Advair HFA and ordeal

I was prescribed the advair inhaler about 2 years ago. I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and the physician suggested it to me. I didn't know how it would change my life forever. I started using it immediately. Soon after I experienced severe chest pain, shortness of breathe, flu-like symptons, pain in my legs and hands. I encountered slurred speech and memory loss. I found it difficult to fall asleep as well as trying to stand up. I vomitted a lot and I was constantly clinching my chess. I thought I was losing my mind. I stop taking the medicine and went straight to the doctor. I receive to known reason for this strange side-effects. I just continue to heal from this devastating event. I thought my life would never be the same. I found strength in God and my family. I had to just let the effect wear-off. I had also had chest x-rays and ekg screenings but nothing conclusive. I was just another unfortunate person lingering at the hands of modern medicine. I still don't know why it's still on the market. I may have helped some with asthma but many of us are still recovering from the side-effects alone. I am still struggling today. I still have severe chest pain and pain in my fingertips. Normal breathing is still a challenge for me. I don't think I will ever be totally free of this nightmare but at least I didn't lose my life in the whole ordeal. And that alone is good enough for me.

In June, 2007 I was given a sample of ADVAIR by my primary physician for treatment of acute bronchitis. After 6 days of taking 250/50, I suffered hoarseness, voice changing up/down due to mucus in the throat, pain in chest, severe anxiety attacks, bloating in both legs of up to 7 lbs. of fluid per leg, blurred vision, sleep apnea, tiredness, etc. After being off ADVAIR for 6 weeks and after umpteen tests by both my primary physician and my heart doctor, symptons lessened a little. In the meantime, for the months of July and August, I was tested by both doctors, had to have blood drawn with each change in medication, countless doctor office visits, countless lab work done, etc. This ordeal has been extremely time-consuming and very espensive.

Dated September 13, 2007.