I'm allergic to cats. I've been to an allergist and gotten the expensive, full-panel series of sensitivity tests to objects ranging from grass to (it seems like, after so much effort) spaghetti and meatballs. Only cats trigger my symptoms.
I know that extended allergy shots are a possible solution, but there's no way I can afford them. I've read about sublingual (under-the-tongue) treatment with allergy drops (with extract of cat dander.) I can't find a local doctor (Los Angeles, amazingly) who offers this. But it seems pretty straightforward - get the drops and do it myself. Bad idea? Where can I get the drops?
Thanks.
posted by soulbarn
on Apr 19, 2010 -
24 answers
Here's the situation: I changed health insurance plans about two years ago ago. I have a good plan, based in Californa, that costs me about $250 a month. Since starting the coverage, my major medical expense - for about a year - have three monthly medications which I take for recently-diagnosed bipolar disorder. I have never claimed these expenses on my insurance, nor have I ever put any of my psychiatric costs on a claim. The reason is that I've been advised not to do this, especially with a bipolar diagnosis, since, in the words of my psychiatrist, "once that's on your record, you'll have a very hard time if you need to change insurance plans." (I should add that the diagnosis, while scary, and the resulting treatment, has changed my life so much for the better that I'd sell pretty much sell a kidney to keep paying for the meds, if I had to.)
[more inside]
posted by soulbarn
on Oct 16, 2006 -
6 answers
I have chronic sinus infections for which I am now considering surgery after trying most major medical options, as well as a massive allergen removal program. I read about a product called "Sinus Buster" which uses pepper in the form of a nose-drop to clear sinuses. I bought some, and based on just a few days usage, there is a definite improvement. I'm surprised, since the manufacturer also claims that the product can help you lose weight and has even said that it can cure some forms of cancer (multiple miracle claims=sure red flag.)
So, my questions:
- Does anyone else have any exeperience with this product?
- The stuff burns, which I am getting used to - but is it really a good idea to put something that (at least) feels caustic up my nose? Is there a possibility of long-term damage?
-Can I become reliant on it for clearing my congestion, as with "traditional" OTC nose drops?
Here's the product URL: www.sinusbuster.com
posted by soulbarn
on Aug 15, 2006 -
17 answers
I currently have an excellent health insurance plan - however, it does not cover a medication my doctor would like to prescribe. It is available on my spouse's plan, however. I don't want to change insurers because my doctor only accepts my exisiting company, and I want to keep her. However, I can get onto my spouse's policy for quite a bit less than the monthly cost of the medication.
Is this legal? Ethical? Are there any pitfalls? Would one insurance company be able to share information about my medical history with another? Would there be trouble for me if I became seriously ill?
Thanks!
posted by soulbarn
on Jan 3, 2006 -
12 answers
