My Xolair report

[Guest guest]

My thanks to the person who pointed out the existence of this group.

I have had excellent results with Xolair so far, starting with a

noticeable increase in peak flow within 12 hours of my first shot, and

now, three months or so in, I can document a peak flow that is more

than double what it used to be and an FEV(1) that is more than double

what it used to be, all on a lower dose of pred. I am still on massive

amounts of medication, but my oral steroid dose IS lower, by about

half (down to 20mg a day) so we are thrilled so far.

The next big goal will be to see if we can wean off the IgG therapy,

which is even more expensive than the Xolair at the doses I take.

Xolair definitely makes me less reactive to insult of any kind, so I

have more leeway before I get into big trouble. It does nothing for

mechanical insult like post nasal drip or acid reflux of course BUT

because I am not reacting to the allergic components of my asthma I

don't seem to be on a hair trigger for the other things that cause me

trouble. I agree with the folks who have said that they seem more

stable even if they can't measure a positive change in peak flow.

As for why the insurance guys are paying...it isn't because of the

cost of inhaled steroids; that is minor compared to the cost of

Xolair. The real savings will be in less hospital time for the severe

asthmatics. One day in hospital is a LOT more than few months of

Xolair!

Feel free to ask questions about my treatment; I have had very severe

asthma all my life and had pretty much all the various therapies at

various times and I am happy to share what I *think* I know<vbg>.

P.