Perspective

If you would’ve asked me two years ago if my asthma impacted my life, I would’ve said no. Simple exercise-induced asthma, I would puff my inhaler and be good to go.

Constant asthma attacks

Fast forward to April 2019. Something changed. Suddenly, I was having daily asthma attacks and the shortness of breath was unbearable.

I spent a total of 11 weeks in the hospital mostly in the ICU unit from July 2019 to February 2020. My insurance would not let me try Fasenra, but after a 7-month battle, I was able to try it. It helped my breathing, but I was allergic to it. I had to be intubated twice in September and October.

My pulmonologist has been a huge help

Finally, I get sent to Cleveland clinic main where I met this amazing pulmonologist. She has helped me so much as we battle to get me back in control. They have diagnosed me with late-onset refractory eosinophilic asthma. The damage from so many attacks has caused me to develop Vocal Chord Dysfunction and we discovered my trachea collapses easily due to adult-onset tracheobronchial malacia.

The ups and downs have given me perspective

This year has given me so much perspective on what asthma truly is. I watch over my students who have it. I have had multiple people tell me that, until they meet me, they never thought asthma could be dangerous. Perspective.

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