Pseudonephrine is the ingredient in many allergy/sinus medications that is a decongestant. It is also a main ingredient in meth which is the reason many states currently have it behind the pharmacy counter. Friday I received a call from my brother. He wanted to know if I knew I was taking pseudonephrine everyday in my allergy prescription. Of course I didn't know. I even went to check the bottle to see if he was correct. Since I had sent him a bottle, he was correct. If I had known, I wouldn't have been taking it everyday. Patiently he explained how pseudonephrine masks the symptoms instead of taking care of them which in turn breaks down the health of the sinus membranes. This breaks down the sinuses ability to heal itself. No wonder I've been having problems with my ears lately. Specifics were given. Although I didn't know the specifics, I knew it was destructive and guessed it was addictive. It is helpful if used for a series of days. I have been taking it for months (unknowingly... obviously I need to check my prescriptions more closely).
Friday I put the medication away and quit taking it. Sunday, my second day without the pseudonephrine, I e-mailed my brother. I explained that I wanted to scratch my eyeballs out and curl up into a small ball with my lotion Puffs. Of course he responded with sympathy and more information. Today I went to school without taking the wonder drug for the third day. First thing this morning I asked to be excused from the staff meeting (yea! good timing- previous principal speaking!). Exhausted (little sleep last night... blowing nose, aching ears, sneezing, sleeping, blowing nose, congestion, sleeping, blowing nose...) I managed through my day with my pocket full of Kleenex and sinus pain.
After school, I went to the chiropractor for acupuncture. I explained my situation. We talked about the pharmaceutical companies, their need to keep us "popping" their pills, and my ignorance for not paying more attention to my medications. He turned my head into a pin cushion, and I set up another appointment for Wednesday. I think my head will be a pin cushion several times in the next two weeks until my sinuses recuperate. It might be a long couple of weeks! I am looking into some herbal decongestants, but they are also problematic since they aren't monitored. Also, I am making inquiries into the netti pot. Has anyone used one? It sounds disgusting, but people (chiropractor, Natural Health magazine, a friend) have suggested it. I want to hear from someone who has actually used it with positive effects.
OK! I'm done whining, venting, and questioning!
Friday I put the medication away and quit taking it. Sunday, my second day without the pseudonephrine, I e-mailed my brother. I explained that I wanted to scratch my eyeballs out and curl up into a small ball with my lotion Puffs. Of course he responded with sympathy and more information. Today I went to school without taking the wonder drug for the third day. First thing this morning I asked to be excused from the staff meeting (yea! good timing- previous principal speaking!). Exhausted (little sleep last night... blowing nose, aching ears, sneezing, sleeping, blowing nose, congestion, sleeping, blowing nose...) I managed through my day with my pocket full of Kleenex and sinus pain.
After school, I went to the chiropractor for acupuncture. I explained my situation. We talked about the pharmaceutical companies, their need to keep us "popping" their pills, and my ignorance for not paying more attention to my medications. He turned my head into a pin cushion, and I set up another appointment for Wednesday. I think my head will be a pin cushion several times in the next two weeks until my sinuses recuperate. It might be a long couple of weeks! I am looking into some herbal decongestants, but they are also problematic since they aren't monitored. Also, I am making inquiries into the netti pot. Has anyone used one? It sounds disgusting, but people (chiropractor, Natural Health magazine, a friend) have suggested it. I want to hear from someone who has actually used it with positive effects.
OK! I'm done whining, venting, and questioning!
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