I had adult onset allergies w/asthma in my early 40's. Sudden and dramatic after going through a very stressful personal situation. After lots of doctors and testing, ended up at one of the top research hospitals in the US and my dr is head of research.

Long story - short. Asthma triggered by allergic reactions. No meds worked, lived in sealed apartment, went outdoors only to go to dr with a full-face gas mask, no visitors, could not do my laundry, etc. $600/mo of medications and 5 shots/week and still couldn't go outdoors or function.

Tests showed I was having anaphlaxis reactions to pollens, molds, cats and more, thereby triggering the asthma and subsequent events. The EpiPen was my constant compansion.

Dr. said meds don't work, no research coming that he thinks would help and to go home and never leave my apartment. He didn't want me traveling to see him because my reactions were life-threatening and he didn't want me out - ever. Very depressing to say the least

I was just wondering if anyone has has problems similar to mine and, if so, what have you done.

Might I suggest that you search for a more OPTIMSTIC doctor/researcher? Even top researchers get stumped and get discouraged sometimes. Try someone else! To stop living is not a viable option!

I agree with the other poster, & would hope never to land with that dr. Staying in the house all the time is no solution, besides which mold & pollen get in there too. I have never heard of a dr just giving up like that. What about xolair? Has that been tried? If you are that strongly allergic, your ins company might ok it. Please keep pressing for answers, & good luck!

That must be a terrifying situation. I really don't have anything to add except to echo the sentiments of the other writers who suggested getting another (or several more) medical opinions. I can't believe there are no options to help you improve your quality of life. Keep fighting for yourself.

Thanks for your replies. I have yet to find anyone who has has the problems I have. Don't know why I am so lucky! lol

I have been to lots and lots of doctors and tried every medicine that I have ever heard of and some that I hadn't. It is like they are sugar pills. They have no effect on the allergies/asthma but usually had side effects.

Oh, yes, my insurance company shut off my prescription coverage so everything comes out of my pocket. Got to love insurance companies! I only pay them $1055/mo. for myself and have no prescription coverage. Bad health costs a fortune.

I'll watch for more suggestions and maybe can find someone with similar problems.

Thanks again.

I totally agree. Get other dr's opinions even if it is 1000 more dr's until you get a response. Why not allergy shots??? You definately do not have to live like that. I have a panic disorder, GAD, and asthma as well. Maybe anti-anxiety drugs can help. Try anything. You deserve to live the best life! You only live this life once! Make it count!

Hi
I agree with the others, go and see another Dr!
I have brittle asthma and have to carry and epi pen everywhere too, not as bad as you, but it's pretty impressive when my asthma starts to play up! I'm just about to go in to hospitals for a trial of a new treatment involving a sub-cutaneous infusion of terbutaline to try and get my life back and me off the prednisone. Have you tried that? They also do it with salbutamol. It may help and may keep your airways open enough to prevent the attacks you are getting. I really feel for you, my life has been wrecked by my asthma and I'm only 23! I was supposed to be going backpacking round Australia in January, I made it there then landed in intensive care with my asthma. Spent a 3rd of my time over there in hospital and have spent since february unable to work. I'm on high dose pred and need a wheel chair to get out and about some days. Not much fun, but as I said, I'm not half as bad as you! I hope it helps a little to know that there are others out there in slightly similar positions. Take care and if I can answer any questions on the sub cut let me know
Blue

I agree that you need another doctor. I have had very severe allergic asthma forever. This new medicine Xolair is changing my life. But I know what it's like when NOTHING works and you have to live in a bubble.

I also agree that you need to have your thyroid checked out. I have suffered from adrenal insufficiency and it is very difficult.

Good luck; let us know how you're doing.

Thank you so much for all your kind and educated suggestions. I am trying to learn so I can find the direction I need to go.

One thing I am doing is getting all the toxic cleaning, laundry, etc. products out of my home. I have been studying that and know that those have bothered me a lot! Laundry products are one of the worst. I hate going to other people's houses or motels.

One time I stayed at a friend's house while I was at the doctor's and she about killed me 'cause she hung out the sheets on the line! She thought she was being nice, but it about did me in. There are dangers everywhere....

Unless someone suffers from allergies and asthma, they just don't understand what it is to deal with it every single day, do they?

Thanks again for all your help.