- Aquagenic urticaria
- Interviews
Hols's interview
How did all start?
It started a year ago when I was in the shower at home I started having hives and feeling very poorly, then as I am a competitive swimmer I am in the pool everyday so then I began to notice that it started to happen in the pool and this became more servere as I needed ambulance care
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I have an diagnosis but I am also waiting on other allergy diagnosis, it has taken more than a year to be diagnosed with AU
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have been given 2 epipens and an inhaler to be carried at all times, and many antihistamines to be taken every morning and night. However none of the medications have helped me and my AU has become worse.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
knowing I have an epipen on stand by and my inhaler
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Not being able to do my sport. From a young age it’s sll I wanted to do and I came so far in swimming that now with AU it is impossible to do. The pain is too much and I can’t bare it anymore.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family have been amazing. And all my friends have to buy especially my boyfriend he hasn’t left my side one single bit. He is what is keeping me going. :)
What things have you stopped doing?
SWIMMING
What do you think about the future?
I have no idea. I just hope I can go back to being my normal self. It’s not fair anymore.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Making a swimming regional final and doing my parents proud.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
swim swim swim and shower and be able to touch water without no pain
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
It’s a hard life full of pain but I know the pain will be worth it in the future :))
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Stay positive, that’s all we can do:(
