when you're pregnant. Also is there longitudinal data on the effects of taking aspirin daily for 40 - 50 years (if I'm lucky to live that long that is). What are the known side effects - does it irritate the stomach? Either way, I think I'll reconsider when I'm 40 or so.> > > Hi all,> >> > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman > > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years. > > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show > > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal > > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so > > uncommon.> >> > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better, > > though I know research shows the

polyps return oftentimes very > > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a > > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who > > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check. > > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness > > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this > > diagnosis.> >> > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice- > > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and > > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live > > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates > > (thought I'm not stringent about this).> >> > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took > > Singulair for a month and had a

bad reaction to it. In addition to > > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it > > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a > > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which > > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I > > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of > > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate, > > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is > > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required > > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help > > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of > > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and > > have noses full of polyps. I'm just

wondering if it's worth it, if > > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype / > > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to > > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who > > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take > > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared.> >> > Thanks so much,> > Mcrae> >> >>

[Guest guest]

I wrote and sent this email a few days ago, but it didn't reach the group, so am sending again!Becky----- Forwarded Message -----From: Bannister <beckyb256@...>"samters " <samters >Sent: Saturday, 22 October 2011, 9:06Subject: Re: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate /

ZyfloI do know that 600mg daily aspirin and pregnancy are incompatible. For some pregnancies, a daily dose of 75mg has been recommended to maintain a pregnancy (but that is not related to Samters but another condition), but I think higher doses are dangerous.If you are planning a pregnancy you would need to go off aspirin for at least 2 weeks before falling pregnant. I had my first 2 children before Samters and my 3rd with Samters.Regarding singulair - that helps with my asthma - even with aspirin desense i still need singulair for asthma. i'm not sure how beneficial it is just for polyps.Good luck with creating your

family!BeckyFrom: maggie obrien <maggieinitaly@...>"samters " <samters >Sent: Friday, 21 October 2011, 21:34Subject: Re: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

Mcrae,

I had my second surgery this July and did the desensitization in August. I have noticed a difference, although I only regained my sense of smell for about 2 months (just prior to surgery because of prednisone until about a month after the desensitization). I was on zyflo for about a year, but never truly noticed a difference so my dr took me off it a month after the desensitization. I have also tried singulair, but never noticed a difference with that either. Overall, I am hoping to control my polyps with the asiprin and by avoiding foods that I absolutely know have an impact.

I had the exact same concern as you did about the desensitization. My husband and I are planning to have kids relatively soon, but in the long run I decided to go through the desensitization. My biggest reason was that I would rather try it, find out it works and then figure out the next step if/when I get pregnant than not try it at all. Knowing as many answers as possible makes me feel like I have at least some control over this awful condition, so I would rather try something and find out if it works than not try it and be left wondering.

I was taking 4 full-strength aspirin for the first month, but am now down to 2. Our plan is to eventually bring me down to 1. Jury is still out on if the aspirin is really working- I don't have polyps yet but there is some swelling (which is why i have lost my SOS again). My current meds are 1 zyrtec (I can't go more than 24-30 hrs without antihistamines or I will itch terribly), symbicort, aspirin and flunase.

Maggie O'Brien maggieinitaly@...

From: mcraemills <mcraemills@...>samters Sent: Friday, October 21, 2011 3:57 PMSubject: Re: For those of you who don't have Asthma - Singulair / Accolate / Zyflo

Thanks for your reply, Joan. Did you ever try Accolate, Singulair, or Zyflo? If so, what was your experience? Do you feel your polyps are well controlled? (sorry if I could look back to previous posts to find this out but there are so many).Regarding desensitization, it seems like a promising option. My understanding is you have to take a daily dose of aspirin for life after desensitization. I hope to have children in the near future and I don't think you are supposed to take a lot of aspirin when you're pregnant. Also is there longitudinal data on the effects of taking aspirin daily for 40 - 50 years (if I'm lucky to live that long that is). What are the known side effects - does it irritate the stomach? Either way, I think I'll reconsider when I'm 40 or so.> > > Hi all,> >> > First time poster here - I'm an otherwise healthy 30 year old woman > > and have been progressively suffering with sinus issues for years. > > I was diagnosed with Samter's Triad in March, although I only show > > two of the characteristic symptoms - aspirin sensitivity and nasal > > polyps, NOT asthma. I know from this board that this is not so > > uncommon.> >> > I just had sinus surgery two weeks ago and am feeling much better, > > though I know research shows the

polyps return oftentimes very > > rapidly in Samter's patients. I'm being closely monitored by a > > great ENT and allergist pair, whom I have confidence in and who > > claim to have a good way to keep this disease relatively in check. > > My allergist in particular knows a lot more about this sickness > > than any other doctor I have encountered and finally gave me this > > diagnosis.> >> > The doctors had me on prednisone (tapering off now) and a twice- > > daily nasal rinse of the Neil Med / Pulmicort / Gentamicin/ and > > baby shampoo to keep the polyps at bay. In addition, I try to live > > a healthy lifestyle, take care of myself, and avoid salicylates > > (thought I'm not stringent about this).> >> > My question is about oral antileukotriene medications. I took > > Singulair for a month and had a

bad reaction to it. In addition to > > feeling very sluggish all the time, I got very sick while on it > > with respiratory symptoms I had never experienced before. I got a > > bad head cold / respiratory infection and couldn't breath, which > > had never been a problem for me and hasn't occurred again since I > > went off the drug. Whether it is rational or not, I'm a bit wary of > > prescription medications. My doctor is now prescribing Accolate, > > and I'm just wondering if it will help or if possibly the rinse is > > enough. I'm also uncomfortable about Zyflo because of the required > > liver test. I know Singluair (and the other two?) can really help > > with asthma, but with polyps? I have read so many testimonies of > > people on here who take these drugs and still can't breathe and > > have noses full of polyps. I'm just

wondering if it's worth it, if > > the benefits outweigh the risks. I know every one's phenotype / > > tolerances / reactions are different, but I would really like to > > hear your input, in particular from those of you in particular who > > DON'T suffer from asthma, have had sinus surgery, and either take > > or do not take antileukotriene agents and how you have fared.> >> > Thanks so much,> > Mcrae> >> >>