lung bleed

[Guest guest]

Lynne,

I have been on Tobramycin 7.5 ml (1 1/2 tsp.) twice daily the last two weeks of each month since July 18, 2004, for pseudomonas bronchiectasis. I have not felt any better since I have been on it, but I think it is just being used to keep me out of the hospital (preventive). I am Medicare primary, and they do not want me to have to go to the hospital. What bothers me the most the last few months are sinus headaches and total body aches. I have not heard anyone else mention body aches as being part of bronchiectasis. The last time I was scheduled to see the pulmonary doctor, he had a meeting to attend so I saw the physician's assistant. I asked her about the body aches, and she did not know anything about this being associated with bronchiectasis. Since I am 69 years old, it could be from arthritis.

The cost of the Tobramycin is causing me to get off of other medications for other health conditions. I do not have a prescription drug plan anymore so have to prescription drug shop like so many others have to do.

Norma

[Guest guest]

Lynne,

Would you please forward Becki's post. I must have missed it.

Thanks,

Norma

[Guest guest]

Norma,

About 1 year ago I started using saline solution upon rising in the morning and before bed at night. I buy it at Walgreens & get their brand which goes on sale quite often at 2 for 1. I tip my head back, squeeze and sniff it into my sinus cavity & some runs down throat. Since doing this I have not had any sinus headaches. (knock on wood) You might give that a try.

Nona

[Guest guest]

Nona,

I have a rather expensive machine ($100.00), Dr. Grossan's Hydro Pulse, which works great. Before that I was using Dr. Grossan's Sinus Irrigator Tip with the Water Pik machine. I went through 3 Water Pik's in one year. When I called the Water Pik company, they said that it was supposed to be used for cleaning the teeth and gums and that by using the saline solution I ruined them. Now Water Pik has an attachment and machine similar to Dr. Grossan's Hydro Pulse, but it is not as good as the Hydro Pulse according to the sales lady at our Allergy, Air & More Store where I purchased the Hydro Pulse. I use warm water (100 degrees according to my meat thermometer) and Dr. Grossan's recommendation. I put 1/2 tsp. of uniodized (Ball brand of canning and pickling salt) that I buy at the grocery and 1/2 tsp. baking soda per cup of warm water. This really gets the gunk out. This appliance gently rinses the nose and sinuses with a refreshing pulsating action not given by other methods. Tests show that nasal cilia work better after treatment. He also has his own product called Breathe ease XL from which I make a solution to put in a spray bottle that I carry in my purse. There are no additives and a $20.00 box of powder will make over 100 treatments. I carry this with me in my purse as fumes from the exhaust of other cars bothers me. Also, it cleans the nose from allergens. I first learned about his products from a coworker at the state health department where I worked. Her ENT told her about it, and then I started using it. Before that I was using a baby ear syringe and buying saline spray at the grocery or pharmacy. This solution works much better and is less expensive. I have had sinus problems since 1959 and perhaps before that but was not aware what was happening to me when I had the facial pain and pressure.

Sorry this is so long, but I am so pleased with this product. The reason that I had the headache today is due to the fact that a cool front came in this morning with 30 mph winds. Anyone with long term sinus problems will note pressure when this occurs.

I appreciate your concern and information. I am still concerned about my body aches. I feel better at night and notice this only when it is cool in the morning. I wake up cold in the morning so perhaps it is arthritis. My primary care doctor's nurse suggested that I buy an electric blanket to turn on in the morning so that I will be warm when I get up in the morning.

Good Night-Sleep Well,

Norma