Asthma Story Back to 1948

I have been asthmatic all of my life, going back to February 1948. I was born 6 weeks early, a preemie. I was 4 pounds, 7 ounces and 16 inches long. I was in the hospital until April 8, 1948, coming home when I was supposed to have been born. After that date, they never were able to find out what was the matter with me. There were many in-the-middle-of-the-night ER visits. Back in those days, they mixed concoctions together to find out what might be able to make me breathe easier.

Moving to Arizona for my asthma

I did not get a rescue inhaler until I was 18 years old. My parents, who were not wealthy, sent me to Arizona to help ease my breathing. That did not work, as I was allergic to more things than in Michigan. Well, here I am at 77 years old and made it this far, by the grace of God. As I got older, medicine got better. Lately though, this year I have had a terrible time. One of my triggers is definitely weather and fall/winter are my worst time. This winter we have had a terrible time here in North Carolina. I recently asked my pulmonologist way back when what did they do with people like me. She stated "not much, usually you died and you never made it to adulthood".

Navigating health challenges in my family

I believe I have had a good life with lots of struggles and many close calls. Ironically when in Arizona, I met my soulmate, the love of my life. We were married for 57 years. He was in Arizona for his lung condition, he went through 2 lung operations when he was a youngster. He was diagnosed with bronchiectasis and was probably mis-diagnosed. Actually, upon death or just prior, they ran a bunch of tests. They actually think that he had cystic fibrosis. He lived as long as he did and he led a clean life. No smoking, no drinking, exercised all the time, and was very thin.

Finding the right asthma treatment for me

Well, here I am now and still struggling. This has been my lot in life. I have one son, without any issues. A grandson who does wheeze sometimes, but not like his Grandma. I am getting very tired though. Trelegy 200 mcg is a miracle drug. All the drugs and things they did never worked until March 2020 when they prescribed Trelegy. I only use one puff, and barely use the rescue inhaler. God has been good to me, so many people worse off than me and I am grateful for what I have had in my life. That has been that I have doctors, nurses, parents, spouses, and others that understand this breath taking disease. Fondly, and wishing all well... do not give up. As I aways say, I am strong, brave and courageous. God is on my shoulder helping me along.

Thanks for listening,
Carol L Land