Re: doc wants me to start xolair

March 13, 2008

You sound exactly like my case. My Ige was 40 or 41--can't remember, but it was

just barely above the minimum. My allergist started treating me for asthma when

I was 48 years old and I have had much the same experiences. For about five

years my asthma was so bad that I was on high doses of prednisone more than I

was off. My allergist finally found a combination of drugs and inhalers that

more or less kept it under control. But in those early years, I was having bad

episodes about four or five times a year--respiratory infection which

exacerbated the asthma and I would be on antibiotics and prednisone for a week

or two.

In January of 2006, I had my last respiratory infection and my last required

round of prednisone. When I went in to see my allergist he suggested I might

want to be tested to see if I qualified for xolair. I was tested, and approved.

Through a series of insurance related events, it took until August of 2006

before I had my first xolair shot (at age 68). I have not even had a bad bout

of sinus rhinitis since being on xolair. I am on the minimum dose of 150 mg

every four weeks, have had NO adverse reaction to xolair and for the most part

have felt really great. The xolair will not take care of all of my asthma as

the years of asthma have damaged portions of my lungs. I will always be on some

asthma medications, but I can now walk outside, be outside with my husband while

he is working in the yard or painting or whatever, and generally have more

energy. I do still have times when I am short of breath, but it is usually on

days when the pollen or mold count is high.

Those days I try to stay in and don't do much physically. But they are few and

far between.

Xolair is not a cure--but it is certainly a great help for allergic asthma.

The positive effects of the xolair for me were slow but steady, and it was only

looking back after a year that I could say it had really helped me.

But the decision is certainly up to you and your doctor. I have never felt

that my asthma was as bad as some in this group, but when one has an asthma

attack, it is bad--no matter how seldom or how often. Anything that helps one

breathe easier is certainly worth considering!

Best wishes in your decision. You will find this group a very supportive and

caring group of people. I am proud to be a part of this group.

Adah

gigles_1955 <fgigles55@...> wrote:

HI everyone. I am new to this group. I just turned 53. I was diag.

with asthma 24 years ago, although I believe I had it as a child and

just not diag. I recently had allergy testing done because of chronic

bronchitis and sinus infections. I am basically allergic to the

outdoors, trees, grasses, bushes, pollen,.etc. and also cats dogs, and

dust. my Ige was 39 which to me is not high(my daughters is 5,981)

My dr wants me to start xolair shots. I have been approved through my

insurance but I don't know if I need or want to start these shots. I

don't feel my asthma is that bad compared to others...it just is hard

to keep under control because of the allergies( i need my albuterol at

least once a day, wake up at night).

I am currently on singulair, albuterol as needed, and advair discus

250/50(500/50 when asthma bad). I am on predisone appx 6 times a year

because of resp. infections and have been hospitalized once for severe

asthma attack(kept overnight.

I guess I would like to find out from this group all I can about

xolair and your experiences. Does it sound like I need to go this

route or are there other options?

I would appreciate any advice, suggestions, or help you could give

me. Thank you. Jean

__________________________________________________

March 13, 2008

Thank you so much for answering my post. It is very encouraging to hear from

someone with the same symptoms as me(our asthma does sound so much alike). One

of my concerns was is it just for allergic asthma or would it help my asthma

attacks brought on by resp. infections. I know it won't stop me from getting

sick but if it helps lessen the symptoms so I don;t have an attack, this is what

I'm looking for. After reading your post I see where it will help. I know it

won't take my asthma away totally but if it helps so I don't need being on

prednisone and antibiotics as often and I can go without needing my rescue

inhaler 4 -7 days out of the week than I think it sounds worth it. I really

appreciate your response. I am glad I found this group. Thank you. jean

----

Adah Voigt <asthmatic50@...> wrote:

> You sound exactly like my case. My Ige was 40 or 41--can't remember, but it

was just barely above the minimum. My allergist started treating me for asthma

when I was 48 years old and I have had much the same experiences. For about

five years my asthma was so bad that I was on high doses of prednisone more than

I was off. My allergist finally found a combination of drugs and inhalers that

more or less kept it under control. But in those early years, I was having bad

episodes about four or five times a year--respiratory infection which

exacerbated the asthma and I would be on antibiotics and prednisone for a week

or two.

>

> In January of 2006, I had my last respiratory infection and my last required