I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html:     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum disease.     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning.     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b vitamins and minerals.     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old.     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from the tea tree.     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness is due to the same molecules as sugar.     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or spreads, often organically grown.     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B vitamins.     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly.    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so unhealthy. Best, Kenneth

Response:

Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at all? — t2_lurking geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. > Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at > http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with > negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum > disease. >     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low > in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights > gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of > calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b > vitamins and minerals. >     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the > calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, > and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is > often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from > the tea tree. >     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very > high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness > is due to the same molecules as sugar. >     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the > blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or > spreads, often organically grown. >     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, > millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B > vitamins. >     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is > actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of > calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to > raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so unhealthy. > Best, > Kenneth

Response:

> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. > Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at

<snip> Oh, not again!  Stevia is illegal to sell as a sweetener in this country (USA).  It is banned in some other countries.  And I’ve heard it tastes really bad.  I would avoid it at all costs.  I’ve seen no evidence to say that other artificial sweeteners are unsafe.  Yes, I’ve seen warnings, but they are totally unwarrented and patently lies. >     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with > negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum > disease.

But probably not safe.  At least it can’t be sold here as a sweetener and it is banned in many places. >     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low > in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights > gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning.

Not sure what this is, but does it contain carbs? >     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of > calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b > vitamins and minerals.

How do you know it raises BG more gently?  Does it not contain the same amount of carbs as sugar? >     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the > calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, > and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old.

And it will raise your BG just like sugar will. >     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is > often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from > the tea tree.

And it will raise your BG just like sugar will. >     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very > high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness > is due to the same molecules as sugar.

And it will raise your BG just like sugar will. >     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the > blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or > spreads, often organically grown.

And they will  raise your BG just like sugar will.  Also, they contain fructose and studies have shown this (when extracted and used in concentrated doses) to be bad for diabetics. >     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, > millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B > vitamins.

Don’t know what this is.  But probably has a lot of carbs. >     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is > actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of > calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly.

I don’t think this raises BG very slowly, and studies have shown it to be bad for diabetics.  High fructose corn syrup has also been linked as a possible cause for obesity. >    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to > raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so

unhealthy. Don’t know about that. — Type 2 http://users.bestweb.net/~jbove/

Response:

Well then by all means use the "organic" substances, and suffer the consequences. Personally I will continue to use "artificial" (haha) sweeteners. Let’s see whose Bgs are better. Keep us posted! Sleepy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been >researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I >know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. >Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at >http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >    1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with >negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum >disease. >    2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low >in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights >gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >    3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of >calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b >vitamins and minerals. >    4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the >calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, >and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >    5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is >often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from >the tea tree. >    6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very >high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness >is due to the same molecules as sugar. >    7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the >blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or >spreads, often organically grown. >    8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, >millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B >vitamins. >    9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is >actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of >calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >   10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to >raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so unhealthy. >Best, >Kenneth

Support bacteria. They’re the only culture some people have

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at >all? >– >t2_lurking >geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom >Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete) > I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. > Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at > http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with > negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum > disease. >     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low > in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights > gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of > calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b > vitamins and minerals. >     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the > calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, > and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is > often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from > the tea tree. >     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very > high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness > is due to the same molecules as sugar. >     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the > blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or > spreads, often organically grown. >     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, > millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B > vitamins. >     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is > actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of > calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to > raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so >unhealthy. > Best, > Kenneth

      A quick look at the list suggests that diabetics can find some alternative "natural" sweeteners that could solve a lot of our problems. However,  to an organic chemist,  this list isn’t as delightful as it might seem.   These sweeteners are either based on fructose, which is considered especially unhealthy for diabetics,  or glucose which raises our bG. Many of them add a bit of flavor to the sweetened food, and tend to reduce the rate at which they raise our bG.   If you can "cut the dose" because of superior flavor,  or if your impaired glucose metabolism can keep up with the retarded release of glucose into the blood, then some of the substitutes will do well for you.   However, none of them are the "magic bullet" which will let us casually eat "naturally-sweetened" desserts while avoiding augmenting our insulin in order to do so. 1.  Fructose:  At first glance, fructose sounds like an ideal sweetener since it raises bG so slowly.  However,  the latest findings on fructose indicate that it is bad for normies, and very bad for Insulin Resistant folks.   It degrades the already poor T2 lipid profiles. http://www.mendosa.com/diabetes_update_28.htm "The organization’s (ADA) new statement, which is in the January 2002 issue of Diabetes Care and available on-line at no charge at http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/25/1/202, for the first time, however, says that we should avoid fructose other than that which occurs naturally in fruit. This is in spite of the fact that fructose causes less of a rise in blood glucose than sugar. Specifically, its glycemic index is 32 (where white bread = 100), while table sugar (sucrose) has a GI of 92. Then, why avoid fructose? Because "fructose may adversely effect plasma lipids," the ADA says.  . . . . .While the new statement didn’t cite sources for the effect of fructose on lipids, they are easily found. One person who has campaigned vigorously against fructose for years is Nancy Appleton, the author of Lick the Sugar Habit (Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Publishing Group, 1996). Ms. Appleton writes on page 90 of her book: Dr. J. Hallfrisch studied cholesterol and triglyceride levels and found that fructose, unfortunately, caused a general increase in both the total serum cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol in most subjects. The triglyceride levels also rose significantly, especially in those persons whose blood sugar levels rise higher than normal when they eat sugar. It was concluded that high levels of dietary fructose can produce undesirable changes in blood lipid levels, which are associated with heart disease. . . ." (BTW:  Quentin has found this statement repeated in very reputable scientific journals) 2.  Barley Syrup is essentially Maltose.   Maltose is two molecules of glucose stuck together.  It splits in the digestive system and enters our bodies as glucose.   Its effect on bG is going to be a function of how fast your digestive system processes the maltose, and the amount you feel is necessary to add to food to produce the desired sweetness. 3.  Table Sugar:  Sucrose Sucrose is a molecule containing one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose stuck together.  It is split in our digestive systems to form a mix of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.  One could argue that the worst thing table sugar does to a diabetic is load us with all that fructose. 4.  Honey is a mixture of fructose, glucose and a little bit of maltose and sucrose (table sugar). http://www.ento.vt.edu/~fell/apiculture/HoneyComposition/honey_compos… tm Fructose  38%,   Glucose 31%,  Maltose  7%  sucrose ~1.2 As such, it contains about as much fructose as table sugar (that 7% maltose ends up as glucose) and  is just as hazardous to our lipid profiles. 5.  Maple syrup is mostly "table sugar" dissolved in water with a few flavoring ingredients. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b856/b856_77.html:  Sucrose  90-100% ,  glucose 0-10% 6.  Molasses is mostly sucrose with a bit of glucose and fructose http://www.rhhall.ie/bulletins/molasses_4.htm 7.  Amazake is made by breaking down the starch in brown rice to form sugars.   Since starch is essentially a polymer of glucose,  I would guess that breaking down the starch produces glucose, maltose, and the higher polymers, i.e. a process similar to the manufacture of barley syrup.  Nearly all of the starch break-down produces produce glucose in the digestive system.  Again, like barley syrup,  the rise in bG is a function of how fast your digestive system splits the glucose out, and how much you feel is necessary to add to your meal to produce the desired sweetness. 8.  Fruit concentrates are essentially mixtures of glucose, fructose and sucrose. http://www.dorway.com/natsweet.html 9.  Fructo-oligosaccharides  are non-digestiable.  Thus they have some similarities to Splenda in that they sweeten without raising bG.  However, they are known to produce gas, bloating and diarrhea.   They are considered more of a supplement to improve the mix of gut bacteria when taken in small doses.  As such, they are a bit pricey.  (U.S. $0.20 /gram) http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=129 10.  Stevia:  Any mention of stevia tends to start arguments.   Note that is banned for use as a sweetener in the U.S., Canada and E.U. http://www.trutinadulcem.com/stevia_update.htm The E.U. has looked at petitions to approve Stevia many a time, but has not removed the ban,  e.g. http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/webpage/stevia The most potent argument is: ". . .The data considered by the Committee indicated that the extract has the potential to produce adverse effects in the male reproductive system that could affect fertility and that a metabolite produced by the human gut microflora, steviol, is genotoxic (ie. damages DNA). . ." No easy answers, but remember:  "If it were easy, they would cut our pay." Regards   Old Al

Response:

> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. > Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at

Keith this is not a place to sell your ares or push alternatives to SAFE sugar substitutes by saying they are unhealthy. In a word or two  Get Lost. — Ronnie Ruff So shines a good deed in a weary world.                        –Willy Wonka– I pray for the power. To turn it around. I’m too old to die young. And too young to die now.           Warren Zevon 1980 http://www.livejournal.com/users/ronnie_in_dc

Response:

Great answers Al. Thanks! I learned, or was put on the path to knowledge. — t2_lurking geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at >all? >– >t2_lurking >geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom >Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete) >> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >> that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been >> researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I >> know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. >> Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at >> http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >>     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with >> negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum >> disease. >>     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low >> in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights >> gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >>     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of >> calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b >> vitamins and minerals. >>     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the >> calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, >> and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >>     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is >> often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from >> the tea tree. >>     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very >> high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness >> is due to the same molecules as sugar. >>     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the >> blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or >> spreads, often organically grown. >>     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, >> millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B >> vitamins. >>     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is >> actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of >> calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >>    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to >> raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so >unhealthy. >> Best, >> Kenneth >       A quick look at the list suggests that diabetics can find some > alternative "natural" sweeteners that could solve a lot of our problems. > However,  to an organic chemist,  this list isn’t as delightful as it might > seem.   These sweeteners are either based on fructose, which is considered > especially unhealthy for diabetics,  or glucose which raises our bG. > Many of them add a bit of flavor to the sweetened food, and tend to reduce > the rate at which they raise our bG.   If you can "cut the dose" because of > superior flavor,  or if your impaired glucose metabolism can keep up with > the retarded release of glucose into the blood, then some of the substitutes > will do well for you.   However, none of them are the "magic bullet" which > will let us casually eat "naturally-sweetened" desserts while avoiding > augmenting our insulin in order to do so. > 1.  Fructose:  At first glance, fructose sounds like an ideal sweetener > since it raises bG so slowly.  However,  the latest findings on fructose > indicate that it is bad for normies, and very bad for Insulin Resistant > folks.   It degrades the already poor T2 lipid profiles. > http://www.mendosa.com/diabetes_update_28.htm > "The organization’s (ADA) new statement, which is in the January 2002 issue > of Diabetes Care and available on-line at no charge at > http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/25/1/202, for the first > time, however, says that we should avoid fructose other than that which > occurs naturally in fruit. This is in spite of the fact that fructose causes > less of a rise in blood glucose than sugar. Specifically, its glycemic index > is 32 (where white bread = 100), while table sugar (sucrose) has a GI of 92. > Then, why avoid fructose? Because "fructose may adversely effect plasma > lipids," the ADA says.  . . > . . .While the new statement didn’t cite sources for the effect of fructose > on lipids, they are easily found. One person who has campaigned vigorously > against fructose for years is Nancy Appleton, the author of Lick the Sugar > Habit (Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Publishing Group, 1996). Ms. Appleton > writes on page 90 of her book: > Dr. J. Hallfrisch studied cholesterol and triglyceride levels and found that > fructose, unfortunately, caused a general increase in both the total serum > cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol in > most subjects. The triglyceride levels also rose significantly, especially > in those persons whose blood sugar levels rise higher than normal when they > eat sugar. It was concluded that high levels of dietary fructose can produce > undesirable changes in blood lipid levels, which are associated with heart > disease. . . ." > (BTW:  Quentin has found this statement repeated in very reputable > scientific journals) > 2.  Barley Syrup is essentially Maltose.   Maltose is two molecules of > glucose stuck together.  It splits in the digestive system and enters our > bodies as glucose.   Its effect on bG is going to be a function of how fast > your digestive system processes the maltose, and the amount you feel is > necessary to add to food to produce the desired sweetness. > 3.  Table Sugar:  Sucrose > Sucrose is a molecule containing one molecule of glucose and one molecule of > fructose stuck together.  It is split in our digestive systems to form a mix > of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.  One could argue that the worst thing table > sugar does to a diabetic is load us with all that fructose. > 4.  Honey is a mixture of fructose, glucose and a little bit of maltose and > sucrose (table sugar).

http://www.ento.vt.edu/~fell/apiculture/HoneyComposition/honey_compos… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> tm > Fructose  38%,   Glucose 31%,  Maltose  7%  sucrose ~1.2 > As such, it contains about as much fructose as table sugar (that 7% maltose > ends up as glucose) and  is just as hazardous to our lipid profiles. > 5.  Maple syrup is mostly "table sugar" dissolved in water with a few > flavoring ingredients. > http://ohioline.osu.edu/b856/b856_77.html: >  Sucrose  90-100% ,  glucose 0-10% > 6.  Molasses is mostly sucrose with a bit of glucose and fructose > http://www.rhhall.ie/bulletins/molasses_4.htm > 7.  Amazake is made by breaking down the starch in brown rice to form > sugars.   Since starch is essentially a polymer of glucose,  I would guess > that breaking down the starch produces glucose, maltose, and the higher > polymers, i.e. a process similar to the manufacture of barley syrup. Nearly > all of the starch break-down produces produce glucose in the digestive > system.  Again, like barley syrup,  the rise in bG is a function of how fast > your digestive system splits the glucose out, and how much you feel is > necessary to add to your meal to produce the desired sweetness. > 8.  Fruit concentrates are essentially mixtures of glucose, fructose and > sucrose. > http://www.dorway.com/natsweet.html > 9.  Fructo-oligosaccharides  are non-digestiable.  Thus they have some > similarities to Splenda in that they sweeten without raising bG.  However, > they are known to produce gas, bloating and diarrhea.   They are considered > more of a supplement to improve the mix of gut bacteria when taken in small > doses.  As such, they are a bit pricey.  (U.S. $0.20 /gram) > http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=129 > 10.  Stevia:  Any mention of stevia tends to start arguments.   Note that is > banned for use as a sweetener in the U.S., Canada and E.U. > http://www.trutinadulcem.com/stevia_update.htm > The E.U. has looked at petitions to approve Stevia many a time, but has not > removed the ban,  e.g. > http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/webpage/stevia > The most potent argument is: > ". . .The data considered by the Committee indicated that the extract has > the potential to produce adverse effects in the male reproductive system > that could affect fertility and that a metabolite produced by the human gut > microflora, steviol, is genotoxic (ie. damages DNA). . ." > No easy answers, but remember:  "If it were easy, they would cut our pay." > Regards >   Old Al

Response:

in reply to: >> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >> that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.

<snip> >      A quick look at the list suggests that diabetics can find some >alternative "natural" sweeteners that could solve a lot of our problems. >However,  to an organic chemist,  this list isn’t as delightful as it might >seem.   These sweeteners are either based on fructose, which is considered >especially unhealthy for diabetics,  or glucose which raises our bG. >Many of them add a bit of flavor to the sweetened food, and tend to reduce >the rate at which they raise our bG.   If you can "cut the dose" because of >superior flavor,  or if your impaired glucose metabolism can keep up with >the retarded release of glucose into the blood, then some of the substitutes >will do well for you.   However, none of them are the "magic bullet" which >will let us casually eat "naturally-sweetened" desserts while avoiding >augmenting our insulin in order to do so.

<more good stuff snipped> Hi Al and Kenneth As soon as I saw the original post I knew the knee-jerk reactions would come. Therefore it was so refreshing to see a reasoned, logical and informative reply. Thanks for the education. Posts like this are the reason I hang around here. Cheers Alan, T2, Oz

Response:

What I would like to know is what quantities of fructose were consumed to have the adverse effect on blood lipids, and its effects in glycating haemoglobin? For someone (like me) following a carbohydrate-restricted diet, where the mass of carbs in fructose is taken into account in the overall carb quantity consumed, would fructose still adversely affect my lipids? My meter indicates moderate rise in blood glucose when using small quantities of fructose as a sweetener. On the use of stevia, I understand that it is banned for use in the US and parts of Europe, yet it is widely used in Japan and Brazil. What studies conclusively found the adverse effects of the use of Stevia? Whilst not in the same context, marijuana is banned in the US and most of Europe, yet is about to be legalised in the Netherlands. Is there sufficient scientific proof from independent studies that conclusively finds that Stevia is unsuitable for human consumption, and if so why does the Japanese Government choose to ignore it? Stevia is available here in South Africa, about at about twice the price of Nutrasweet equivalents. Splenda has not been approved and is unavailable. I have tried both Stevia and fructose, and would appreciate a balanced and knowledgeable answer to some of my questions. Mano Govender T2 since March 2002

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

>> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. > Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at >Keith this is not a place to sell your ares or push alternatives to SAFE >sugar substitutes by saying they are unhealthy. >In a word or two  Get Lost.

Hi Ronnie. Believe it or not I generally agree with you and value what you say – although I don’t often post that. I doubt that you care anyway. I also have no time or sympathy for spam. But I’m a little sick of the automatic knee-jerk reactions some legitimate posters get. Not all of us have the experience and knowledge of past flames and wars here. A little polite background on that history instead of "Get Lost" might be more useful to all of us. It was a fair question from a guy trying to learn.  Do a google to read Kenneth’s (not Keith’s) intro post from 28 January. Then an apology might be nice, although unexpected. Alan

Response:

Unfortunately, many posters appear to be ill-mannered and just plain mean-spirited. Their comments are usually worthless.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >> that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been >> researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I >> know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. >> Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at >Keith this is not a place to sell your ares or push alternatives to SAFE >sugar substitutes by saying they are unhealthy. >In a word or two  Get Lost. > Hi Ronnie. > Believe it or not I generally agree with you and value what you say – > although I don’t often post that. I doubt that you care anyway. > I also have no time or sympathy for spam. > But I’m a little sick of the automatic knee-jerk reactions some > legitimate posters get. Not all of us have the experience and > knowledge of past flames and wars here. A little polite background on > that history instead of "Get Lost" might be more useful to all of us. > It was a fair question from a guy trying to learn.  Do a google to > read Kenneth’s (not Keith’s) intro post from 28 January. Then an > apology might be nice, although unexpected. > Alan

Response:

Thanks Al, This post was so informative that I’ve saved it for future reference, I hope you don’t mind. Annette

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >> that healthy because they are chemically altered substances. I’ve been >> researching an organic kick today, and came across this link. But I >> know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. >> Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at >> http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >>     1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with >> negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum >> disease. >>     2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low >> in calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights >> gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >>     3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of >> calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b >> vitamins and minerals. >>     4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the >> calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, >> and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >>     5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is >> often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from >> the tea tree. >>     6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very >> high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness >> is due to the same molecules as sugar. >>     7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the >> blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or >> spreads, often organically grown. >>     8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, >> millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B >> vitamins. >>     9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is >> actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of >> calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >>    10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to >> raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so >unhealthy. >> Best, >> Kenneth >       A quick look at the list suggests that diabetics can find some > alternative "natural" sweeteners that could solve a lot of our problems. > However,  to an organic chemist,  this list isn’t as delightful as it might > seem.   These sweeteners are either based on fructose, which is considered > especially unhealthy for diabetics,  or glucose which raises our bG. > Many of them add a bit of flavor to the sweetened food, and tend to reduce > the rate at which they raise our bG.   If you can "cut the dose" because of > superior flavor,  or if your impaired glucose metabolism can keep up with > the retarded release of glucose into the blood, then some of the substitutes > will do well for you.   However, none of them are the "magic bullet" which > will let us casually eat "naturally-sweetened" desserts while avoiding > augmenting our insulin in order to do so. > 1.  Fructose:  At first glance, fructose sounds like an ideal sweetener > since it raises bG so slowly.  However,  the latest findings on fructose > indicate that it is bad for normies, and very bad for Insulin Resistant > folks.   It degrades the already poor T2 lipid profiles. > http://www.mendosa.com/diabetes_update_28.htm > "The organization’s (ADA) new statement, which is in the January 2002 issue > of Diabetes Care and available on-line at no charge at > http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/25/1/202, for the first > time, however, says that we should avoid fructose other than that which > occurs naturally in fruit. This is in spite of the fact that fructose causes > less of a rise in blood glucose than sugar. Specifically, its glycemic index > is 32 (where white bread = 100), while table sugar (sucrose) has a GI of 92. > Then, why avoid fructose? Because "fructose may adversely effect plasma > lipids," the ADA says.  . . > . . .While the new statement didn’t cite sources for the effect of fructose > on lipids, they are easily found. One person who has campaigned vigorously > against fructose for years is Nancy Appleton, the author of Lick the Sugar > Habit (Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Publishing Group, 1996). Ms. Appleton > writes on page 90 of her book: > Dr. J. Hallfrisch studied cholesterol and triglyceride levels and found that > fructose, unfortunately, caused a general increase in both the total serum > cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol in > most subjects. The triglyceride levels also rose significantly, especially > in those persons whose blood sugar levels rise higher than normal when they > eat sugar. It was concluded that high levels of dietary fructose can produce > undesirable changes in blood lipid levels, which are associated with heart > disease. . . ." > (BTW:  Quentin has found this statement repeated in very reputable > scientific journals) > 2.  Barley Syrup is essentially Maltose.   Maltose is two molecules of > glucose stuck together.  It splits in the digestive system and enters our > bodies as glucose.   Its effect on bG is going to be a function of how fast > your digestive system processes the maltose, and the amount you feel is > necessary to add to food to produce the desired sweetness. > 3.  Table Sugar:  Sucrose > Sucrose is a molecule containing one molecule of glucose and one molecule of > fructose stuck together.  It is split in our digestive systems to form a mix > of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.  One could argue that the worst thing table > sugar does to a diabetic is load us with all that fructose. > 4.  Honey is a mixture of fructose, glucose and a little bit of maltose and > sucrose (table sugar).

http://www.ento.vt.edu/~fell/apiculture/HoneyComposition/honey_compo sition.h – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> tm > Fructose  38%,   Glucose 31%,  Maltose  7%  sucrose ~1.2 > As such, it contains about as much fructose as table sugar (that 7% maltose > ends up as glucose) and  is just as hazardous to our lipid profiles. > 5.  Maple syrup is mostly "table sugar" dissolved in water with a few > flavoring ingredients. > http://ohioline.osu.edu/b856/b856_77.html: >  Sucrose  90-100% ,  glucose 0-10% > 6.  Molasses is mostly sucrose with a bit of glucose and fructose > http://www.rhhall.ie/bulletins/molasses_4.htm > 7.  Amazake is made by breaking down the starch in brown rice to form > sugars.   Since starch is essentially a polymer of glucose,  I would guess > that breaking down the starch produces glucose, maltose, and the higher > polymers, i.e. a process similar to the manufacture of barley syrup.  Nearly > all of the starch break-down produces produce glucose in the digestive > system.  Again, like barley syrup,  the rise in bG is a function of how fast > your digestive system splits the glucose out, and how much you feel is > necessary to add to your meal to produce the desired sweetness. > 8.  Fruit concentrates are essentially mixtures of glucose, fructose and > sucrose. > http://www.dorway.com/natsweet.html > 9.  Fructo-oligosaccharides  are non-digestiable.  Thus they have some > similarities to Splenda in that they sweeten without raising bG. However, > they are known to produce gas, bloating and diarrhea.   They are considered > more of a supplement to improve the mix of gut bacteria when taken in small > doses.  As such, they are a bit pricey.  (U.S. $0.20 /gram)

http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=1 29 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 10.  Stevia:  Any mention of stevia tends to start arguments. Note that is > banned for use as a sweetener in the U.S., Canada and E.U. > http://www.trutinadulcem.com/stevia_update.htm > The E.U. has looked at petitions to approve Stevia many a time, but has not > removed the ban,  e.g. > http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/webpage/stevia > The most potent argument is: > ". . .The data considered by the Committee indicated that the extract has > the potential to produce adverse effects in the male reproductive system > that could affect fertility and that a metabolite produced by the human gut > microflora, steviol, is genotoxic (ie. damages DNA). . ." > No easy answers, but remember:  "If it were easy, they would cut our pay." > Regards >   Old Al

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

cc’d by email Ken, you have been scammed Stevia is a poison Artificial sweeteners are not You have bought the Betty Martini line, hook line and sinker. DO NOT PUSH SCAMS ON THE NEWSGROUP Your posting history shows that you are probably not a troll, just a VERY misguided person

<martini droppings snipped>

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all > that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been > researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I > know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. Could > I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at > http://www.organicfood.co.uk/inspiration/tenways_sugar.html: >    1.  Stevia is a herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, with > negligible calories. It’s also believed to reduce tooth decay and gum > disease. >    2. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) granules are mildly sweet and low in > calories. FOS stimulates bifido bacteria in the gut, which fights > gastro-intestinal infections and food poisoning. >    3. Barley syrup is as sweet as sugar with the same amount of > calories, but raises blood sugar more gently. It also contains b > vitamins and minerals. >    4. Maple syrup is delicious and sweet, with just over half the > calories of sugar. It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, > and is made from the sap of maple trees over forty years old. >    5. Honey has less calories than sugar, but is almost as sweet. It is > often antibiotic, especially manuka honey which is made with pollen from > the tea tree. >    6. Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of sugar refining. It’s very > high in iron and has less calories than sugar. However, it’s sweetness > is due to the same molecules as sugar. >    7. Fruit concentrates are lower in calories than sugar and raise the > blood sugar more gently. You can get fruit concentrates as liquids or > spreads, often organically grown. >    8. Amazake is very low in calories and is made by fermenting rice, > millet or quinoa. It’s a traditional food from Japan, and is high in B > vitamins. >    9. Fructose is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, but is > actually manufactured from industrial glucose. It has the same amount of > calories as sugar, but does raise blood sugar very slowly. >   10. Glucose has more calories than sugar and is the quickest way to > raise your blood sugar level. It is for this reason that it is so > unhealthy. > Best, > Kenneth

To all, thanks for the replies and accept my apologies for posting such an inappropriate topic.  I had no idea that this was such a touchy topic.  I was genuinely searching for a better alternative to chemically altered sweeteners, and thought that this group would provide honest answers to the validity of these listed.  I’m certainly not affiliated with any kind of commercial organization trying to sell or push these alternatives on people, and regret that I may have been labled with that image in the newsgroup.  Nor have I purchased, used, or invested in any of these in any way.  That was my whole point to posting the list here for feedback before going down any road.  It was not my intention to push, instigate, or otherwise promote anything that could be considered a scam on this newsgroup. That being said, thanks very much to oldal for the informative breakdown.  It’s much appreciated.  Seems like artificial is the way to go for now. I’ll avoid posting anything similar in the future. Best, Kenneth

Response:

> Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at > all?

Hello, The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything.   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very much looking forward to that help. I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or frustrated with it all. Best, Ken

Response:

It sounds like you are doing the best you can right now.  I hope the medication help comes through for you.  Next time you go low try not to overtreat the hypo.  Going hypo can make you hungry and crave carbs.  You can eat too much carb and it sends it flying the other way.  After a period of time you may see that your numbers do start to become more even without a lot of peaks and valleys.  I’m glad you’re going to a diabetes education class.  Some of the information you get will be good.  It should teach you a lot about portions and what exactly a "small portion" really is.  We are so inundated with super size everything that a lot of people have forgotten what a 1/2 cup or 1oz. portion of something looks like.  Be in for some real surprises there! — c website  http://www.plazaearth.com/philo

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at > all? > Hello, > The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back > and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently > the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. > Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. > Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just > kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, > and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it > happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything. >   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as > of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must > have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small > burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. > Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the > 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. > Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if > not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very > much looking forward to that help. > I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something > that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the > diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They > gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet > (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to > the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that > affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why > my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me > that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. > I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of > taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or > frustrated with it all. > Best, > Ken

Response:

Good, great to hear about the finanical aid. I’m begining to realize that those meters and strips are really critical. Perhaps even more so in your case. It must be tough to be on the BG roller-coaster, esp. when you have other problems. Have you tried to establish a base-line eating pattern? Same thing for breakfast, lunch, dinner? That got me going in the right direction carb wise. It helps the I’m one of those lucky ones who don’t actually care what I eat Here’s wishing you good news at the diabetes clinic! — t2_lurking geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at > all? > Hello, > The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back > and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently > the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. > Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. > Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just > kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, > and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it > happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything. >   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as > of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must > have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small > burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. > Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the > 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. > Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if > not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very > much looking forward to that help. > I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something > that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the > diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They > gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet > (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to > the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that > affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why > my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me > that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. > I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of > taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or > frustrated with it all. > Best, > Ken

Response:

<snip> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->To all, thanks for the replies and accept my apologies for posting such >an inappropriate topic.  I had no idea that this was such a touchy >topic.  I was genuinely searching for a better alternative to chemically >altered sweeteners, and thought that this group would provide honest >answers to the validity of these listed.  I’m certainly not affiliated >with any kind of commercial organization trying to sell or push these >alternatives on people, and regret that I may have been labled with that >image in the newsgroup.  Nor have I purchased, used, or invested in any >of these in any way.  That was my whole point to posting the list here >for feedback before going down any road.  It was not my intention to >push, instigate, or otherwise promote anything that could be considered >a scam on this newsgroup. >That being said, thanks very much to oldal for the informative >breakdown.  It’s much appreciated.  Seems like artificial is the way to >go for now. >I’ll avoid posting anything similar in the future. >Best, >Kenneth

Hi Kenneth No apology needed. It was a legitimate question and if you hadn’t posted we would not have received Al’s reply. Feel free to ask any question you need answered. Never let a grumpy or ill-tempered response interfere with your search to beat the dragon. Your question may start a flame war or play into the hands of a troll or scammer – or it may be a critical question that directly affects your treatment of the disease. How will you know if you don’t ask? If you ask a silly question you may get embarrassed or annoy somebody. If you don’t ask an important question you may get diabetic complications. I reckon that outweighs the chance of an abusive answer. Ask whatever you like – just accept that occasionally you’ll ruffle some feathers. Nil Illegitimus Carborundum Cheers Alan, T2, Oz

Response:

>I’ve come to realize that the artificial sweeteners aren’t really all >that healthy because they are chemically altered substances.  I’ve been >researching an organic kick today, and came across this link.  But I >know next to nothing about how these alternatives affect diabetes. >Could I get some opinions here?  Thanks!  This listing was found at

none of the alternatives on the healthfood scam sight are good choices for diabetics. the sugar subs on the market (sweet-n-low, equal, aspartame) are harmless. Mack Type 1 since 1975 http://www.alt-support-diabetes.org http://www.insulin-pumpers.org  In tribute to the United States of America and the State  of Israel, two bastions of strength in a world filled with strife and  terrorism.

Response:

: > Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at : > all? : Hello, : The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back : and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently : the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. : Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. : Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just : kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, : and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it : happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything. :   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as : of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must : have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small : burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. : Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the : 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. : Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if : not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very : much looking forward to that help. : I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something : that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the : diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They : gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet : (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to : the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that : affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why : my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me : that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. : I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of : taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or : frustrated with it all. : Best, : Ken sorry, but deleteing is difficult for me one handed.  just one comment on advair.  my non-diabetic husband took it this winter for a month for underlying asthma following a bout of pneumonia.  it didn.t help and made him hoarse and unable to sing, another friend, a professional singer had the same experience. wendy

Response:

HEY, WENDY! Howse it goin? Don’t reply – I hope they gave you plenty of pain meds. Welcome back. Are you going to be able to set off a metal detector? — t2_lurking geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete) The mature man lives quietly, does good privately, assumes personal responsibility for his actions, treats others with friendliness and courtesy, finds mischief boring and keeps out of it. Without this hidden conspiracy of good will, society would not endure an hour.   — Kenneth Rexroth —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : > Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic help at > : > all? > : Hello, > : The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back > : and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently > : the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. > : Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. > : Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just > : kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, > : and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it > : happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything. > :   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as > : of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must > : have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small > : burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. > : Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the > : 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. > : Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if > : not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very > : much looking forward to that help. > : I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something > : that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the > : diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They > : gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet > : (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to > : the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that > : affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why > : my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me > : that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. > : I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of > : taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or > : frustrated with it all. > : Best, > : Ken > sorry, but deleteing is difficult for me one handed.  just one comment on > advair.  my non-diabetic husband took it this winter for a month for > underlying asthma > following a bout of pneumonia.  it didn.t help and made him hoarse and > unable to sing, another friend, a professional singer had the same > experience. > wendy

Response:

: HEY, WENDY! : Howse it goin? : Don’t reply – I hope they gave you plenty of pain meds. : Welcome back. : Are you going to be able to set off a metal detector? : — : t2_lurking : geabbottATabbottandabbottDOTcom : Do not mail to t2_lurking (auto-delete) : The mature man lives quietly, does good privately, : assumes personal responsibility for his actions, : treats others with friendliness and courtesy, : finds mischief boring and keeps out of it. : Without this hidden conspiracy of good will, : society would not endure an hour. :   — Kenneth Rexroth — it is going somewhat better,  the pain is much less and i actually have pain free interludes.  i am trying to keep moving my shoulder a bit to help prevent frozen shoulder. i will have problems with plane travel and will have to carry a doctor’s note to show the security people.  can’t you just hear them saying "hey, this lady is carrying a sword inside her arm." can’t write much yet, as my writing position is rather contorted.   fighting to keep the bgs down with all the atress. i am using my prandid much more, at both lunch and dinner.  am beginning to get lows after lunch, so my physical stress may well be lessening. wendy : > : > : > Hi Ken, whats the update on your situation? Did the college clinic : help at : > : > all? : > : > : Hello, : > : > : The college clinic is in the process of helping.  I’ve been going back : > : and forth between a few of their ‘hospitals’ for weeks now.  Apparently : > : the ear infection is cleared up, but I have a sinus cold now. : > : Unfortunately, I’m still getting dizzy and nobody seems to know why. : > : Each time I see the doctors I raise my concerns about it, but they just : > : kind of look at my paperwork, have a general puzzled look on their face, : > : and blow it off.  They tell me to check my blood sugar whenever it : > : happens, and I do, but it doesn’t really seem to correspond to anything. : > :   It could be high or low or good.  It’s been varying pretty greatly as : > : of late though.  The other day 2 hours after lunch it was 52, and I must : > : have eaten too much to bring it up (4 or 5 peppermints and a small : > : burrito), because by supper it was exactly 300. : > : > : Good thing is that I’ll be actually going to the diabetic clinic on the : > : 10th.  I finally got the proper referrals and an appointment set up. : > : Every encouragement they have for is that I’ll be able to get many if : > : not all of my medications on their financial aid programs.  I’m very : > : much looking forward to that help. : > : > : I did go to an asthma clinic this past Monday.  The asthma is something : > : that I’ve put on the back burner because of the seriousness of the : > : diabetes, but apparently I’m taking my rescue inhaler too much.  They : > : gave me a prescription for Advair, which I haven’t got filled yet : > : (waiting on the financial help that I’ll be applying for when I go to : > : the diabetic clinic).  Any experiences here on whether or not that : > : affects diabetes.  I was thinking that the rescue inhaler could be why : > : my pulse is so high (averages between 85-110 resting), but they told me : > : that it usually doens’t have /that/ big of an affect on it. : > : > : I don’t know what to think about it all really… I’m just kind of : > : taking things one day at a time, and trying not to get bitter or : > : frustrated with it all. : > : > : Best, : > : Ken : > : > sorry, but deleteing is difficult for me one handed.  just one comment on : > advair.  my non-diabetic husband took it this winter for a month for : > underlying asthma : > following a bout of pneumonia.  it didn.t help and made him hoarse and : > unable to sing, another friend, a professional singer had the same : > experience. : > : > wendy : > : >

Response:

Look under <mold remediation>, <mold removal>, <air quality> or something like that in the yellow pages.  The cost is high because the work requires that air samples and tapes be taken to capture the spores, then analysis for several days in a laboratory.  The ensuing report is written by a qualified engineer … any mold remediation work must follow his or her recommendations.  The woman who did our work made a number of cogent suggestions such as have a French drain built to lower the water content in our building slab. Al Fisher

Response:

Who does this kind of mold count?  And why does it cost so much? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We just finished mold remediation after a pinhole leak in the under-the-sink >water purifier went undetected for a long time.  First thing we had done >was to >have the air tested for mold spores … in our case, the outdoor count was >2500; inside we had counts of 25000 for 4spore types and 280000 for one. > Some >of the kitchen cabinets had to be gutted and all carpeting removed. After >mold >remediation, the count inside was lower than outside!  Most important, my >asthma is better than it’s been for a long time.  Now if we can only get >the >air ducts cleaned, we can turn on the heat! >Costs here in San Diego (western Washington may be lower) were $400 for >the >mold count, $5200 for remediation and restoration, $8000 for new flooring, >plus >lots of hidden costs (drapes, etc).  So you can see why the landlord may >not >want to deal with it. We had air scrubbers and dehumidifiers in for a week >and >this is what got the mold count down.  In a small apartment, you might get >away >with a HEPA filter to remove lingering airborne spores and a dehumidifier >to >keep the moisture down. >In the final essence, my suggestion would be to deal with it aggressively. > If >you have the air tested on your own, you’ll know right off if the problem >is >corrected or not, and if not, what should be done.  If minor, the air filter, >dehumidifier, and space heater may deal with it.  If not, the info will >probably be useful in breaking the lease. >Hope this helps. >Al Fisher

Sue M.

Response:

We just finished mold remediation after a pinhole leak in the under-the-sink water purifier went undetected for a long time.  First thing we had done was to have the air tested for mold spores … in our case, the outdoor count was 2500; inside we had counts of 25000 for 4spore types and 280000 for one.  Some of the kitchen cabinets had to be gutted and all carpeting removed. After mold remediation, the count inside was lower than outside!  Most important, my asthma is better than it’s been for a long time.  Now if we can only get the air ducts cleaned, we can turn on the heat! Costs here in San Diego (western Washington may be lower) were $400 for the mold count, $5200 for remediation and restoration, $8000 for new flooring, plus lots of hidden costs (drapes, etc).  So you can see why the landlord may not want to deal with it. We had air scrubbers and dehumidifiers in for a week and this is what got the mold count down.  In a small apartment, you might get away with a HEPA filter to remove lingering airborne spores and a dehumidifier to keep the moisture down. In the final essence, my suggestion would be to deal with it aggressively.  If you have the air tested on your own, you’ll know right off if the problem is corrected or not, and if not, what should be done.  If minor, the air filter, dehumidifier, and space heater may deal with it.  If not, the info will probably be useful in breaking the lease. Hope this helps. Al Fisher

Response:

Mold only grows where there’s water or very high humidity. Track the water source, see if the walls or woodwork is damp, check the humidity in the different rooms with the door closed overnight. Usually water seeps in from a leaky roof or from underground and occasionally a leaky plumbing system. Lane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi……I’m looking for some advice on indoor mold growth……We moved > into an apartment last May…its about 40 years old and the building has > had flooding problems but the manager said its all been taken care of > and a new roof was put on etc….. > About 1 month ago I started having respitoriy problems > coughing..congestion etc and so has my 3 kids…….Doc said I had > Bronchitis but I’ve been on antibiotics and I have improved but I still > have coughing and congestion. > Anyways I decided about 3 days ago that I was going to rid my house of > Germs so I pulled the matteres out from behind our bed where we store it > and use it as a headboard and found white fuzzy mold on it, just the > side that was against the wall and there were black colored mold on the > wall where a piece of the paint was chipped so I called in the > maintenance man and he scrapped the wall where the paint was come up and > scrapped about a 2ft by 1ft area of the lower wall where mold was > visible and where the paint came off easy…..He washed it and sprayed > kils primer over it and said there you go….we looked over the rest of > the apartment and only found a little quarter size mold in the bathroom > corner of our room and some under the toilet which I sprayed bothe with > bleach…. > The maintenance man said that the  mold growth in our bedroom was due to > not using our heater so he gave us a radiator heater since I don’t like > forced air kind….  The guy also said the mold did not go into the wall > because it was just surface and the wallboard is still nice and firm > Its been about 3 days now since he did this and I’m still having > congestion and coughing and same with my kids. > So after that long story….Here is my questions……How do I tell if > there is additional mold growing inside the wall where I cant see > it……Is his explanation for not using the heater causing the > mold…is he correct? > Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. > Thanks, > Melissa > P.S  I live in Western Washington..it that helps and also I have had no > problems prior to 1 month ago besides an occassional asthma and > allergies but they were controled with medication could this be a long > viral infection instead of mold over growth.  and is there any way a > doctor could tell? > Also the only thing that helps my congestion in my chest is Exporatant. > my inhaler doesnt help.

Response:

Hi……I’m looking for some advice on indoor mold growth……We moved into an apartment last May…its about 40 years old and the building has had flooding problems but the manager said its all been taken care of and a new roof was put on etc….. About 1 month ago I started having respitoriy problems coughing..congestion etc and so has my 3 kids…….Doc said I had Bronchitis but I’ve been on antibiotics and I have improved but I still have coughing and congestion. Anyways I decided about 3 days ago that I was going to rid my house of Germs so I pulled the matteres out from behind our bed where we store it and use it as a headboard and found white fuzzy mold on it, just the side that was against the wall and there were black colored mold on the wall where a piece of the paint was chipped so I called in the maintenance man and he scrapped the wall where the paint was come up and scrapped about a 2ft by 1ft area of the lower wall where mold was visible and where the paint came off easy…..He washed it and sprayed kils primer over it and said there you go….we looked over the rest of the apartment and only found a little quarter size mold in the bathroom corner of our room and some under the toilet which I sprayed bothe with bleach…. The maintenance man said that the  mold growth in our bedroom was due to not using our heater so he gave us a radiator heater since I don’t like forced air kind….  The guy also said the mold did not go into the wall because it was just surface and the wallboard is still nice and firm Its been about 3 days now since he did this and I’m still having congestion and coughing and same with my kids. So after that long story….Here is my questions……How do I tell if there is additional mold growing inside the wall where I cant see it……Is his explanation for not using the heater causing the mold…is he correct? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Melissa P.S  I live in Western Washington..it that helps and also I have had no problems prior to 1 month ago besides an occassional asthma and allergies but they were controled with medication could this be a long viral infection instead of mold over growth.  and is there any way a doctor could tell? Also the only thing that helps my congestion in my chest is Exporatant. my inhaler doesnt help.

Response:

I am 61 and have had asthma that I know of since 39 (probably had it longer but smoked heavy and blamed my symptoms on smoking).   Was doing fine with the normal medication of inhalers and Singular until about 5 years ago.  I developed a really bad cough that hurt my ribs, and was in the hospital a couple of times that they could not find out the problem.  Blamed it on stress.  About 2 years ago I decide to go to my local veteran’s hospital. They set me up for a lower tract check and while I was waiting for scheduling I notice some articles in the waiting room pertaining to Asthma and Gerds and how they are sometimes very related to each other.  I ask the doctor who was named Sontag and he gave me a whole bunch of articles the he and other doctors had done with research on this relationship.  He was very familiar with the problems.  They scheduled me for a check of the upper tracts at the same time.  The results showed a mild case of acid reflux.  To make a long story short he put be on Rabeprazole prior to each meal.  Not only has this solved my terrible coughing problem but nearly solved the stomach problem that I was having.  I asked Dr. Sontag why none of the half dozen doctors that I went to figured this out and the only answer was that the medial doctors are slowly coming around to understand the relationship with asthma and acid reflux.  Maybe you need to find a doctor that will help and not one that seem to think asthma needs to be treated in a vacuum.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I have never posted on these boards before.  I’m 25 y/o and have had > asthma since the time I can remember.  When I was younger I was always > seeing a specialist for allergies and asthma and I have never really > been able to get the asthma thing under control.  My allergies through > shots calmed down a lot but that did not help my asthma like it was > supposed to. > I don’t rememeber all the medications that I have tried.  I remember a > lot of different inhalers and even a pill called "Contant-T" (I think) > when I was really little (6 y/o).  I do not know if that was an asthma > medicine. > After High School I basically threw in the towel.  I just suffer.  I > haven’t owned a prescription inhaler in years.  I went through spells > taking Primatine Mist.  About 5 months ago I told myself that I > wouldn’t take that anymore.  It became a real crutch for me. > My symptoms: > I am mostly affected by my asthma the moment I lay down.  I was told > this was called "Nocturnal Asthma".  I do have attacks at other times > but not nearly as when I lay down.  For the past month or so I have > had a real hard time.  I’ve always had a slight pain beneath my > breastbone whenever I have a period of lots of asthma attacks.  I > always associated this pain with my lungs.  The pain has gotten much > worse. > I was driving back from my office the other night with that same awful > pain at the end/underneath my sternum and thought about ulcers.  I do > not know my father well but I talk to him about once a year.  He has > always had a problem with his stomach.  I knew that he had some > condition with acid reflux and it was actually destroying the bottom > of his esophogus.  I know he used to have severe pain.  I called him > to ask him about this pain that I have.  He immediately said that I > have what he has.  He has a pill called Prilosec that he takes and has > great results. > I read somewhere that this acid reflux stuff could affect or even > cause asthma.  Do any of you know anything about this?  Who should I > try to see?  A GI doctor or a Respitory doctor. > Sorry for the long post but it seems as though I could be on the virge > of discovering the answer to my problem. > Thanks, > Bryan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My symptoms: > I am mostly affected by my asthma the moment I lay down.  I was told > this was called "Nocturnal Asthma".  I do have attacks at other times > but not nearly as when I lay down.  For the past month or so I have > had a real hard time.  I’ve always had a slight pain beneath my > breastbone whenever I have a period of lots of asthma attacks.  I > always associated this pain with my lungs.  The pain has gotten much > worse. > I was driving back from my office the other night with that same awful > pain at the end/underneath my sternum and thought about ulcers.  I do > not know my father well but I talk to him about once a year.  He has > always had a problem with his stomach.  I knew that he had some > condition with acid reflux and it was actually destroying the bottom > of his esophogus.  I know he used to have severe pain.  I called him > to ask him about this pain that I have.  He immediately said that I > have what he has.  He has a pill called Prilosec that he takes and has > great results. > I read somewhere that this acid reflux stuff could affect or even > cause asthma.  Do any of you know anything about this?  Who should I > try to see?  A GI doctor or a Respitory doctor. > Thanks, Bryan

GE reflux can cause or worsen asthma due to reflux aspirated into lung. Your family doctor can prescribe reflux and asthma medications, and if necessary make referrals. If you can see a specialist soon without a referral, try for a pulomonologist [chest or respiratory doctor]. Web link at: http://www.NationalJewish.org/medfacts/reflux.html Gastroesophageal Reflux        Excerpt: "Signs and symptoms of GERD include: Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth. Pain occurring in the middle of the chest. Coughing and/or choking while lying down. Increased trouble breathing while asleep. A physician diagnoses gastroesophageal reflux from a history of signs and symptoms. He or she may order tests such as a barium swallow or an esophageal pH probe to help diagnose this condition." Ellis

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > My symptoms: > I am mostly affected by my asthma the moment I lay down.  I was told > this was called "Nocturnal Asthma".  I do have attacks at other times > but not nearly as when I lay down.  For the past month or so I have > had a real hard time.  I’ve always had a slight pain beneath my > breastbone whenever I have a period of lots of asthma attacks.  I > always associated this pain with my lungs.  The pain has gotten much > worse. > I was driving back from my office the other night with that same awful > pain at the end/underneath my sternum and thought about ulcers.  I do > not know my father well but I talk to him about once a year.  He has > always had a problem with his stomach.  I knew that he had some > condition with acid reflux and it was actually destroying the bottom > of his esophogus.  I know he used to have severe pain.  I called him > to ask him about this pain that I have.  He immediately said that I > have what he has.  He has a pill called Prilosec that he takes and has > great results. > I read somewhere that this acid reflux stuff could affect or even > cause asthma.  Do any of you know anything about this?  Who should I > try to see?  A GI doctor or a Respitory doctor. > Sorry for the long post but it seems as though I could be on the virge > of discovering the answer to my problem. > Thanks, > Bryan

What you have described has been associated with asthma symptoms and is referred to as GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease).  You can be given a test to confirm the disease, and of course, it can be ordered by any doctor. In your case, a pulmonologist might be best, since you present with respiratory symptoms and the implications of the results and the ensuing treatment will best be in his or her hands.

Response:

Hello, I have never posted on these boards before.  I’m 25 y/o and have had asthma since the time I can remember.  When I was younger I was always seeing a specialist for allergies and asthma and I have never really been able to get the asthma thing under control.  My allergies through shots calmed down a lot but that did not help my asthma like it was supposed to. I don’t rememeber all the medications that I have tried.  I remember a lot of different inhalers and even a pill called "Contant-T" (I think) when I was really little (6 y/o).  I do not know if that was an asthma medicine. After High School I basically threw in the towel.  I just suffer.  I haven’t owned a prescription inhaler in years.  I went through spells taking Primatine Mist.  About 5 months ago I told myself that I wouldn’t take that anymore.  It became a real crutch for me. My symptoms: I am mostly affected by my asthma the moment I lay down.  I was told this was called "Nocturnal Asthma".  I do have attacks at other times but not nearly as when I lay down.  For the past month or so I have had a real hard time.  I’ve always had a slight pain beneath my breastbone whenever I have a period of lots of asthma attacks.  I always associated this pain with my lungs.  The pain has gotten much worse. I was driving back from my office the other night with that same awful pain at the end/underneath my sternum and thought about ulcers.  I do not know my father well but I talk to him about once a year.  He has always had a problem with his stomach.  I knew that he had some condition with acid reflux and it was actually destroying the bottom of his esophogus.  I know he used to have severe pain.  I called him to ask him about this pain that I have.  He immediately said that I have what he has.  He has a pill called Prilosec that he takes and has great results. I read somewhere that this acid reflux stuff could affect or even cause asthma.  Do any of you know anything about this?  Who should I try to see?  A GI doctor or a Respitory doctor. Sorry for the long post but it seems as though I could be on the virge of discovering the answer to my problem. Thanks, Bryan

Response:

> I have a lot of fogginess and kind of go into neutral. I blame a lot of it > on my fibromyalgia, but one day my husband asked if it could also be my > asthma and made me use my inhaler. Within 5 minutes, I perked right up1 > Trouble is, when I get that way, I can’t think clear enough-or it is too > much effort-to go use my inhaler. I do find caffeine also helps. So, when > I drive, now, I make sure I use the inhaler And drink a cup or two of coffee!

There is an extensive physician’s guide to fibromyalgia at http://www.alternatives.com/cfs-news/fm-md.htm  Quote:  "Fibromyalgia — A Physician’s Guide   David A. Nye MD, 14Dec96  Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an underdiagnosed disorder of unknown etiology affecting over 5% of the patients in a general medical practice (Campbell 1983) and an estimated 2-4% of the general population (Wolfe 1993), women more often than men. Patients complain that they ache all over.  A large number of other symptoms are often present, particularly fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep disturbance, paresthesias, and headaches (see table 2).  On examination, areas of focal tenderness called tender points can be demonstrated in characteristic locations (table 3).  Most patients can be helped substantially with treatment." The article mentions sleep disturbance as being an important factor. It recommends against coffee in most cases. If your asthma is under treated, you may have sleep disturbance from it. Since drinking coffee helps you, it may help by treating the asthma. You may benefit from adding a long-acting bronchodilator to your asthma meds. The Serevent inhaler is usually recommended; in your case TheoDur tablets may be a logical choice, in low dose, for example, I take a 200 mg tablet twice a day. TheoDur is sustained-release theophylline, the main asthma drug for 30 years. It is chemically related to caffeine. SloBid is another brand. It might be worth asking your doctor for a trial prescription, but make sure its low dose, 100 or 200 mg tablets. Tablets are scored and can be split for a half dose. At higher doses there are side effects like headaches. TheoDur, in addition to treating asthma as a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory, also acts as a pep pill (like coffee). At high doses, blood levels of theophylline should be monitored; at low doses this isn’t necessary. Ellis, not a doctor

Response:

I have a lot of fogginess and kind of go into neutral. I blame a lot of it on my fibromyalgia, but one day my husband asked if it could also be my asthma and made me use my inhaler. Within 5 minutes, I perked right up1 Trouble is, when I get that way, I can’t think clear enough-or it is too much effort-to go use my inhaler. I do find caffeine also helps. So, when I drive, now, I make sure I use the inhaler And drink a cup or two of coffee!

Response:

i am sorry to go on about this but someone please help. As anyone got any sugestions how i can make love with my wife without having an asthma attack?

Response:

sorry folks and thanks for the help on my last post i didnt think anyone had replied….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i am sorry to go on about this but someone please help. > As anyone got any sugestions how i can make love with my wife without having > an asthma attack?

Response:

Question:

Hi there, I just started the Advair Diskus today, and am having heart palpitations. I am going to call my Dr. ASAP in the morning, and have him get me back on something I was on before. I have tried so many different types over the years. Im thinking that Vanceril doesnt produce the heart palps and shakiness. Does anyone have experience with Vanceril and remember or know if they do or do not give you palpitations? UGH, I hate this feeling! THanks so much, Debbie

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi there, > I just started the Advair Diskus today, and am having > heart palpitations. > I am going to call my Dr. ASAP in the morning, and have > him get me back on something I was on before. > I have tried so many different types over the years. > Im thinking that Vanceril doesnt produce the heart > palps and shakiness. > Does anyone have experience with Vanceril and remember > or know if they do or do not give you palpitations? > UGH, I hate this feeling!  THanks so much, Debbie

Advair is 2 drugs in one; Flovent [steroid] plus Serevent [long acting bronchdilator]. The palpitations are most likely from the Serevent. I use separate steroid [Pulmicort] and long acting bronchdilator [Serevent], so I can independently control the drugs. The steroid inhaler needs to be increased during asthma exacerbations; the Serevent is already at the maximum dose. I would recommend going to a one-drug steroid inhaler. The newest one is Qvar [beclomethasone, finely ground] which is really an improved version of Vanceril. Or Pulmicort Turbuhaler, which is a dry powder inhaler, or Flovent. http://www.jnj.com/news/jnj_news/20020307_1527.htm "QVAR

Question:

Try reducing your Carbs – Your Triglycerids will also be reduced  (Atkins – It works)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> After a bout of asthma/pneumonia and resulting high dosages of steroids, > I had a high blood sugar which made my doctor diagnose diabetes.  Since > then (at least 10 years) I have never had another abnormal blood sugar and > I really think it was all steroid induced. > Sue > > Hello: > > Is anyone familiar with the connection between corticosteroids and > increased > > blood sugar levels? Specifically, what causes the increase, how > common is this, > > and how long might it take for corticosteroid-initiated spikes to > appear or > > disappear? > > Though I’m only 28 years old and thin, my blood sugar control has > gone from > > normal to diabetic in about one year’s time. In that span of time, > my doc > > started me on Advair Diskus 100/50 mcg once per day, and then > 250/50 mcg once > > per day. It’s an unlikely culprit, but I have read that > corticosteroids can > > cause clinically significant increases in blood sugar. I’m just > trying to > > eliminate all the outside causes before I face facts and dig my > heels in for an > > unpleasant future. > Hi Bekyled, > As I understand it, the problems with blood sugar is related to oral > or injected type corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids like Advair are > far less likely to be a problem. > <wild speculation> > One side note… the "filler" in Advair is a complex sugar called > lactose (milk sugar). Is it possible you might be > swallowing after using the inhaler? It would seem to me to be a very > trace amount even then, but I understand diabetes can be really > tricky at times. > </wild speculation> > Dan Rhea > "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, > compilers and computers" >   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Hi there, I was just put on the Advair Diskus today, and it is causing heart palpitations. Do you experience this? I am going to call my Dr. ASAP in the morning. I used to be on Vanceril a while back and dont remember having this. Thanks…. Debbie

Response:

> Hi there, > I was just put on the Advair Diskus today, and it is causing heart > palpitations. > Do you experience this? > I am going to call my Dr. ASAP in the morning.

It is probably the Serevent component of it. It is a harmless but bothersome side effect. If he prescribes the steroid (Flovent) and the Serevent seperately it may be possibly to get by with a lower dose fo the Serevent like 1 puff instead of two. > I used to be on Vanceril a while back and dont remember having this.

Vanceril is a steroid and so usually will not cause this. — CBI, MD

Response:

After a bout of asthma/pneumonia and resulting high dosages of steroids, I had a high blood sugar which made my doctor diagnose diabetes.  Since then (at least 10 years) I have never had another abnormal blood sugar and I really think it was all steroid induced. Sue

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello: > Is anyone familiar with the connection between corticosteroids and > increased > blood sugar levels? Specifically, what causes the increase, how > common is this, > and how long might it take for corticosteroid-initiated spikes to > appear or > disappear? > Though I’m only 28 years old and thin, my blood sugar control has > gone from > normal to diabetic in about one year’s time. In that span of time, > my doc > started me on Advair Diskus 100/50 mcg once per day, and then > 250/50 mcg once > per day. It’s an unlikely culprit, but I have read that > corticosteroids can > cause clinically significant increases in blood sugar. I’m just > trying to > eliminate all the outside causes before I face facts and dig my > heels in for an > unpleasant future. > Hi Bekyled, > As I understand it, the problems with blood sugar is related to oral > or injected type corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids like Advair are > far less likely to be a problem. > <wild speculation> > One side note… the "filler" in Advair is a complex sugar called > lactose (milk sugar). Is it possible you might be > swallowing after using the inhaler? It would seem to me to be a very > trace amount even then, but I understand diabetes can be really > tricky at times. > </wild speculation> > Dan Rhea > "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, > compilers and computers" >   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Hello: Is anyone familiar with the connection between corticosteroids and increased blood sugar levels? Specifically, what causes the increase, how common is this, and how long might it take for corticosteroid-initiated spikes to appear or disappear? Though I’m only 28 years old and thin, my blood sugar control has gone from normal to diabetic in about one year’s time. In that span of time, my doc started me on Advair Diskus 100/50 mcg once per day, and then 250/50 mcg once per day. It’s an unlikely culprit, but I have read that corticosteroids can cause clinically significant increases in blood sugar. I’m just trying to eliminate all the outside causes before I face facts and dig my heels in for an unpleasant future.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello: > Is anyone familiar with the connection between corticosteroids and increased > blood sugar levels? Specifically, what causes the increase, how common is this, > and how long might it take for corticosteroid-initiated spikes to appear or > disappear? > Though I’m only 28 years old and thin, my blood sugar control has gone from > normal to diabetic in about one year’s time. In that span of time, my doc > started me on Advair Diskus 100/50 mcg once per day, and then 250/50 mcg once > per day. It’s an unlikely culprit, but I have read that corticosteroids can > cause clinically significant increases in blood sugar. I’m just trying to > eliminate all the outside causes before I face facts and dig my heels in for an > unpleasant future.

Hi Bekyled, As I understand it, the problems with blood sugar is related to oral or injected type corticosteroids. Inhaled steroids like Advair are far less likely to be a problem. <wild speculation> One side note… the "filler" in Advair is a complex sugar called lactose (milk sugar). Is it possible you might be swallowing after using the inhaler? It would seem to me to be a very trace amount even then, but I understand diabetes can be really tricky at times. </wild speculation> Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

A family member has been put on this combination via an inhaler and air pump.  I’m an asthmatic and have never heard of it.  I believe both are bronchodilators.  Anyone have any experience with these meds and this method?  TIA Frank

Response:

> A family member has been put on this combination via an inhaler and air > pump.  I’m an asthmatic and have never heard of it.  I believe both are > bronchodilators.

Yes.  The ipratropium is known as Atrovent, and the two drugs can be found in a single inhaler called Combivent. The ipratropium is frequently prescribed for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema where the breathing difficulty can be continuous rather than in episodes as with asthma.  Unlike albuterol’s beta-adrenergic action, it works by atropine-like (anticholinergic) action.  It seems to work better for such patients than albuterol alone.  It takes up to 15 minutes to start working after you inhale it, and so it isn’t often prescribed as a rescue inhaler for asthmatics who need improved breathing fast. Hope this helps. — Steven D. Litvintchouk                  

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A family member has been put on this combination via an inhaler and air > pump.  I’m an asthmatic and have never heard of it.  I believe both are > bronchodilators. > Yes.  The ipratropium is known as Atrovent, and the two drugs can be > found in a single inhaler called Combivent. > The ipratropium is frequently prescribed for patients suffering from > chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis > and/or emphysema where the breathing difficulty can be continuous rather > than in episodes as with asthma.  Unlike albuterol’s beta-adrenergic > action, it works by atropine-like (anticholinergic) action.  It seems to > work better for such patients than albuterol alone.  It takes up to 15 > minutes to start working after you inhale it, and so it isn’t often > prescribed as a rescue inhaler for asthmatics who need improved > breathing fast. > Hope this helps.

Thanks much Steve.  One more question if I may, if we are dealing with just asthma can the albuterol sulfate inhalation solution be used alone for asthma relief?  I know when *I* used the pump and the nebulizer I had to mix ventolin and a saline solution. Does this (albuterol sulfate) work the same and eliminate the mixing? Frank

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > A family member has been put on this combination via an inhaler and air > > pump.  I’m an asthmatic and have never heard of it.  I believe both are > > bronchodilators. > Yes.  The ipratropium is known as Atrovent, and the two drugs can be > found in a single inhaler called Combivent. > The ipratropium is frequently prescribed for patients suffering from > chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis > and/or emphysema where the breathing difficulty can be continuous rather > than in episodes as with asthma.  Unlike albuterol’s beta-adrenergic > action, it works by atropine-like (anticholinergic) action.  It seems to > work better for such patients than albuterol alone.  It takes up to 15 > minutes to start working after you inhale it, and so it isn’t often > prescribed as a rescue inhaler for asthmatics who need improved > breathing fast. > Hope this helps. > Thanks much Steve.  One more question if I may, if we are dealing with > just asthma can the albuterol sulfate inhalation solution be used alone > for asthma relief?  I know when *I* used the pump and the nebulizer I > had to mix ventolin and a saline solution. Does this (albuterol sulfate) > work the same and eliminate the mixing? > Frank

Hi Frank, While I don’t have COPD, my emergency inhaler of choice is Combivent (or DuoNeb in my nebulizer). For whatever reason, albuterol alone will work fine on me to relieve an attack, but it only lasts a couple of hours. When the Atrovent is added, it extends the relief to anywhere from four to eight hours and seems to work much better as well. Now if only this stuff worked the same for everyone. Oh yea… My DuoNeb comes in premixed 3ml vials. I just have to squirt it into my nebulizer and turn it on. Take care… Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Briefly, I am in my 50’s in pretty good shape with chronic asthma since adulthood. I use advair, humibid and Claritin. Since May of 02 I have been doing a good job of tracking my peak flow 2-3 times a day, and averaging it weekly. I live in the Northeast, and was doing well even during the hot weather. In September I dropped of 5 percent, in October I dropped another 10 %. Around 2 weeks ago I started coughing, sore etc and dropped peak flow by about 20% versus last May. I’m better now, but still off by up to 20%, and I wonder why I started dropping off when the weather turned dryer, and cooler. Seems reversed to what I would figure. My best months were June and July. Has anyone else dropped function with a weather change to cooler / dryer? SEPARATE INFO: FYI: In May of 2001 I was using an albuter inhaler every 10 days, then started Advair, I increased my flow by 20 to 30 % and completely stopped the Ablution. All this was before my current situation outlined above. Thanks, Ron

Response:

SPELL CHECK butchered up Albuterol, I swear:-) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Briefly, I am in my 50’s in pretty good shape with chronic asthma since > adulthood. I use advair, humibid and Claritin. Since May of 02 I have been > doing a good job of tracking my peak flow 2-3 times a day, and averaging it > weekly. > I live in the Northeast, and was doing well even during the hot weather. In > September I dropped of 5 percent, in October I dropped another 10 %. Around > 2 weeks ago I started coughing, sore etc and dropped peak flow by about 20% > versus last May. I’m better now, but still off by up to 20%, and I wonder > why I started dropping off when the weather turned dryer, and cooler. Seems > reversed to what I would figure. My best months were June and July. Has > anyone else dropped function with a weather change to cooler / dryer? > SEPARATE INFO: > FYI: In May of 2001 I was using an albuter inhaler every 10 days, then > started Advair, I increased my flow by 20 to 30 % and completely stopped the > Ablution. All this was before my current situation outlined above. > Thanks, > Ron

Response:

I have that, but I go the other way. I get better with dryer, cooler. I also anticipate a thunderstorm before the event though. I can predict rain better than any weatherman with all their knowledge and radar. There are theories on why this happens, but I don’t know that anyone can tell you for sure why asthmatics have more trouble during climate changes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Briefly, I am in my 50’s in pretty good shape with chronic asthma since > adulthood. I use advair, humibid and Claritin. Since May of 02 I have been > doing a good job of tracking my peak flow 2-3 times a day, and averaging it > weekly. > I live in the Northeast, and was doing well even during the hot weather. In > September I dropped of 5 percent, in October I dropped another 10 %. Around > 2 weeks ago I started coughing, sore etc and dropped peak flow by about 20% > versus last May. I’m better now, but still off by up to 20%, and I wonder > why I started dropping off when the weather turned dryer, and cooler. Seems > reversed to what I would figure. My best months were June and July. Has > anyone else dropped function with a weather change to cooler / dryer? > SEPARATE INFO: > FYI: In May of 2001 I was using an albuter inhaler every 10 days, then > started Advair, I increased my flow by 20 to 30 % and completely stopped the > Ablution. All this was before my current situation outlined above. > Thanks, > Ron

Response:

When the weather cools and the landlord starts sending up steam to my radiators, the air in my apartment soon becomes dry to my nose.  I haul out the humidifier. When the steam heat stops in the spring  my de-humidifier very soon kicks in, as this Atlantic Coast prevailing humidity pervades the apartment.

Response:

I’ll sound just like Richard, but before going to the hospital I was on oxycontin.  In the hospital (before and after surgery for complications) I had a PCA with morphine.  When taken off the PCA, I went to Oxycodone (a bunch of it every 6 hours) without tylenol.  After a few days, I went to oxycontin again.  Same level of pain relief with oxycontin, except it was much smoother AND I didn’t have to ring the bell for the nurses to bring it. I have kept a steady blood flow. I still need breakthrough (taking Lortab 7.5 and Ultram now, but will be released from neurosurgeon soon and go back to pain clinic) medicine. I hope that your pain gets better.  the oxycontin has worked wonders for me. Very smooth medicine with good pain relief. Martin (aka Call Me Ishamel – first line from my favorite book) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a question about medications, it probably sounds unusual from most > of > the posts I have read but am willing to take a few shots at the question > if > I can find an answere.  The thing is I was wondering if anyone knows if > there is any medication that exists, or they have taken that is somewhere > between your percocette and the continuous release type of meds many > people > take. >   I have taken percocette for a long time but it is failing to work. Use > IR’s for breakthru but that too has worn thin as far as relief goes. Have > trouble tolerating continuous release meds( I know a lot of people fight > hard for that med because it helps them so much) thats why I feel odd > asking > if there is any med in-between that works on a four hour type basis but > has > more of a pain killing effect that the percocette and IR’s I have been > taking. > My doctor is understanding and patient, but I dont know what I could even > suggest to the dr. at my next visit that might help me to relieve the pain > and the situation I find myself in. >   Once again I know the benitifits of continuous release meds and the > dangers of Tylenol long term , but I just would have to think that there > is > some med that works better than where I am at now.  Maybe not,  once again > thanks for the chance to get some input into the situation. > thanks, > The most logical bridge between percocet and > OxyContin would be a higher dose of oxycodone > without the tylenol .  Same 4 hour action without > the time release fillers . Sounds like your tolerance is increasing , which > is a normal part of pain med > treatment . > Peace , > Richard

Response:

>The most logical bridge between percocet and >OxyContin would be a higher dose of oxycodone >without the tylenol .  Same 4 hour action without >the time release fillers . Sounds like your tolerance is increasing , which >is a normal part of pain med >treatment . >Peace , >Richard

I’m glad I read your post before posting Richard.  I was going to post the same thing.  Pure oxycodone.  I was on percs 10/650’s for a while before going to the pain clinic.  I find far better relief from the pure oxycodone than the percs.  I use the oxy for break through pain as I do have a long lasting med. Sue We survive together or not at all.

Response:

I have a question about medications, it probably sounds unusual from most of the posts I have read but am willing to take a few shots at the question if I can find an answere.  The thing is I was wondering if anyone knows if there is any medication that exists, or they have taken that is somewhere between your percocette and the continuous release type of meds many people take.   I have taken percocette for a long time but it is failing to work.  Use IR’s for breakthru but that too has worn thin as far as relief goes.  Have trouble tolerating continuous release meds( I know a lot of people fight hard for that med because it helps them so much) thats why I feel odd asking if there is any med in-between that works on a four hour type basis but has more of a pain killing effect that the percocette and IR’s I have been taking. My doctor is understanding and patient, but I dont know what I could even suggest to the dr. at my next visit that might help me to relieve the pain and the situation I find myself in.   Once again I know the benitifits of continuous release meds and the dangers of Tylenol long term , but I just would have to think that there is some med that works better than where I am at now.  Maybe not,  once again thanks for the chance to get some input into the situation. thanks,

Response:

why won’t the clinic give them to you?? Have you tried another doctor?? — Christi Exquisite Essentials http://www.eeshops.com Tell me about your PETS! http://www.trilogyonline.com/ChristiConley/ >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<         >^,,^<

~*~ Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator ~*~

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have read so many postings about meds used for your chronic pain like > mine. My spine is being eaten away by DJD. The percodan that I take 5xs > a day is hardly working for me anymore, I’ve been on it 3yrs. I never > see any demoral posted by anyone out there. Is anyone on it? Know where > I can get it?Pain so bad I lead a sedentary life style now, if you call > that living, now that the percodan is not working. I tried demoral once > and I was able to clean the entire house and make a full dinner right > after, so I know the pill works. Anyone know how I can get it? My pain > clinic will not give it to me and my body will not tolerate opiates of > any kind like morphine or like. Feel free to e-mail and thanks to all > who took the time to read  this. Oh!the pain clinic tried everything > they had to offer and nothing worked but the percodan. > Sandee

Response:

I have read so many postings about meds used for your chronic pain like mine. My spine is being eaten away by DJD. The percodan that I take 5xs a day is hardly working for me anymore, I’ve been on it 3yrs. I never see any demoral posted by anyone out there. Is anyone on it? Know where I can get it?Pain so bad I lead a sedentary life style now, if you call that living, now that the percodan is not working. I tried demoral once and I was able to clean the entire house and make a full dinner right after, so I know the pill works. Anyone know how I can get it? My pain clinic will not give it to me and my body will not tolerate opiates of any kind like morphine or like. Feel free to e-mail and thanks to all who took the time to read  this. Oh!the pain clinic tried everything they had to offer and nothing worked but the percodan. Sandee

Response:

Sandee,       The use of Demerol in lifetime intractable pain is not likely to  ever become popular, due to some pretty serious and eventually debilitating neural side effects. If percodan use to work, and you are not allergic to it, than OxyContin has to work and with no intestinal damage from aspirin. You won’t feel like cleaning the house , but it will work on your pain. Oxycodone is the same in both, but oxycontin is safer at higher doses and is time release. Peace, Richard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have read so many postings about meds used for your chronic pain like > mine. My spine is being eaten away by DJD. The percodan that I take 5xs > a day is hardly working for me anymore, I’ve been on it 3yrs. I never > see any demoral posted by anyone out there. Is anyone on it? Know where > I can get it?Pain so bad I lead a sedentary life style now, if you call > that living, now that the percodan is not working. I tried demoral once > and I was able to clean the entire house and make a full dinner right > after, so I know the pill works. Anyone know how I can get it? My pain > clinic will not give it to me and my body will not tolerate opiates of > any kind like morphine or like. Feel free to e-mail and thanks to all > who took the time to read  this. Oh!the pain clinic tried everything > they had to offer and nothing worked but the percodan. > Sandee

Response:

Sure I have standing orders for Demerol at my HMO’s urgent care.  Usually get shots 1x a week.  I also have oral demerol but don’t find it nearly as effective as the shots. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have read so many postings about meds used for your chronic pain like >mine. My spine is being eaten away by DJD. The percodan that I take 5xs >a day is hardly working for me anymore, I’ve been on it 3yrs. I never >see any demoral posted by anyone out there. Is anyone on it? Know where >I can get it?Pain so bad I lead a sedentary life style now, if you call >that living, now that the percodan is not working. I tried demoral once >and I was able to clean the entire house and make a full dinner right >after, so I know the pill works. Anyone know how I can get it? My pain >clinic will not give it to me and my body will not tolerate opiates of >any kind like morphine or like. Feel free to e-mail and thanks to all >who took the time to read  this. Oh!the pain clinic tried everything >they had to offer and nothing worked but the percodan. >Sandee

j who is really jan, janice or jkl

Response:

Sandee,  demerol orally will cause seizures if taken long- term and people quickly build tolerance.  i get demerol shots 150mg plus vistiril 150mg when i am in pain crisis, out of control.  i am on methadone and fentanyl patch.  i tried everything else with no luch.  percodan, vicodin, at first helped but not over time; those are really for acute pain not chronic pain.  someone mentioned oxycontin and yes if percodan did work oxy might very well work also.  please see what doctor says.  methadone was a life saver for me. now i have some sort of life and the pain is manageable for always need down time.  before methadone i could not work, clean, garden, go out to eat etc etc.  i may as well have been dead.    do your best not to give up     please let us know what happens——take really good care    willow * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

I hear you all talking about Oxycontin. What is it in relation to vicodin? Elaine

Response:

I have a doctors appointment  this afternoon at my family physician. Sure wish my town had an asthma doctor but there isn’t one around for 90 miles, and I don’t want to take a day off work to go. My question:  I have been using my Proventil inhaler about 8 times a day along with AsthmaCort 4 puffs only once a day.  Since my doctor won’t know what to prescribe I need to be able to tell him what I would like. How about Singulair and another cortizone/streoid inhaler (any recommendations of what is stronger then Asthmacort???) Also, does Singular have to be taken before bedtime on an empty stomach ONLY??? Thanks so much for any info you may be able to give me! Marilyn

Response:

>I have a doctors appointment  this afternoon at my family physician. >Sure wish my town had an asthma doctor but there isn’t one around for 90 >miles, and I don’t want to take a day off work to go. >My question:  I have been using my Proventil inhaler about 8 times a day >along with AsthmaCort 4 puffs only once a day.  Since my doctor won’t >know what to prescribe I need to be able to tell him what I would like. >How about Singulair and another cortizone/streoid inhaler (any >recommendations of what is stronger then Asthmacort???)

I’d recommend that you take the day off.  Everybody is different and the ‘best’ treatment for myself my not be a good idea for you. "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

>I have a doctors appointment  this afternoon at my family physician. >Sure wish my town had an asthma doctor but there isn’t one around for 90 >miles, and I don’t want to take a day off work to go. >My question:  I have been using my Proventil inhaler about 8 times a day >along with AsthmaCort 4 puffs only once a day.  Since my doctor won’t >know what to prescribe I need to be able to tell him what I would like. >How about Singulair and another cortizone/streoid inhaler (any >recommendations of what is stronger then Asthmacort???)

Look, we are talking about your health, here.  Clearly, your asthma is NOT under control.  Take the time off work, and go see an asthma specialist. Chris Owens

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a doctors appointment  this afternoon at my family physician. > Sure wish my town had an asthma doctor but there isn’t one around for 90 > miles, and I don’t want to take a day off work to go. > My question:  I have been using my Proventil inhaler about 8 times a day > along with AsthmaCort 4 puffs only once a day.  Since my doctor won’t > know what to prescribe I need to be able to tell him what I would like. > How about Singulair and another cortizone/streoid inhaler (any > recommendations of what is stronger then Asthmacort???) > Also, does Singular have to be taken before bedtime on an empty stomach > ONLY??? > Thanks so much for any info you may be able to give me! > Marilyn

The need to use Proventil more than once/day indicates the need to increase your preventor med, inhaled steroids [Azmacort] in your case. Azmacort should generally be taken at least twice a day. A Low dose is 4-10 pf/day; a Medium dose 10-20 pf/day. Azmacort is one of the older weaker inhaled steroids. I would recommend trying Pulmicort Turbuhaler; also Vanceril DS or Flovent 110 could be considered. Pulmicort is a dry powder inhaler, no propellant or additives; it’s the one I now use. You would typically start at 1 puff twice a day. [The dose for Vanceril DS or Flovent 110 would be higher than Pulmicort] Singulair can be tried; it helps about 2/3 who try it. Taken once/day; stomach doesn’t have to be empty. If it doesn’t help, stop taking. Also recommend getting a peak flow meter to monitor lung function at home, and use Action Plan to adjust meds when peak flow drops.  See: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/patient.htm Patient Asthma Action Plans http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/support/educate/action.htm Asthma Action Plan Also recommend the book ‘The Asthma Source Book’, Francis Adams, MD Ellis

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a doctors appointment  this afternoon at my family physician. > Sure wish my town had an asthma doctor but there isn’t one around for 90 > miles, and I don’t want to take a day off work to go. > My question:  I have been using my Proventil inhaler about 8 times a day > along with AsthmaCort 4 puffs only once a day.  Since my doctor won’t > know what to prescribe I need to be able to tell him what I would like. > How about Singulair and another cortizone/streoid inhaler (any > recommendations of what is stronger then Asthmacort???) > Also, does Singular have to be taken before bedtime on an empty stomach > ONLY??? > Thanks so much for any info you may be able to give me! > Marilyn

take a day off now to save on lots of days off later eric

Response:

I took Cylert for a few months but didn’t notice much improvement. > I’m bpll on Wellbutrin and Depakote.  Has anyone taken Cylert?  If so, > please share negative/positive experiences, side effects, etc. > Thanks, > Judi

– Kimber "Recognize your emotional style and make it work for you."

Response:

I’m bpll on Wellbutrin and Depakote.  Has anyone taken Cylert?  If so, please share negative/positive experiences, side effects, etc. Thanks, Judi

Response:

I used to take Cylert.  It was worse than worthless.  But that is just my opiions.  Meds vary from person to person.

Response:

I just found out I have asthma and have to go on the inhaler…any advice for 1st timers I’m nervous. Heather

Response:

Been using it for a while and found it better then others. Just a little hard to understand at first especially when its time to replace it. http://www.twistclickinhale.com/ Are you using Albuterol also, if so keep that inhaler with you at all times. Lane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just found out I have asthma and have to go on the inhaler…any advice > for 1st timers I’m nervous. > Heather

Response:

>I just found out I have asthma and have to go on the inhaler…any advice >for 1st timers I’m nervous.

I have been using this medication for ~3 years.  I have had no problems.   — "We are fighting today for security, for progress, and for peace, not only for ourselves but for all men, not only for one generation but for all generations. We are fighting to cleanse the world of ancient evils, ancient ills." Franklin Delano Rosevelt State of the Union Address – 1942

Response:

> I just found out I have asthma and have to go on the inhaler…any advice > for 1st timers I’m nervous.

Just be aware that in rare cases, steroids can have serious side effects. For example, they can cause diabetes (I believe that has happened to me). I think it would be a good idea to have your doctor regularly check you for any sign of diabetes or other adverse effects of the steroid inhaler.

Response:

> I just found out I have asthma and have to go on the inhaler…any advice > for 1st timers I’m nervous. > Heather > Just takes a bit to get used to when using Pulmicort since you don’t taste

or feel anything actually being dispensed.  Did your doctor give you the practice inhaler with the cloths?  This particular drug was a lifesaver for me. Denice

Response: