randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
ok, ya'll i gave up and called the doctor and said "give me the steroids." i've had absolutely no sleep because when i lay down i start coughing so bad i feel like i'm going to cough up my lungs. i cough so hard that i busted a vein in my left eye and boy does that look bad. i've pee'd my pants when i'm coughing and i've strained muscles under the ole boobs and my lower abdomin.
i mean, guys, i am SICK!!!! he' giving me something called advair, which i don't know squat about.
my sis had this in october and told me "you ain't gonna get better without inhalation therapy, take the damn steroids and worry about the damage later. what can happen, you already have lyme, so get rid of the bronchitis now, worry about the rest later."
i don't know if there's anything else i can do to help get better. does anybody else have this and what helped you?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I think you will be okay with an inhaler.
I think it is area specific.
I used to take a bowl of hot water, put some vicks vapor rub in it
Put my face over it and cover my head with a towel to keep the steam in
And breathe, breathe, breathe.
Then cough, cough, cough.
I am not sure if it really did anything, but made me feel like
I was doing something.
Stay away from milk. It thickens the mucus.
Be kind to yourself.
Hope you feel better soon.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
I don't know if you have done the steroids yet, but if there is one thing that I must stress with anyone is NEVER do steroids ever! Read this first and the links within it, then decide: http://tinyurl.com/yss5wl
Inhaler, cream, shots it makes no difference it will slam your immune system and make this more prolonged. WORRY now about the damage, the advice you have been given is from someone who will not suffer the possible consequences...you will.
What is the cause of your cough? There are other ways to handle a cough - please ask your LLMD.
I swear to you, steroids destroyed me (and so many others) if someone offered me a million dollars to do them again, I'd laugh and walk away -there is no amount that is worth my health.
Your health is more important and the possible danger of "gambling" isn't worth it. Find another method, please.
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I'm sorry your cough is so bad. Years ago I had a terrible cough and I used Tessalon Perles (prescription). They worked very well and at least let me sleep.
I took cough syrup with codiene when I had pneumonia. It worked well but you probably wouldn't want to take it for very long.
Hope you feel better soon.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
This is from the link provided, at truth abt lyme:
""Dr. Burrascano makes it clear in his treatment guidelines that steroid treatment is detrimental, these are excerpts from his guidelines:
"More evidence has accumulated indicating the severe detrimental effects of the concurrent use of immunosuppressants including steroids in the patient with active B. burgdorferi infection..
Never give steroids or any other immunosuppressant to any patient who may even remotely be suffering from Lyme, or serious, permanent damage may result,
especially if given for anything greater than a short course.
If immunosuppressive therapy is absolutely necessary, then potent antibiotic treatment should begin at least 48 hours prior to the immunosuppressants.
The severity of the clinical illness is directly proportional to the spirochete load, the duration of infection, and the presence of co-infections.
These factors also are proportional to the intensity and duration of treatment needed for recovery.
More severe illness also results from other causes of weakened defenses, such as from severe stress, immunosuppressants medications, and severe intercurrent illnesses.
This is why steroids and other immunosuppressants medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This also includes intra-articular steroids.""
I am reading, they are talking abt long term steriods that are taken orally for weeks, months, or years and go through the whole body Like the metrol dose pack.
NOT an inhaler, which Randi needs to help her breathing and cough.So she can get some sleep to heal and get better.
It also states that abx should be give before the steroids. If Randi is on abx for her lung infection, the inhaler should not cause future problems, as per Dr B's guideline above. Using a few puffs.
As Geneal said, that stays in the lungs.
The coughing and breathing issues are adding to her stress , weakening the immune too..So is her lack of sleep. Giving the TBI's more free range, thus putting her at risk for more future problems..
We need to get the info straight on this steroid stuff and stop the misinterpitations of it .Alot depends on what the other problems are.
None of us are drs and Randi might have been doing better IF she followed her drs advice.And used a few puffs on that inhaler.
Alot of damage to newbies who have asthma, could be done, by, telling them not to take thier inhaler meds, rx'd by thier drs.
Unless one has asthma or children with it, a person don't really know what its like, or how scarey it is, to try and breathe, and can't with out an inhaler. Its more than "air hunger".
Its the same with telling someone not to get a pain shot. Some pain shots are just pain killer, no steroids. But they need to ask whats in them and not assume they are steriod free.
Randi, I hope you feel better soon.
-------------------- Take Care, DakotasMom01 Posts: 371 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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I found it while searching for something to help my younger son with his chronic cough (doc says it is Allergic Bronchitis)- btw, he does not have Lyme.
Take care & I hope you feel better very soon. Posts: 8983 | From Illinois | Registered: May 2006
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
So you have bronchitus?
they give abx to treat that ..right?
I dont know if it would work for you (bronchitus) but I have used albuteral spray for asthma (which is not supposed to be a steriod)... but it is a prescription spray.
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Advair Generic Name: fluticasone and salmeterol (floo TIK a sone, sal ME te rol) Brand Names: Advair Diskus, Advair HFA
What is Advair? Fluticasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
Advair is used to prevent asthma attacks. It will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Advair is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis.
Advair may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Advair Do not use Advair to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. Use another, faster-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack. Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal. Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using Advair. Before using Advair Do not use Advair if you are allergic to fluticasone (Flonase, Flovent) or salmeterol (Serevent), or if you are having an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if you have been sick or had an infection of any kind. You may not be able to use the medication until you are well.
Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related death. It is critical that you use only the prescribed dose of this medicine and follow all patient instructions for safe use of the medication. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits in using Advair. Before using Advair, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:
a food or drug allergy;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
diabetes;
glaucoma;
tuberculosis;
osteoporosis;
a thyroid disorder; or
liver disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Advair.
FDA pregnancy category C. Advair may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Advair passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Advair without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Advair can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Advair.
Long-term use of steroids may lead to bone loss (osteoporosis), especially if you smoke, if you do not exercise, if you do not get enough vitamin D or calcium in your diet, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis.
How should I use Advair? Use Advair exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Advair comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the inhaler device. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not use Advair to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not work fast enough. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks. Advair Diskus is a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes with a special inhaler device preloaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the medicine. The device opens and loads a blister each time you use the inhaler. This device is not to be used with a spacer.
Do not exhale or blow into the Diskus device. Do not take the device apart or allow it to get wet. Do not reuse the Advair Diskus device. Throw it away 1 month after you have taken it out of the foil pouch, or if the dose indicator shows a zero, whichever comes first. Each Diskus device contains 60 doses.
Advair HFA is an aerosol form of fluticasone and salmeterol that comes in a canister that is used with an actuator inhaler device. Use only the inhaler device provided with Advair HFA. This device is not to be used with a spacer.
Shake the Advair HFA inhaler for at least 5 seconds before each spray. When using the inhaler for the first time, prime it by spraying 4 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Shake the canister for 5 seconds before each spray. Also prime the inhaler if you have not used it in more than 4 weeks, or if you have dropped the canister. Keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the Advair HFA canister after 120 sprays, even if it feels like there is still medicine in it.
To reduce the chance of developing a yeast infection in your mouth, rinse with water after using Advair. Do not swallow.
It is important to use Advair regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual, or if it makes your condition worse. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. If you use a peak flow meter at home, call your doctor if your numbers are lower than normal. Asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
If you were switched from an oral (taken by mouth) steroid to Advair, you may need to go back to taking the oral medicine if you are under stress or have an asthma attack or other medical emergency. Carry an identification card or wear a medical alert ID to let others know that you may need an oral steroid in an emergency. Store Advair at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the Atrovent HFA canister away from high heat, such as open flame or in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. What happens if I miss a dose? Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include angina or chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. What should I avoid while using Advair? Do not use a second form of salmeterol (such as Serevent) or use a similar inhaled bronchodilator such as formoterol (Foradil) unless your doctor has told you to.
Advair can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicines.
Advair side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
fast or uneven heart beats, restless feeling, tremor;
fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;
stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
worsening asthma symptoms.
Less serious side effects include:
headache, dizziness;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat;
stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat; or
hoarseness or deepened voice.
This is not a complete lit of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Advair? Before using Advair, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
amiodarone (Cordarone);
a diuretic or "water pill";
HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept);
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam);
antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor); or
antibiotics such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Advair. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about Advair. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Advair only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Click here for more information on Advair from the manufacturer.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
I would go ahead with the inhaler short term. I am not big on steriod use but adavair is a decent inhaler with little side effect short term.
Someone mentioned the cherratus...the cough syrup with codeine and the tessalon. Also great options for you. I do the cough syrup with codeine when I need it and it is a life saver.
Also, a breathing treatment might be good. Possibly, also, a chiropractor could do some back compressions for you. A friend with severe asthma where she gets like you are several times a year benefits greatly fome someone pounding on her back.
Antibiotics alone will not break up the conjestion, and that's what you need to do right now.
Bless you and hope you feel better. I have had the flu and pnemonia this year, plus two colds. Good Luck.
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cactus
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7347
posted
Randi, I hope you feel better soon.
I know Dr B says no steroids, and understand why... but you gotta breathe.
My LLMD actually Rx'd advair for me in 2005 - but now I no longer need it post-babs treatment. At the time, I was concerned, too, and asked her about it. She felt the effect was not systemic, and that it would be alright to use.
I used it for several months in 2005 when I started Lyme treatment. If you do a search on it, you'll find some info, and that some of us have opted to use it, and some not.
I can't say whether I suffered ill effects because of using it, honestly. I don't think so. Then again, it's been 2 1/2 years, and I'm still here...
Wishing you well, Cactus
-------------------- �Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?� - A.A. Milne Posts: 1987 | From No. VA | Registered: May 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), a drug used for relieving coughs -
This also helped me so much last year when I had violent coughing that would shake the planet. It let me sleep and stopped the damage from coughing.
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