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

[Guest guest]

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