Question:

Hello, Thanks Carmen. I don’t often miss the chance to brag about quitting. I’m immensely proud and unbearably smug about it in fact . The clear lungs are well worth the spare tire. But it is time to ditch that now as well.

You should be.  It isn’t easy for most people, but the rewards make it worthwhile.  I went from several different inhalers (some to prevent asthma attacks, some to stop them after they started) to none at all within a couple of years of quitting. You tried it, it wasn’t for you.  You’ll find what works for you, just keep looking.  Keeping the refined (see also "crap carbs") carbs down couldn’t hurt as a part of that plan. That’s part of the plan. Jogging unfortunately is the other regrettably necessary part.

It sounds like you’ve got a good plan.  Is there some other form of cardio you would hate less though?  I get the impression you don’t like to jog – can’t put my finger on just why…..<G — Take care, Carmen of Borg Blonde Borgs have the same fun.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, Thanks Carmen. I don’t often miss the chance to brag about quitting. I’m immensely proud and unbearably smug about it in fact . The clear lungs are well worth the spare tire. But it is time to ditch that now as well. You should be.  It isn’t easy for most people, but the rewards make it worthwhile.  I went from several different inhalers (some to prevent asthma attacks, some to stop them after they started) to none at all within a couple of years of quitting. You tried it, it wasn’t for you.  You’ll find what works for you, just keep looking.  Keeping the refined (see also "crap carbs") carbs down couldn’t hurt as a part of that plan. That’s part of the plan. Jogging unfortunately is the other regrettably necessary part. It sounds like you’ve got a good plan.  Is there some other form of cardio you would hate less though?  I get the impression you don’t like to jog – can’t put my finger on just why…..<G

whatever gave you that idea? In my experience nothing strips the weight off like running. I mountain bike as well, as much for recreation as exercise. But a bike is a much more effective (read: efficient) means of locomotion than running. Simply put, I get more heart pounding, oxygen gasping, muscle screaming exercise running for 2-3 miles than I get in a 15-20 mile bike ride. It’s more bang for the time spent on exercise. I bitch about it, but it does grow on you in time. At least it has in the past when I was younger. This time remains to be seen, I ain’t there yet .

Response:

Hello, It sounds like you’ve got a good plan.  Is there some other form of cardio you would hate less though?  I get the impression you don’t like to jog – can’t put my finger on just why…..<G whatever gave you that idea? In my experience nothing strips the weight off like running. Snip It’s more bang for the time spent on exercise. I bitch about it, but it does grow on you in time. At least it has in the past when I was younger. This time remains to be seen, I ain’t there yet

I’d love to run again, but for some reason I cannot get past coughing my lungs out when I do.  They don’t adjust to it. I’m stuck with fast walking on the ‘mill full incline, but it’s still exercise.  Just longer exercise. — Take care, Carmen If you want the best seat in the house, move the cat.

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Question:

I was wondering if anyone here has tried taking the medicine Singulair for their sinusitis. If so, did it work for you? I’m in the same boat as everyone here, have tried everything. I know that Singulair is an asthma medication, but wondered if it could help any with the swelling of the sinuses. I think the swelling is the main problem of sinusitis because once it swells, nothing can get through, then mucous gets trapped and infected, also causes ears to be plugged. Does this make sense? Also, I know Singulair comes in a pill, but thought I read somewhere that it comes in a nasal spray. Would love to hear a doctors comment

Response:

I have asthma as well as sinusitus, and take Singulair (10m/day pill) to prevent asthma attacks.  It has not helped one bit with my sinusitus, however.  Although Singulair is a type of anti-inflammatory (in my understanding), it specifically targets the enzymes that cause inflammation in the lungs characteristic of asthma…So, if my understanding is correct, even though there are variations in how people react to different medications, it would be unlikely to help with sinusitus in anyone.  I don’t know if Singulair comes in a nasal spray or not, but any pharmacy should be able to tell you that.  My experience with other medications that come in nasal spray (mainly in the "triptan" family for migraines) is that they tend to cause some sinus swelling. You say you’ve tried "everything" – I know the feeling!  If you haven’t tried some of the prescription anti-inflammatories such as Vioxx, that might be something to try.  I take Vioxx occasionally for migraines, and it seems to help with the sinusitus as well, although YMMV (your mileage may vary).  I’m assuming you’ve tried the various antihistamines…Another thing that works for me sometimes is taking an over-the-counter benadryl/tylenol/sudafed combo (actually, I take half of one, or the benadryl would put me to sleep!). Of course, drink plenty of water so you stay well hydrated.  Also, avoid dairy products like the plague!  Dairy products tend to make mucous thicker, so it won’t drain as well.  I try to keep my sodium intake fairly low also, to help prevent water retention.  I have one of those "sinus masks" also that you put in the freezer and then on your face (there are cutouts for the eyes, so you can see) which sometimes helps reduce the swelling.  Sometimes inhaling steam helps open up my sinuses also, although the relief from that is usually short-lived. Believe me, I know the pain of sinus swelling!  I have allergies, TMJ, and migraines that all cause sinus swelling.  Add on the asthma, and some days I’m just a miserable mess   Most days aren’t too bad, though…Most of the sinusitus is when I first get up. I hope that helps! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -casey0…@msn.com (Cassandra) wrote in message <news:37ba700a.0208022236.6cbae138@posting.google.com

… I was wondering if anyone here has tried taking the medicine Singulair for their sinusitis. If so, did it work for you? I’m in the same boat as everyone here, have tried everything. I know that Singulair is an asthma medication, but wondered if it could help any with the swelling of the sinuses. I think the swelling is the main problem of sinusitis because once it swells, nothing can get through, then mucous gets trapped and infected, also causes ears to be plugged. Does this make sense? Also, I know Singulair comes in a pill, but thought I read somewhere that it comes in a nasal spray. Would love to hear a doctors comment

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Question:

Actually this hypothesis has been studied.  It has been determined that pollution does not affect the incidence of asthma but can affect the severity. So, do you think that this increased incidence in Fresno county is not really asthma, but rather, other misdiagnosed respiratory disorders? And if so, can’t these conditions eventually develop into asthma?  Is it black and white that you will develop asthma, or are those who have the trait on some kind of a continuum of toxic response to developing asthma?

Read what I said. "They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown." Carl Sagan

Response:

Read what I said.

What you said does not jibe with the increased incidence of asthma in Fresno county.  Perhaps someone else can shed some light on this.

Response:

Read what I said. What you said does not jibe with the increased incidence of asthma in Fresno county.  Perhaps someone else can shed some light on this.

It does not jibe _only_ if you assume a connection between asthma incidence and pollution. So far we only know these things: 1) There is not connection between asthma prevalence and pollution 2) This area is heavily polluted. 3) The area has a higher than expected incidence of asthma. IMO, a more reasonable conclusion would be that there is another (yet unknown) factor responsible for the increased asthma incidence. "They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown." Carl Sagan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average. If this statistic doesn’t sober us to the importance of preventive measures, what will? How do you prevent asthma? I do not know.  But from these statistics, it seems that environmental pollution is associated with the doubling of asthma’s incidence, at least in Fresno county.  Hopefully the CAPS (childhood asthma prevention study) currently being conducted at National Jewish will help, before the rate of asthma doubles again, and again. However, if you look at the children in their study, they are from low income families, so their nutrition is probably wanting. http://nationaljewish.org/c51.html

Fort William in Scotland has *very* clean air (most of it has just come 3,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean) and that can be seen in the lichens growing on trees – but it doesn’t have a correspondingly lower rate of asthma than the rest of the UK. — Five Cats

Response:

I do not know.  But from these statistics, it seems that environmental pollution is associated with the doubling of asthma’s incidence, at least in Fresno county.  Hopefully the CAPS (childhood asthma prevention study) currently being conducted at National Jewish will help, before the rate of asthma doubles again, and again.

Actually this hypothesis has been studied.  It has been determined that pollution does not affect the incidence of asthma but can affect the severity. "They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown." Carl Sagan

Response:

But if this study is to have any reliability, you have to control some variables. They’re obviously focusing on eliminating environmental triggers. Some other study would have to deal with nutritional approaches.

Absolutely.  It is my intent to discuss such a study with National Jewish.   As it is now, we consider nutrients pretty much one at a time, isolating them in studies without really viewing them as part of a larger, full-spectrum of nutrients that work together in tandem, as is intended by the body for the manufacture of its cellular elements. I’d like to see how severel hundred kids/adults would do with a full-spectrum ‘package’ of supplements provided in a study controlled for this.  I already know how I do with them, but that, of course, is anecdotal.

Response:

I do not know.  But from these statistics, it seems that environmental pollution is associated with the doubling of asthma’s incidence, at least in Fresno county.  Hopefully the CAPS (childhood asthma prevention study) currently being conducted at National Jewish will help, before the rate of asthma doubles again, and again. Actually this hypothesis has been studied.  It has been determined that pollution does not affect the incidence of asthma but can affect the severity.

So, do you think that this increased incidence in Fresno county is not really asthma, but rather, other misdiagnosed respiratory disorders? And if so, can’t these conditions eventually develop into asthma?  Is it black and white that you will develop asthma, or are those who have the trait on some kind of a continuum of toxic response to developing asthma? If the incidence of asthma is set in the population, then this statistic in Fresno county might suggest alot more people have asthma and never know it, until and unless they get choked with enough smog, sulfur dioxide, etc. to finally succumb.  This presents an interesting possibility.  If the pollution gets bad enough, then perhaps 25-50% of us will have asthma?  

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average. If this statistic doesn’t sober us to the importance of preventive measures, what will? How do you prevent asthma? I do not know.  But from these statistics, it seems that environmental pollution is associated with the doubling of asthma’s incidence, at least in Fresno county.  Hopefully the CAPS (childhood asthma prevention study) currently being conducted at National Jewish will help, before the rate of asthma doubles again, and again. However, if you look at the children in their study, they are from low income families, so their nutrition is probably wanting. http://nationaljewish.org/c51.html

But if this study is to have any reliability, you have to control some variables. They’re obviously focusing on eliminating environmental triggers. Some other study would have to deal with nutritional approaches. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average. If this statistic doesn’t sober us to the importance of preventive measures, what will? How do you prevent asthma?

I do not know.  But from these statistics, it seems that environmental pollution is associated with the doubling of asthma’s incidence, at least in Fresno county.  Hopefully the CAPS (childhood asthma prevention study) currently being conducted at National Jewish will help, before the rate of asthma doubles again, and again. However, if you look at the children in their study, they are from low income families, so their nutrition is probably wanting. http://nationaljewish.org/c51.html

Response:

Posted on Sun, Jul. 21, 2002 Smog, soot fill valley’s sky FARMING, TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATE IN SAN JOAQUIN FUEL POOR AIR QUALITY By Brian Melley Associated Press FRESNO – In a land cultivated to feed a nation, subdivided for a swelling population and paved with ever-growing highways, the price of progress has never been so hazy. Lingering between the dusty brown soil of the San Joaquin Valley and an endless ceiling of blue is a pall that can literally take your breath away. “You step out the door and you hit a brick wall and stop breathing,” said Judy Terry, a 54-year-old asthmatic who stays indoors most days and keeps a purse full of inhalants within reach. Home to the highest level of childhood asthma in California, the valley has done such a poor job of cleaning its air that local leaders have asked the Environmental Protection Agency to label the valley an “extreme” violator of smog standards. The move would delay federal sanctions for five more years, but also would raise the cost of doing business for new and expanding companies. How America’s most productive farmland became so badly polluted is partly a function of its unusual geography and climate. But it is also a result of urban sprawl, industrial agriculture, inertia by local air officials and neglect by federal regulators. Stretching 240 miles from Stockton to Bakersfield, hemmed in by the 14,000-foot high Sierra Nevada and two other mountain ranges, the valley’s bowl-like topography traps pollution. Long, hot summers, perfect for growing crops, also transform car exhaust, manure gases and other emissions into a smoggy soup. In winter, the harmful mix of microscopic particles includes dust kicked up on farms and smoke spewed from chimneys and bonfires lit to clear vineyards and fruit and nut tree clippings. Nationwide, only Los Angeles has dirtier air — with four times as many people on a quarter as much land — and its skies are clearing up faster. The American Lung Association ranked three valley metropolitan areas directly behind the L.A. air basin among the nation’s smoggiest places. Houston, notoriously plagued with bad air, was fifth. In parts of the valley, children, people with respiratory illnesses and the elderly are warned to stay indoors on many days. Pollution blowing in from the San Francisco Bay Area accounts for up to 27 percent of the smog in the northern part of the valley and about 10 percent in the southern reaches, the California Air Resources Board found. While valley politicians and air officials push for tighter auto emission standards in the Bay Area, they concede most of the problem comes from the fast-growing valley’s own vehicles, farms and other industries. Agriculture accounts for most of the soot in the valley, and more than a quarter of the smog, according to the air resources board. But farms and some oil operations have been exempted, and there has been a lack of political will to change, said San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District spokeswoman Josette Merced Bello. “We thought the measures that were taken were going to bring some reduction and bring about clean air,” said Lisa Fasano, an EPA spokeswoman. “The situation hasn’t improved there — it’s continued to deteriorate. Action must be taken now to bring clean air to the citizens of the valley.” The public health consequences have become severe. A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average. Two children died from asthma attacks at schools in Hanford and Fresno in the past seven years. Inhalers are so common that Fresno schools no longer require all medication to be kept at the nurse’s office.

Response:

The public health consequences have become severe. A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average.

If this statistic doesn’t sober us to the importance of preventive measures, what will?

Response:

A statewide survey by the University of California-Los Angeles, found that 16.4 percent of children in Fresno County had asthma, nearly twice the state average. If this statistic doesn’t sober us to the importance of preventive measures, what will?

How do you prevent asthma? "They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown." Carl Sagan

Response:

Question:

My wife was recently Dx as having MS. I have been reading nfo on  the research  surrounding the Human Genome project as a possible cure for MS. My question is, why isn’t it being discussed in this group? I’m I just hoping for to much?

Response:

I know that they have now mapped most, if not all genes but have not yet discovered what each one actually does. Any "cure" can presumably only be worked on once they get to that point – I suspect that maybe the project has not been discussed too much simply because there is not sufficient relevant data available. "Linda Lopez" <F…@mindspring.com

wrote in message

news:0ceu4uoivaahgrq07stdllajfqkckck20b@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

My wife was recently Dx as having MS. I have been reading nfo on  the research  surrounding the Human Genome project as a possible cure for MS. My question is, why isn’t it being discussed in this group? I’m I just hoping for to much?

Response:

On Wed, 23 Jan 2002 17:35:23 -0500, Linda Lopez <F…@mindspring.com

wrote: My wife was recently Dx as having MS. I have been reading nfo on  the research  surrounding the Human Genome project as a possible cure for MS. My question is, why isn’t it being discussed in this group? I’m I just hoping for to much?

We discussed it a while ago, but it is still far too soon for it to do any of us any good; in fact, I suspect we will all be in our graves before this comes to help us.  There are other procedures that are closer and hold much promise: stem cells, I think, are the leading contenders.  A member of this group is part of a study of stem cells and reports his progress every few months. — Trolls’ topics in the alt.support.mult-sclerosis group: aspartame gluten dairy mercury Hg amalgam lyme bloodletting

Response:

Many of us are involved in this research through participation in the Multiple Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium family project & through NARCOMS, the North American Research Consortium on MS. MADGC is reachable online by email to MADGC.org or by calling 1-800-382-4827. You may contact NARCOMS online through the link I’ve included below.       <A HREF="http://www.MSCare.org/"

Consortium of MS Centers: Leadership in

MS Care

Question:

"Amy, this is your body speaking.  It has come to my attention that you’d like to move to smaller living accommodations.  Take me to the gym, or bike-riding, or roller-skating and we’ll talk, hmmmm?" Alright, it’s really not your body.  You caught me – it’s actually the Set Point Fairy.  Yeah, that’s it, the Set Point Fairy.  I hate exercise more than anything.

Heh, yeah. Well this living accomodation can only tolerate so much Taebo/rollerskating/no bike. It’s the asthma. Sort of a vicious cycle. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

Once you break 264, it should get easy again. I’m in the middle of breaking one, but as  I get closer to goal, the plateau’s are getting closer and closer.

Well I have a LONG way to go. This is the first I’ve hit so far that was not self-induced (ie, I have done nothing "bad" to bring this upon myself, as I had before). I gained the weight so quickly I didn’t really stop anywhere for long, tho I remember 264, I thought I had finally stopped gaining… Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

That sucks.  I used to smoke back when I was young and stupid (ages 16 to 19) and by the end I was using 1 inhaler to prevent asthma attacks, and the other two when the first didn’t work.  I’ll never forget how scared I’d feel when I couldn’t get enough air.  Lucky for me mine was all because of the smoking, and it went away over the course of the next three years.  If I could take back anything I ever did in my past it would be those three years I smoked. I’ve seen that they’ve got different meds now than they did 15 plus years ago, including some corticosteroids with better side effect profiles than the standard first line ones.  Have you asked your doc what your options are?  It sounds like you do the exercise your lungs will allow, but if your asthma limits you from doing more it needs to be under tighter control. Take care, Carmen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Amy, this is your body speaking.  It has come to my attention that you’d like to move to smaller living accommodations.  Take me to the gym, or bike-riding, or roller-skating and we’ll talk, hmmmm?" Alright, it’s really not your body.  You caught me – it’s actually the Set Point Fairy.  Yeah, that’s it, the Set Point Fairy.  I hate exercise more than anything. Heh, yeah. Well this living accomodation can only tolerate so much Taebo/rollerskating/no bike. It’s the asthma. Sort of a vicious cycle. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

Carmen is correct. I used to be unable to exercise but now with the latest and greatest drugs, I do all kinds of things.  The latest theories are that you shouldn’t have ANY asthma symptoms if you are well managed, and for some of us, its actually doable. For me, I only have symptoms (minor ones even) when ill, or exposed to a huge allergy trigger. ask about the singular &  inhaled sterioids.  allegra has also been a huge help for me singulair changed my whole life. — -Beth, Pseudo usenet cop BikeE FX, AT and rans gliss Anchorage, Alaska http://home.gci.net/~dawg/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That sucks.  I used to smoke back when I was young and stupid (ages 16 to 19) and by the end I was using 1 inhaler to prevent asthma attacks, and the other two when the first didn’t work.  I’ll never forget how scared I’d feel when I couldn’t get enough air.  Lucky for me mine was all because of the smoking, and it went away over the course of the next three years.  If I could take back anything I ever did in my past it would be those three years I smoked. I’ve seen that they’ve got different meds now than they did 15 plus years ago, including some corticosteroids with better side effect profiles than the standard first line ones.  Have you asked your doc what your options are?  It sounds like you do the exercise your lungs will allow, but if your asthma limits you from doing more it needs to be under tighter control. Take care, Carmen "Amy, this is your body speaking.  It has come to my attention that you’d like to move to smaller living accommodations.  Take me to the gym, or bike-riding, or roller-skating and we’ll talk, hmmmm?" Alright, it’s really not your body.  You caught me – it’s actually the Set Point Fairy.  Yeah, that’s it, the Set Point Fairy.  I hate exercise more than anything. Heh, yeah. Well this living accomodation can only tolerate so much Taebo/rollerskating/no bike. It’s the asthma. Sort of a vicious cycle. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

Boy have I been busy. Every Monday now I drive 45 min to go sing in a Sweet Adeline’s choir for 2.5 hours. I have to stand the whole time, which for someone as heavy as me is a pain in the lower back and heels. And, being embarrased about my nice fat legs (all the other fat ladies there have smooth skin/leg contours!), I wore khakis and sweated like a dog. At least this time I remembered to bring water! In other news I am still stuck at 265. I’m going to hang in there for a few more days (maybe I gained some muscle??) and then maybe try a brief fat fast, to see if that does any good. I think my body’s refusal to go beyond 264 is just screaming "set point!" (I was at that weight for a long time on the way up as well. Of course, long time in comparison to the whole time I gained was something like 3 weeks.) I have never gone almost 2 weeks without loss before, even when I carbed up (I was able to immediately lose the water weight). Which wasn’t recently, BTW. I have a feeling once I can get below 264 things will become a little easier. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

"Amy, this is your body speaking.  It has come to my attention that you’d like to move to smaller living accommodations.  Take me to the gym, or bike-riding, or roller-skating and we’ll talk, hmmmm?" Alright, it’s really not your body.  You caught me – it’s actually the Set Point Fairy.  Yeah, that’s it, the Set Point Fairy.  I hate exercise more than anything.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Boy have I been busy. Every Monday now I drive 45 min to go sing in a Sweet Adeline’s choir for 2.5 hours. I have to stand the whole time, which for someone as heavy as me is a pain in the lower back and heels. And, being embarrased about my nice fat legs (all the other fat ladies there have smooth skin/leg contours!), I wore khakis and sweated like a dog. At least this time I remembered to bring water! In other news I am still stuck at 265. I’m going to hang in there for a few more days (maybe I gained some muscle??) and then maybe try a brief fat fast, to see if that does any good. I think my body’s refusal to go beyond 264 is just screaming "set point!" (I was at that weight for a long time on the way up as well. Of course, long time in comparison to the whole time I gained was something like 3 weeks.) I have never gone almost 2 weeks without loss before, even when I carbed up (I was able to immediately lose the water weight). Which wasn’t recently, BTW. I have a feeling once I can get below 264 things will become a little easier. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

Once you break 264, it should get easy again. I’m in the middle of breaking one, but as  I get closer to goal, the plateau’s are getting closer and closer.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Boy have I been busy. Every Monday now I drive 45 min to go sing in a Sweet Adeline’s choir for 2.5 hours. I have to stand the whole time, which for someone as heavy as me is a pain in the lower back and heels. And, being embarrased about my nice fat legs (all the other fat ladies there have smooth skin/leg contours!), I wore khakis and sweated like a dog. At least this time I remembered to bring water! In other news I am still stuck at 265. I’m going to hang in there for a few more days (maybe I gained some muscle??) and then maybe try a brief fat fast, to see if that does any good. I think my body’s refusal to go beyond 264 is just screaming "set point!" (I was at that weight for a long time on the way up as well. Of course, long time in comparison to the whole time I gained was something like 3 weeks.) I have never gone almost 2 weeks without loss before, even when I carbed up (I was able to immediately lose the water weight). Which wasn’t recently, BTW. I have a feeling once I can get below 264 things will become a little easier. Amy — 03/11/01 Height: 5′7.5" — Lbs: 291/264/155 – 165 Waist: 44/40/28 — Size: 22/20/8

Response:

Question:

Caffeine acts as a bronchodilator, and as such is good for an asthma ATTACK.  But drinking it all day is sort of like taking puffs of your rescue inhaler every two hours — not good. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I heard the opposite about caffine, but I could not cxite anything as proof, it was just word of mouth I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap? — Mystr E Please shop in an eco-friendly manner. http://www.enviro-shop.com

Response:

I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day?

You were probably reading an old asthma book written in the days when theophylline was the primary asthma drug. Theophylline is closely related to caffeine, so side effects compound when both are taken together. Asthmatics on theophylline need to be cautious about caffeine consumption. Theophylline [SR] is still used as a secondary asthma drug to minimize inhaled steroids, but has been largely superceded by newer drugs like Singulair. I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this?

Those who suffer from thick mucus need to drink more water; tends to apply more to those with bronchitis. Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap?

Neither of these theories would be considered primary considerations in asthma control. For a good current book on asthma, see ‘The Asthma Sourcebook’, 2nd Ed, Francis Adams, MD [pulmonologist specializing in asthma] Ellis

Response:

I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap?

Both true within reason.  Caffeine is a diuretic, causing you to lose water.  Also, it is a broncodilator, which isn’t bad if you need one but could be bad if you take in caffeine constantly since it effectively causes your body to be come adapted to broncodilators and hence constrict the lungs all the more. However, two 12 ounce cans of standard cola a day is not excessive caffeine if you’re getting enough fluids otherwise and if your asthma isn’t especially severe.  (Two 20 ounce bottles of Jolt, on the other hand, would be a bit much.) Getting enough fluid is critical for anyone with chest congestion problems.  Many people either get too little fluid or get it as caffeinated drinks or booze, both of which, due to their diuretic effects, can actually have a negative effect on body hydration.  With insufficient hydration the mucous in the lungs gets thicker and clearing the lungs gets more difficult.  Not only do you wheeze more and have more trouble breathing, but you’re more susceptible to colds and other chest infections.   Whether increased hydration can actually reduce the frequency or severity of asthma attacks has not been proven to my knowledge, but it would be logical to assume that this is the case, at least to some degree.  Plus, additional fluids is generally good for the kidneys and digestive system.  And, unless you have some sort of heart or kidney problem where you must control your fluid intake, increasing fluid intake by 4-8 additional glasses of water a day is an incredibly safe and easy thing to try.

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I do find that when I don’t drink enough wate my asthma get’s worse.   I feel my best when I drink lots of water and do an aerobic work several times a week. Raj – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap? — Mystr E Please shop in an eco-friendly manner. http://www.enviro-shop.com

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I heard the opposite about caffine, but I could not cxite anything as proof, it was just word of mouth

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap? — Mystr E Please shop in an eco-friendly manner. http://www.enviro-shop.com

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I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap?

caffeine is bad stuff…it harms all human beings…but it’s also a bronchodilator which means it’s actually good for asthmatics (though it’s got a lot more side effects than bronchodilators like salbutamol or albuterol)…in other words, it works both ways so just go on how you feel about it’s effect on you…maybe do without a while and see if you feel better or worse apparently not drinking enough water is fairly common, not just amongst asthmatics…soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and coffee do not substitute for water, they also are often dehydrating…hence most people could do with drinking a bit more plain water now and again — eric "live fast, die only if strictly necessary"

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As already stated here, caffeine in moderation isn’t a bad thing. Warm tea MAY be a bit better than either coffee or colas. Why? just because tea tends to have fewer deleterious substances than other common drinks, and the warm water tends to be good for loosening up phlegm. The general reason, besides those already stated for drinking lots of water, is to keep secretions thinned out and manageable. Many asthmatics tend to have very viscous secretions that tend to plug their airways. Water is the best, cheapest expectorant to help expell mucus. I try to drink as much water as possible and not stray very far from a lavatory!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap? — Mystr E Please shop in an eco-friendly manner. http://www.enviro-shop.com

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I read somewhere that drinking caffeine is bad for asthma sufferers.  Is this true?  Should I not be drinking my 2 colas a day? I also read that asthma sufferers should be drinking more than the suggested 8 glasses of water a day.  Apparently, it helps keep the lungs hydrated, which helps prevent asthma attacks.  Anyone heard of this? Is there any truth to either of these theories, or is this all just a bunch of crap? — Mystr E Please shop in an eco-friendly manner. http://www.enviro-shop.com

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Question:

For some of us the advantage of taking prednisone is we are still alive and able to lead a relatively normal life. I have very severe, brittle asthma, the prednisone is the only thing that allows me to still be active. I know I have to be on prednisone for the rest of my life, I’ve been on it constantly for 12 years now and I actually suffer very little from the side effects, I know I am lucky in this respect as a lot of people suffer badly from them, yes I have osteoporosis (I am only 33) and I do have high blood pressure but these can be controlled, helped with other drugs, it is a real pain to have to take so many drugs but sometimes it is all you can do. My asthma is treated by a Respiratory Consultant, it is not sinus related and I do not suffer from Gerd, it is just straight out asthma and very uncontrollable. I wouldn’t recommend taking prednisone unless you absolutely have to but for a very small percentage of us it is the only alternative. Renae

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Try here for side effects and drug interactions, http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/203784.htm http://www.mayohealth.org/usp/html/202095.htm#GXX10

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What are the side effects of albuterol and serevent?  Are they worse than the side effects of prednisone?  Just some questions. Maybe someone has some definite answers.

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What is the advantage of taking prednisone?  Prednisone seems to have some side effects that begin to take place if it is taken long enough.

Hi Lester, I have only had to take prednisone once, so I am certainly no great expert on the drug.  BUT, I was prescribed the med for the first time after battling with a rotten lung virus, gulping for air and only being able to speak 2 or 3 words without running out of air.  The side effects were pretty crummy, but I could breathe again.  I would say the trade off was well worth it.  BTW I am on Serevent, Flovent and Accolate and only have to use Albuterol very infrequently as in if I have bronchitis or the like…maybe once every 6 months. Patrice

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i think a lot of the problems of swollen ankles comes from sitting here at this computer too long and typing out the nonsense that i do. also have bad circulation and this is not helping matters any but for the life of me, can not find me outside and jogging or doing push ups anytime in the near future… such is life in the "unfast lane" always. the cloud – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It all comes with the prednisone, some of those mysterious side effects we keep hearing about.

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What is the advantage of taking prednisone?  Prednisone seems to have some side effects that begin to take place if it is taken long enough. I am happy with my albuterol and serevent. Prednisone is supposed to help prevent asthma, but albuterol and serevent also help to prevent asthma.  What are the side effects of albuterol and serevent?  Are they worse than the side effects of prednisone?  Just some questions. Maybe someone has some definite answers.

Albuterol and Serevent do nothing for the asthma.  All these drugs do is suppress asthma symptoms.  Take a look at the brochure that comes with Serevent – even the manufacturer warns against using this as a sole treatment for asthma. In order to actually control the asthma you need to take some sort of anti inflammatory medication.  The most common are the various inhaled steroids.  Prednisone is used when it is necessary to get asthma under control quickly. If you have asthma that is serious enough for you to need some sort of long term control medication you need to dump your present doctor and find somebody competent. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

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It all comes with the prednisone, some of those mysterious side effects we keep hearing about.

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What is the advantage of taking prednisone?  Prednisone seems to have some side effects that begin to take place if it is taken long enough. I am happy with my albuterol and serevent. Prednisone is supposed to help prevent asthma, but albuterol and serevent also help to prevent asthma.  What are the side effects of albuterol and serevent?  Are they worse than the side effects of prednisone?  Just some questions. Maybe someone has some definite answers. But I do have swollen ankles.  That is probably partly from my emphysema.  But I have been taking a diuretic pill, and that seems to help the ankles.  Lester Tinnin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It all comes with the prednisone, some of those mysterious side effects we keep hearing about.

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Question:

Fergus, Thanks so much for your constant posting of medical news. You are a primary source of information for me and I hope you realize how valuable this is. However, do you know what two drugs were tested at Dundee. The aritcle said an anti-allergy drug and an antihistamine. I know what an antihistamine is but what is an antiallergy drug? Singulair? Cromolyn? I saw a previous reference on this group to this same article which referred to a web site address where there was some information, but, again, the meds were not named. Thanks for any info. Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BBC News Tuesday, 2 May, 2000 Treatment hope for asthma sufferers The treatment of asthma and hay fever could be revolutionised following major medical breakthroughs by two separate teams of scientists. New research at Dundee University has discovered that mixing together two different drugs – already on the market to treat the conditions – is just as effective as using high dosage steroid nasal sprays and inhalers. Meanwhile, researchers from Southampton General Hospital have announced they believe they have found a way of "switching off" allergic responses in new-born babies using a simple tuberculosis-style jab. The Scottish discovery could change the lives of thousands of sufferers by dramatically reducing their symptoms and simplifying their treatment. The findings will also be of benefit to those with eczema and eye conditions. Professor Brian Lipworth, who has been leading the team of scientists, said: "We have found that if you combine daily doses of anti-allergy and anti-histamine tablets you can get the same results as using the current steroid treatment. "This new treatment offers patients an effective alternative and one that many might prefer. "Taking two tablets is a lot easier than administering the current sprays and inhalers." The Scottish research team was the first to prove that combining the two types of medication together was effective in treating the conditions. The tablets, which have been prescribed individually to sufferers for some time, work by blocking the body’s reaction to allergies. Improvement in condition The research carried out in Dundee involved 40 asthma and hay fever sufferers who were split into two groups. Half received the new combination of drugs and the other half were given a placebo treatment. Those taking the drugs experienced a 60% improvement in their condition compared with normal treatments. Asthma sufferer Elizabeth Rogerson, from Tayport in Fife, said: "The treatment given to me by Professor Lipworth and his team has given me back my previous quality of life. "Within three weeks of using the tablets my terrible cough had completely cleared up and I was able to stop using my inhaler. Now I am able to go on cycle rides and not even need to use it." Southampton research Professor John Warner of the Department of Child Health at Southampton General Hospital told a press conference in the city the new inoculation would be tested on babies as early as next year. He explained that the technique, never before tried on babies, worked by introducing small amounts of naturally-occurring bacteria into the bowel, switching off allergic reactions. Over the last 10 years Professor Warner and his research team have collected data about allergy sufferers from 700 families in the area. They discovered that because of our obsession with hygiene, Westerners routinely destroy bacteria which help regulate the immune systems of new-born babies. The breakthrough centres on a molecule present in bacteria cells called CD14. Professor Warner said most new-born babies had an allergic tendency but after birth it should switch to normal immune response. Introducing bacteria into the baby’s system could help "kick-start" the immune system. Professor Warner said: "If it has not been primed properly it therefore misfires. "We hope that within 10 years inoculations will prevent asthma occurring in the first place."

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BBC News Tuesday, 2 May, 2000 Treatment hope for asthma sufferers The treatment of asthma and hay fever could be revolutionised following major medical breakthroughs by two separate teams of scientists. New research at Dundee University has discovered that mixing together two different drugs – already on the market to treat the conditions – is just as effective as using high dosage steroid nasal sprays and inhalers. Meanwhile, researchers from Southampton General Hospital have announced they believe they have found a way of "switching off" allergic responses in new-born babies using a simple tuberculosis-style jab. The Scottish discovery could change the lives of thousands of sufferers by dramatically reducing their symptoms and simplifying their treatment. The findings will also be of benefit to those with eczema and eye conditions. Professor Brian Lipworth, who has been leading the team of scientists, said: "We have found that if you combine daily doses of anti-allergy and anti-histamine tablets you can get the same results as using the current steroid treatment. "This new treatment offers patients an effective alternative and one that many might prefer. "Taking two tablets is a lot easier than administering the current sprays and inhalers." The Scottish research team was the first to prove that combining the two types of medication together was effective in treating the conditions. The tablets, which have been prescribed individually to sufferers for some time, work by blocking the body’s reaction to allergies. Improvement in condition The research carried out in Dundee involved 40 asthma and hay fever sufferers who were split into two groups. Half received the new combination of drugs and the other half were given a placebo treatment. Those taking the drugs experienced a 60% improvement in their condition compared with normal treatments. Asthma sufferer Elizabeth Rogerson, from Tayport in Fife, said: "The treatment given to me by Professor Lipworth and his team has given me back my previous quality of life. "Within three weeks of using the tablets my terrible cough had completely cleared up and I was able to stop using my inhaler. Now I am able to go on cycle rides and not even need to use it." Southampton research Professor John Warner of the Department of Child Health at Southampton General Hospital told a press conference in the city the new inoculation would be tested on babies as early as next year. He explained that the technique, never before tried on babies, worked by introducing small amounts of naturally-occurring bacteria into the bowel, switching off allergic reactions. Over the last 10 years Professor Warner and his research team have collected data about allergy sufferers from 700 families in the area. They discovered that because of our obsession with hygiene, Westerners routinely destroy bacteria which help regulate the immune systems of new-born babies. The breakthrough centres on a molecule present in bacteria cells called CD14. Professor Warner said most new-born babies had an allergic tendency but after birth it should switch to normal immune response. Introducing bacteria into the baby’s system could help "kick-start" the immune system. Professor Warner said: "If it has not been primed properly it therefore misfires. "We hope that within 10 years inoculations will prevent asthma occurring in the first place."

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I thought I’d drop a few lines on diaphragmatic breathing which may help you to short-circuit and prevent asthma attacks. Just a warning though, this advice isn’t intended to replace any medication. If you don’t already know what diaphragmatic breathing is just let me explain it to you. Diaphragmatic breathing with pursed lips is the best way to breathe. It has a relaxing effect and improves the strenght of the muscles involved in breathing. I strongly recommend for you to practice it on a regular basis so it becomes automatic. Lie Down, sit or stand. A reclining position is usually the easiest for beginners. Place one hand on the upper portion of the stomach in order to feel the diaphragm working and to feel the stomach filling up as if with air. Place the other hand on the upper chest in order to detect movement in that area. Too much movement of the upper chest should be avoided. Upper chest breathing is tiring, promotes hyperventilation, and is not as productive. Purse lips slightly as if to whistle. Exhale slowly through pursed lips while slightly contracting the stomach muscles. It is not  necessary to force all the air out. Inhale (sniff) slowly through the nose. Pause slightly. Note: This will allow for better exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Exhale slowly through pursed lips. Note: As you become more aware of pursed lip breathing, you will notice the stomach muscles slightly contract. Inhale through the nose. Pause. Exhale through pursed lips. In, very slowly. Pause. Out, very, very slowly. Note: Exhalation should be slightly longer than inhalation. Try to make diaphragmatic breathing a habit. It will help you to stay calm and to overcome an attack.

Do this or play the flute. (I should revamp mine I think…needs an overhall.) C.

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Hi, I thought I’d drop a few lines on diaphragmatic breathing which may help you to short-circuit and prevent asthma attacks. Just a warning though, this advice isn’t intended to replace any medication. If you don’t already know what diaphragmatic breathing is just let me explain it to you. Diaphragmatic breathing with pursed lips is the best way to breathe. It has

I disagree!.  Pursed lip breathing or through restrictive devices, straws, musical instruments etc. is "mouth breathing" and for asthmatics should be avoided.  It prevents an important recycling of moisture via. the nasopharynx and so will upset the normal balance of upper / lower respiratory moisture.  It is therefore definitely NOT the best way to breathe.  Again "moisture balance" a totally ignored aspect of respiration. a relaxing effect and improves the strenght of the muscles involved in breathing.

The idea of pursing the lips is to slow the airflow without any muscular control so how can it relax and strengthen them?  Relaxation requires a conscious release of the tension in the muscles and is worth practicing by just breathing out slowly, through the nose. I strongly recommend for you to practice it on a regular basis so it becomes automatic. Lie Down, sit or stand. A reclining position is usually the easiest for beginners.

Exercises are far too temporary IMO, moisture balance is required for good respiration in all of your daily activities.  Better breathing technique should be easy and practiced as a non intrusive and unspectacular habit not once or twice a day. snip! Try to make diaphragmatic breathing a habit. It will help you to stay calm and to overcome an attack.

Exactly! Hope this helps, Joe Flood

Sorry Joe! but you can keep your restrictive devices for my money. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only Resistive Breathing Device with 510K FDA approval. Improve your asthma condition–Guaranteed http://www.health-fitness-center.com/sportsbreather.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I thought I’d drop a few lines on diaphragmatic breathing which may help you to short-circuit and prevent asthma attacks. Just a warning though, this advice isn’t intended to replace any medication. If you don’t already know what diaphragmatic breathing is just let me explain it to you. Diaphragmatic breathing with pursed lips is the best way to breathe. It has I disagree!.  Pursed lip breathing or through restrictive devices, straws, musical instruments etc. is "mouth breathing" and for asthmatics should be avoided.  It prevents an important recycling of moisture via. the nasopharynx and so will upset the normal balance of upper / lower respiratory moisture.  It is therefore definitely NOT the best way to breathe.  Again "moisture balance" a totally ignored aspect of respiration.

Agreed, but anyone with long-time nasal congestion problems will tell you that there is a way to breathe through the mouth that maintains moisture balance.  You make the mouth opening small, raise the tongue, and create a relatively narrow passage through the mouth.  Breathing in and out this way moisture is preserved pretty well and the air is adequately warmed and moisturized.  In fact, for a person who has had a T&A this may do a better job of conditioning the air than nasal breathing.

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Hi, I thought I’d drop a few lines on diaphragmatic breathing which may help you to short-circuit and prevent asthma attacks. Just a warning though, this advice isn’t intended to replace any medication. If you don’t already know what diaphragmatic breathing is just let me explain it to you. Diaphragmatic breathing with pursed lips is the best way to breathe. It has a relaxing effect and improves the strenght of the muscles involved in breathing. I strongly recommend for you to practice it on a regular basis so it becomes automatic. Lie Down, sit or stand. A reclining position is usually the easiest for beginners. Place one hand on the upper portion of the stomach in order to feel the diaphragm working and to feel the stomach filling up as if with air. Place the other hand on the upper chest in order to detect movement in that area. Too much movement of the upper chest should be avoided. Upper chest breathing is tiring, promotes hyperventilation, and is not as productive. Purse lips slightly as if to whistle. Exhale slowly through pursed lips while slightly contracting the stomach muscles. It is not  necessary to force all the air out. Inhale (sniff) slowly through the nose. Pause slightly. Note: This will allow for better exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Exhale slowly through pursed lips. Note: As you become more aware of pursed lip breathing, you will notice the stomach muscles slightly contract. Inhale through the nose. Pause. Exhale through pursed lips. In, very slowly. Pause. Out, very, very slowly. Note: Exhalation should be slightly longer than inhalation. Try to make diaphragmatic breathing a habit. It will help you to stay calm and to overcome an attack. Hope this helps, Joe Flood The only Resistive Breathing Device with 510K FDA approval. Improve your asthma condition–Guaranteed http://www.health-fitness-center.com/sportsbreather.

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Question:

Yes, it sounds as though her doctors should be considering whether she has epilepsy.  A friend of ours began to have similar symptoms when he was in his late 20’s.  After being treated with appropriate medication for epilepsy he is back to leading a normal life.  This was not an immediate recovery, but took about a year. Good luck.  I’m sorry, but I don’t know a lot about this condition. Hopefully, a good neurologist can help you. Pam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would appreciate any suggestions. My daughter is almost 21 years old , and off and on for the last few years she has had fainting spells, she has had more concusions than I can count. She often times acts strange after an episode but I always blamed it on her hitting her head. Last night her friend brought her home from work because she was feeling bad. She did not hit her head but she was acting totally spaced out. She did’t know what was going on. She kept asking weird questions. It was as though she were drugged. If she didn’t come out of it in a reasonable time I was goingto take her to the ER. She came ot of it about an hour after I got home. She has been seen by two neurologist and a cardiologist and noone can find anything wrong.She has had cat scans, MRI , EEG.Cardiac monitor. Tilt Table test Now her doctor wants her to see an Ear Nose and throat specialis. After last night I dont think itis an inner ear problem. I am baffled.When she has these episodes she becomes like a rag doll. She cannot stand up or even lift her arms. I am really worried. Does anyone have any suggestions? Songburd1

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Sounds a bit like epilepsy to me too. My wife Sheila had similar experiences which eventually were diagnosed as epilepsy, with appropriate medication symptoms reduced dramatically.

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I would appreciate any suggestions. My daughter is almost 21 years old , and off and on for the last few years she has had fainting spells, she has had more concusions than I can count. She often times acts strange after an episode but I always blamed it on her hitting her head. Last night her friend brought her home from work because she was feeling bad. She did not hit her head but she was acting totally spaced out. She did’t know what was going on. She kept asking weird questions. It was as though she were drugged. If she didn’t come out of it in a reasonable time I was goingto take her to the ER. She came ot of it about an hour after I got home. She has been seen by two neurologist and a cardiologist and noone can find anything wrong.She has had cat scans, MRI , EEG.Cardiac monitor. Tilt Table test Now her doctor wants her to see an Ear Nose and throat specialis. After last night I dont think itis an inner ear problem. I am baffled.When she has these episodes she becomes like a rag doll. She cannot stand up or even lift her arms. I am really worried. Does anyone have any suggestions? Songburd1

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Can any of you recommend any foods that help relieve and prevent asthma symptoms? Are there any particularly good vitamin supplements? Any good exercises. Its seems I’ve tried everything and in the process I’ve spent a fortune!

There are no foods that will relieve asthma symptoms.  Vitamin supplements have been tested and found useless for controlling asthma. And you can expect to hear from the people marketing a ‘breathing exercises’ scam. Alternative medicine operates under the principle of: ‘A fool and his money are soon parted.’ Go to a medical doctor, and follow his advice. — We make war so we may live in peace. Aristotle

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Hello, Approximately three years ago I developed asthma….I try to avoid inhalers but every winter I have to break out the salbutamol and air cleaner.  Most years I develop a chest infection during the winter months and have to take antibiotics, which is something I hate to do. Winter and spring are the worse seasons (or so it seems)…. . . . . Can any of you recommend any foods that help relieve and prevent asthma symptoms? Are there any particularly good vitamin supplements?

AFAIK, no foods relieve asthma symptoms, except possibly those that contain caffeine.  (Caffeine is actually a chemical cousin to theophylline.)  But why consume coffee for asthma, when the salbutamol works better with fewer side effects? There is no evidence that consuming vitamin supplements has any effect on asthma.  Asthma is not caused by vitamin deficiency. Taking lots more vitamins/minerals than the RDA says you need, can actually hurt you.  Large doses of vitamin A (retinol), selenium, and iron (for a guy), can actually be toxic.  Among others. Any good exercises. Its seems I’ve tried everything and in the process I’ve spent a fortune!

That’s the point.  Doctors have known about asthma for THOUSANDS of years.  If there were a nutritional approach that really worked, everybody would have heard about it by now.  So if you "try everything" on your own, not only will you still be asthmatic, but you will be poor as well. If you get bronchial congestion, a good "exercise" is postural drainage, to clear the phlegm from your airways.  That exercise works well for me. You can learn more about it by searching the Internet. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, You guys probably get these kinds of requests all the time but I’m desperate! Approximately three years ago I developed asthma (at the time I was in my early twenties). I had been smoking for about four years prior to this, however, by the time I developed asthma I was already in the process of quitting. It seems I developed asthma after catching bronchitis, I believe there is a direct correlation. Anyway, I no longer smoke and have really changed my life style. However, I keep having year round. I work out regularly ( I can only do light cardio) and try to eat healthy etc. I try to avoid inhalers but every winter I have to break out the salbutamol and air cleaner.  Most years I develop a chest infection during the winter months and have to take antibiotics, which is something I hate to do. Winter and spring are the worse seasons (or so it seems). Can any of you recommend any foods that help relieve and prevent asthma symptoms? Are there any particularly good vitamin supplements? Any good exercises. Its seems I’ve tried everything and in the process I’ve spent a fortune! Any advice  will be appreciarted!! — Sean. ~

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Can any of you recommend any foods that help relieve and prevent asthma symptoms? Are there any particularly good vitamin supplements? Any good exercises. Its seems I’ve tried everything and in the process I’ve spent a fortune!

Certainly I’ve searched to try to find anything in these categories that might work, and haven’t found anything that gives more than a minor benefit. What might work better is a trial of Singulair, Tilade, Intal, or Pulmicort. Have you discussed these options with your doctor? Joan

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Hello Sean,         As far as certain foods go I’m not really sure.  The foods I do avoid are the foods that trigger allergic reactions.  Anything that triggers an allergic reaction is most likely not good for an asthmatic. Professionals say coffee is good for an asthmatic so I have a couple cups of coffee each day.  I use cream and sugar however.  As long as we are following a proper diet we are most likely getting all the vitamins we need.  Should you be vitamin deficient in some area then a supplement may be needed.  We should think like this as far as vitamins go.  We can pack our systems with extra vitamins but our systems will only use what the system needs.  Everything else is eliminated.         Should you continue to be symptomatic much of the time you may want to look into the following information.  Do a little research on MCS and FS.  These are Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Fragrance Sensitivity. I can’t say enough about what I’ve experienced and am now learning but read up on these things and see how we are slowly but surely disabling ourselves.  Many asthmatics that are symptomatic much of the time should look at these problems.  The perfume or cologne you use to smell nice may be the same products that are silently pulling you deeper into a chronic asthmatic state.  When we continue to suffer even while we take our necessary medication we need to look deeper at the source of our triggers and how we react to them. Some asthmatics like myself are like blood hounds.  We have a sense of smell that is above and beyond what other people have.  It’s there to protect us!  We are surrounded where ever we go by fragrance.  To many asthmatics it’s a way of poisoning ourselves without knowing it.  We will begin to understand when we find ourselves in constant symptom where even our medication is not working to get us out of trouble.  Should we constantly suffer we should look at what we are smelling!  This is a major problem in our homes and workplaces.  There are well over 5000 fragrances and deadly chemicals. This is a problem as bad if not worse that secondary cigarette smoke.  I could go on and on but go to your favorite search engine and check the two above mentioned problems.  As asthmatics you will be happy you did! It’s things we can’t see that often hurt us most.  Talk to your attending physician also!         Sean I’ve rambled on here a bit but if it helps you then this reply is worth the ramble.  Have a great day and take care.         Bill

Response:

Hello, You guys probably get these kinds of requests all the time but I’m desperate! Approximately three years ago I developed asthma (at the time I was in my early twenties). I had been smoking for about four years prior to this, however, by the time I developed asthma I was already in the process of quitting. It seems I developed asthma after catching bronchitis, I believe there is a direct correlation. Anyway, I no longer smoke and have really changed my life style. However, I keep having year round. I work out regularly ( I can only do light cardio) and try to eat healthy etc. I try to avoid inhalers but every winter I have to break out the salbutamol and air cleaner.  Most years I develop a chest infection during the winter months and have to take antibiotics, which is something I hate to do. Winter and spring are the worse seasons (or so it seems). Can any of you recommend any foods that help relieve and prevent asthma symptoms? Are there any particularly good vitamin supplements? Any good exercises. Its seems I’ve tried everything and in the process I’ve spent a fortune! Any advice  will be appreciarted!! — Sean. ~

Response:

I don’t care about the fact that she only asked about the urination. I just wanted to educate her about the brutal surgery. She brought it up, I responded. As far as I’m concerned, there is NO declaw debate. It’s unnacceptable mutilation, and I will do anything in my power to help someone understand that. — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey!  Cheri asked about the cat urinating.  As the declaw debate rages on, you all are missing the point. I can’t offer any advice except to say that maybe the urine smell is in the waterbed frame or the carpet.  If that is the case, I don’t know of any way to recover wood from urine saturation, and you may have to get rid of the bed frame.  There are products at the vets that are bacteria that break down the urine smell in a carpet.  The kitten may still be a little confused about the litter box if there is urine smell coming from the first cat’s accident. If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

Hey!  Cheri asked about the cat urinating.  As the declaw debate rages on, you all are missing the point. I can’t offer any advice except to say that maybe the urine smell is in the waterbed frame or the carpet.  If that is the case, I don’t know of any way to recover wood from urine saturation, and you may have to get rid of the bed frame.  There are products at the vets that are bacteria that break down the urine smell in a carpet.  The kitten may still be a little confused about the litter box if there is urine smell coming from the first cat’s accident. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

: Hi Priscilla, : please don’t get your cat declawed. Please check the attributions.  I would never declaw a cat. Priscilla :    alison

: : Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : : : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : : neutered and declawed in about a month. : : : Thanks for any suggestions! : : 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. : 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just : remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and : leaves them with balance problems and often agression. : 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you : mean when you say you "really love this kitten." : : Priscilla : — : "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away." :                                                              – Philip K. : Dick — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K. Dick

Response:

Hi Priscilla, please don’t get your cat declawed.    alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : neutered and declawed in about a month. : Thanks for any suggestions! 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and leaves them with balance problems and often agression. 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you mean when you say you "really love this kitten." Priscilla — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K.

Dick

Response:

Two suggestions: 1. Have your cat examined for a urinary tract infection and/or partial urinary tract obstruction (which could lead to severe damage to the urinary bladder and/or acute renal failure. 2.  Read this: http://maxshouse.com/facts_about_declawing.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

: Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : neutered and declawed in about a month. : Thanks for any suggestions! 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and leaves them with balance problems and often agression. 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you mean when you say you "really love this kitten." Priscilla — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K. Dick

Response:

Any cat that urinates inappropriately NEEDS to be seen by a vet as this is a classic symptom of a urinary tract infection. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

I don’t care about the fact that she only asked about the urination. I just wanted to educate her about the brutal surgery. She brought it up, I responded. As far as I’m concerned, there is NO declaw debate. It’s unnacceptable mutilation, and I will do anything in my power to help someone understand that. — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey!  Cheri asked about the cat urinating.  As the declaw debate rages on, you all are missing the point. I can’t offer any advice except to say that maybe the urine smell is in the waterbed frame or the carpet.  If that is the case, I don’t know of any way to recover wood from urine saturation, and you may have to get rid of the bed frame.  There are products at the vets that are bacteria that break down the urine smell in a carpet.  The kitten may still be a little confused about the litter box if there is urine smell coming from the first cat’s accident. If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

Hey!  Cheri asked about the cat urinating.  As the declaw debate rages on, you all are missing the point. I can’t offer any advice except to say that maybe the urine smell is in the waterbed frame or the carpet.  If that is the case, I don’t know of any way to recover wood from urine saturation, and you may have to get rid of the bed frame.  There are products at the vets that are bacteria that break down the urine smell in a carpet.  The kitten may still be a little confused about the litter box if there is urine smell coming from the first cat’s accident. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

If you truly love this cat, you will not have its toes amputated. Here are some informative links re: declaw surgery: http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/declawnot.html — says hunnybunnyfunnybunny: http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/index.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

: Hi Priscilla, : please don’t get your cat declawed. Please check the attributions.  I would never declaw a cat. Priscilla :    alison

: : Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : : : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : : neutered and declawed in about a month. : : : Thanks for any suggestions! : : 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. : 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just : remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and : leaves them with balance problems and often agression. : 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you : mean when you say you "really love this kitten." : : Priscilla : — : "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away." :                                                              – Philip K. : Dick — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K. Dick

Response:

Hi Priscilla, please don’t get your cat declawed.    alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : neutered and declawed in about a month. : Thanks for any suggestions! 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and leaves them with balance problems and often agression. 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you mean when you say you "really love this kitten." Priscilla — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K.

Dick

Response:

Two suggestions: 1. Have your cat examined for a urinary tract infection and/or partial urinary tract obstruction (which could lead to severe damage to the urinary bladder and/or acute renal failure. 2.  Read this: http://maxshouse.com/facts_about_declawing.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

: Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! : I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him : neutered and declawed in about a month. : Thanks for any suggestions! 1)  Find a way to afford a vet right now, before this cat disappears, too. 2)  Rethink the declawing.  It’s unnecessary and cruel.  They don’t just remove the claws, you know.  It’s amputation of part of their toes and leaves them with balance problems and often agression. 3)  If you won’t do either of the above, please explain what exactly you mean when you say you "really love this kitten." Priscilla — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away."                                                              – Philip K. Dick

Response:

Any cat that urinates inappropriately NEEDS to be seen by a vet as this is a classic symptom of a urinary tract infection. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hope someone can help me with this one!  I’ve shared life with more cats I can remember, and have no idea what’s going on! Some months ago, I had adopted a two-year-old spayed female with epilepsy.  Her family had to give her up due to allergies, and she was a delightful and loving friend!   But…one night I was awakened by a strange sensation on my hand.  I was shocked to realize…my cat had peed on my hand!  And two nights later, I was awakened again…she peed right next to me. Before I had a chance to take her to a vet, she disappeared. A few weeks ago, I adopted a four-month old kitten who had been born and raised outdoors, but immediately understood what the litter pan was for.  We all bonded immediately, and he’s been an absolute joy and wonderful companion for my old dog. This morning, I was awakened by a warm wet sensation on my back.  I couldn’t believe this happened again! I have a waterbed, which makes it unlikely that there was scent from the first cat after scrubbing, and between the cat and the kitten, I’d topped the waterbed matress with a nice air mattress. The bedding I now have is completely new (went from summer to winter blankets) and there was no cat-scent on it. Naturally, I have bathed many times since the first cat-pee incident.  <gg My only "bad" experience with inappropriate cat peeing in the past was when a mature litter-trained cat started squatting, meowing, and piddling in the living room.  I realized she was trying to tell me something, so I switched to urinary care catfood which solved the problem immediately. Once I had an extremely fussy cat who would go in the bathtub if his litter pan wasn’t immaculate. Otherwise, well…I think everyone knows cats are naturally very clean. Any ideas or suggestions?  We really love this kitten! I can’t afford a vet right now, but was planning to have him neutered and declawed in about a month. I know several of the kitten’s older brothers and sisters, and a relative adopted another kitten from this litter about a month ago, and none of the others have any problems, in spite of all of them being born and raised outdoors until they were adopted. I can’t sleep with the bedroom door closed. Thanks for any suggestions! Cheri

Response:

And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Let me guess, you want cheap too.

Response:

 Part or a post from appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the

   It doesn’t sound like you have much choice.  There’s a lot of satisfaction in a well done do it yourself project.     You might try the online auctions like ebay for the tools you need. People sell about everything you could imagine there.  Do your project and resell them if you have no further need for them.  The local tool rental place or lumber yard should have scaffolding available.   There are plenty of DIY books available through places like Barnes and Noble.   There’s plenty of good, free advice here usually if you get stuck on a particular problem.                         Good luck,                           Dean

Response:

Isn’t it amazing. In the regular labor sector, a person supplies a list of prior employers, so that you can verify work quality. Yet when a contractor is going to do a job, the bottom line is the price, and ignore checking with previous customers. "Bend over, dude, you’re going to pay me what I’m worth". My advice? I guess I just gave it.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently hired a local home repair guy to do some remodeling at my house. He began work in August and still hasn’t finished all the jobs. This isn’t hard stuff. Mainly replacing windows. I also planned to use him to do some interior remodeling and put up some railing, but everything he has done so far has not been up to my standards and I finally told him that I would get somebody else to finish the work. I am replacing single pane roll-out windows (house was built in 1961) with newer aluminum windows (bronze). I also had a large sliding glass door replaced (four panel-they don’t make them like this anymore) with a three-panel. Long story short, my home repair guys framed the new windows and exterior of the door with wood and used white aluminum metal strips to cover the wood as a frame. They told me this would work, but it looks like crap. It looks like something a five-year old threw up and doesn’t look much like a window frame at all. What can I do at this point to improve the looks of the this? BTW, the wooden frames are not even and some of the framework protrudes out further than the rest. I thought of maybe covering the metalwork with additional metal which looks right? Also, my home repair guys took up a section of my wood floor in order to do some repair work around the sliding glass door and underneath the house. Some of the wood was put back down, some of it not. They told me when they took it up that it would "work perfectly," but it now seems to be a little bit harder to put back down than they thought. Also, they left the wood outside for several months, covered with plastic, but the plastic leaked and there is some slight water damage to the wood, but I think it is salvagable. It’s tongue and grove that I was planning to have re-finished. This type of wood is throughout my entire house. Is it worth my time or should I just replace the hardwood? I think I might be able to put this back down myself if I can figure out where the pieces go. Needless to say, the home repair people did not mark them. Finally, the railing these guys put up looks horrible, but I have a lot of money in the wood and materials used and I would like to salvage the materials if possible. Any cosmetic suggestions for "doctoring up" wood railing? The main problem with it is that the top railing is very uneven. If I could cover it with some type of skirt, I think it would be okay but my home repair guys said this was a bad idea because rainwater would separate the seems. I know that’s not much info. Wish I had some way to post a pic of all of this. Any adivce would be appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the right tools and sufficient know-how. And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Response:

I recently hired a local home repair guy to do some remodeling at my house. He began work in August and still hasn’t finished all the jobs. This isn’t hard stuff. Mainly replacing windows. I also planned to use him to do some interior remodeling and put up some railing, but everything he has done so far has not been up to my standards and I finally told him that I would get somebody else to finish the work. I am replacing single pane roll-out windows (house was built in 1961) with newer aluminum windows (bronze). I also had a large sliding glass door replaced (four panel-they don’t make them like this anymore) with a three-panel. Long story short, my home repair guys framed the new windows and exterior of the door with wood and used white aluminum metal strips to cover the wood as a frame. They told me this would work, but it looks like crap. It looks like something a five-year old threw up and doesn’t look much like a window frame at all. What can I do at this point to improve the looks of the this? BTW, the wooden frames are not even and some of the framework protrudes out further than the rest. I thought of maybe covering the metalwork with additional metal which looks right? Also, my home repair guys took up a section of my wood floor in order to do some repair work around the sliding glass door and underneath the house. Some of the wood was put back down, some of it not. They told me when they took it up that it would "work perfectly," but it now seems to be a little bit harder to put back down than they thought. Also, they left the wood outside for several months, covered with plastic, but the plastic leaked and there is some slight water damage to the wood, but I think it is salvagable. It’s tongue and grove that I was planning to have re-finished. This type of wood is throughout my entire house. Is it worth my time or should I just replace the hardwood? I think I might be able to put this back down myself if I can figure out where the pieces go. Needless to say, the home repair people did not mark them. Finally, the railing these guys put up looks horrible, but I have a lot of money in the wood and materials used and I would like to salvage the materials if possible. Any cosmetic suggestions for "doctoring up" wood railing? The main problem with it is that the top railing is very uneven. If I could cover it with some type of skirt, I think it would be okay but my home repair guys said this was a bad idea because rainwater would separate the seems. I know that’s not much info. Wish I had some way to post a pic of all of this. Any adivce would be appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the right tools and sufficient know-how. And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Response:

And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Let me guess, you want cheap too.

Response:

 Part or a post from appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the

   It doesn’t sound like you have much choice.  There’s a lot of satisfaction in a well done do it yourself project.     You might try the online auctions like ebay for the tools you need. People sell about everything you could imagine there.  Do your project and resell them if you have no further need for them.  The local tool rental place or lumber yard should have scaffolding available.   There are plenty of DIY books available through places like Barnes and Noble.   There’s plenty of good, free advice here usually if you get stuck on a particular problem.                         Good luck,                           Dean

Response:

Isn’t it amazing. In the regular labor sector, a person supplies a list of prior employers, so that you can verify work quality. Yet when a contractor is going to do a job, the bottom line is the price, and ignore checking with previous customers. "Bend over, dude, you’re going to pay me what I’m worth". My advice? I guess I just gave it.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently hired a local home repair guy to do some remodeling at my house. He began work in August and still hasn’t finished all the jobs. This isn’t hard stuff. Mainly replacing windows. I also planned to use him to do some interior remodeling and put up some railing, but everything he has done so far has not been up to my standards and I finally told him that I would get somebody else to finish the work. I am replacing single pane roll-out windows (house was built in 1961) with newer aluminum windows (bronze). I also had a large sliding glass door replaced (four panel-they don’t make them like this anymore) with a three-panel. Long story short, my home repair guys framed the new windows and exterior of the door with wood and used white aluminum metal strips to cover the wood as a frame. They told me this would work, but it looks like crap. It looks like something a five-year old threw up and doesn’t look much like a window frame at all. What can I do at this point to improve the looks of the this? BTW, the wooden frames are not even and some of the framework protrudes out further than the rest. I thought of maybe covering the metalwork with additional metal which looks right? Also, my home repair guys took up a section of my wood floor in order to do some repair work around the sliding glass door and underneath the house. Some of the wood was put back down, some of it not. They told me when they took it up that it would "work perfectly," but it now seems to be a little bit harder to put back down than they thought. Also, they left the wood outside for several months, covered with plastic, but the plastic leaked and there is some slight water damage to the wood, but I think it is salvagable. It’s tongue and grove that I was planning to have re-finished. This type of wood is throughout my entire house. Is it worth my time or should I just replace the hardwood? I think I might be able to put this back down myself if I can figure out where the pieces go. Needless to say, the home repair people did not mark them. Finally, the railing these guys put up looks horrible, but I have a lot of money in the wood and materials used and I would like to salvage the materials if possible. Any cosmetic suggestions for "doctoring up" wood railing? The main problem with it is that the top railing is very uneven. If I could cover it with some type of skirt, I think it would be okay but my home repair guys said this was a bad idea because rainwater would separate the seems. I know that’s not much info. Wish I had some way to post a pic of all of this. Any adivce would be appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the right tools and sufficient know-how. And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Response:

I recently hired a local home repair guy to do some remodeling at my house. He began work in August and still hasn’t finished all the jobs. This isn’t hard stuff. Mainly replacing windows. I also planned to use him to do some interior remodeling and put up some railing, but everything he has done so far has not been up to my standards and I finally told him that I would get somebody else to finish the work. I am replacing single pane roll-out windows (house was built in 1961) with newer aluminum windows (bronze). I also had a large sliding glass door replaced (four panel-they don’t make them like this anymore) with a three-panel. Long story short, my home repair guys framed the new windows and exterior of the door with wood and used white aluminum metal strips to cover the wood as a frame. They told me this would work, but it looks like crap. It looks like something a five-year old threw up and doesn’t look much like a window frame at all. What can I do at this point to improve the looks of the this? BTW, the wooden frames are not even and some of the framework protrudes out further than the rest. I thought of maybe covering the metalwork with additional metal which looks right? Also, my home repair guys took up a section of my wood floor in order to do some repair work around the sliding glass door and underneath the house. Some of the wood was put back down, some of it not. They told me when they took it up that it would "work perfectly," but it now seems to be a little bit harder to put back down than they thought. Also, they left the wood outside for several months, covered with plastic, but the plastic leaked and there is some slight water damage to the wood, but I think it is salvagable. It’s tongue and grove that I was planning to have re-finished. This type of wood is throughout my entire house. Is it worth my time or should I just replace the hardwood? I think I might be able to put this back down myself if I can figure out where the pieces go. Needless to say, the home repair people did not mark them. Finally, the railing these guys put up looks horrible, but I have a lot of money in the wood and materials used and I would like to salvage the materials if possible. Any cosmetic suggestions for "doctoring up" wood railing? The main problem with it is that the top railing is very uneven. If I could cover it with some type of skirt, I think it would be okay but my home repair guys said this was a bad idea because rainwater would separate the seems. I know that’s not much info. Wish I had some way to post a pic of all of this. Any adivce would be appreciated. I really do feel that I could do a lot of this myself if I just had the right tools and sufficient know-how. And yes, I have tried different people. Where I live, it is just about impossible to get anybody to do any work of this nature and when they do work for you it usually isn’t right and has to be re-done. I’m really tired of throwing good money after bad (or is it bad money after good?). All I want is to get my house fixed.

Response: