Allergic Reaction(s) and Miserable

[walker315]

I quit analogs and switched to vaping in February 2015. The transition was not fun and to tbh, I haven't loved the whole vaping experience, but it keeps me analog free and I'm now down to 4mg, about to switch to 3mg. I started with an ego and went back with plans to switch at 3mg nic to have a better chance to kick the last few mg of nic. I never really felt any great benefits from vaping (taste is the same, sense of smell is not great and I can say for sure I would never have gotten addicted to the vape and am proof positive my body loved the chemicals in the analogs, etc), but to be analog free is a feat I never though would happen.

I had horrendous phlegm (that sat there in my throat) and post nasal drip for the first couple of mouths. Strangely, I had no coughing. At 3 months my skin was greasy and by six months my scalp was itching. At 6 months canker sores (never had them before) showed up and mainly with 100%vg (now on the 60vg/40pg and mouth is acting up again). I started at 100% vg fruit menthol blend and switched to a menthol blend of 60vg/40pg. Every single symptom is back and/or amplified. The itching scalp and greasy skin sucks, but this phlegm, clogged nose and feeling like I can't cough is horrible. For a brief bit in September I noticed I was having to gulp to swallow and 2 weeks ago that came back with a vengeance. Plus, my leg muscles are always cramping. So basically I'm miserable.

I use the same juice from a local trusted vendor here in So CA. As an FYI, I drink 8 glasses (not cups) plus a day (I'm 5'4" and 105lbs). I use a neti pot, tea, have tried cough drops and will take something if needed, but if what's needed is adding an over-the-counter drug long term to vape than I feel that's an issue for me personally. If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it greatly. I smoked for 30 years (started when I was 10) and don't want to go back. My goal has been to wean myself to no nicotine from the pack and half I once smoked. Sorry so long and thank you in advance.

 

[frizzy_tyger]

Have the issues been constant or did they go away and come back? We're you using menthol flavors the whole time? We're you using the same brand? Have you tried a higher PG level than 40%?

Some people can have an intolerance to PG, VG or even a specific flavoring. Barring those I don't know what else could cause those issues.

Also have you seen a doctor to rule out other medical conditions or food allergies? Especially if it has coincided with the vaping I'm not doubting it potentially vaping related but I wouldn't want to rule out the possibility of it being something else either if you haven't.

 

[walker315]

Hi frizzy_tyger, the issues pretty much began, plateaued and have either morphed into something else or gotten worse (re: throat, phlegm, itching and grease are the most bothersome). I saw the pg, vg, flavor intolerance from research. The menthol has been constant. Halo doesn't advertise on their website (that I could find) or on the bottles I still have what percentage flavoring they use (maybe someone knows?). I've only used juice from 3 suppliers.

I saw my doctor and the ER staff when I cracked my ribs in January and asked about vaping and some of my symptoms with no results. My lungs were clear in xrays and it's probably a good thing I couldn't cough with cracked ribs. I was offered antibiotics for my "red" throat that I politely declined. I saw my dermatologist in February and nothing from him either. I'm guessing I can either do a trial and error of sorts (pg/vg/flavor), quit vaping or just go back to cigs because despite their issues, I didn't feel actually like they were killing me (that could be sleep deprivation talking).

Also, many apologies for the grumpy response. My best friend's 5 year old son is dying and I'm staying with them as much as possible helping out and exhausted. This is the last thing I want to be dealing with, but it is what it is. Thanks so much for the response!

 

[OhTheAgony]

That doesn't sound good at all. You could seek the medical route again and ask for an allergy test, among other things.

Or you could try straight VG with 3mg of nicotine to see if it's in the flavoring as it sounds like you're sensitive to pg (also in most if not all flavorings to the best of my knowledge) at least.

But if that doesn't do it it might not be a bad idea to quit vaping just for a week or two period. You can't possibly feel worse then you already do right now by the sounds of it anyway. It may not even be vaping related (although t does seem likely) but there's only one way to find out.

& no disrespect, but going back to cigarettes just sounds dumb. Besides the fact that it will also irritate your already inflamed throat I don't think you want to go back to that filthy habit again do you?

Just try to tough it out for a week or two, it might not be nearly as bad as you fear it'll be. 4mg isn't that bad to withdrawal from, you just got to get the through the first two days and then it will become easier.

Good luck with what ever you decide anyways, and keep us posted on your progress please!

 

[celticluvr]

Remember: You need to drink water and as for the cramps you need potassium. Vaping tends to dehydrate you so drink more water and I'd suggest coconut water for the leg cramps. C. water is very high in potassium and will quickly restore what you lost. I mean you can ingest a few bananas but that will take longer. I hope you get it all sorted out though. Good luck and keep trying some different things. Maybe you will find your sweet spot.

 

[frizzy_tyger]

Hi frizzy_tyger, the issues pretty much began, plateaued and have either morphed into something else or gotten worse (re: throat, phlegm, itching and grease are the most bothersome). I saw the pg, vg, flavor intolerance from research. The menthol has been constant. Halo doesn't advertise on their website (that I could find) or on the bottles I still have what percentage flavoring they use (maybe someone knows?). I've only used juice from 3 suppliers.

I saw my doctor and the ER staff when I cracked my ribs in January and asked about vaping and some of my symptoms with no results. My lungs were clear in xrays and it's probably a good thing I couldn't cough with cracked ribs. I was offered antibiotics for my "red" throat that I politely declined. I saw my dermatologist in February and nothing from him either. I'm guessing I can either do a trial and error of sorts (pg/vg/flavor), quit vaping or just go back to cigs because despite their issues, I didn't feel actually like they were killing me (that could be sleep deprivation talking).

Also, many apologies for the grumpy response. My best friend's 5 year old son is dying and I'm staying with them as much as possible helping out and exhausted. This is the last thing I want to be dealing with, but it is what it is. Thanks so much for the response!

You're post actually didn't come across as grumpy to me, but I am sorry to hear about your friends son.

If you had the symptoms with menthol from 3 different vendors I would think it would be more of an isssue with the VG/PG. PG is more common but since it also happened with 100% VG I would lean more towards VG. Unfortunately the only way I think to really see is trail an error.

If you do decide to go with trying other VG/PG levels let us know how it goes. Good luck, either way and for what it's worth I hope you don't go back to smoking.