Anyone been able to cut back on inhaled steroids - or increase their peak flows

[Guest guest]

Before starting Xolair, my regular routine on inhaled steroids was 2 doses of

Symbicort 160 in AM, 3 doses of 40 Qvar about 2PM and then 2 doses of 40 Qvar

about 5PM and then 1 dose of Symbicort 160 at 8PM. I also took Xopenix 3x a

day, and Spiriva. After 6 months of Xolair, I am off Spiriva, rarely need

Xopenix and down to 3 doses of Qvar instead of 5.(Still on the 3 does of

Symbicort 160). Spent the last month trying to wean down to 2 Qvar doses, but

after 3 or 4 days, I get sickly. Am currently having a flare up and back on

Xopenix and 3 Qvar doses. I was never on prednisone for longer than a month at

a time. My allergist supports my efforts to drop my dose, but I could sure use

some real life stories about how anyone succeeded with similiar situations.

Also, has anyone gotten results from trying to walk and exercise their lungs to

a higher peak flow level?? On this current dose, my peak flow ranges from about

295 to 325, would really like to get that higher! Appreciate your help, Marilyn