Story about Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency .

Oh that breathlessness

Dec 21, 2015


In 1994 I began to feel breathless whilst working as a community nurse. Climbing stairs became a struggle and then continuous lung infections and colds. Dignosis was made one year later - Z-nul - and I continued working for 9 years. Becoming limited doing certain things frustrates me so much and learning to slow down was one of the most difficult things to do. One positive from Alpha 1 was being told our daughter did not carry the Z gene. My brother was diagnosed as MZ several years later and sadly at 49 years of age he passed away in 2010. The PM showed Lobar pneumonia  and emphysema in both lungs. This has been one of the hardest things for me to deal with since my mother's passing in 2008. She was not tested but suffered breathing difficulties later in life. Unlike me and my brother she was a non-smoker. There are many things you learn to do to help yourself , keep healthy and the most important is not to smoke and avoid smoky atmospheres, dust, chemicals and pollution. 

Live, love and laugh is my motto and if it feels good - do it, if you liked it do it again is my daily mantra.

Keep well everyone xxxx

Know someone who should read this story? Share it

0 comments

Login or register to leave a comment


Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency cure

Does Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency have a cure?

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency prognosis

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency prognosis

Prevalence of Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

What is the prevalence of Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency?

Do I have Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency?

How do I know if I have Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency?

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency diagnosis

How is Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency diagnosed?

Is Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency hereditary?

Is Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency hereditary?

What is Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

What is Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

History of Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

What is the history of Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency?