Aspirin Desensitization #Allergies #Asthma #sinusitis

Last week I had my Aspirin Desensitization. 

What in the heck is an Aspirin Desensitization?

Taken off the internet to help explain it: In patients like me that have sinusitis and nasal polyps, endoscopic sinus surgery it was needed to help patients like me whose asthma is worsened by their nasal problems. After surgery is performed, it is often helpful to perform "aspirin desensitization."

In my own words: I'm allergic to Ibuprofen, which reduces inflammation. If I had an allergy or asthma flair up I couldn't take Ibuprofen or Aspirin; they are related.

What happened when I took it? My lungs would shut down, and I'd have a sneezing snot fest.

They gave me little bits of Aspirin every 90 minutes for 2 days, which could have lead to 3 days. I was closely watched in case something major happened.

What to expect with an Aspirin Desensitization?

The Allergy and Asthma Clinic couldn't give me a Aspirin Desensitization too soon after my septum and polyps surgery. Why? Because it thins the blood. It would have been dangerous for me. They also couldn't do it too far away from surgery because polyps could form. That still could happen, but I'm at less of a risk now.

They gave me an IV. I thought the Aspirin would be dripped into me. Nope! The IV was just in case they needed to save my ass. I was confused when they taped it to my arm with medical tape because I thought it was going to get used for 2 days.

Per usual I was stuck twice. It's either two or three times I get stuck. I just have small rolling veins.

That IV was left in the whole time - 2 days. The boys freaked out when I got home that first night. Mica, "Mom a needle is really stuck inside your skin still?" Me, "Yes. You be good, or I'll stick it inside your skin!" Totally kidding of course, but I didn't need to say that to him. He knows my humor. Mica, "Isaak! Mom has a needle stuck in her skin!" Isaak, "Really?" Me, "Yep!" Isaak, "Gross!" For some reason it was a big deal to them. I told them both that they had an IV needle stuck in their skin for a few weeks when they were babies - one had Meningitis and the other had a Staph Infection. 

They flushed the IV out that 2nd day with saline just to make sure it worked. Other then that, that's all it was used. 

Aspirin:

Liquid Aspirin was given to me in a little medicine cup with some gross stuff that tasted like Alka Seltzer. If you're getting this done have something to drink to wash that crap down! Luckily gross drinks don't bother me. 

After my first dose I had to use the bathroom. I drink coffee, a smoothie, and a tall glass of water in the morning! When I left the office to use the bathroom the cute doctor said, "Are you ok?" with a concerned look on his face. I wanted to joke with him by saying, "I am now that I've seen you." Of course I didn't say that though! Ha! I just asked a nurse to show me the way through the maze to the bathroom. I feel like all medical offices are mazes in the back! Are like that to you? It was then I figured out that the gross drink was my Aspirin. I really had no idea! 

I had one of those shots of liquid Aspirin drinks every 90 minutes along with a breathing test, my blood pressure taken, and they checked my pulse. My blood pressure and pulse were fine, but almost every time - except the first time - I failed my breathing test. 

Was it the Aspirin, or was it the nasty storm that came through that day? I'm not bitching about the rain; we needed it! I just know storms that come through make my allergies and asthma act up! We didn't have one for awhile. They were thinking it was the Aspirin. I beg to differ. I think it was the storm.

I Got a Nebulizer Treatment About 5 Times That Day:

What did I learn? Don't breathe deeply the whole time with a Nebulizer! I was majorly tingly almost every time afterwards + I was out of breath when they tested my breathing again. Breathe normal. 

Bring Stuff to Do:

I wanted to paint, but figured that would be too messy + it would require more trips to the bathroom for cleaning out water. Too bad I wasn't in a sewing stage of an art project. To be honest I haven't had the energy to paint much all summer. Lame! I'd say excuses are for losers, but that surgery took more out of me than 2 c-sections ever did. 

The first day I wrote down 30+ ideas to paint. I also looked through art books.

Javier Mariscal: Mariscal Drawing Life

This is his character Twipsy done in different styles. He's from Spain. Fact: He's won awards for the best animated feature and he created, he created the character Cobi for the Atlanta Olympics in 1984, and he did all the graphics inside a Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio! He's kept up with the times in Spain. He's not known as much throughout the US.

Joe Sorren

This is a limited edition book. His work went from illustration to privately owned pieces. It's very dream-like. He's from Arizona.

I was at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic all day day 1. My cute doctor only visited me twice. 

Day two my cute doctor informed me that I still could have a bad reaction. The Aspirin went from liquid to pills, which they nearly doubled the dose. 

I I brought a laptop, and finished my sister's t-shirt design for the most part. 

I got a visit from the cute doctor at 3:30, which he said I was released for good. I passed all my breathing tests day 2. Now I'm on 2 Aspirins a day 2 times a day. 

One other thing to expect if you have an Aspirin Desensitization: Bring food! I had a freezer bag with a sandwich, raw veggies and fruit. 

I've also learned in the process that the doctors consider all my nose stuff to be a disease. I never thought of myself having a disease. Apparently to them I have one. 

After months of taking Aspirin I should be able to take more pain meds. That will leave me just allergic to Sulpha. 

Are you allergic to any meds?

WW: Babysitter and Clue Lock-In {Linky}

I love our library! They offer so many things there. 

Mica's been helping them stock books and with their Read to a Dog program. It gets kids reading, and dogs love attention!

Mica and a friend took a Babysitting Clinic at the library earlier in July. I think they were the only boys, but they learned how to change diapers, first aid, what to charge, what to do in emergencies and so on. Both boys seemed happy when I picked them up, so they must of had fun.

Last weekend Isaak and Mica had a Clue Lock-In at the library. All the Librarians were dressed up like people from the game/movie. They had clues in each room to solve a mystery. It looked fun to me!

All their classes, clinics and lock-ins are free. I make sure to thank our Librarian's. They have coding classes, Lego classes, story time, and a ton of classes for adults too. 

Digestive Enzymes Review

Isaak, Mica and I tend to have streaks in the fall and winter where we have IBS type issues. It comes on us like a storm, then we can't seem to get rid of it. The only way I've found to put my system back in check is by going on the B.R.A.T. diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast and/or Tea). I also start taking Digestive Enzymes. Something that would take me a week or two to get over changes to a few days. I'm a happy camper, and so is my stomach!

When I was in middle school I kept getting sick. My mom had me in for stomach testing. During the testing my stomach was totally fine. I wish they could have tested me when the symptoms were present.

During the time I take Digestive Enzymes I stop taking Probiotics.

HealthLabs Nutra has the Ultimate Digestion Solution packed into 1 bottle. You can take a few a day, for 30 days. There are 60 pills in a bottle.

Each bottle have a plastic coating, a foil wrapping on the top, cotton and a lid to ensure that the pills don't get damaged in shipping. If the plastic ever looks like it's been opened let the company know right away.

I like this style of pill best! At times I open them to put them in a smoothie.

You can get these at Walmart for $18.95 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Digestive-Enzymes-30-Day-Supply-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-Relief/111422852 It's well worth the price to feel better.

What it Helps With:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal Discomfort
• Breaks Down Fats, Carbs and Protein
• It Restores Natural Digestion 

It's all plant based.

Do you have stomach problems from time to time? 

Disclaimer: I got these product to help write this review. The company in no way influenced my decision when reviewing this product.

Thick Performance Athletic Socks Review

Isaak was excited to be a part of a 3 day basketball camp last week! He went to the University of Nebraska for it. My college student nine year old loves basketball! 

He had fun except for the last day. Isaak's only been playing for a year, so he got called, "A ball hog" by a few teammates. I told him that he just has to practice looking up, and being aware of his surroundings. I also mentioned, that it was ok to be upset, it's not fun being called something negative. I make it clear that If he felt like crying no one in the car was going to judge him.

We had a much easier time taking him and dropping him off then we originally thought. It ended up that I only needed to be at the Allergy Asthma Clinic for 2 days instead of 3. On that 2nd day I got let out early enough to go get Isaak from camp. Just like Isaak had a crappy time on the 3rd day I did too. I got a ticket for parking in a lot, which was ok to park in. I had to hunt the parking building down to get that waved. I didn't realize the campus was split with a park. Finding the building I needed to go to took me 35 minutes. Mica kept saying, "Calm down Mom!" Ha!

Isaak looked sharp with his new shirt and socks!

Not only was he excited about playing basketball for 3 days straight, he was also happy to try out Thick Performance Athletic Socks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073WVCR3S

The set comes with black and red socks. It's perfect really because the shorts Isaak loves to wear for basketball are red, and he generally wears a charcoal grey or black for the top.

Each pair came in a separate plastic bag that has a ziplock feature:

I have to be honest I just threw the bags away. My boys each have a sock drawer.

Likes:

• They are comfortable. In fact the first time Isaak put them on he felt like he wasn't wearing socks on the foot part.

• Isaak loves that they can be worn for different sports. They have listed that they can be worn for Basketball, Football, Soccer, and Volleyball. Isaak's into Soccer and Basketball. 

• The color and style of the socks we like. 

• Isaak thinks it's cool they have an L for left and R for right. I've never had socks that tell you which sock goes of what foot, but I have seen them. If he likes it, great. I think I'd just like to put my socks on without thinking at all. 

Dislikes:

• The socks seemed to shrink a little bit when washed. The ankles fits too tight. 

• The black pair of socks had some loose strings inside them. They annoyed Isaak. 

Cost:

They are $15.99 on sale for $13.99 with Prime Shipping on Amazon. That's a super good deal for athletic socks!

Do you have a favorite brand of socks?

Disclaimer: I got these 2 pair of socks for a discount to write this review. The company in no way influenced my decision when reviewing this product.

Random Tid Bits

1. I have a coworker that says he hates The Beatles music, yet he whistles The Beatles tunes often. Maybe he doesn't know that Joe Cocker's greatest hit was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
   
   Do you have a favorite Beatle? I used to like John because he brought so much creativity to the band, and different sounds to their music. Then I found out that John basically abandoned his son Julian when The Beatles started, and Yoko Ono came into the picture. My interest moved on to Paul. Paul visited Julian often (I have a soft spot when it comes to kids), when his own father didn't visit him. I kind of feel like Paul is pretty cocky. My interest moved to the quiet George. I do like Octopus's Garden and Yellow Submarine, which Ringo was the lead vocal on those songs, he was never a main player in the band, so certainly not my top pick as a favorite. 


My Octopus' Garden



2. I feel for Travis this week and next. His 2 bosses and 1 co-worker are in Mexico. They are all related and there's a family wedding there. Anyhow he's supposed to be the main guy in charge. Ekkk! On top of it all my parents said they were going on a trip last week, but last week turned into this week. They were like, "I think we'll be gone about a week." They didn't seem for certain. They usually help watch the boys a few days a week. This week and next are when his co-workers will be gone. I will have had my Aspirin Desensitization Wed, Thurs, and Fri. I'm pre writing this on Tues. We were hoping my parents could help take and/or pick up Isaak from Basketball Camp Wed, Thurs, and Fri. Thankfully my older sister has offered to help. Travis' plate is overflowing with manning a lab, finishing his art residency, and being a chauffeur for Isaak. I hate that I'm not able to help. 


3. I have no idea what to expect with this Aspirin Desensitization. Will my lungs freak out? Will I be a snotty, blubbery mess? Maybe it will be dripped so slowly into me that nothing much will happen. We shall see. 


4. Because I'll be at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic for 3 days I've gotten 3 email reminders and 3 phone call reminders. I talked to the ENT office because I double booked appointments for Fri. I told them that I may not need to be at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic on Fri. They said the Aspirin Desensitization will take 2 to 3 days. I asked if I should reschedule my ENT appt? They said, "No." Well now I've gotten a phone call and an email asking to confirm my ENT appt. that I don't know if I can be at. 


5.  I've been trying oh so hard to get rid of a cyst on my forehead. I now had a big red dot from the Apple Cider Vinegar. It seems to be rising to the surface more. I just hate the big red dot. 

WW: Kinetic Exhibition {Linky}

We went to the KANEKO to see John Buck's work, awhile back. It was so interesting!

He had some prints up that were pretty unique. Of course the kinetic sculpture is what was so different, and drew people in.

Do you ever go to art shows, or art museums?

Canning and Preserving

Travis grew a ton of cucumbers, but no dill weed. This weekend I went to Ace Hardware to pick up more canning jars, and then to 3 grocery stores to buy dill weed.

Travis did the canning, but I helped with the prep work, meals and clan up.

Travis ran out of the pickle brine, so he decided to ferment the rest. He has a big fermentor crock I got him. 

Next we're going to have a ton of tomatoes. They're a little slow to turn red this year, but are well on their way. Last year I peels, and took the seeds out of the tomatoes, chopped them up and froze them. Then we canned in the fall a few times when it was cold outside. 

Do you do any canning, or do you grow your own food? I'd be lost without Travis. Especially this year I just couldn't be outside with my allergies. About the only thing I do is pick mulberries for 10 minutes each day when I'm at work. I get a small bowl full each day, but there is starting to be less and less of them. I just wash them, cut their stems off and add them to smoothies.

Anti-Dusk Face Mouth Mask Review

Everyone that's been reading my blog for awhile knows I have allergies and asthma. Travis does most of the yard work. I do however suck up leaves when it's fall time. He grew up in the country where the leaves just broke down naturally. Here in the city the leaves get into gutters, or kill the grass if they aren't taken care of.

I have to admit that I wear a respirator when I suck up the leaves. It's tight against my face, and protects my lungs.

When I dust things inside that haven't been dusted in awhile I wear a dust mask.

I recently was sent an Anti-Dusk Face Mouth Mask Ear Loop Washable Dust Mask to review.

You can get this mask here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072PZM21C?th=1

At first I kept thinking that the name in their mask "Anti-Dusk" was a typo, but it's on all their promotional items. I thought it was supposed to be, "Anti-Dust".

Features: 

Material: Cotton and Polyester

Ear Loops: They have 4 elastic bands that come off the mask. They need to be tied to form a loop to fit around the ears.

The Size: 7.5"x4.5"

Unisex: They have masks that are for guys and girls. It's even funny when a guy wears a girl mask and a girl wears a guy mask.

Cost: $12.99

Function: 

Anti-Dust, Anti-Smoke, Anti-Fog, Keeping Warm, Germs, Allergies, Smoke, Pollution, Ash, Pollen, Crafts, Gardening, and Travel.

I'm not sure how functional it really is. The mask isn't tight over the face. If you really want dust and other germs to be gone I don't know that it's really going to be super protective if particles can get through the top, and sides of the mask. The whole reason why I wear a respirator to suck up leaves in the fall is so I'll have something super tight against my face. Other masks have a metal clip on the nose part, so it fits snug against the face. This one does not.

I do think it's functional in the fact that it will help keep me warm in the winter. Cold air is a trigger for asthma. If I go out walking, jogging, or cycling in the winter this mask may be worn. Ha! I'd have to see how well it keeps smoke out. Right now because I had deviated septum and polyp surgery I just have been staying away from smoke. I didn't even go outside during the 4th of July. Smores were made in the oven under broil. I will try it out for smoke though. I could see it helping. I just wish again that the nose part would be more snug.

Fashion:

The mask is well made. I like the material. It's durable, and can be washed over and over again! The fact that it can be washed puts it over disposable masks.

I'm not a big fan of the ear bands. I had to tie them together. I was thinking that they'd have velcro, or just be one piece per ear band.

Funny:

I think more than anything the masks they make are just funny! My boys were laughing so hard when we tried it on! I could see wearing it for Halloween. I'd just have to think of what to be that would go with the mask.

 

Have you ever worn a face mask to protect your breathing nasty things in?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Disclaimer: I received this mask for the purpose of this review. The company in no way influenced my opinion.