oh no! Yes, isolate and do get tested -- you need to know. I hope it's not Covid and that you start feeling better soon.

Oh no, Aktillery- hoping you dont have it & if you do- its not worse than a cold.

And BYE to the date. You & I are close to the same age, I believe……..and I would hold out for a gentleman. they have to still exist, right right!?!?!? I grt things are different now, but a date is like a job interview. First impressions & most importantly- your gut feeling! which yours was spot on.

Ill probably get blasted for saying this…..but if your lonely & needing a little something- rent, no emotions, maybe younger. And hold out for someone that knows they deserve you!

“Rent”

Hilarious, Peppa!

Amy, you can get a home test kit with results in 15 minutes by going through the HEB pharmacy drive thru. $25 or less (they have 2 brands, slightly diff in price), you get 2 tests, easy nasal swab (not deep) and very accurate. My son needed a test on a Sunday and that's what we came up with. Painless and fast. If you are positive, check out the monoclonal antibodies. Even if fully vaccinated, they are worth looking into to see if you can get them. You have to get them early and not be too sick already so they can keep you from getting sicker and help you get well faster. Hope you feel better soon!

Get well soon ATK.

Hope you don’t have the virus but if you do i hope you didn’t get it from ”sweaty beer guy”

Get well soon!

Thanks everyone! I am feeling much better, still a bit off but far better than I did. I got tested and was negative. I guess I just had a cold along with allergies... I am not sure. I only felt bad for a day and half. Strange how now when we feel sick we automatically think it could be covid.

I went through the same about a week ago-- i didn't want to go get tested since I was mostly usre it was allergies and because I rarely leave the house -- but I spent the next 3 days sniffing *everything* to make sure I hadn't lost my sense of smell.

Glad to hear you're feeing better.

Yay!

Maybe he's poor because he spent all of his money on his Tesla. kidding.

I am a feminist, but I do think that the polite thing to do on a date is discuss the bill.

It sounds like he was otherwise nice, albeit a little clueless. I like that he sounds outdoorsy. Prefers to walk, is a feeder of birds, owns a very green vehicle... things like that. If you enjoyed your time with him and are attracted to him, I'd maybe give him another shot? I've been on way worse online dates. Some guys can be a little clueless while also being a good person. He might need to be steered a little. NOTE: I don't mean try to change him. Just point if out if he missed something and see if he tries harder. And if he missteps too many times, then forget it. But if you're not into him and don't want to try again, that's ok too!

(Also, don't assume he's rich. There are Tesla models that are more reasonably priced now. Or if it's a fancy one, we all know that some people will go way out of their budget to have their dream car. Which in that case, I'm not impressed. I despise labels and conspicuous consumerism and would not want to date somebody like that.)

I am a feminist, but I do think that the polite thing to do on a date is discuss the bill.

Ideally, this would have been agreed on before the "date" or "meet up." It sounds like perhaps the guy's suggestion that it be "casual" was code for "this is not a date, and we will each pay our own way."

yes, that's a good point. he may have assumed "keep it casual" meant separate checks. he should have clarified beforehand.

definitely weird that he showed up all sweaty in exercise clothes though. that's too casual, lol.

definitely weird that he showed up all sweaty in exercise clothes though. that's too casual, lol.

Definitely too casual!

I'm glad you don't have Covid. DH and I have to test again tomorrow to get the all clear. We are feeling fine, but we've spent the last week sniffing, tasting, and thinking twice about any sneeze, throat clearing, tired feeling or hint of a headache. I'll be glad when the second guessing whether they are covid symptoms is no longer a thing.

I'll be glad when the second guessing whether they are covid symptoms is no longer a thing.

Me too!

Las, I am hoping that you and DH are in the clear! It sounds like you guys are.

I had a sinus infection last March and didn't think I had covid, but really had no way of knowing. Had to quarantine because I had a fever and a sore throat and post nasal drip was causing me to cough a lot. At that time, there was NO testing, (I tried to find any place to go . . . ) so I am so grateful that testing is now so easy and widely available with quick results.

Later this year my cousin THOUGHT she had a sinus infection when, thanks to testing, she was able to find out she had covid and was able to not spread it to her mother who just got out of the hospital with major surgery, and to her asthmatic dad. A real triumph of American brains and ingenuity!

It really helped us. Hubs could visit his grandchildren, and his quarantine time after travel was able to be shortened. And now, if you've had exposure, it helps you know with more certainty what's going on so you can plan accordingly.

Amy, thanks. We both tested negative this morning, so after 7 days, we appear to be in the clear. Ironically, I woke up with a sinus headache and felt worse than I have all week. I was pretty certain it was allergy related, but I still had a little trepidation when it was time to read the results.

Pink, my brother had been blaming his illness on a sinus infection and I remember telling him it sounded like it was working it's way down into his chest and it was time to call his doctor and get some more help. He found out after a physical and some blood work in the summer that it had been covid. My son also thought he was getting a sinus infection. He had no thoughts he could have covid at that point -- but took a home test just before he came to our house for dinner because he'd had some students go out earlier in the week. He went home, showered and changed and decided to do the test just so he could say he was still clear. Except he called to say the test was positive, and we were all stunned. He did a second test -- same result. That test probably prevented DH and I from getting infected. I don't know what it is like elsewhere, but tests are harder to find now than they were, so I'm really grateful for these home test kits and HEB for having a good supply of them. We have the tools and the knowledge to control this. I'll be grateful when we no longer need them.

That is great news las!!! I have been suffering from allergies. It is always tough to decipher if it is only allergies or something more. I hope your allegies subside. I have tried everything but Flonase works best for me... hands down!

Ugh, I've definitely had those moments after a weekend of fun where I get to play that game "is that sore throat real or imagined?"

Yes, I discovered Flonase here last year, it does help me, I'm so thankful there is something that does, because I tried a lot of things. I also discovered that mold is my trigger, not so much pollen. And the pyrethrin they spray all around here for mosquitoes . . . that's why now that I'm spending more time inside the allergies got worse, there's a lot of hidden allergens in the typical house . . . dust mites and other types of dander too . . . sigh . . . we hope someday to have less wall to wall carpet in our lives . . . and I'd like a washer that really got the water hot too!

I'm a Nasacort person. I was told they worked the same but Flonase had a smell/taste that some people found objectionable and that was enough for me to go the other way. It is a gamechanger. Which is good, because my son wants me to test with every cough or sneeze now. We'll get past that.

Sinus problems can get chronic in your old age, with flare ups from time to time. I try to manage mine long-term. That means eating healthy, and I take NAC and fenugreek as a preventative, along with Vit. C which aids in absorption of many, many compounds. Also wear a dust mask when working with dust inside, and leaves and dirt outside. I have not yet gotten into the neti pot habit but I should . . . Thyme is also supposed to be helpful long term, I actually eat a lot of it naturally, since it goes well with a lot of vegetarian foods . . . so I don't take thyme capsules. Unfortunately I don't much care for the taste of fenugreek which is why I take it in capsule form.

Be careful with the Flonase and Nasacort. My BIL developed chronic nosebleeds from using it. He had some awful events and was told to stop using it immediately. I use it only when I absolutely need it, and then only a couple times.

My son-in-law used Flonase when younger and now has basically no sense of smell. He said there was a class action lawsuit at one time.

Are you sure that it was Flonase that had the class action suit? I know that the original Zicam was pulled from the market for that reason.

As someone who suffers from chronic sinus problems, the common thing I run into is that some people confuse the OTC sprays like Afrin and Neosenepherine with the rx sprays. Azelastine is a gift from heaven, IMO.

GIinrummy

it’s important to note that Flonase classaction suit was for preventing the availability of a generic form, not for any side effects.

Regarding Flonase, it clearly says on the label/instructions for use, not to use it for more than two weeks. I have never used it for more than a few days in a row. You can become sort of "addicted" to it but I am aware of the dangers and use it accordingly.

Pinkmountain

i had to run and look at my Flonase because i’ve been using it for years!!! my bottle doesn’t say any thing like that and i was told to use Flonase year round for allergies and because i often get sinus infections. With all due respect, i think you might be confusing Flonase with Afrin type sprays ( which have their place)

Well I can't find it now. The text was very small. But I did find this, and to be very, very specific, the recommendation is not to take any longer than is necessary to control symptoms. There are side effects that occur for some people. Others not so much. Some folks apparently take it for years without issue.

https://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/ccjm/december2005/pien.htm

Here's all you'll ever want to know, from the manufacturer. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020121s045lbl.pdf

(I'll bet you could find similar kinds of stuff for any kind of treatment you're getting, including vaccines. We are so blessed, this is all free information although you have to have an Internet connection to access it. But that is also FREE at your local public library!!)

I'm not sure if you build up resistance or get rebound. I know this happens with OTC pain killers like asprin and tylenol used every day for months at a time, but flonase is a different animal. Since I only use it occasionally, I haven't had to deal with any of these issues directly. I did deal with rebound for chronic headaches and had to learn to take OTC pain killers properly as a result. That's what I meant by "addicted" but that is not really the correct term for the rebound effect with certain medications. Maybe this does not apply to Flonase. Maybe it was my doctor who told me to go two weeks on and then take a week off. I got immediate relief after a week, and since the stuff is fairly expensive I don't take it any longer than necessary. My bad about the precaution being on the label.

My husband did get addicted to Afrin, and he lost his sense of smell. But as many have pointed out, that's a different medication all together.

Akt-
Gadz....I'm getting older! I'll be 60 soon! Yikes!🤪

Since I'm at the tail-end of the "Yuppie" Generation, I've gotta "Tee-off" on guys like your date! I grew up farming in E ND. Men wore Suits then. If you went to Church without a Suit, it was like you had the Plague!

I just don't "get" the recent "Slob" generations!! No clue what "dressing-up" means.....not knowing how to FIX anything......quite often a "Beater" type car......I could go on.

I'm sorry you met a Slug like that. If I wasn't married (34th Anniversary in Oct!!!😍💓), I'd give you a call. I treat my Wife like a LADY. I often open the Car door for her too!

Faron

Faron, you are a true gentleman! You have a lucky wife.

Azelastine is a gift from heaven, IMO. @User It's great! Azelastine is a antihistimine though, not a steroid or decongestant. I also have a mold allergy, a pretty bad one. I have had allergies since I was probably around 10-12ish. I've done series of shots and have become desensitized to most things, but not mold. My worst time is usually fall, when the leaves are decaying. We've had our house tested, no mold, thankfully!!

Flonase is not addictive. It works best when used consistently and if I recall correctly, my allergist told me it takes a few days to build up and work most effectively. I either use it or a steriod (like what goes in a nebulizer) in my nettie pot.

@Faron79 my husband is like that too. I turned 60 this year and it's great!! Honestly, age is just a number to me. I am healthy and living and loving life. Retired over two years ago and loving it. Don't think of the number, just make the most out of life! Congrats on 34 years; we will hit 40 in February. Doesn't seem possible?!!

@Faron79, what a guy!! I salute you for your general kindness and for your thoughtfulness to your wife.

Understood Tina Marie, that was my point. Apparently I didn't do it very well. 😁 Some people lump all nose sprays in together. Afrin is the work of the devil, IMO. I know too many people who overused it and really suffered for it. I've never heard to only use Flonase for 3 days.....I previously used it for years under the advice of a doctor.

From the Flonase site:

FLONASE ALLERGY RELIEF DOSING

For adults and children 12 years of age and older:

• Week 1—use 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.
• Week 2 through 6 months—use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed to treat your symptoms.
• After 6 months of daily use—ask your doctor if you can keep using.

I've babbled about this before I believe.....

Are allergy-shots an option Akt?!

I had very good results back in HS (back in '78?). Had weekly shots during most of my Senior year. It basically CURED me! Haven't even remotely needed an allergy med in 40 years.

Faron

Faron -- careful! The allergies can come back! I took allergy shots after lighting up like a Christmas tree in the environmental tests post law school -- continued to take them until my oldest was born. I had moved to another state and eventually quit taking the shots. No problems. No shots. Moved back to Texas and still had no issues for more than 10 years, but they have been creeping back over the last 10 years.

I'm sorry if my post created misinformation. I don't know where I heard to limit Flonase, but it is not a typical steroid inhaler. It is not addictive and it does not cause rebound, according to their safety information (which I found while looking for extra band aids) and also online safety information about the active ingredients. Since my mold allergy is not year round, I don't use Flonase a lot, but that is due to the expense mostly.

Faron, I dated guys your age when I was into online dating. I have to say that manners are not necessarily generational. I know people with great manners all across the board in age, and also bad manners all across the board. I've been in the people managing business for 40 years and the variety of ways people were socialized and their behavior penchants are amazingly varied. Some of it is training and some of it is just personality and life experiences. The whole nature/nurture balance. I can tell from your posts here that you come by good manners quite naturally. I don't know the source of it all, but I am grateful for it!

Unfortunately, as women get older and have more experience with people, and men in particular, they have less tolerance for red flags of inconsiderate behavior. Partly due to learning to recognize them, and partly due to the fact that for us, life is getting shorter and shorter and we don't have time to waste. We tend to cut our losses earlier. I learned that some thing will not change, and in fact, bad habits, unless really worked on, tend to get worse. And I take that as a word of caution for myself, I am very wary of falling into a bad habit and continually work on ones I already have . . . sigh.

Anna Devane l pinkmountain -- regarding not taking Flonase forever: yes, it says that on the packaging but it might be a conservative warning to just cover their butts legally. I understand that some people do take this type of medication all year round and they're just fine. Flonase and Nasacort are corticosteroids -- as in steroid based, so I am a little weary about taking something like that forever. It's nearly impossible to find a good answer for that online. Just a coincidence, but I happen to have an appointment with my ENT tomorrow, and that was going to be one of my questions for them. I'll let you know what they say!

LOL, this got really off topic, sorry to the OP!

we should all follow the advice of iur MD’s and what feels right for us . Both my ENT & GP said i should use Flonase yr round indefinately. pull back if i get any adverse effects such as nose bleeds etc. It has been very helpful for me but to each his own

Anna Devane that's really good to know. I want to be able to use it year round, so I hope my doc says the same.

Everyone is so different. i skip a day here and there but of all the steroid base sprays i tried this was the best for me. My husband hates it and uses another brand.

Good luck Seattle

whelp, my ENT confirmed it: he thinks people can take Nasacort indefinitely if they need to. he said it's pretty harmless to most people, just keep an eye out for nosebleeds or heart palpitations (very rare). I figured it would be ok but it feels good to get it confirmed.

Seattle

that’s same as i was told by both GP&ENT. as i said i’ve been using them for years. you just have to find the one that works best for you. Best of luck and happy hunting

Hey, y'all think we can move nasal spray discussions to their own thread -- if really needed?

or you can just unfollow the thread. the OP appears to be gone and the original discussion seems to have run its course.

sorry to threadjack though.