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April 06, 2005
Getting High
A week ago, I finally managed to see a pulmonologist about my asthma. I've been having difficulty breathing for probably about the last 8 months or so but have only recently gotten insured. The doctor did some tests and as it turns out, I don't really have asthma but something termed Hyperactive blah blah blah. It's basically a weak form of asthma. The doctor said I am in the 85th percentile. (Healthy people are around 100% or above.) So it's not too bad. He prescribed Proventil which I'm used to. This is used when I feel difficulty breathing. It clears the passageways and enables me to breathe better but it does nothing of a preventive nature. He also prescribed QVAR. This is supposed to help prevent the Hyperactive Blah Blah Blah altogether. My doctor is considering prescribing a new therapy called Xolair which is an injection taken once a month for six months and then, theoretically, I would be asthma free. So far there's been no severely adverse affects. No one knows how long it lasts or what happens ten years from taking. It could work well and solve all my asthma problems; it also could make me grow an extra kidney or a new vestigial tale...nobody knows for sure. It's so expensive my insurance most likely won't pay for it. I'm not convinced but I'd consider it if it were in my plan.
I haven't taken the Proventil yet as it's going to my mail order pharmacy. The doctor gave me a sample of the Qvar and I'm taking that regularly. For the last two weeks I've been in a stellar mood and just a little euphoric. I think it's because I'm finally getting enough oxygen in my body. In short, I'm getting high on the O2. Who needs heroin! Life is beautiful.
Posted by mermu at April 6, 2005 05:25 PM
Comments
Just in case you were interested, usually what's in asthma inhalers is a form of epinephrine. This drug has sympathetic effects on the central nervous system. Sympathetic (as opposed to parasympathetic) in lame terms means that your body is more "lively." Physiologically, your heart rate increases, your have more energy, etc.. So that's probably what it is.
Asthama is a disease when your bronchioles (the passage way of air from your trachea to aveoli(the part where CO2 and O2 are exchanged with your blood) are constricted. The medicine affects your central nervous system by binding to chemical receptors located on the bronciole, which stimulates them to "open up."
Just a little information for you. And it would be interesting to know what "blah blah" you have. :)
Posted by: Courtney at April 8, 2005 11:48 AM
I look forward to wheezeless conversations with you.
Posted by: mom at April 7, 2005 06:47 PM
Do you think that the NYC air is causing your Hyperactive blah blah blah? Hope your condition is not aggravated by the Spring.
Posted by: Leah at April 7, 2005 04:03 PM
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