Update & Gums

brightonguy · Post by **brightonguy** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 12:55 pm

Hi all....

I was a regular on this forum for a while but I’ve been absent for some time. I guess that’s kind of selfish, for which I’m sorry. My BB problem reduced greatly to the extent that I don’t think about it much nowadays.

The cause of my problem was severe dry mouth. I learnt from knowledgeable folk on this forum that mouthwash was not a good idea. Once I stopped using mouthwash my BB reduced significantly. I also started taking Salagen to increase my saliva flow which also really helped. Now my saliva flow is thankfully back to normal and I don’t need to take Salagen anymore.

Unforunately though because I had such a long period with a dry mouth this really affected my gums which are very red. They don’t tend to bleed so I don’t think they’re giving me BB but I am concerned that they will deteriorate further in the not too distant future and I’ll, once again, have to deal with all the social problems that BB brings. But for now at least I’m happy, able to concentrate and perform well at work and enjoy a good social (and dare I say sex) life.

Anyway, I just thought I’d drop in say hi, give you this quick update and let you all know that I know how difficult it can be to deal with and get rid of BB.

Stay strong x

jess · Post by **jess** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:19 pm

Hi, thanks for stopping by and give us your update. I'm happy that things are going well for you.

If you didn't know it and are interested, we have a secret group on facebook now; only members on the group can see who's in it and all the activities. We can chat to each other there, and it's great to see some of the faces of the people here and not feel like we're talking to a wall.

We're all normal people with a bb condition, and we encourage you and more members to join us. Hope to see you there!

StillHoping · Post by **StillHoping** » Sun Nov 29, 2015 4:39 pm

Is it possible to buy salagen online without a prescription?

StillHoping · Post by **StillHoping** » Tue Dec 15, 2015 12:51 am

Looks like you need a prescription for Salagen in Canada, even online. I tried to get one from my dentist but she said I need to see a Specialist first; just had my appointment with the specialist. He looked into my glands and said they are not producing the normal amount of saliva that should be expected. I have to admit it was refreshing to hear a medical professional say "YES, there is definitely something wrong here." I had been soo used to the usual BS "everything is fine, your gums are healthy, this is normal, that is normal blah blah blah" routine.

Unfortunately, he said he would not issue me a prescription until the underlying issue is determined of what is causing the saliva blockage - so I am referred to see another oral specialist. I'm seriously hoping this next doctor gives me the salagen, so I can find out once and for all whether my problem is due to severe dry mouth!!

StillHoping · Post by **StillHoping** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:45 pm

Just got back from referred specialist #2; he made me do some tests but basically it times how much saliva your mouth produces. Apparently I scored far below normal, which wasn't really surprising. He also did an examination and said my left salivary glands are normal but the right ones are not producing any saliva whatsoever. This part was surprising because why would one part of my glands be fine and the other not working at all.

He said there's 3 possible causes; Xerostomia, Sjogren's syndrome or an autoimmune disorder. He doesn't think its Xerostomia or Sjogrens Syndrome because I don't take any crazy meds and because I don't have dry eye problems. Soo he is sending me to get some blood work done to find out if there is something wrong with my immune system.

Aka back to a waiting game until the blood test results come out . ugh I seriously hope he does give me the prescription after everything but he says he is hesitant to do so because it comes with side effects. I honestly don't even care cuz I would rather any freakin side effect over BB if this turns out to be my problem!

Post by **Jimi Stein** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:43 pm

i wonder what meds do they have for supressed immune system, none, but he will give you some steroids probably......to mess you up even more......
docs are helpeless

StillHoping · Post by **StillHoping** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 1:05 am

You're right, they have definitely not been helpful soo far. Guess I'll find out when I go back in 2 weeks but ugh Im soo sick of wasting money on doctors.

StillHoping · Post by **StillHoping** » Thu Feb 04, 2016 5:32 pm

Blood Tests came back and everything was normal; I do not have any autoimmune indicators. He had also taken a swab to test for oral thrush, that was negative as well. Soo he said he basically cant determine what the cause of the dry mouth is, unless Id like to visit another specialist for more tests.

But he gave me the prescription for Pilocarpine [Salagen], I'm glad I can FINALLY try this out and rule it from my list. I will begin the meds tomorrow and in addition; I will be starting oral probiotics. Will report back in about a month if I notice any difference, fingers crossed!!!