Happiness and frustration

[Guest guest]

I have been very happy with the effects of the Xolair as indicated

in previous posts. I've actually been able to resume a moderate

degree of aerobic exercise in the form of jogging, both around the

neighborhood and on my treadmill. I'm seeing real improvement in my

strength and endurance.

Also as a result of the improvement in overall well-being, I cut

back on the amount of prednisone I was taking, from 20 mg 4x weekly

to 15 mg 4x weekly. I haven't noticed any increase in asthma

symptoms since the reduction. Fact is, I don't really take

prednisone as a direct result of asthma, but take it for another

condition. The asthma improvement was merely a side benefit, and

not an insignificant one at that. Since the reduction in

prednisone, I have not seen any flare-up in the symptoms of the

other condition (a rare blood disorder).

What is happening is that I am seeing a slow but steady decline in

lung function as measured by FEV1 and PEF readings - now down about

10 - 15% from the peak levels I was seeing about two months ago. I

have been tracking this regularly since I started on the Xolair, and

I keep a regular diary of my condition. I can actually pinpoint the

start of the decline in lung function with the reduction in

prednisone.

My hematologist tells me that 20 mg of prednisone 4x weekly is not a

significant amount for someone of my size, and that I shouldn't

worry about it. However, I feel that any amount of prednisone is

not necessarily a good thing, especially since I am using Advair 500

2x daily. I'd like to cut the prednisone even further.

I don't feel physically bad with the lung function I am seeing, and

I'm obviously seeing some improvement in my aerobic ability. Yet

I'm concerned that the decline in lung function could have some

significant long-term ramifications.

Yes, I'll discuss this with my doctor the next time I go for a shot

(Feb 3rd) and I'm also interested in hearing some opinions from this

board.