- Bronchiectasis
- Interviews
Michele's interview
How did all start?
I was 3 months old and I stopped breathing was admitted into hospital non-stop over the course of my childhood and spent time in an iron lung I am now 50 years old
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was not diagnosed with Bronchiectasis & Asthma complicated by Aspergillosis until I was 40 years old so it took 40 years pretty much
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have been treated and diagnosed finally after 40 years by a Lung & chest consultant
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
The most useful thing so far is the last doctor I had was very informative and made me want to ask more questions so Information is the most useful thing
What have been your biggest difficulties?
not being able to breath, not being able to do normal things like walking especially up hill all my life
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
nothing has ever changed I have been like this since birth so I wish everyone would stop treating me like I need cotton wool wrapped around me
What things have you stopped doing?
nothing even if I couldn't breath I still had a go at everything it is never or ever was better so why wait
What do you think about the future?
just had my first grandchild so I am very optimistic for the future
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
best years of my life were when I turned 11 years old my dr at the time put me on prednisone and suddenly I could breath a bit better and was able to run a short distance and finally have enough breath to enjoy riding a bike I could actually be a kid
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
RUN, hold my breath under water
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
I have had the best time of my life there is no such thing as can't in my vocabulary
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
enjoy life, take it slow, don't sit on the sidelines have a go even if you can't breath just take it slower than others but don't give up
