injections

[Guest guest]

> I used to use my thigh all the time. For me, it hurt less than the

> stomach.

> I would do the injection about 5 inches down. It was just less painful

> than the stomach for me.

I'm relatively thin, is there enough fat there? Do you pinch it up?

Thx,

[Guest guest]

I am so glad for you.

Hopefully you are on your way to a better quality of life

Ron

On Jul 14, 2006, at 10:38 AM, Adah Voigt wrote:

> Dear Friends:all

>

> After reading the 56 emails awaiting me when I returned home

> yesterday, I was beginning to fear I wouldn't qualify for the

> xolair--the insurance co wouldn't think my asthma severe enough (it

> is moderately severe, but under control with meds most of the time--

> prednisone about twice a year). But today I got a call setting up

> the times for my injections which means it has cleared the

> insurance and medicare. Can hardly wait......

>

> Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. I'll keep you up

> to date as to my progress. I have realized through this group how

> important emotional/educational/experiential support and feedback

> is. Thanks again.

>

> Adah

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

That's great news, Adah! Please keep us posted on how things go!

Good luck!

[Guest guest]

: Thanks for the encouragement, and I will keep everyone posted on how

things go.

I realized today in talking with my husband that, even after living with my

asthma for 20 years he still doesn't understand how severe it can be for so many

people and how debilitating being on prednisone for a long time can be. The

first five years my asthma was so bad I was on prednisone more than I was off of

it. Praise God I never had to make any trips to the emergency room after I

started being treated by my allergist, but I was on prednisone more than I was

off of it. I can still remember the effects it had on my brain and how I had to

make myself stay focused (I was teaching school in a big public school when my

severe attacks began) or I would lose mental track of what was going on (still

happens when I have to take a round of prednisone). I also had to watch my

temper. I am normally a very mild, rather laid-back person--not given to temper

fits and not easily pushed into being angry--but when I was on the prednisone, I

would suddenly find myself very angry

over the smallest thing and could feel my blood pressure going up. I would

stop, take some deep breaths, relax and calm myself before I said something I

would be sorry for. It was very hard on my husband because he could not

understand that the emotional roller coaster was also a side effect of the pred.

(I also felt many of the other effects--muscle weakness, and am still carrying

the extra 20 pounds I put on during that time.) It took a full year for all of

the side effects to go away. My allergist was very insistent that I have

regular dental checkups, blood work for potassium and calcium (as well as other

things) and that I take calcium supplements. Interestingly, he also suggested I

drink Ginger ale while I was on prednisone.....I've forgotten why, but I think

it had to do with helping my body maintain a potassium level--????(I don't

remember why--just that is what he suggested.)

The one thing that has haunted me a little is that my children were teenagers

during that time and I feel like I missed out on doing some of the things with

them. However, there were no apparent lasting effects on them, (they are normal

functioning great adults who are helping better their communities) and they

assure me that they never felt anything but my love and care for them. They

were really a great help to me even though they were very active in their high

school. I ended up leaving public school and going to the private school where

my kids were enrolled and that really helped me be with them more, made it

easier to know what their activities were and they really liked my being there

for them. But they were there for me, and I can still remember my son having to

leave school at noon (with my permission of course) and go to the pharmacy to

get me a prescription that the doctor had called in, just so I could function

the rest of the day! Both of my kids still

help out when I need them, (even though our son is married) but my husband and

I are both retired, so my hubby does some of the heavy housework when I can't or

don't feel like doing it. Yes, I am blessed.

While my asthma today seems so much less of a problem, I think it would still

be a big handicap if I were still working full time. The memory of the terrible

fatigue, of feeling like I wouldn't be able to take another step to get out of

the building and to the car to get home because I couldn't breathe--are still

very vivid as is the memory of sitting in a recliner, hardly being able to make

it to the bathroom without feeling as though I was taking my last breath! I

wonder now, if the asthma wasn't exacerbated by stress--probably so, but during

the years I was at the private school my episodes gradually became fewer and the

severity lessened. There are still days when I don't function too well, so I am

looking forward to seeing how the xolair helps.

I guess all of us who have had asthma for a long time have many stories we

could tell. Thanks to all of you for letting me indulge in part of my story.

Adah

<justinlouisville@...> wrote:

That's great news, Adah! Please keep us posted on how things go!

Good luck!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Adah

I have been worried about how my asthma and allergies would effect my kids. It

gives me great encouragement when you share that yours turned out ok. I always

feel guilty that when my boys were little they were always being dragged to

grandmas or I would not come home from work at the hospital. They are very good

helpers at the ages of 11 and 13. Yes I had a miracle I was not expected to live

5 years ago and we have beautiful 3 year old daughter. WIth the xoliar today has

been my second asthma attack in 8 months .It is 90 and 100% humdity and I went

out to thepool all day with the kids. Xolair is so worth it.

karin

----- Original Message -----

From: Adah Voigt

Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Injections

: Thanks for the encouragement, and I will keep everyone posted on how

things go.

I realized today in talking with my husband that, even after living with my

asthma for 20 years he still doesn't understand how severe it can be for so many

people and how debilitating being on prednisone for a long time can be. The

first five years my asthma was so bad I was on prednisone more than I was off of

it. Praise God I never had to make any trips to the emergency room after I

started being treated by my allergist, but I was on prednisone more than I was

off of it. I can still remember the effects it had on my brain and how I had to

make myself stay focused (I was teaching school in a big public school when my

severe attacks began) or I would lose mental track of what was going on (still

happens when I have to take a round of prednisone). I also had to watch my

temper. I am normally a very mild, rather laid-back person--not given to temper

fits and not easily pushed into being angry--but when I was on the prednisone, I

would suddenly find myself very angry

over the smallest thing and could feel my blood pressure going up. I would

stop, take some deep breaths, relax and calm myself before I said something I

would be sorry for. It was very hard on my husband because he could not

understand that the emotional roller coaster was also a side effect of the pred.

(I also felt many of the other effects--muscle weakness, and am still carrying

the extra 20 pounds I put on during that time.) It took a full year for all of

the side effects to go away. My allergist was very insistent that I have regular

dental checkups, blood work for potassium and calcium (as well as other things)

and that I take calcium supplements. Interestingly, he also suggested I drink

Ginger ale while I was on prednisone.....I've forgotten why, but I think it had

to do with helping my body maintain a potassium level--????(I don't remember

why--just that is what he suggested.)

The one thing that has haunted me a little is that my children were teenagers

during that time and I feel like I missed out on doing some of the things with

them. However, there were no apparent lasting effects on them, (they are normal

functioning great adults who are helping better their communities) and they

assure me that they never felt anything but my love and care for them. They were

really a great help to me even though they were very active in their high

school. I ended up leaving public school and going to the private school where

my kids were enrolled and that really helped me be with them more, made it

easier to know what their activities were and they really liked my being there

for them. But they were there for me, and I can still remember my son having to

leave school at noon (with my permission of course) and go to the pharmacy to

get me a prescription that the doctor had called in, just so I could function

the rest of the day! Both of my kids still

help out when I need them, (even though our son is married) but my husband and

I are both retired, so my hubby does some of the heavy housework when I can't or

don't feel like doing it. Yes, I am blessed.

While my asthma today seems so much less of a problem, I think it would still

be a big handicap if I were still working full time. The memory of the terrible

fatigue, of feeling like I wouldn't be able to take another step to get out of

the building and to the car to get home because I couldn't breathe--are still

very vivid as is the memory of sitting in a recliner, hardly being able to make

it to the bathroom without feeling as though I was taking my last breath! I

wonder now, if the asthma wasn't exacerbated by stress--probably so, but during

the years I was at the private school my episodes gradually became fewer and the

severity lessened. There are still days when I don't function too well, so I am

looking forward to seeing how the xolair helps.

I guess all of us who have had asthma for a long time have many stories we

could tell. Thanks to all of you for letting me indulge in part of my story.

Adah

<justinlouisville@...> wrote:

That's great news, Adah! Please keep us posted on how things go!

Good luck!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'm glad you were encouraged. Congratulations on your little daughter.

Children are miracle gifts from God--that's the way I look at it.

Our son and daughter both have very mild asthma. About two springs ago our

daughter (who is a teacher and still lives at home for financial reasons) had a

very annoying cough which would awaken us in the middle of the night it would be

so bad. I made an appointment for her at my allergist (she wouldn't have gone

unless I had done that) and it was one of the best things I did for her. Her

asthma is totally under control and she lives a very normal, active life. She

was away at school for three weeks this summer, working on her Master's and she

walked an hour, every night-outside. She does know that because of my asthma,

she has to stay on top of hers. She took allergy shots faithfully twice a week

for about a year, then once a week for about a year and now she take a shot

every other week. She is doing great!

Our son has had periodic bouts of asthma since he was very small, but the

occurences have been so mild that presently all he uses is a rescue inhaler as

needed, which is actually very seldom. I come from a family of

asthmatics/allergy prone--my mom (91 years old) has asthma, my sister had severe

asthma all of her life and many of my cousins on my Mom's side of the family

either have asthma or some other form of allergies--came from my mom's dad.

Heredity is one thing no one can fight--only deal with in the best way possible.

I am so glad that I will finally be getting some long term help (xolair) with my

allergic asthma.

Glad you are doing well now. Just enjoy every moment with your children that

you can. Ours are adults, now, but we are being blessed by enjoying our two

granddaughters, especially the 3 year old. I get to care for her on a regular

basis while her mom is still working on her degree. What a delight.

By the way, it is 92 degrees here and while the humidity is 44%, because of

the gulf breeze blowing in, it feels like 95--and it is only 2:00 now. It is

supposed to get over 100. These are the days I stay in as much as possible and

don't go out until it gets cooler in the evening. Our a/c bills are high in the

summer, but at least I don't have trouble breathing!

Thanks again for writing.

Adah

nnmfam <nnmfam@...> wrote:

Adah

I have been worried about how my asthma and allergies would effect my kids. It

gives me great encouragement when you share that yours turned out ok. I always

feel guilty that when my boys were little they were always being dragged to

grandmas or I would not come home from work at the hospital. They are very good

helpers at the ages of 11 and 13. Yes I had a miracle I was not expected to live

5 years ago and we have beautiful 3 year old daughter. WIth the xoliar today has

been my second asthma attack in 8 months .It is 90 and 100% humdity and I went

out to thepool all day with the kids. Xolair is so worth it.

karin

----- Original Message -----

From: Adah Voigt

Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006 11:24 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Injections

: Thanks for the encouragement, and I will keep everyone posted on how

things go.

I realized today in talking with my husband that, even after living with my

asthma for 20 years he still doesn't understand how severe it can be for so many

people and how debilitating being on prednisone for a long time can be. The

first five years my asthma was so bad I was on prednisone more than I was off of

it. Praise God I never had to make any trips to the emergency room after I

started being treated by my allergist, but I was on prednisone more than I was

off of it. I can still remember the effects it had on my brain and how I had to

make myself stay focused (I was teaching school in a big public school when my

severe attacks began) or I would lose mental track of what was going on (still

happens when I have to take a round of prednisone). I also had to watch my

temper. I am normally a very mild, rather laid-back person--not given to temper

fits and not easily pushed into being angry--but when I was on the prednisone, I

would suddenly find myself very angry

over the smallest thing and could feel my blood pressure going up. I would stop,

take some deep breaths, relax and calm myself before I said something I would be

sorry for. It was very hard on my husband because he could not understand that

the emotional roller coaster was also a side effect of the pred. (I also felt

many of the other effects--muscle weakness, and am still carrying the extra 20

pounds I put on during that time.) It took a full year for all of the side

effects to go away. My allergist was very insistent that I have regular dental

checkups, blood work for potassium and calcium (as well as other things) and

that I take calcium supplements. Interestingly, he also suggested I drink Ginger

ale while I was on prednisone.....I've forgotten why, but I think it had to do

with helping my body maintain a potassium level--????(I don't remember why--just

that is what he suggested.)

The one thing that has haunted me a little is that my children were teenagers

during that time and I feel like I missed out on doing some of the things with

them. However, there were no apparent lasting effects on them, (they are normal

functioning great adults who are helping better their communities) and they

assure me that they never felt anything but my love and care for them. They were

really a great help to me even though they were very active in their high

school. I ended up leaving public school and going to the private school where

my kids were enrolled and that really helped me be with them more, made it

easier to know what their activities were and they really liked my being there

for them. But they were there for me, and I can still remember my son having to

leave school at noon (with my permission of course) and go to the pharmacy to

get me a prescription that the doctor had called in, just so I could function

the rest of the day! Both of my kids still

help out when I need them, (even though our son is married) but my husband and I

are both retired, so my hubby does some of the heavy housework when I can't or

don't feel like doing it. Yes, I am blessed.

While my asthma today seems so much less of a problem, I think it would still be

a big handicap if I were still working full time. The memory of the terrible

fatigue, of feeling like I wouldn't be able to take another step to get out of

the building and to the car to get home because I couldn't breathe--are still

very vivid as is the memory of sitting in a recliner, hardly being able to make

it to the bathroom without feeling as though I was taking my last breath! I

wonder now, if the asthma wasn't exacerbated by stress--probably so, but during

the years I was at the private school my episodes gradually became fewer and the

severity lessened. There are still days when I don't function too well, so I am

looking forward to seeing how the xolair helps.

I guess all of us who have had asthma for a long time have many stories we could

tell. Thanks to all of you for letting me indulge in part of my story.

Adah

<justinlouisville@...> wrote:

That's great news, Adah! Please keep us posted on how things go!

Good luck!

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Can anyone tell me if Xolair injections make you more tired? I find that I am

exhausted all the time. This is the only change in my life, although I am also

on Zyrtec, which is a sedating AH, but I take it at night.

Does Xolair minimize allergies also or only asthma? Allergies are a bigger

annoyance for me.

Thanks,

Carol

[Guest guest]

>

> Can anyone tell me if Xolair injections make you more tired? I find

that I am exhausted all the time. This is the only change in my life,

although I am also on Zyrtec, which is a sedating AH, but I take it at

night.

> Does Xolair minimize allergies also or only asthma? Allergies are a

bigger annoyance for me.

> Thanks,

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

Some of the folks on this board reported an increase in fatigue

level but I think that for most of us that corresponded with

decreasing pred dosages (or coming off it altogether) and fatigue is

a symptom of that due to pred fooling with our adrenal glands.

Xolair has helped my allergic rhinitis, allergic skin and all my

allergic responses, not just my allergic asthma. I rarely get

allergic headaches now, and I used to get them 2-3 times per week.

Addy

--- In , " Carol Corley " <mybouvs@...>

wrote:

>

> Can anyone tell me if Xolair injections make you more tired? I

find that I am exhausted all the time. This is the only change in

my life, although I am also on Zyrtec, which is a sedating AH, but I

take it at night.

> Does Xolair minimize allergies also or only asthma? Allergies are

a bigger annoyance for me.

> Thanks,

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I used to have trouble with exhaustion when I was taking Zyrtec at

night. I started taking it in the morning and did fine after that. On

the other hand, Zyrtec makes my husband tired no matter when he takes

it! It's one of the antihistamines that is supposed to be less

sedating than the older ones like Benadryl, but still the prescribing

information says 11-14% of people experience drowsiness as a side

effect.

You might try switching to morning, or else asking your doctor about

switching to Allegra or Clarinex. Allegra didn't work for me at all,

but it varies with every person!

By the way, Xolair has the potential to help with ANY allergy which

is mediated by IgE. This includes allergic rhinitis/typical hayfever,

food allergies, hives, rashes, etc. Are you not seeing any reduction

in allergy symptoms from the Xolair yet?

Take care,

, 32, Louisville

[Guest guest]

For testing reasons, not for an asthma episode, the allergist had me on a round

of prednisone. Yesterday was the first day off of it and I felt tired and

lethargic--of course the heat here is bad, also--101 and humidity in the high

50's.

I also have difficulty sleeping well when I am on prednisone, so I think I

was just " plain old tired. "

uca79iii <uca79iii@...> wrote:

--- In , " Carol Corley " <mybouvs@...>

wrote:

>

> Can anyone tell me if Xolair injections make you more tired? I find

that I am exhausted all the time. This is the only change in my life,

although I am also on Zyrtec, which is a sedating AH, but I take it at

night.

> Does Xolair minimize allergies also or only asthma? Allergies are a

bigger annoyance for me.

> Thanks,

> Carol

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was exhausted for awhile too. It had to be the decreasing of pred.

as well a sinus infection that made me feel wiped out.I had to work

12 hour shifts and it was no joy. I feel great now my sinus infection

is gone . My current dose of pred. now is 10 mg.one day , then

nothing the next day. This seems to be working for me .I probably

have been on this dosage for 2 months or so. I seem to be doing

well. Xolair is making the difference. Sharon in Westminster

In , " pyle456 " <coachmac@...> wrote:

>

> Some of the folks on this board reported an increase in fatigue

> level but I think that for most of us that corresponded with

> decreasing pred dosages (or coming off it altogether) and fatigue

is

> a symptom of that due to pred fooling with our adrenal glands.

>

> Xolair has helped my allergic rhinitis, allergic skin and all my

> allergic responses, not just my allergic asthma. I rarely get

> allergic headaches now, and I used to get them 2-3 times per week.

>

> Addy

>

>

[Guest guest]

wrote:

You might try switching to morning, or else asking your doctor about

switching to Allegra or Clarinex. Allegra didn't work for me at all,

but it varies with every person!

By the way, Xolair has the potential to help with ANY allergy which

is mediated by IgE. This includes allergic rhinitis/typical hayfever,

food allergies, hives, rashes, etc. Are you not seeing any reduction

in allergy symptoms from the Xolair yet?

Hi :

Yes, I am seeing a reduction in overall discomfort, although it's difficult

to say specifically to what. I've been on Xolair for 5 months now and noticed

an easing of symptoms almost immediately. I start sneezing repeatedly again,

though, almost as soon as it's time for my Zyrtec dose, which I take at 7 or 8

p.m., so I've been afraid to ask for a different antihistamine. Allegra worked

for me for a few weeks, and so did Clarinol. I haven't tried Clarinex; I'm told

it's better than the others. So far, Zyrtec is the only one that's worked for

me, othr than the older sedating antihistamines.

I've never been on Prednisone, so I know my fatigue isn't related to that.

Perhaps I'll ask for a trial of Clarinex and see if that helps.

Thanks for writing,

Carol

[Guest guest]

> You might try switching to morning, or else asking your doctor about

> switching to Allegra or Clarinex. Allegra didn't work for me at all,

> but it varies with every person!

>

> By the way, Xolair has the potential to help with ANY allergy which

> is mediated by IgE. This includes allergic rhinitis/typical hayfever,

> food allergies, hives, rashes, etc. Are you not seeing any reduction

> in allergy symptoms from the Xolair yet?

I am unable to take antihistimines anymore. I get a bad attack of BPH

(Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)if I take any. Fortunately, I have no

need for them. Are there any other man in the group who have this

problem when they take antihistimines?

Doug

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

The non-sedating antihistamines have actually never worked very well

for me at all. Zyrtec was the best, but it still wouldn't touch my

ragweed or pet allergies, and I had problems with it wearing off too

quickly too. My doctor actually prescribed a double dose of Zyrtec

for awhile (one in the morning, one at night) which helped more, but

that would make you SUPER drowsy if just one pill is already causing

problems with drowsiness!

The only thing that has ever worked for my nasal allergies is a nasal

steroid like Nasonex or Flonase. I don't like to use them, but they

are effective. You might also ask your doctor about this. Another

alternative is a prescription antihistamine spray called Astelin (not

the same as a decongestant spray like Afrin). I tried this for a

couple of days, but it caused a lot of sinus pain for me, so I

stopped it. It might be worth a try though!

Hope this helps!

------------------------------------------

Carol wrote:

Hi :

Yes, I am seeing a reduction in overall discomfort, although it's

difficult to say specifically to what. I've been on Xolair for 5

months now and noticed an easing of symptoms almost immediately. I

start sneezing repeatedly again, though, almost as soon as it's time

for my Zyrtec dose, which I take at 7 or 8 p.m., so I've been afraid

to ask for a different antihistamine. Allegra worked for me for a

few weeks, and so did Clarinol. I haven't tried Clarinex; I'm told

it's better than the others. So far, Zyrtec is the only one that's

worked for me, othr than the older sedating antihistamines.

I've never been on Prednisone, so I know my fatigue isn't related to

that. Perhaps I'll ask for a trial of Clarinex and see if that helps.

Thanks for writing,

Carol

[Guest guest]

wrote:

The only thing that has ever worked for my nasal allergies is a nasal

steroid like Nasonex or Flonase. I don't like to use them, but they

are effective. You might also ask your doctor about this. Another

alternative is a prescription antihistamine spray called Astelin (not

the same as a decongestant spray like Afrin). I tried this for a

couple of days, but it caused a lot of sinus pain for me, so I

stopped it. It might be worth a try though!

Hi :

I have Flonase but don't really find it helps much. What I am finding

lately is that Advair and Flonase cause me to be congested. I have cut back

Advair to once a day in the morning, which my doctor doesn't approve, but I feel

much better. I added the Flonase again for the allergy symptoms, and the

congestion came back. I stopped it and the congestion went away. It doesn't

make sense.

Carol