Guest guest Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 This is a reply to several posts: Terry, you are right--there are places where they are fortunate just to have a doctor, and I know that--thanks for reminding me, though, In fact I have a friend whose husband is a doctor and two weeks out of every month he serves a clinic in a much smaller town. I also know that there are not always enough allergist to serve some of the communities because of their size. I do live in a large city with numerous allergy clinics and allergists in private practice. So I do understand--maybe that is why the percentage of those not seeing an allergist is so high--no or not enough allergists in some areas. By the way--Doug, isn't your city losing your allergist and wasn't he the only one besides a part-time allergist? (I didn't go back and look it up.) One other thought here, we can be pro-active in obtaining the health care we need, but aren't some people limited by finances, distances and the healthcare available where they are, or through their insurance--? In reference to another post ('s, I think) I agree that there are a number of patients who have relatively mild asthma that can be treated when if flares and then the rest of the year the patient is free from episodes. My daughter has very mild asthma, has been taking allergy shots, and only sees an allergist because my husband and I insisted. The GP had treated her cough and respiratory infections before, but it seemed she had a " forever " cough. It was the allergist who determined that not only did she have allergic rhinitis, but asthma as well--though a very mild case, and she has a cough only on rare occasions, now. When a person with asthma tells me it is under control most of the time, and they are going to a GP, then I never say anything. It is the person who seems to struggle often to breath who is still going to a GP that I worry about. I do know there are many GP's who are very good at treating asthma. I know that I need to think my responses through a little more carefully before I " speak. " I usually try to allow for other sides of any issue, but some times my strong feelings about things makes it hard to see and acknowledge there is another side! I never mean to be insensitive to others concerns or needs. And Terry--I can certainly understand your concern when having to visit the Duke Medical Center (I think that is what you were referring to.) and sympathize with your having to walk so far just to get to the doctor's office, especially when you are feeling pretty rotten already! About eight or nine years ago when I was going to graduate school, I had to walk half a mile from the parking lot to the building through the mountain cedar (juniper) trees and my asthma obviously was getting worse during that time. It would take five to ten minutes for my breathing to settle down after I got to class (and two puffs on my albuterol!) My allergist told me then I should not be walking that much outside and gave me a letter to get a handicapped tag so I could park closer to the buildings. It has helped, particularly in the very cold, wet weather, or in the high pollen/allergy/windy weather, to be able to park a little closer to buildings. Have you thought about asking for a tag? Because I made it through this last mountain cedar/juniper season without so much as a bad stopped up sinus, I know that the xolair is helping! I am spending more time outside, gradually, without even a sneeze! and no shortness of breath...... Adah uca79iii <uca79iii@...> wrote: My schedule has kept me away for a bit. My thanks to Addy, and for holding down the fort. A huge thanks to Pat and Fran for keeping us informed. Doug Group founder --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 > > By the way--Doug, isn't your city losing your allergist and wasn't he the only one besides a part-time allergist? Yes, he is leaving the end of this month to practice in Denver. I will ask when I get my Xolair shots tomorrow if he will be joining the team at Jewish. Our loss is definitely their gain. I am told that the medical company that owns our allergy clinic is already interviewing new doctors. It is spring here and POLLEN season. I hope they get a new doc fast. Yes, the part time one is still here and he will be extremely FULL time till a new doctor is found. Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 Adah - Being an ohldepharte, I can remember during the early forties when my asthma really was bad, there was no such thing as an allergist in our Ohio town of 12,000. Closest thing was a GP who knew a little something about allergies who would come to our house and sit up with me all night just to keep me breathing. Eventually, they got me on shots, and life improved immeasurably. Later on, I still remember my teens when I was a serious tennis player. Every day I'd be on the courts at the country club, sneezing constantly, nose running, six or eight handkerchiefs in use - some drying while I used the others - just as I'd be ready to blast a killer forehand, I'd sneeze and drive that sucker over the fence. It was a hell of a way to play tennis. Re the parking at Duke University Med Cntr, if I weren't so cheap, I could drive up to the front door and use the valet parking. But just the fact that there are 19 buildings is a bit intimidating in itself, not to mention you need a map to find your way through the major buildings. The place is incredible, and nothing like when I was a student there and there was only one building. By the way, our local hospital sent me the recap for what they billed Medicare and BCBS for my first three shots - well over $10,000. If Medicare doesn't cough up, I'm dead. Just got my fourth series of shots today (375 mg. - I'm a big ohldepharte), and at the rate the hosp (not for profit) is billing insurance, my annual cost is well over $90,000. Mama Mia!!! Terry ----- Original Message ----- From: Adah Voigt Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 1:18 PM Subject: Re: [ ] My thanks also! This is a reply to several posts: Terry, you are right--there are places where they are fortunate just to have a doctor, and I know that--thanks for reminding me, though, In fact I have a friend whose husband is a doctor and two weeks out of every month he serves a clinic in a much smaller town. I also know that there are not always enough allergist to serve some of the communities because of their size. I do live in a large city with numerous allergy clinics and allergists in private practice. So I do understand--maybe that is why the percentage of those not seeing an allergist is so high--no or not enough allergists in some areas. By the way--Doug, isn't your city losing your allergist and wasn't he the only one besides a part-time allergist? (I didn't go back and look it up.) One other thought here, we can be pro-active in obtaining the health care we need, but aren't some people limited by finances, distances and the healthcare available where they are, or through their insurance--? In reference to another post ('s, I think) I agree that there are a number of patients who have relatively mild asthma that can be treated when if flares and then the rest of the year the patient is free from episodes. My daughter has very mild asthma, has been taking allergy shots, and only sees an allergist because my husband and I insisted. The GP had treated her cough and respiratory infections before, but it seemed she had a " forever " cough. It was the allergist who determined that not only did she have allergic rhinitis, but asthma as well--though a very mild case, and she has a cough only on rare occasions, now. When a person with asthma tells me it is under control most of the time, and they are going to a GP, then I never say anything. It is the person who seems to struggle often to breath who is still going to a GP that I worry about. I do know there are many GP's who are very good at treating asthma. I know that I need to think my responses through a little more carefully before I " speak. " I usually try to allow for other sides of any issue, but some times my strong feelings about things makes it hard to see and acknowledge there is another side! I never mean to be insensitive to others concerns or needs. And Terry--I can certainly understand your concern when having to visit the Duke Medical Center (I think that is what you were referring to.) and sympathize with your having to walk so far just to get to the doctor's office, especially when you are feeling pretty rotten already! About eight or nine years ago when I was going to graduate school, I had to walk half a mile from the parking lot to the building through the mountain cedar (juniper) trees and my asthma obviously was getting worse during that time. It would take five to ten minutes for my breathing to settle down after I got to class (and two puffs on my albuterol!) My allergist told me then I should not be walking that much outside and gave me a letter to get a handicapped tag so I could park closer to the buildings. It has helped, particularly in the very cold, wet weather, or in the high pollen/allergy/windy weather, to be able to park a little closer to buildings. Have you thought about asking for a tag? Because I made it through this last mountain cedar/juniper season without so much as a bad stopped up sinus, I know that the xolair is helping! I am spending more time outside, gradually, without even a sneeze! and no shortness of breath...... Adah uca79iii <uca79iii@...> wrote: My schedule has kept me away for a bit. My thanks to Addy, and for holding down the fort. A huge thanks to Pat and Fran for keeping us informed. Doug Group founder --------------------------------- 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2007 Report Share Posted March 20, 2007 I was diagnosed with Asthma in 1968. I guess I had a pretty good GP because he sent me to specialist in the city. I had all those terrible sratch tests on my back. I was in misery for days! That was when I started the wondeful game of " LETS SEE WHAT WORKS! " I have moved many times since then and found some good and bad Dr.'s. I am in a pretty good spot in Georgia now and have had good luck with my Dr. here. He is receptive to my sugestions and listens to me when I have a concern. I was scheduled for my shot today and was planning on talking to them about an epi-pen but they called me yesterday to find out who my pharmacy was so they could call in a prescription for the pen. So they were one step ahead of me. They told me they would not give the shot unless I have the pen and I must have it with me everytime I go in. (I should say shots. I have one in each arm once a month) The good news is that I don't have to wait two hours like some of you! 15 minutes and that is it. It has been very imformative being on here. I really appreciate at the explanation on how Xolair works. Jeannie --- Terry <onabeach@...> wrote: > Adah - Being an ohldepharte, I can remember during > the early forties when my > asthma really was bad, there was no such thing as an > allergist in our Ohio > town of 12,000. Closest thing was a GP who knew a > little something about > allergies who would come to our house and sit up > with me all night just to > keep me breathing. Eventually, they got me on > shots, and life improved > immeasurably. Later on, I still remember my teens > when I was a serious > tennis player. Every day I'd be on the courts at > the country club, sneezing > constantly, nose running, six or eight handkerchiefs > in use - some drying > while I used the others - just as I'd be ready to > blast a killer forehand, > I'd sneeze and drive that sucker over the fence. It > was a hell of a way to > play tennis. > > Re the parking at Duke University Med Cntr, if I > weren't so cheap, I could > drive up to the front door and use the valet > parking. But just the fact > that there are 19 buildings is a bit intimidating in > itself, not to mention > you need a map to find your way through the major > buildings. The place is > incredible, and nothing like when I was a student > there and there was only > one building. > > By the way, our local hospital sent me the recap for > what they billed > Medicare and BCBS for my first three shots - well > over $10,000. If Medicare > doesn't cough up, I'm dead. Just got my fourth > series of shots today (375 > mg. - I'm a big ohldepharte), and at the rate the > hosp (not for profit) is > billing insurance, my annual cost is well over > $90,000. Mama Mia!!! > > Terry > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Adah Voigt > > Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 1:18 PM > Subject: Re: [ ] My thanks also! > > > This is a reply to several posts: > > Terry, you are right--there are places where they > are fortunate just to > have a doctor, and I know that--thanks for reminding > me, though, In fact I > have a friend whose husband is a doctor and two > weeks out of every month he > serves a clinic in a much smaller town. I also know > that there are not > always enough allergist to serve some of the > communities because of their > size. I do live in a large city with numerous > allergy clinics and allergists > in private practice. So I do understand--maybe that > is why the percentage of > those not seeing an allergist is so high--no or not > enough allergists in > some areas. > > By the way--Doug, isn't your city losing your > allergist and wasn't he the > only one besides a part-time allergist? (I didn't go > back and look it up.) > > One other thought here, we can be pro-active in > obtaining the health care > we need, but aren't some people limited by finances, > distances and the > healthcare available where they are, or through > their insurance--? > > In reference to another post ('s, I think) > I agree that there are a > number of patients who have relatively mild asthma > that can be treated when > if flares and then the rest of the year the patient > is free from episodes. > My daughter has very mild asthma, has been taking > allergy shots, and only > sees an allergist because my husband and I insisted. > The GP had treated her > cough and respiratory infections before, but it > seemed she had a " forever " > cough. It was the allergist who determined that not > only did she have > allergic rhinitis, but asthma as well--though a very > mild case, and she has > a cough only on rare occasions, now. > > When a person with asthma tells me it is under > control most of the time, > and they are going to a GP, then I never say > anything. It is the person who > seems to struggle often to breath who is still going > to a GP that I worry > about. > > I do know there are many GP's who are very good at > treating asthma. > > I know that I need to think my responses through a > little more carefully > before I " speak. " I usually try to allow for other > sides of any issue, but > some times my strong feelings about things makes it > hard to see and > acknowledge there is another side! I never mean to > be insensitive to others > concerns or needs. > > And Terry--I can certainly understand your concern > when having to visit > the Duke Medical Center (I think that is what you > were referring to.) and > sympathize with your having to walk so far just to > get to the doctor's > office, especially when you are feeling pretty > rotten already! About eight > or nine years ago when I was going to graduate > school, I had to walk half a > mile from the parking lot to the building through > the mountain cedar > (juniper) trees and my asthma obviously was getting > worse during that time. > It would take five to ten minutes for my breathing > to settle down after I > got to class (and two puffs on my albuterol!) My > allergist told me then I > should not be walking that much outside and gave me > a letter to get a > handicapped tag so I could park closer to the > buildings. It has helped, > particularly in the very cold, wet weather, or in > the high > pollen/allergy/windy weather, to be able to park a > little closer to > buildings. Have you thought about asking for a tag? > > Because I made it through this last mountain > cedar/juniper season without > so much as a bad stopped up sinus, I know that the > xolair is helping! I am > spending more time outside, gradually, without even > a sneeze! and no > shortness of breath...... > > Adah > > uca79iii <uca79iii@...> wrote: > My schedule has kept me away for a bit. My thanks > to Addy, and > for holding down the fort. > > A huge thanks to Pat and Fran for keeping us > informed. > > Doug > Group founder > > --------------------------------- > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Answers Food & Drink Q & A. http://answers./dir/?link=list & sid=396545367 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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