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Severe Asthma--feel like I am taking too many meds!!

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Posted 6/22/2009 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi- My name is Tina, I have a "tentative" diagnosis of Churg Strauss Syndrome--reason is that doctors here say they cannot give definite dx without a Lung Biopsy.  I am having a really hard time controlling my asthma --well it is not controlled at all. I am on Advair 2xdaily, Proventil every 6 hrs, turbutaline 5mg 3xdaily, and also use nebulizer several times per day. I sometimes feel my heart is going to explode, and I am shaky all the time. My oxygen level is measuring around 92-93 and I am blowing 250 at best with a Peak Flow Meter. I am to see a specialist at Emory University , per my reg Pulmonary Dr, but I am curious if anyone else is taking this much medication.
Posted 7/1/2009 12:54 AM (GMT 0)

Tina,

I am not familiar with Churg Strauss Syndrome or Turbutaline, but I will look them up.  What do you use in your nebulizer? 

I use Xopenex as my inhaler and in my nebulizer.  I can't use albuterol.  It makes me shake something terrible.  I also take an injection of Xolair once a  month which has been out for about 5-6 years now.  It cost around $10,000 per year, but insurance compaines are willing to pay for the majority of it.  I pay $15.00 to the drug company that ships the Xolair to my doctor's office and then I pay my co-pay.  It is only for severe asthmatics.  I guess the insurances companies figure it keeps the patients out of the ER's and in-patient hospital stays.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 7/15/2009 8:06 PM (GMT 0)

Exhale,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble with your asthma.  It does sound like you went down the same path I did.

Does your doctor have you on Xolair?  It has helped me a lot.  I am not going to tell you that I don't still have to occasionally have to take Prednisone, because I do.  I also still get bronchitis, but not anything like I did before Xolair. 

 I take an injection monthly and it cost about $10,000 per year.  I think that about every insurance company is now paying for it for severe asthmatics because it is cheaper in the long run for them because they are not having to pay for ER visits or in-patient hospital stays.

If you are not on Xolair, I would strongly advise you to talk with your doctor about this.  Please keep me posted.  I certainly understand what you are going through.

Take care,

Carla

Posted 7/21/2009 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
I feel for you, Tina. If you are taking asthma control medications and are still experiencing significant asthma symptoms, talk to your doctor about what more you can be doing to control your asthma symptoms.
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