27th November 2007
Dear friendly_one,
Shocked...Shocked is what I am!! I'm shocked that anyone would actually remember this!:)
Seriously, I do still use a nasal rinse. However, it is an over-the-counter rinse that my Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist wants me to use. I'll try to keep this quick. In June, I fell and cracked my skull behind my right ear. During this particularly enjoyable time period, I LOST MY SENSE OF SMELL AND TASTE!!
The ENT suggested that I use a nasal rinse that has sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. The brand I use is called NeilMed Sinus Rinse, which contains approximately 50 little packets that you mix with distilled water.
Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance. However, I think this costs about $15 per month. The most important item I should mention is that this SEEMS to--slowly, but surely--help. It may just be in my mind, but I think my sense of smell and taste are returning. This may be related to the nerves growing back over this period of time. NO MATTER WHAT, I'm going to continue using it until I feel "recovered".
Concerning Actiq, you're right. There aren't too many of us who use this medication. First of all, it can be expensive. Some insurances don't cover it. Some only cover it on an extremely limited basis. I'm just thankful that it comes in generic now through the Barr company! Believe it or not, this saves me nearly $1,000 per month! The reason it works so well for me is that I already have fentanyl in my system from the patch. The Actiq adds an additional small amount of fentanyl to my system for BT pain.
I'm glad to help you in any way, friendly_one!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
Shocked...Shocked is what I am!! I'm shocked that anyone would actually remember this!:)
Seriously, I do still use a nasal rinse. However, it is an over-the-counter rinse that my Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist wants me to use. I'll try to keep this quick. In June, I fell and cracked my skull behind my right ear. During this particularly enjoyable time period, I LOST MY SENSE OF SMELL AND TASTE!!
The ENT suggested that I use a nasal rinse that has sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. The brand I use is called NeilMed Sinus Rinse, which contains approximately 50 little packets that you mix with distilled water.
Unfortunately, this is not covered by insurance. However, I think this costs about $15 per month. The most important item I should mention is that this SEEMS to--slowly, but surely--help. It may just be in my mind, but I think my sense of smell and taste are returning. This may be related to the nerves growing back over this period of time. NO MATTER WHAT, I'm going to continue using it until I feel "recovered".
Concerning Actiq, you're right. There aren't too many of us who use this medication. First of all, it can be expensive. Some insurances don't cover it. Some only cover it on an extremely limited basis. I'm just thankful that it comes in generic now through the Barr company! Believe it or not, this saves me nearly $1,000 per month! The reason it works so well for me is that I already have fentanyl in my system from the patch. The Actiq adds an additional small amount of fentanyl to my system for BT pain.
I'm glad to help you in any way, friendly_one!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)