Finished closing up our camp late yesterday … we got home just as the sun was setting. I’m now sitting in the middle of a mountain of things which need to be unpacked and put away …

… and I also have a very nasty house to clean. There have been people in and out of here the entire three months I was gone - cooking, traipsing in mud, shaving in the bathroom sink, piling up stacks of stuff here and there … there were 3 months of newspapers on the table! If you could see this place, you’d wonder whether it needs a good cleaning, or a well set fire … *blink!* You know, we never get “Trick or Treaters” at Halloween, because the place really looks the part of a haunted house … and I think that the only kiddos who would come here would be the ones who came on some sick sort of dare …

Actually, it really is an awful place - old, drafty, falling down. It’s over 300 years old, and has been here since before the nation was a country … it was built when Maine was still part of Massachusetts! It has a dirt basement which floods, no insulation, about 10 rooms with horsehair plaster walls, and plaster falling from the ceilings. It used to be a dairy farm. I’ve never really written much about my house in my public blog … but I have had some rather entertaining adventures in here. I might start sharing a few of those … >;o)

School has also kept me pretty busy. The last 16 weeks of classes have been particularly time consuming … the class I just started on Sunday is a computer related course, and although I expect it to be time consuming, it won’t be quite the same. What I’ve been studying is medical records content and structure, HIPAA, AHIMA, legalities, regulations, and getting a very intense indoctrination about why electronic records are better than paper records. This time, we’ll be delving into “Advanced PC Applications” … Microsoft stuff, actually. I think I can “relax into” this one.

I’ll be on more now that I’m home again, and the school work isn’t quite as intense … after I get unpacked and settled back in, that is …

Dr. Michael “Poe” Hebert of “Dr. Hebert’s Medical Gumbo” fame is hosting this week’s Grand Rounds … and I know that I have, in the past, waxed poetic about how well that week’s Grand Rounds was presented, and I’m sure that I had a reason, since so many have done such fantastic jobs!

But this time … this time … even if you’re not interested in medicine, this one is a “must see!”

Now, had English Literature been taught this way in high school, I’d have gotten far better grades! ;o)

Here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite:

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I rounded weak and weary
Stomach hot and rumbling, I came bleary and a-stumbling
For a cup of hot caffeine through the doctor’s parlor door.
On the sofa lurked before me a shadow breaking silence with rumbling snore.
‘Tis some visitor, I muttered, slumb’ring loudly, bell’wing out that roar.
A sleeping Intern, nothing more.

… and it gets even better!

In September, I posted about a connection between a sudden onset of severe nausea and sneezing. I was delighted when three other people informed me that they had also experienced the phenomenon … and were willing to share details of their medical history and current medications with me so that we could compare notes, in the hopes of finding some common denominator.

Since then, I’ve heard from a lot more people, and we’re added a few more variables!

I want to thank Brad Wright of Anatomy Notes who posted the original article about photic sneezes, which gave rise this entire conversation to begin with. He named the condition: “Sneeze-Associated Nausea (SAN for short)” … sounds good to me! (Good luck in medical school, Brad!!! :o)

Below is the history of everyone who’s left a comment or communicated with me so far. Don’t forget to check the poll in the left sidebar for stats. You medical sleuths out there! Any input? Any ideas? What do you think the common factor is, or do you think there is one?

History #1:

It’s so strange yet comforting to know that this odd phenomenon happens to someone else. I’m not sure why but I’ve never mentioned it to my doctor. Have you?

As far as my medical history goes, I am a 44-year-old, caucasian female. I have Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. My labs most usually come back normal with slight variences in my glucose levels. I am on a seemingly endless regimen of medications including metformin, Atacand, Avandia, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Aciphex, Yasmin, Zyrtec, and Zocor and last week I began Byetta injections to stablize my blood sugar levels. In addition to all of this I take a couple over-the-counter items including Vitamin E, a multi-vitamin and New Phase herbal supplement for symptoms of menopause.

My antihypertensive is Atacand 32mgs daily. I was put on this med because I couldn’t tolerate the ACE 2 inhibitors. It caused me to have a bothersome dry cough. It was so bad I couldn’t sleep at night.

I am overweight but since changing my diet, due to the diabetes, I have started to lose weight. Hooray! I’ve had no major surgeries and only had a general anesthesia one time to have my wisdom teeth removed. (valuim and versed IV).

I suspect I have some type of auto-immune disorder but it’s never been diagnosed. I have frequent fatigue that sometimes lasts for days. My practitioner did an Epstein-Barr titer and it was quite high but I don’t know how to interpret the results. I’ve looked online with no luck. I had mono about 10 years ago and just haven’t felt “right” since.

Extra comment from #1: Hi, everyone! I am the “History #1″ person…the one without the growths. In the last month a “suspicious” marble-sized mass was found in my breast. I am currently being evaluated. I know at this point it is a solid mass, not a fluid-filled cyst. We’ll see what happens.

And, although I’m a nurse, I haven’t worked for a couple of years. I’m taking some much needed time off. :)

History #2:

I am a 49 year old woman in good health. The only major health issue I’ve had is melanoma in-situ removed from my left knee in 2004. Get checked regularly. I take no meds other than supplements. I am a new nurse. I’ve been really worried about this. (brain tumor, sinus tumor?) I saw a handful of people on the internet that have this same thing, and no doctor seemed to know what it is.

Benign pituitary tumor-hmm-I also have a history of benign growths (fibroids, thryoglossal cysts, ovarian cysts, etc).

It is so bizarre when it happens. I don’t sneeze alot, but this happens a couple times a week. It happened today, in fact, and the nausea was so extreme I got a little scared. I never vomit, though, the stomach is not involved at all. And once I sneeze, everything is fine. I wonder if there is a tumor situation, increased intercranial pressure? Who knows.

Extra comment from #2: Hi folks, I am the History #2 person above. You know how migraine sufferers sometimes have an “aura” that tells them a migraine is coming? That’s what this nausea is like-when I feel it I know a sneeze is coming. Bizarre!!

History #3:

I am 50(just) live in […] Australia., I saw your post on a website about sneezing What you described is EXACTLY like my complaint…and I have been trying to find the cause. I thought it may be due to some medication I am on ????

I am a type 2 diabetic and am on Lipitor (cholesterol) and a new anti triglyceride drug as well as metformin(diabetes) and coversil (blood pressure).

History #4:

I’m a 54 year old caucasian female. I have a history of cysts (ovarian, kidney, breast, etc.,) and fibroids, have chronic kidney failure and hypertension, secondary anemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism … and was told as a young woman that I probably have a benign pituitary tumor, although it was never verified, but he felt certain enough that he told me to avoid hormone therapy later in life. I am not diabetic, but have to keep an eye on triglyceride levels.

I’m taking Lipitor, Hyzaar, Clonidine, Norvasc, Calcitriol, adult aspirin daily, and monthly injections of Aranesp.

History #5:

Ok Moof, I’m here to expound as promised. :)

You asked me to put my conditions and medications. If you’re ready and you’re readers are ready …here we go. Warning for everyone, it looks far worse in the telling than it does in the reading!!! No pity!!!

Let’s do the conditions first, otherwise my medications will not make sense because you’ll think why in the world is 41 year old taking all this medication????

Myasthenia Gravis
Lupus (joints, costochondritis, pleurisy, MINOR pericarditis, mouth sores, lupus cystitis, hair loss, fatigue ….)
Asthma
GERD, History of ulcers, quite a few that left scars
Pyloric spasm, Hiatel Hernia, scars in my esophogus.
Osteoarthritis in knees, right hip, and shoulders
Hypermobile Joint Syndrome (born with it, my mom would dislocate my hips when she’d change my diaper, if they picked me up like they did a normal kid, they’d dislocate my shoulders. This is the cause of the early onset Osteoarthritis)
Eating Disorder -NOS ( large cause of most of the gastro intestinal problems)
Polyps on throat (probably also caused by eating disorder)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome (Insulin Restistance)

There are a few other things too but my mind is frying now, so on to the medications.

Mestinon 60 MG 3-4 times a day
Mestinon Timespan 180 mg 2 times a day
Cellcept 500 mgs .. 2 tablets …3 times a day
Prednisone 5 mgs …daily
Ultram 3 daily
Celebrex 100 mg daily
Actos 15 mg daily
Crestor 5 mg daily
Topomax 150 mg daily
Zyrtec 10 mg daily
Prozac not telling on blog world lol
Macrodantin 100 mg daily
Atrovent 2 puffs 3 times a day
Advair 50/250 2 times daily
Albuterol (PRN)
Flonase (PRN)
Frova (PRN, Migraines)
Ambien 10 mg bedtime
Nexium 40 mg daily
Xopenex (PRN, nebulizer)
Toprol XL 25 mg daily
Darvocet N 100 (PRN)

Okkkkkkkkkay …. anyone not fainted yet?

History #6:

A comment from Gwyn: I too have this problem, but it just developed recently. I thought it funny at first. Now, I’m wondering what it is. I have autoimmune problems: Lupus, mixed connective tissue disease, Raynaud’s, blood problems, and I take my share of meds too, including low dose prednisone, plaquenil, female hormones, wellbutrin, and cymbalta. If anyone figures out the connection, I’d sure like to know. I’m a 43 year old white female. I’ve had the medical problems since I was in my early twenties, but it didn’t become full blown until I had my second child.

History #7:

A comment from Susan:: Hi,

I too have the sneeze/nausea/bright lights connection. I am 39, caucasion, very fair-skinned. I’m not asthmatic and I don’t have any known allergies.

I have had this for many years, including whilst I was physically fit, on no medication and throughout pregnancy. The bright light connection began during childhood, I first became aware of the nausea/sneeze connection as an adult - maybe in my 20s. The nausea connection increased during pregnancy and when I get pre-sneeze nausea now I am reminded of being pregnant - not in a good way, it is a very unpleasant sensation, but clears completely once I have sneezed - usually a couple of times.

My husband is very sceptical of the phenomenon - especially the bright lights one - he thinks it is attention-seeking and would probably have me tried as a witch if we were in the 17th century ;-)!

I’d love to know more about it.

My mother developed sneezing fits in her middle age - she attributes this to pollen though & there is no mention of associated nausea.

With warmest wishes,

Susan
UK

History #8:

A comment from Tracy Roeder:I’m a rookie at this so I apologize if I’ve posted this twice. I am so relieved to find others who suffer from nausea before they sneeze. I have asked every doctor that I’ve seen for the last couple of years and they look at me like I’m crazy. I am desperately trying to find out why this happens. The nausea starts about 2 minutes before the sneeze comes on. The last straw was throwing up in my office before I could get to the bathroom. I am 37 and in pretty good health. I recently had a CT scan and MRI (for Bell’s Palsy) but both came back negative. I also have tachycardia (rapid heart beat)…at first I thought this might have something to do with the sneezing… I take Nexium and Toprol but had the nausea issue before I began taking the Toprol. Thanks to everyone for posting their comments. And to Moof! I feel better knowing I’m not the only person. Tracy

Added comment from Tracy: I forgot to mention that the CT and MRI were on the brain. Nothing unusual was seen.

History #9:

A comment from Marcie: I just sent you an email after seeing a post on another site. I am a 35 yr old woman. This has been going on with me for a while. I have some sort of undiagnosed as of yet autoimmune disease and my kneecaps are shot from being hypermobile. But am otherwise in good health. I do take cymbalta and phentermine. I am overweight and now losing weight without trying- so I have some concern there. Iam on diet pills but have been on them for quite awhile and the weight loss is new. I will think I am feeling suddenly sick and then -bam- I sneeze and it is gone. Everyone thinks I am nuts!! Nice to see others with the same weird thing!!!!

History #10:

A comment from Kelly: have the nausea/sneeze connection as well, but does not seem to be connected with bright light. It seems to occur only when I take vitamins or medication on an empty stomach. I am a 39yo female, have no known conditions and do not currently take any prescription meds, and am in excellent health. I used to take Tetracycline for acne when I was 18 or so, which was when I first noticed the connection. I currently take several vitamins with breakfast, and found if I wait until my breakfast settles, then take my vitamins, I do not get the nausea feeling(or sneeze.) But if I take the supplements prior to or while eating, the nausea/sneeze usually occurs. Hope this helps(and doesn’t add to the confusion!)

History #11:

A comment from Laura Dawn: I also have nausea before sneezing which usually ends the nausea. I have diabetes, hypertension, fibromyagia and depression. This phenomenon has only been happeing for about 6 weeks. I’m a 59 year old female. I take metformin, glucotrol, diovan, coreg, lexapro, trammodol and just started cymbalta a few days ago. I had a fatty tumor removed and a bad parathyroid gland. I would love to know the cause of the sneezing. Actually I don’t mind the sneezing but the nausea is no fun.

History #12:

A comment from Jim Floyd: I just came across this thread. I’m a 40 yo male and this nauseous sneeze thing started 2 months ago for me. Three months ago i began taking adderall for ADD and have assumed this was just another side effect.

(Moof’s note: Although there’s not much information here, I included this one because he’s one of only two males who’ve responded so far … I was beginning to think that it only happened to women …)

History #13:

A comment from Michael Cruise: Hi just found this site, thank you everyone. I am a 38 year old male and have just started to develop this condition over the past 3 months. So here is my story

Healthy, only 1 operation ever to remove a salivary gland blocked by stones. Had hay fever since I was about 12 years old which was quite severe when I was younger but has been manageable in recent years.

About 6 months ago I began to get severe night sweats. This was weird as I had absolutely no other symptoms and felt fantastic. Went to the doctors and had extensive blood work done which came back perfectly clear. Sometime during the many blood tests I began to feel a sudden feeling of nausea so severe that I have to sit down. It has never caused me to throw up but the feeling generally lasts for between 20 seconds to 5 mins and always ends with a single sneeze. It is so embarrasing at work when this happens (generally 2 to 3 times a day).

Anyway, not long after the nausea started and during the tests, the night sweats stopped and I began to have stomach pains. Blood work started to show increase in enzymes produced by the pancreas. Doctor said I had pancreatitis. Suspecting stones I had xrays, ultra sound CT Scan and when these all came back clear they went in had a look and took a sample. Everything came back clear. After about 3 weeks the pancreatitis went, the sweats stopped and all I was left with was a doctor who told me I was so healthy I should expect to live a very long life and this rotten condition of acute nausea followed by a sneeze.

History #14:

A comment from Tracy: I am a 40 year old woman that just came across this site today, I have had this for as long as I can remember,Yes ive had my share of illnesses but im healthy. I dont take any meds from a Doctor, My over the counter meds consist of Ibuprophen. I usually get it in the mornings, it dont go away with eating. Ive asked many of people about this and i get the same look everytime,(get the straight jacket). Like I said, Ive had this all my life it seems and its not daily but more of a few times a week. I would really like to know if I need to go get checked out for anything. It seems that all here posting have had thier shares of health issues.

Any new “Sneeze Associated Nausea” sufferers out there?

Any medical types with a hint of what could be causing “SAN”?

How about someone who’s already been included above who has an update - or more complete information - for us?

Either email me or leave us a comment in the comments section!

The wind has been blowing all night, stripping the last of the leaves from the trees … raising whitecaps which slide across the deep blue surface of the lake in sharp, but flowing contrast. Fall is over in our little part of Maine. As we slip into the raw New England winter, I wanted to share these thoughts with you …

	The sun creeps over the barren hillsides and leafless trees, peeking between the gnarly arms which are raised heavenward in empty supplication for a return to the glory they’ve so recently lost … and the rays of thin, almost bleached out, warmth hit the surface of the lake - raising billows of mist into the crisp morning air. Such dismal beauty …
The chill dawns into a clear stillness … the earth and the waters seem to be holding their breath, in wait for the colors to be completely absorbed … hues drained from the sky, the trees, the depths … like the lifeblood of nature dripping endlessly into the void of winter dreams.
	As the last of the warmth slips slowly behind the trees, shades of vermilion tinge the skies with the inexorable passage of time, stealing yet another year’s carefree greens and golds. It’s useless to rage against the silent beauty … we are powerless against the encroaching bleakness … herald of a silent cold.
Soon, another morning will dawn … shades of gray and white will mute the sounds of warmth and life. Such an empty tranquility … such sterile life. And yet, beneath the pale misery …
	… will lay the hope of life and warmth, of soft greens and flowing streams, of carefree thoughts and peaceful summer dreams.

… Twice Shy …

This is going to be a quick post. I’m buried in school work right now. I have a many-page project due by this week end, which I’ve been working on from the moment I got up this morning, right on through a few minutes ago. I have an appointment I need to go to tomorrow in Dover, NH - which is a long ride for me, since I’m still up at camp. That will take up another one of my school days. I’m afraid that I’m not going to do a lot of blogging until that “final project” is done. But … just as soon as I upload it to my classroom … >;o)

There is something so important that I decided to stay up past my bedtime so that I could make a quick post about it. My regular readers will remember my recent problem with a blogger who called herself Naked Tomato. If you’ll remember, that clever young woman took me for a ride around the blogosphere … well, I learned a bit from that experience, and now I’m keeping my eyes peeled for other bloggers who, well - just don’t feel right, if you know what I mean.

In the last few weeks, I’ve noticed a fellow who calls himself “Dr. David.” He’s been leaving the same cut and pasted comment on many of the blogs I follow. When he left one on Dr. Engel’s blog, I finally decided to take a look at this new “Dr. David” dude … and this is what I found …

His Google ads, which were at the top, side and bottom of his blog were ads for malpractice lawyers … I thought that was a bit odd, but that’s not what got me going …

I began to look over his blog posts, since I couldn’t find anything about a bio … each and every single post on that blog is cut and pasted directly from other people’s websites, blogs and forums. Each one. In one of the posts, he cut and pasted the source code directly from a Google search, and his search terms are still highlighted!

I checked out the better part of the posts he had up at the time, and traced the original posts - which he had not credited anywhere on his blog - fairly easily through a few simple Google searches.

A few places he “lifted” posts from, pictures and all, include: the Journey Through Breast Cancer blog, Fitness Health Articles.com, Gemzar.com, Anne Bennett - Breast Cancer: There is a way through your fears, another article came from Medical News Today … and I could simply go on and on … I don’t even have to be choosy, since there’s not a whit of original material on the entire blog! This is Bitacle all over again, but junior sized …

I left the following comment on what was the most recent post at the time:

2 questions:

1) Why is a physician carrying ads for malpractice lawyers?

2) Are you aware that taking other people’s material and posting it as your own without crediting the author is plagiarism?

I’m concerned that there’s not a single original article on this entire blog, and you’ve been getting my friends to blogroll you …

Could I please get you to address these questions?

Thank you.

I waited a day, and went to take a look at his reply … he had deleted the comment. As you can see if you follow the link to the comment, my name (Moof) is still there, and it’s linked to my email address. He could have emailed an answer if he was embarrassed to reply in a comment … but he didn’t answer … he just deleted the evidence instead.

He also did a lot of work since he deleted that comment … he’s added several posts since yesterday, and he’s begun to put the links to the article he’s “borrowing” in the title. The lawyers have vanished from his Google ads too. He’s even added an email address - which doesn’t work.

I’m comfortable enough with my surmise to blog about it … because I see so many of my friends in his blogroll, and I know that he’s gone to your blogs, saying he’s a doc, and trying to get a link from you. I personally don’t believe him … and I don’t know what he’s up to, but I don’t feel that it would be right to be silent. Being forgiving and tolerant should never be equated with being stupid or weak. If I see this sort of thing, I will say something about it.

You’re welcome to blogroll him if you’d like … but if you’re fussy about who you link to, you may want to go over there and take a gander at his blog for yourself …

Anonymous bloggers are one thing … false bloggers another. It seems as if the latter have been being exposed with increasing frequency. Sincerity is like smarts … if you’ve got it, it shows … and if you don’t … that shows too …