pollens asthma and lapbands

rachel · April 23, 2005

Hi Everybody,

DeniseG mentioned that bands could be affected by pollens eg get tighter.

As an asthmatic I'm interested if other people with hayfever, asthma, sinus problems have experienced any related problems.

Take care all,

Rachel.

babsyintx · April 23, 2005

Hi Rachel,

Alergies will make you more restricted.My throat is irritated from allergies now and it affect my restriction cause I have a little swelling in there. I am used to it though. THis is my second year of dealing with these issues.

Babs in TX

334/180/170

-154

the best me · April 23, 2005

This makes me wonder. I started taking Singulair a few weeks before my surgery and it helped alot, especailly this time of year. I don't get asthma out of the blue, during exercise, etc but when I am exposed to allergens (dog dander, pollen, etc) I get wheezy in my chest, as well as general snottiness and dry itchy eyes. So the Singulair was helpful.

I took my last pill the day before my surgery and haven't had any since. I'm feeling it. AND I have had trouble with swelling of my stoma, to the point of not being able to swallow my own saliva (this happened about a week out from surgery) It's improving daily, but I am not eating the menu of other Bandsters my "age". Still taking it very slow, so as not to irritate things.

So, I wonder how much of this swelling problem is related to my allergies? I need to use my inhaler about once every other day at bedtime. I have the snotties, a bit of cough, and mucus, I'm just really feeling the allergies...

Today, I will take my Singulair, even if it says do not crush (I'm taking NO chances of getting stuck) and if it's better I'll let you know. Of course, it may take a few days.

It just really makes me wonder if my allergy situation is not helping my swelling/tightness situation?

I'm curious about other answers here!

paula · April 23, 2005

End of Feb. I had a little sinus stuff, and definately experienced more restriction.

So, yep! I agree with this......

bands could be affected by pollens eg get tighter.

Penni60 · April 23, 2005

Kathy and all other allergy sufferers: Yes I think the amount of restriction can be affected. Anything that can cause you to have an allergic reaction will shoot histamine into your system and this can cause some swelling. Sometimes the body can be specific where the histamine reaction shows up but in general the whole body is affected.

Hope this helps.

BY the way, I am a hay fever sufferer. Yes I get higher restriction when it is flared up. I also have higher restriction when I have a cold or symptoms associated with a cold.

Mita · April 23, 2005

I have horrid restriction when I have a sinus problem. I use Flonase and Allegra daily but as of late it is not helping that much.

I also have been clearing my throat alot today meaning there is alot of pollin in the air. My Asthma is come and go since I have had the band I have only used it as a need to basis where as before it was used daily.

vinesqueen · April 23, 2005

Before I had my band my asthma was TERRIBLE, to the point of being life threatening. Over Christmas I spent 10 days in hospital, and was having trouble with a partial colapsed lung. (again.) Not to mention all the trips to the ER...

I gained about 10 pounds between when I had my pre-op stuff and my surgery. My surgeon noted it, but when I said the words "asthma" and "steroids", all he said was "ah. let's get you done then."

There was some concern that I would have real difficulties with the general because of my breathing problmes, but my pulminologist was there as well, so no worries. This was particularly a worry because just a few days before the surgery, my classmates had to call 911 for an amulance.

it has now been FIVE WEEKS since I've used my albuteral or combivent inhalers. (Monday will be six weeks since I"ve been banded) This is a HUGE deal for me. I still use my advair inhailer, my singulare, my allegra daily. But I'm not afraid I'm going to die anymore.

Donali told me that my asthma would probably be much better after I had my band installed. I didn't quite believe her because I was soooo sick. But she was right.

Kathy, I sure hope you can get your singulare down. I find that a hot beverage, like a nice thin cream Soup, helps to keep my meds from getting stuck.

the best me · April 23, 2005

Kathy, I sure hope you can get your singulare down. I find that a hot beverage, like a nice thin cream Soup, helps to keep my meds from getting stuck.

Update: I got it down! I looked at the pill again it it looked small enough, so I slid it down with a few swigs of Boost, felt is pass, and I'm fine, no crushing!!! So relieved. So now I'll take it everyday (the pollen is all OVER the deck, not helping) so I hope to feel some relief soon. That Singulair is not an antihistimine, it's works differently so I'm not sure if it will keep me from swelling at all (like what you said, Penni). Even if it doesn't though, my allergies will be better for it! Thanks Crystal, and everyone, I'll keep you posted and will look here for other feedback!

Good thread, Rachel! Thanks!

lapbander081004 · April 23, 2005

I have been a Two allergy shot a month person since age 17. I'm 54 now and still take shots.. Normally people who get allergy injection can be weaned to oral meds over a period of time but thats not the case with me. When ever they try just meds I have difficulty and end up back on injections.

I have allergy induced Asthma and I have two children who are severe asthmatics. We have three machines in the house and allergy meds on every counter. Inhalers like you won't believe.

In 1992(phew this goes back aways...lol) I got the flu then went into phenuma(can't spell it but can catch it like crazy...lol). While awaiting a hopsital bed to open I had a major asthma attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. I spent 32 days out of work 20 in hospital 10 of those on a respirator and I lost 4 days while in a coma and they thought I won't survive.

End result of this was that I have never had or even felt like I was going to have another asthama attack since. Doctors are completely amazed at this fact. I do not use an inhaler or my machine and have not since my release form the hospital...go figure this one out. One Dr simply stated I had such a severe attack he said I must have just blown it right out of my system.

I still suffer from severe allergies and still on monthly injections but generally speaking since banding my allergies have improved. My allergist stated since my general health has inproved my body is handling the allergies better. Not that I will ever get off the injections but at least I don't have as much stuffy time during the months.

I know this is quite long posting but I guess the point is the better we are helath wise the better lots of our health issues will get. And from a long time allergy sufferer I sure hope those out there that suffer from them get healthier and their allergy problem lihghten up for them.