I spent the 24th and 25th of February at my allergist's office being desensitized to aspirin. Arriving at 9 am, I was escorted to a corner room and told that I would be there until 4:30 pm. I was advised to bring food and a good book, or two. Then I was left alone except for the half hour checks on my blood pressure, pulse, O2 level and hourly checks on my lung function.
I brought plenty of work as I was still wrapping up the fall events for River Wranglers. I typed letters, wrapped Hershey's kisses, compiled folders, wrote minutes for the RW board meeting, compiled bills, and wrote letters.Taking a break from work, I also did some embroidery on pillow cases I a m making for Kyna's 30th birthday and read magazines and books. Since the door was open to my examination room, I became part of the office in a way not usually experienced. The backroom conversations, the birthday party for office staff. In a way, I became part of the team.
The doctor started me on 1/4 baby aspirin, increasing the next dosage to 1/2 baby aspirin and then a whole baby aspirin, 81 mg. When I reached that level, I had a reaction! My nose began running. When the nurse went to get the doctor who was with a patient in an examination room, he came out dancing. His delight was contagious and his relief that I reacted nasally, rather than a chest reaction.
The next day I came back and spent the entire day taking aspirin, having 
my vitals checked and performing lung function tests. At the end of those two days I was desensitized. So what does that mean? Actually I have Samter's Triad, a concert performed by the trio, aspirin, nasal polyps and asthma. Now that I am desensitized my other symptoms should reduce. The very next day I awoke and realized that I could smell, something I rarely experienced. As delighted as I was to smell again, it didn't take me long to figure out that all smells are not enjoyable.
my vitals checked and performing lung function tests. At the end of those two days I was desensitized. So what does that mean? Actually I have Samter's Triad, a concert performed by the trio, aspirin, nasal polyps and asthma. Now that I am desensitized my other symptoms should reduce. The very next day I awoke and realized that I could smell, something I rarely experienced. As delighted as I was to smell again, it didn't take me long to figure out that all smells are not enjoyable.So now I take two aspirin daily, 650 mg, one at morning the other at night. I am feeling good and can breathe freely through my nose. Thank you to the good doctors that take the risks and challenges to help patients maintain health and quality of life.
