new to group

[Guest guest]

well when i started like crazy i went to my doctor

numerous times and every time she would just hand me

some antibotics and a prescription for cough syrup

which didn't help at all, it took one emergency room

visit because I thought I was having a heart attack

which turn out to be an red flag that something

serious was going on much more deeper. I've been

coughing off and on for seven months I would have two

or three weeks free then the cough would return with a

vengence, every time my doctor kept asking me do I

have asthma and I kept telling her no because I don't

wheeze at all just cough uncontrollable where my lung

would actually begin to get soar, the last visit she

game me two inhalers to use at home and a prescription

for some cough syrup which made a big difference, my

chest no longer hurt at night so I stop taking the

pepcid because it didn't help and it wasn't what I

knew it wasn't. I have to go back in two weeks with

the good news that it helped so much, I can sleep

better and straight threw the night without the dry

hacking cough and the phelgm coming up with every

rough cough that I have, I do think I need a meter I

guess I would have to set up an appointment with an

allergy/ asthma specialist . My allergiest and asthma

seemed to go hand and hand

--- gnrshelton wrote:

> Hello,

> I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. I have

> allergies all

> year long. I had no really bad asthma problems until

> I moved to

> Indiana from Tennessee. In Tennessee I have very

> little problems with

> allergies or asthma. I took singular daily and was

> good. Since

> Moving to Indiana I find it hard to find a decent

> doctor. I have had

> 3 pretty serious asthma attacks. I have never gone

> to the hospital

> but feel maybe I should have a few times. This

> doctor has given me

> prednisone 3 times now and also wants me to take

> Advair. I have read

> the side effects and they seem a bit on the bad

> side. More deaths to

> those who take it than those who don't. It seems a

> bit of a risk to

> me. I wanted to join this group to see others

> experiences. A few

> questions...

> Has anyone seen their asthma go from tame to bad in

> a very short time?

> And what kind of tests should doctors take before

> they prescribe meds.

> The doctor I have been seeing has never given me

> one test. I thought

> maybe some kind of test to see what your oxygen

> intake is or some kind

> of other tests. It seems like since seeing doctors

> for my asthma its

> getting worse not better. Should I get a peak flo

> meter and is it

> something you can start without a doctor telling you

> how to use it?

> Sorry this is so long. Thanks in advance for any

> suggestions and help

> you can give. Rhonda

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I can really relate to the hospital visit issue...its like pay for rent or the house or...pay for going to the hospital, and sometimes you think you want to try to tough it out. Yeah, I know this is bad, but I feel uncomfortable sometimes when family have to take care of stuff that I'd like to try myself at first. Truth is I know we should go to the ER if there's a need...but the bills sometimes add up...gnrshelton wrote: Hello,I was diagnosed with

asthma a few years ago. I have allergies allyear long. I had no really bad asthma problems until I moved toIndiana from Tennessee. In Tennessee I have very little problems withallergies or asthma. I took singular daily and was good. SinceMoving to Indiana I find it hard to find a decent doctor. I have had3 pretty serious asthma attacks. I have never gone to the hospitalbut feel maybe I should have a few times. This doctor has given meprednisone 3 times now and also wants me to take Advair. I have readthe side effects and they seem a bit on the bad side. More deaths tothose who take it than those who don't. It seems a bit of a risk tome. I wanted to join this group to see others experiences. A fewquestions...Has anyone seen their asthma go from tame to bad in a very short time?And what kind of tests should doctors take before they prescribe meds.The doctor I have been seeing has never given me one test. I

thoughtmaybe some kind of test to see what your oxygen intake is or some kindof other tests. It seems like since seeing doctors for my asthma itsgetting worse not better. Should I get a peak flo meter and is itsomething you can start without a doctor telling you how to use it? Sorry this is so long. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and helpyou can give. Rhonda __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi, , I am a new member too,, joined a couple of weeks ago. I just found out I have Asthma too,, been wheezing and having trouble breathing for a while,, I also have RA and fibro to go with it,, you might want to check out this site and see if they can help you, https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php TC,, Kathymelskud wrote: Hi,

everyone. My name is and I was recently diagnosed withasthma and allergies. I had asthma as a kid, but was never treatedfor it. The doctor I had back then did not prescribe a lot ofmedicines. I just always kind of dealt with it. My asthma back thenwas not bad anyway. Since about February it has gotten a lot worse. It is very difficult to breath and my chest gets real tight. My sonalso has asthma. His is pretty bad too. I do not have insuranceright now and am looking for some sort of assistance program orsomething to help me pay for my prescriptions. I am on Qvar 40mcg,Singulair 10mg, and Albuterol when needed. Does anyone know of anyassistance program or anything? I tried applying for Medicaid, butwas not accepted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thanks __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi . Some of the drug companies have assistance programs to

help people without prescription medical cards. Also, I have seen

many commercials for pparx.org, which is supposed to help people get

their medicine when they don't have coverage for it. Maybe you could

check these things online, or maybe your doctor can help you find out

more information about getting help with your prescriptions.

I hope everything goes well for you.

Debbie in Chicago

-- In asthma , " melskud " wrote:

>

> Hi, everyone. My name is and I was recently diagnosed with

> asthma and allergies. I had asthma as a kid, but was never treated

> for it. The doctor I had back then did not prescribe a lot of

> medicines. I just always kind of dealt with it. My asthma back

then

> was not bad anyway. Since about February it has gotten a lot

worse.

> It is very difficult to breath and my chest gets real tight. My son

> also has asthma. His is pretty bad too. I do not have insurance

> right now and am looking for some sort of assistance program or

> something to help me pay for my prescriptions. I am on Qvar 40mcg,

> Singulair 10mg, and Albuterol when needed. Does anyone know of any

> assistance program or anything? I tried applying for Medicaid, but

> was not accepted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kathy,Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into it. I really appreciate your help! :)Kathy S wrote: Hi, , I am a new member too,, joined a couple of weeks ago. I just found out I have Asthma too,, been wheezing and having trouble breathing for a while,, I also have RA and fibro to go with it,, you might want to check out this site and see if they can help you, https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php TC,, Kathymelskud <melmisssku> wrote: Hi, everyone. My name is and I was recently diagnosed withasthma and allergies. I had asthma as a kid, but was never treatedfor it. The doctor I had back then did not prescribe a lot ofmedicines. I just always kind of dealt with it. My asthma back thenwas not bad anyway. Since about February it has gotten a lot worse. It is very difficult to breath and my chest gets real tight. My sonalso has asthma. His is pretty bad too. I do not have insuranceright now and am looking for some sort of assistance program orsomething to help me pay for my prescriptions. I am on Qvar 40mcg,Singulair 10mg, and Albuterol when needed. Does anyone know of

anyassistance program or anything? I tried applying for Medicaid, butwas not accepted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thanks __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Debbie,Thanks, I will check with my doctor first and then maybe try some of those companies. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it!:)debalena55 wrote: Hi . Some of the drug companies have assistance programs to help people without prescription medical cards. Also, I have seen many commercials for pparx.org, which is supposed to help people get their medicine when they don't have coverage for it. Maybe you could check these things online, or maybe your doctor can help

you find out more information about getting help with your prescriptions. I hope everything goes well for you. Debbie in Chicago -- In asthma , "melskud" wrote: > > Hi, everyone. My name is and I was recently diagnosed with > asthma and allergies. I had asthma as a kid, but was never treated > for it. The doctor I had back then did not prescribe a lot of > medicines. I just always kind of dealt with it. My asthma back then > was not bad anyway. Since about February it has gotten a lot worse. > It is very difficult to breath and my chest gets real tight. My son > also has asthma. His is pretty bad too. I do not have insurance > right now and am looking for some sort of assistance program or > something to help me pay for my prescriptions. I am on Qvar

40mcg, > Singulair 10mg, and Albuterol when needed. Does anyone know of any > assistance program or anything? I tried applying for Medicaid, but > was not accepted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks > > > __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

Hi, I have a 13 yr. old that has been on Advair for over a year after having to see a pediatric pulmonoligst. Anyway, it has been WONDERFUL and our wonderdrug, he of course does take singulair also.

Hope this helps some.

Thanks,

Mitzi

NEW TO GROUP

Hi, I am new to the group. I have a 2yr old son who was put on Advair HFA after a recent extended stay @ Children's. I am hearing so many conflicting reports about this drug, I would appreciate any info you can share.

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[Guest guest]

The warning everybody is talking about with Advair is connected with

the Salmeterol or Severent. If you are worried about it, ask you

doctor to change you to just the steroid part called Flovent. Or you

can switch to a total different brand of steroid like Pulmocort,

Asthmacort, or Asthmanex. Every medication you use has potential

side effects but the potential side effect of severent and

medications like it can be really bad.

>

> Hi, I am new to the group. I have a 2yr old son who was put on

Advair HFA after a recent extended stay @ Children's. I am hearing so

many conflicting reports about this drug, I would appreciate any info

you can share.

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.

> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

>

[Guest guest]

thx for the advice.

> >

> > Hi, I am new to the group. I have a 2yr old son who was put on

> Advair HFA after a recent extended stay @ Children's. I am hearing

so

> many conflicting reports about this drug, I would appreciate any

info

> you can share.

> >

> >

> >

>

_____________________________________________________________________

_

> ______________

> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.

> > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I was recently diagnosed with asthma (at over 50 years of age!!)

One of the first drugs my doctor had me try was advair and it made me

itch like fury after just one dose. I didn't realized that was the

problem and used it for a total of 5 doses by which time, I just

wanted to crawl out of my skin.

I asked some of my co-workers ... some of them thought it was

wonderful and other either had a bad experience or a family member

who reacted poorly.

And YIKES it is expensive!!

>

> ,

>

> Hi, I have a 13 yr. old that has been on Advair for over a year

after having to see a pediatric pulmonoligst. Anyway, it has been

WONDERFUL and our wonderdrug, he of course does take singulair also.

>

> Hope this helps some.

>

> Thanks,

> Mitzi

>

>

> NEW TO GROUP

>

> Hi, I am new to the group. I have a 2yr old son who was put on

Advair HFA after a recent extended stay @ Children's. I am hearing so

many conflicting reports about this drug, I would appreciate any info

you can share.

>

>

>

> Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail.

See how.

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Be a better friend, newshound, and

> know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

>

[Guest guest]

The try this and this and this thing ....yeah that happens. There's really no magic bullet with asthma. Especially with a severe case of asthma, medication barely scratches the surface. Asthma can be very debilitating. Be careful when talking to people to, because the treatment of severe asthma, and mild to moderate can be hugely different. For example, a friend of mine at church thinks that lots of exercise, staying away from triggers, and medication is evil and will bring you down over time. He seems to be able to control his asthma pretty well. But he gives advice that you can turn into a superman or something if you just quit doing whatever it is your doing wrong...which totally doens't work for me at all and is kind of stupid because it can almost be belittling of others. Any time the doctor thinks your case is just like normal ( "classic case" ), I'd be worried and think about seeing someone else.

You can't tell me how many times I've gone to the doctor and just ended up spinning our wheels and losing money while they put you into some stereotype as other asthma cases. This means you spend 3 or 4 visits and tons of money you don't have waiting for him to realize he has to dig deeper and actually think about how you're different. IF you feel like the HVAC in your house, or lack of using it, is a trigger you can have filters for allergies and stuff put on the vents and furnace. People I know have said this helped but you have to change them...If your in an apartment its hard to get the management to do this more than once a year. I'm not sure really what a good doctor definition and routine entails...but it seems that if your new to asthma you need to identify the triggers really fast and get a list of them, and identify what kind of asthma you have. This helps to cut to the chase when you go in for doc

visits a lot. It also can help you to know when you go in for a doc visit whether or not what he suggests is right for you or not. But it can be a pain too, because if your treatment doesn't work well, some doctors seem to want to discredit you with your own family or question if your really following the treatment plan...they don't like the idea that there's something they don't know and dont like others to think that. It's really amazing how irresponsible some doctors are, so you have to be able to know and evaulate what and if what they say is appropriate. Some of them will try to blame it on anxiety or stress, which is totally bullshit and is their cop out answer for things that they don't really know what is causing them. A good example of this is a doc that tells you your asthma is from stress before they even give it a chance to think of or test for allergies. If you think about that it doesn't make sense. If it was from stress,

then they would definitely have checked allergies or whatever first anyway if they knew what they were doing. For this reason its really important that you bring someone with you who is an advocate for you when you go to doc visits, if you can. Sometimes family know things about you that you dont realize and that can help in them diagnosing and prescribing the right treatment. Bringing the wrong person can also hurt you if they start blabbing a bunch of crap that is not right, and then doc believes them. Had this happen too. If you feel you had yours stirred up a lot by air circulation of a dusty house, you would probably benefit a lot from air filter if you dont already have one. When your living with asthma, its really important that your family is supportive and that you build on it because there's so many things you can't do, or sometimes they can accidentaly put you in

dangerous places without realizing it and push you too hard. If you build on the family unity and working together this can really help a lot. Anyway, hope that helps... Noah"a_barrett.rm" wrote: I am in the throes of a terrible asthmatic attack. I have been to the ER twice now. (2:30 to 4:30 this morning)Any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated.1st med ... just albuterol and 10mg of Singulaire. Well, that was ok seemed to calm

down for the most part. The albuterol makes my heart pound so I used as little as possible. This was good from the first of Oct. to Thanksgiving.then we went out of state for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my deceased mother-in-law's home which hadn't been heated or aired since we were there for the summer holidays. Turned on the heat and the dust coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy. Went on a several hour coughing jag before the Singulaire and albuterol got it under control. That and being in a bedroom far from the vents.On sat. of that weekend, I broke out in the most awful itchy rash on my arms and a bit on my trunk. It looked almost like poison ivy except that I hadn't been near any!So back to the doctor. This time she had me start combivent, continue the albuterol and singulaire and take a course of prednisone. When the prednisone was done I started with Advair (but that caused an

intense itch so I ditched it after 5 doses.)This took care of the rash, but the coughing continued, and the heart pounding continued.Back to the doctor a week later. I mentioned that I was using the albuterol as infrequently as possible because it makes my heart pound. So she had me stop the albuterol and the combivent and go to Atrovent HFA and Xopenex HFA. I continue with the singulaire and now add on zyrtec.The coughing continued and because I don't have the albuterol rescue inhaler anymore, I get into these episodes of severe coughing where I can't get my breath. Last night it was so bad I ended up in the ER where they gave me to inhalation treatments, a bunch of narcotic cough suppressents (which make me dizzy beyond belief) an another round of prednisone.Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a continuing round of try this, try this, try this?My doctor said I was a

"classic case" I asked her what she meant ...the rash, my aspirin allergy and the wheezing are apparently a very common package. I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)

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[Guest guest]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, butIt IS a trial and error for most first timers! You have to find what works for you and stick with it till it dont work any more!!! I have been on most kinds of older meds, but not familiar with the newer ones cuz i was able to find what works for me! You also have to find your personal triggers everyone has different ones! Some of mine were the dust and the household cleaners i was using in my house! I was able to find a company who makes all natural products and i have not had an attack in 2 yrs! Good luck!

CAROL CARUSO http://www.carolcaruso.fourpointmoms.com/FAQs.cpo

http://www.carolcaruso.fourpointwellness.com/

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/324801_cleaning24.html

ladyvamp5489@...

New to Group

I am in the throes of a terrible asthmatic attack. I have been to the ER twice now. (2:30 to 4:30 this morning)Any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated.1st med ... just albuterol and 10mg of Singulaire. Well, that was ok seemed to calm down for the most part. The albuterol makes my heart pound so I used as little as possible. This was good from the first of Oct. to Thanksgiving.then we went out of state for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my deceased mother-in-law' s home which hadn't been heated or aired since we were there for the summer holidays. Turned on the heat and the dust coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy. Went on a several hour coughing jag before the Singulaire and albuterol got it under control. That and being in a bedroom far from the vents.On sat. of that weekend, I broke out in the most awful itchy rash on my arms and a bit on my trunk. It looked almost

like poison ivy except that I hadn't been near any!So back to the doctor. This time she had me start combivent, continue the albuterol and singulaire and take a course of prednisone. When the prednisone was done I started with Advair (but that caused an intense itch so I ditched it after 5 doses.)This took care of the rash, but the coughing continued, and the heart pounding continued.Back to the doctor a week later. I mentioned that I was using the albuterol as infrequently as possible because it makes my heart pound. So she had me stop the albuterol and the combivent and go to Atrovent HFA and Xopenex HFA. I continue with the singulaire and now add on zyrtec.The coughing continued and because I don't have the albuterol rescue inhaler anymore, I get into these episodes of severe coughing where I can't get my breath. Last night it was so bad I ended up in the ER where they gave me to

inhalation treatments, a bunch of narcotic cough suppressents (which make me dizzy beyond belief) an another round of prednisone.Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a continuing round of try this, try this, try this?My doctor said I was a "classic case" I asked her what she meant ...the rash, my aspirin allergy and the wheezing are apparently a very common package. I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated! !)

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[Guest guest]

>The albuterol makes my heart

> pound so I used as little as possible.

Mine too, which is why I was switched to MaxAir. It works as good as the

albuterol did without the rapid, pounding heart rate.

> Turned on the heat and the dust

> coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy.

You might want to get those filters that go onto the air vents

themselves and catch that stuff before it hits the rooms. I've seen them

in allergy supply caltalogs - you cut it to size an apply with velcro or

something. I have radiator heat and window air conditioners so never had

to use them.

> Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a

> continuing round of try this, try this, try this?

That's how it was for me, but my son's pulmonologist got the right

combination of meds right away the first time he went to him when he was

5. Before that our family doc (the same guy who treats me) went through

many different meds, all without success.

> I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.

> any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)

You do have my sympathy, but remember that every person is different,

which is why they react differently to medications. Hang in there -

sooner or later you and your doc will come across the perfect

combination.

I'm really surprised that you were left with *no* emergency/rescue med

when the albuterol was stopped. Did the ER doc give you a prescription

for one, something to hold you over until you see your own doctor ASAP,

hopefully Monday? Is there any way to phone your doc today, letting her

know about the 2 ER visits, and ask her to phone one in to your local

pharmacy? If she's unavailable she might have someone covering for her

who can do it.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

First, I really believe Xopenex is a rescue inhaler just like albuterol. That's what my doc said. I agree with the other posters that you will have some trial and error and am certain that the doc can get it right. You might need a few months. Mine got it right. I have come to really appreciate Osteopaths because if I cough alot and put out a rib, or hurt my back he will put it back in place. ( I am assuming you are familiar with osteopaths. They have DO after their name rather than MD. They are not chiropractors.) I hope you get allergy tested. I am also surprised you are not on a short course of oral steroids. That's what will bring mine under control. Steroids are not fun but they are effective. IN the meantime stay away from strong fumes, smoke and tempeture extremes. If you live in a cold area please put a mask or scarf over your nose when you go

out, and/or pre-heat your car. Drink alot of water. This will pass and you will be better. Just try to hang in there and keep your spirits up

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[Guest guest]

Thanks, Noah, that does help.

Another trip to the ER at 2:30 AM and told to see my dr. as soon as

possible.

So I call the next morning and they couldn't find time for me for a

week!!

I go to see an allergist in a month. (Guess either he is really

busy -I've had several people tell me he is really really good - or

else there is no sense of urgency for my breathing difficulty!)

I haven't figured out what triggers it.

We got a special filter for the furnace ... it meant my darling

husband had to re-fit the door but it works ... less dust flying

around, but I don't know that dust is a trigger.

Thanks for the encouraging words, though.

> I am in the throes of a terrible asthmatic attack. I have

been to

> the ER twice now. (2:30 to 4:30 this morning)

> Any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated.

>

> 1st med ... just albuterol and 10mg of Singulaire. Well, that was

ok

> seemed to calm down for the most part. The albuterol makes my heart

> pound so I used as little as possible. This was good from the first

> of Oct. to Thanksgiving.

>

> then we went out of state for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my

deceased

> mother-in-law's home which hadn't been heated or aired since we

were

> there for the summer holidays. Turned on the heat and the dust

> coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy. Went on a

> several hour coughing jag before the Singulaire and albuterol got

it

> under control. That and being in a bedroom far from the vents.

> On sat. of that weekend, I broke out in the most awful itchy rash

on

> my arms and a bit on my trunk. It looked almost like poison ivy

> except that I hadn't been near any!

>

> So back to the doctor. This time she had me start combivent,

> continue the albuterol and singulaire and take a course of

> prednisone. When the prednisone was done I started with Advair (but

> that caused an intense itch so I ditched it after 5 doses.)

> This took care of the rash, but the coughing continued, and the

heart

> pounding continued.

>

> Back to the doctor a week later. I mentioned that I was using the

> albuterol as infrequently as possible because it makes my heart

> pound. So she had me stop the albuterol and the combivent and go to

> Atrovent HFA and Xopenex HFA. I continue with the singulaire and

now

> add on zyrtec.

> The coughing continued and because I don't have the albuterol

rescue

> inhaler anymore, I get into these episodes of severe coughing where

I

> can't get my breath. Last night it was so bad I ended up in the ER

> where they gave me to inhalation treatments, a bunch of narcotic

> cough suppressents (which make me dizzy beyond belief) an another

> round of prednisone.

>

> Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a

> continuing round of try this, try this, try this?

> My doctor said I was a " classic case " I asked her what she meant ...

> the rash, my aspirin allergy and the wheezing are apparently a very

> common package. I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.

> any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo!

Search.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sue,

Is the MaxAir another inhaler?

Right now I am on atrovent and Xopenx. The Xopenex is another

albuterol base ... supposed to be long acting with out the heart

pounding. I haven't used it for 24 hours now and I am still having

the occasional " flub " which is very disconcerting. But the coughing

is manageable so I am holding off.

>

> >The albuterol makes my heart

> > pound so I used as little as possible.

>

> Mine too, which is why I was switched to MaxAir. It works as good

as the

> albuterol did without the rapid, pounding heart rate.

>

>

> > Turned on the heat and the dust

> > coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy.

>

> You might want to get those filters that go onto the air vents

> themselves and catch that stuff before it hits the rooms. I've seen

them

> in allergy supply caltalogs - you cut it to size an apply with

velcro or

> something. I have radiator heat and window air conditioners so

never had

> to use them.

>

>

> > Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to

be a

> > continuing round of try this, try this, try this?

>

> That's how it was for me, but my son's pulmonologist got the right

> combination of meds right away the first time he went to him when

he was

> 5. Before that our family doc (the same guy who treats me) went

through

> many different meds, all without success.

>

>

> > I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.

> > any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)

>

> You do have my sympathy, but remember that every person is

different,

> which is why they react differently to medications. Hang in there -

> sooner or later you and your doc will come across the perfect

> combination.

>

> I'm really surprised that you were left with *no* emergency/rescue

med

> when the albuterol was stopped. Did the ER doc give you a

prescription

> for one, something to hold you over until you see your own doctor

ASAP,

> hopefully Monday? Is there any way to phone your doc today, letting

her

> know about the 2 ER visits, and ask her to phone one in to your

local

> pharmacy? If she's unavailable she might have someone covering for

her

> who can do it.

>

>

> Sue in NJ

>

[Guest guest]

I am on my 3rd round of Prednisone. It really does help when I get

into one of those bad situations!

I discovered quite by accident that covering my mouth/nose with a

scarf was the exact right thing to do! That first suck of cold air

just about knocked me flat! So I quickly grabbed the tail of my

scarf and bunched it up to breathe thru! WOAH that was a wake up!!

I didn't realize the Xopenex was a rescue inhaler ... I have been

using it 3X a day regularly. Until the past 24 hours ... I just

couldn't take the heart pounding anymore.

Well, the encouragement from all of you folks that this may take time

is really helpful. Thank you all so much.

I am doing all the filter things, drinking lots of water (which of

course has its own middle of the night side effects!!) and the air

purifier in the bedroom really helps ... I did place it near the bed -

thanks to who ever made that suggestion.

Hanging in there!!

>

> First, I really believe Xopenex is a rescue inhaler just like

albuterol. That's what my doc said.

> I agree with the other posters that you will have some trial and

error and am certain that the doc can get it right. You might need a

few months. Mine got it right. I have come to really appreciate

Osteopaths because if I cough alot and put out a rib, or hurt my back

he will put it back in place. ( I am assuming you are familiar with

osteopaths. They have DO after their name rather than MD. They are

not chiropractors.)

> I hope you get allergy tested. I am also surprised you are

not on a short course of oral steroids. That's what will bring mine

under control. Steroids are not fun but they are effective.

> IN the meantime stay away from strong fumes, smoke and

tempeture extremes. If you live in a cold area please put a mask or

scarf over your nose when you go out, and/or pre-heat your car.

Drink alot of water. This will pass and you will be better. Just try

to hang in there and keep your spirits up

>

>

> ---------------------------------

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Search.

>

[Guest guest]

> Is the MaxAir another inhaler?

Yes.

Funny, I can't seem to find an " official " web site for it, only other

drug sites that tell about it. About.com seems to have the best info:

http://gsm.about.com/compact/showtext.asp?cpnum=1519 & monotype=full & match=B & gname\

=Pirbuterol & r=6078

and this site tell you how to use the special inhaler it comes in:

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/maxair-autohaler.html

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

> I discovered quite by accident that covering my mouth/nose with a

> scarf was the exact right thing to do! That first suck of cold air

> just about knocked me flat!

When my son was small and his asthma was really bad I used to make a

face cover that buttoned or Velcroed into his coat's hood. I never had

to worry that he forgot or lost his scarf and it was easy enough to just

pop into place before he went out and to pull off when he got inside.

This was his kindergarten to around grade 2 years. After that he was

smart enough to wrap his own face with a scarf.

Sue in NJ

[Guest guest]

You wrote,.... I dont know that dust is a trigger... Well here's how you can tell...when you use a portable space heater and your next to it does the air feel uncomfortable and feel like its clogging you when your by it? I dont know about you but it does to me and it feels awful...and thats just a space heater! A big furnace is hugely different and much more polluting, though we need heat in winter don't we? I'm sure the furnace adjustments will help...but it might not feel like it sometimes... I eat apples after heavy foods and it seems to decrease the amount of chest congestion I feel and phlegm...but that doesn't mean I feel less sick and feel like I can breathe that much better... "a_barrett.rm" wrote: Thanks, Noah, that does help.Another trip to the ER at 2:30 AM and told to see my dr. as soon as possible. So I call the next morning and they couldn't find time for me for a week!!I go to see an allergist in a month. (Guess either he is really busy -I've had several people tell me he is really really good - or else there is no sense of urgency for my breathing difficulty!)I haven't figured out what triggers it. We got a special filter for the furnace ... it meant my darling husband had to re-fit the door but it works ... less dust flying around, but I don't know that dust is a trigger.Thanks for the encouraging

words, though.> I am in the throes of a terrible asthmatic attack. I have been to > the ER twice now. (2:30 to 4:30 this morning)> Any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated.> > 1st med ... just albuterol and 10mg of Singulaire. Well, that was ok > seemed to calm down for the most part. The albuterol makes my heart > pound so I used as little as possible. This was good from the first > of Oct. to

Thanksgiving.> > then we went out of state for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my deceased > mother-in-law's home which hadn't been heated or aired since we were > there for the summer holidays. Turned on the heat and the dust > coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy. Went on a > several hour coughing jag before the Singulaire and albuterol got it > under control. That and being in a bedroom far from the vents.> On sat. of that weekend, I broke out in the most awful itchy rash on > my arms and a bit on my trunk. It looked almost like poison ivy > except that I hadn't been near any!> > So back to the doctor. This time she had me start combivent, > continue the albuterol and singulaire and take a course of > prednisone. When the prednisone was done I started with Advair (but > that caused an intense itch so I ditched it after 5 doses.)>

This took care of the rash, but the coughing continued, and the heart > pounding continued.> > Back to the doctor a week later. I mentioned that I was using the > albuterol as infrequently as possible because it makes my heart > pound. So she had me stop the albuterol and the combivent and go to > Atrovent HFA and Xopenex HFA. I continue with the singulaire and now > add on zyrtec.> The coughing continued and because I don't have the albuterol rescue > inhaler anymore, I get into these episodes of severe coughing where I > can't get my breath. Last night it was so bad I ended up in the ER > where they gave me to inhalation treatments, a bunch of narcotic > cough suppressents (which make me dizzy beyond belief) an another > round of prednisone.> > Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a > continuing round of try this,

try this, try this?> My doctor said I was a "classic case" I asked her what she meant ...> the rash, my aspirin allergy and the wheezing are apparently a very > common package. I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.> any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.>

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[Guest guest]

Don't post often, but appreciate your insights, Noah. You sound as if

you're a very considerate, thoughtful person.

In my case, I don't have a reaction to heaters, but we are all

different and our triggers are different. IMHO, after being an

asthmatic for 58 yrs, one trigger doesn't fit all. And that's what I'm

increasingly growing afraid of--that doctors aren't considering us as

individuals...either because they don't really care or because they

simply don't take enough time to really listen to patients--or they're

just determined to put us on the most drugs or most expensive drugs

that they can.

> You wrote,....

>  

> I dont know that dust is a trigger...

>  

> Well here's how you can tell...when you use a portable space heater

> and your next to it does the air feel uncomfortable and feel like its

> clogging you when your by it? I dont know about you but it does to me

> and it feels awful...and thats just a space heater! A big furnace is

> hugely different and much more polluting, though we need heat in

> winter don't we?

>  

> I'm sure the furnace adjustments will help...but it might not feel

> like it sometimes...

>  

> I eat apples after heavy foods and it seems to decrease the amount of

> chest congestion I feel and phlegm...but that doesn't mean I feel less

> sick and feel like I can breathe that much better...

>

> " a_barrett.rm " wrote:

>

> Thanks, Noah, that does help.

> Another trip to the ER at 2:30 AM and told to see my dr. as soon as

> possible.

> So I call the next morning and they couldn't find time for me for a

> week!!

> I go to see an allergist in a month. (Guess either he is really

> busy -I've had several people tell me he is really really good - or

> else there is no sense of urgency for my breathing difficulty!)

> I haven't figured out what triggers it.

> We got a special filter for the furnace ... it meant my darling

> husband had to re-fit the door but it works ... less dust flying

> around, but I don't know that dust is a trigger.

> Thanks for the encouraging words, though.

>

>

> > I am in the throes of a terrible asthmatic attack. I have

> been to

> > the ER twice now. (2:30 to 4:30 this morning)

> > Any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated.

> >

> > 1st med ... just albuterol and 10mg of Singulaire. Well, that was

> ok

> > seemed to calm down for the most part. The albuterol makes my heart

> > pound so I used as little as possible. This was good from the first

> > of Oct. to Thanksgiving.

> >

> > then we went out of state for Thanksgiving. We stayed at my

> deceased

> > mother-in-law's home which hadn't been heated or aired since we

> were

> > there for the summer holidays. Turned on the heat and the dust

> > coming up from the vents just about drove me crazy. Went on a

> > several hour coughing jag before the Singulaire and albuterol got

> it

> > under control. That and being in a bedroom far from the vents.

> > On sat. of that weekend, I broke out in the most awful itchy rash

> on

> > my arms and a bit on my trunk. It looked almost like poison ivy

> > except that I hadn't been near any!

> >

> > So back to the doctor. This time she had me start combivent,

> > continue the albuterol and singulaire and take a course of

> > prednisone. When the prednisone was done I started with Advair (but

> > that caused an intense itch so I ditched it after 5 doses.)

> > This took care of the rash, but the coughing continued, and the

> heart

> > pounding continued.

> >

> > Back to the doctor a week later. I mentioned that I was using the

> > albuterol as infrequently as possible because it makes my heart

> > pound. So she had me stop the albuterol and the combivent and go to

> > Atrovent HFA and Xopenex HFA. I continue with the singulaire and

> now

> > add on zyrtec.

> > The coughing continued and because I don't have the albuterol

> rescue

> > inhaler anymore, I get into these episodes of severe coughing where

> I

> > can't get my breath. Last night it was so bad I ended up in the ER

> > where they gave me to inhalation treatments, a bunch of narcotic

> > cough suppressents (which make me dizzy beyond belief) an another

> > round of prednisone.

> >

> > Is this typical of first time asthma sufferers? Is it going to be a

> > continuing round of try this, try this, try this?

> > My doctor said I was a " classic case " I asked her what she meant ...

> > the rash, my aspirin allergy and the wheezing are apparently a very

> > common package. I thought that meant there would be a zip-bang cure.

> > any advice, suggestions? (Sympathy is also greatly appreciated!!)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo!

> Search.

> >

>

>

>

>

<image.tiff>

>

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

>

[Guest guest]

When I was little my grandmother did the same thing covering my face,

but she also told me that it was important to keep my whole head warm,

and keep the cold air out of my ears too. It kind of makes sense with

ears, nose and throat kind of thing.

I guess I am conveying this because it seems that everyone is focusing

on their big breath of cold air....ears are important too. Somehow they

filter in the cold air that affects lungs too.

Sue in NJ wrote:

>

> > I discovered quite by accident that covering my mouth/nose with a

> > scarf was the exact right thing to do! That first suck of cold air

> > just about knocked me flat!

>

> When my son was small and his asthma was really bad I used to make a

> face cover that buttoned or Velcroed into his coat's hood. I never had

> to worry that he forgot or lost his scarf and it was easy enough to just

> pop into place before he went out and to pull off when he got inside.

> This was his kindergarten to around grade 2 years. After that he was

> smart enough to wrap his own face with a scarf.

>

> Sue in NJ

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have a comment on space heaters!! When they put the little ones on

where I work...I get real funny feeling. Pardon the pun, but I get real

spacey!! I have to really focus on what I am doing. I take an over the

counter allergy pill..it usually works, but sometimes I am so spacey I

forget. The portable heaters in my opinion, not only kick up dust, blow

their own little dust, but also dry the air out that I breathe.

Noah Riding wrote:

> You wrote,....

>

> I dont know that dust is a trigger...

>

> Well here's how you can tell...when you use a portable space heater

> and your next to it does the air feel uncomfortable and feel like its

> clogging you when your by it? I dont know about you but it does to me

> and it feels awful...and thats just a space heater! A big furnace is

> hugely different and much more polluting, though we need heat in

> winter don't we?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have strange feelings when the space heaters go on, too! My head feels funny and then it starts to hurt. My manager also said she would get an "electricity headache."

Deb

I have a comment on space heaters!! When they put the little ones on where I work...I get real funny feeling. Pardon the pun, but I get real spacey!! I have to really focus on what I am doing. I take an over the counter allergy pill..it usually works, but sometimes I am so spacey I forget. The portable heaters in my opinion, not only kick up dust, blow their own little dust, but also dry the air out that I breathe.Noah Riding wrote:> You wrote,....> > I dont know that dust is a trigger...> > Well here's how you can tell...when you use a portable space heater > and your next to it does the air feel uncomfortable and feel like its > clogging you when your by it? I dont know about you but it does to me > and it feels awful...and thats just a space heater! A big furnace is > hugely different and much more polluting, though we need heat in > winter don't we?> >>>

Debbie SalernoMaine Coon RescueBoard MemberDNA ManagerEastern Regional DirectorVice Presidentwww.mainecoonrescue.netSee AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.

[Guest guest]

Hi Angel, I'm not sure if its the medsor other things causing the sleeplessness. It could be both, but I have a hard time with getting to sleep too and it is a common symptom in asthma. I get this both on and off medication (?) The not being able to breathe has kept me up all night before...quite frequently. I'm sometimes so mixed up as to which is the cause and the effect, but if you do like internet searches and things with asthma , inability to sleep from various things, such as the not being able to breathe is quite common....It could be the meds, I'm not really sure what its from.Angel wrote: Hi, I am new to group and have asthma and just been diagnosed with COPD. I live in MA., USA. I am retired and have found a new life as an artist.I have two cats and test severely allergic to cats and less allergic to dogs. My cats are 7 and part of the family. I would never give them up. They were supposed to be non-allergic kitties. They didn't bother me for years although some people come into my home and get sick right away.I am unable to take any of the pill form medications for asthma as they cause me to be unable to sleep. Does anyone else have this issue? Since this happened with multiple asthma medications I also am unable to sleep with Citracal.I am on Advair now and in better condition then I have been for years. I am concerned about the side effects ie; cataracts

and osteoporosis. Any input welcome.Thank you,Angel

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