Spartako wrote on 08/02/13 at 00:54:30:


Yikes.... I guess we are all a bit different on this disease.

I am now at 4 1/2 months since I started the aspirin. I have dropped my meds in half.  I was taking 4 Zyrtec, 4 Zantac, 2-4 Ketotifen, 2 Accolade, and hydroxyzine as needed (a few a week) and prednisone when needed.  Now I am on 2 zyrtec, 2 zantac, 2 Accolade, 4 aspirin.... and nothing else.  I have only flared once a tiny bit in 1 ear after suffering some extreme pain (another issue).  I am now regularly getting aerobic (sweating and breathing hard).  I am biking and hiking.  I can see scary movies without flushing!  Hot sunny days still bother me (make me tired) but I can take more of that than I used to.  The only side affects is that I bleed more easily and clotting takes a bit longer.  Also my stool gets dense and have had to take regular stool softners and eat more fruit.   The next big test is an airline flight next months.  If I pass that....

Its almost like the disease has mostly gone away.

I know that many of you cannot tolerate aspirin.  I know I react to ibuprofen.  But again.... unless you know you have a problem with aspirin... you should ask your doc about this treatment.   And again I did this in the docs office starting with 1/2 a baby aspirin and doubling every 40min till I got to 365mg.

I will update this again after my flight in October.

Another  update.  Now 6 months into the aspirin therapy.  I was able to fly without flushing.  Have not been able to do that for years.  So.... I can take big trips again.  I have noticed some slight flushing on some afternoons and early evening.   It mostly started when our rainy and colder season started.  If I take a ketotifen at lunch that seems to take care of that.  So i have accomplished a couple of my goals with getting active and aerobic again, going up to higher altitudes, and being able to fly.  Not to mention less flushing.   I am still sensitive to warm environments especially if the sun is shining on me.  But i think that i am at a tad less sensitive.

No one should attempt to desensitize themselves to aspirin on their own. It can cause a life threatening reaction, even if the previous reaction was mild. Most allergists will refer their patients to regional specialty center that has trained personnel that do this all the time. They monitor FEV after every dose and intervene with medications if they detect a problem. It takes about two days to do this.

Wow, Bob, that's great to hear!  I've had some clotting issues from taking turmeric which also has salicylates, like aspirin.  If I eat greens regularly, like kale or swiss chard, I don't have the clotting problem.  Maybe that would help you, too.