What does crow taste like?

[Guest guest]

Happy new year to all of you. Missed being part of the

conversations the past few days, but was out enjoying the 70 degree

weather. Actually got outside and went JOGGING a few times. Yes,

it's true. Thank you Xolair.

Had my latest shot this morning and had some very interesting

discussions with my Dr. I know I have been rather harsh on the

medical profession lately, particularly about them not wanting to

give up the gravy train of charging office visits for Xolair shots.

Anyway, to cut to the chase, he actually SUGGESTED that I might

start giving the shots to myself! (I can hear the collective gasp of

doctors everywhere - no pun intended). He said that the next two

times I come in, I will work directly with the nurse to learn how to

mix the Xolair and administer the injections.

I am humbled and offer my sincere apologies to him and the rest of

the ethical professionals working in the field of medicine.

BTW - I was able to negotiate with my insurance company to get the

copay for Xolair down to $35 / month. Giving myself the shots will

certainly make the insurance company very happy.

I also asked my Dr. about the asthma scores that were referred to in

previous posts. He was unfamiliar with them, but said that many

doctors will develop scoring methods in order to determine if they

are making progress with their patients. He also said that

sometimes groups of doctors will develop scoring systems so that

they can use the information gathered over a wide group of patients

as a basis for research.

Addy, I read Coping With Prednisone several years ago when I first

started using pred in large doses (60 mg / day). It was helpful

because it does list many of the potential side-effects of the

drug. I re-read it every year because my memory is short, and it

keeps me aware of what is happening to me. I'm now down to 15 mg 4x

weekly, and want to cut it even further, but I am taking it slowly.

Bill - glad to have you as part of the group. I have used the nasal

irrigation method you describe for years. It works, but my wife

justifiably complains if the shower is not properly cleaned up.

Sorry to be gross, but hey, it is what it is. I also use Astelin

and Zyrtec when things are really bad. Unfortunately, nothing

really works for me. I've tried Rhinocort, Flonase, Nasarel,

NasalCrom, etc., and even had sinus surgery last year, but nothing

has been truly effective. Even Xolair hasn't helped with the

sinuses.

My doctor told me some time ago that Singulair had been approved for

allergic rhinitis. Anyone have any experience with that? I have

taken singulair, but had a problem that I believe was related to it

several years ago, and even though I have tried twice to take it

since, I get nervous if I start having symptoms like before.

Doug, sounds like you are over your flu. Glad to hear that. Also

glad you are able to reduce your prednisone, too.

Again, happy new year. I hope everyone continues to make good

progress this year.

Greg