Congestion

Raymond E. Kelly (0006838616(AT)mcimail.com)
Thu, 03 Apr 1997 12:32:43 -0800

I have tried posting this to the Quad-List and did not receive much of a
response, so I am trying this list in hopes that someone will have an answer
to my question.

I am a C3-4 quad, dependant on the ventilator, I have had a sphincterotomy
to aid in emptying my bladder. My doctor told me when I was first given the
spincterotomy, not to use any medication containing pseudoephedrine. This
is because it would cause constriction of the bladder neck, which prevents
me from voiding, causing distention of my bladder. I was using a
decongestant, not realizing that it contained the pseudoephedrine. This
caused an episode of autonomic dysreflexia, requiring an immediate straight
catheterization to relieve the distention of my bladder. I am taking
Claritan for a "runny nose", but it does not work on the congestion.
Claritan D also contains pseudoephedrine, therefore, I am looking for a
decongestant that DOES NOT CONTAIN pseudoephedrine. Does anyone know of
any?

Thank you in advance.

Raymond Kelly
St. Lawrence County
New York
683-8616(AT)MCImail.com