Finally I got an answer!
After 20 +/- years of suffering from a chronic cough and seeing several doctors that could never help me, I finally got an answer. I changed from one ENT office to another one that has an allergy/asthma specialist on staff. I was allergy tested (3rd time in 30 +/- years) and am positive for 18 allergies. I began allergy shots and am now on the maintenance dose every 2 weeks (this will eventually be every 3-4 weeks). This doctor sent me to a lab for a specialized blood test and sure enough my MCH is high which classifies me as having severe asthma, but not the deadly kind. What that means, in my case, is that none of the prescription medications work for me. Some help with allergies, but not my type of asthma.
The next step is to get a biologic injection (Tezspire for me) every month until my symptoms get much better. At that point I can begin trying to wean off Symbicort. I am 73 and it has taken over 3 months to get it set up with Medicare (it was supposed to take 1-2 months). Each injection is over $3800, but fortunately they will pay every dime of it. I still have not had my first injection, but hopefully I will be scheduled soon. Stay tuned!
This is AMAZING news. I'm so happy to hear that after decades of struggling, you have finally gotten some answers and an optimistic pathway forward. This story shows why it is so important to find the right doctor, who is on the same page with you as far as your symptoms and goals, and to keep searching until you find them! It's also fantastic that your injections should be covered -- frankly that is a luxury for many medications and I'm relieved that assistance is possible in your case.
Do you feel comfortable sharing some of the things (or groups of things) you're allergic to, and how you're doing since you started the shots? Not sure how long ago that was, so I know it can take some time.Sending you a hug and all my best wishes. Please continue to keep us posted! -Melissa, asthma team
Melissa I think I could write a book about all of this. I am allergic to 18 things including groups of weeds, trees, grasses, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, and cats. I was tested 3/15/23 and began allergy shots 4/11/23. I went twice a week until I reached the maintenance dose and was doing really good. Then I went back in 3.5 weeks for my first maintenance dose and began struggling with ragweed so they bumped me up to come every 2 weeks and that is helping quite a bit. I just had my 3rd maintenance injection so we are going to keep the 2 week schedule until January and then stretch it out to every 3 weeks. If that goes well for a while then we will stretch it out to every 3-4 weeks. The injection site is red and large, but I feel fine. Also, I get the first injection of the biologic called Tezspire on Tuesday...Halloween! Medicare dictates I get it at an infusion center even though it is a monthly injection and not an IV. By the 4th injection I should be feeling some relief from the severe asthma. It has been a long and frustrating road, but I am hopeful. Thank you for your caring words and for your encouragement. It means so much.
Wow, this is a great "review" of the experience with allergy shots and Tezspire ... thank you for your willingness to share in detail, because it's a big help for people who may be trying allergy shots or biologics. 😀 Couldn't be happier to hear how well you've tolerated it and, most importantly, the immediate relief you felt. I hope this remains a successful part of your asthma toolkit -- keep us updated! -Melissa, asthma team 
Hi betty - wow - yours is a very comprehensive representation of how this all went for you! It's also very welcome for you to be sharing how you expect to be managed while receiving the biologic, Tezspire.
I am sure our fellow community members who read your entire presentation (here in the forums section), will be appreciative of your candor. We, as the asthma.net team, certainly are!
For those who would like to know more about the biologic, Tezspire, this article - published right here on asthma.net - should prove to be helpful.
All the best,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
I empathise with you for sure. I am struggling to get the care I need.
It feels so hopeless when struggling to get the proper care. I understand completely and hope you find it soon.
