There are different combinations of medications that work for different people. You could possibly ask for a step up in your inhaled steroid therapy (go up to Advair 500/50). Combivent...that's debatable. Some consider it NOT rescue because it has both the atrovent and albuterol. To me, and most of my docs, it can be because it does have the albuterol. And, sometimes I use my atrovent as a rescue. Unfortunately, I don't know what would work for you. Also, consider asking your doctor about Qvar or Beclovent. I do believe they're the same drug. I think the Qvar works SO much better for me than the Flovent portion of the Advair. I know some people who are on Qvar and Foradil. Basically the same classification of medication in the Advair (inhaled steroid and long-acting bronchodilator) but some people get different results with different types.

I can understand your frustration. I'm on 10+ medications, and it's no fun. I can't laugh or work without sucking on my inhaler. My neb is always out sitting by my bed so if I wake up at night I can put the medication in and turn it on without having to get out of bed. I don't do sports anymore, in fact, I have a handicapped placard so when I'm out and about I can park in the handicapped spots because my lung function is so low and because there has been question about whether I desaturate while walking. Some people think asthma is a simple thing, requiring medication once or twice a day and occasionally requiring a rescue inhaler. Not when it's out of control!! It sucks!