- Aspergillosis
- Interviews
Eleanor's interview
How did all start?
With a persistent cough and frequent respiratory infections
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Yes. 8 years
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pulmonary Pseudomonas, Asthma, Pneumonia, Lyphedema, Allergies
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Omalizumab (Xolair)
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Recurrent infections, Allergic reactions, Fatigue, limited activities
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Difficult for family to deal with chronic disease, lack of understanding and withdrawal. Social relationships affected by difficulties in certain activities and environments, frequency of infections, fatigue, lack of understanding. Difficulties planning.
What things have you stopped doing?
Going to places which trigger reactions: Cinema, theatres, forests, homes with animals, damp areas, dusty places, compost, travel, certain household chores (using vacuum cleaner), oil painting.
What do you think about the future?
Uncertain
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Youth and middle age. Study, painting, family, travel, etc.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Be more active in every way
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Periods of creativity and purpose limited by circumstances, with continuing interests, hope
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Learn about the disease and do what you can to control it, find the best medical assistance and retain what activities and stimulating or fulfilling interests you have. Have a positive attitude.
