Fighting for breath: Jo’s story
When Jo’s asthma became severe and uncontrolled, it began to dominate her life and wellbeing. After starting to use biologics, she has noticed a huge improvement. Here, she tells her story.
The first time I had an asthma attack was petrifying. I was at my work Christmas party when I started coughing and couldn’t catch my breath. Someone called an ambulance, and I was hurried to hospital. I felt very panicked. The doctors asked if I had been to intensive care before and I thought: ‘What do you mean? It’s only asthma.’ But after that terrifying experience, I quickly learned that asthma can kill.
Uncontrollable asthma
After that, my life turned on its head. My asthma became severe and uncontrolled, with frequent attacks. I no longer went out without a backpack filled with inhalers, information on my medical history, and spare underwear and toiletries in case of a trip to hospital.
I had to turn down invites to some events because they were too risky and developed social anxiety. I was rushed to hospital from a friend’s wedding, and missed many major life events due to illness. Some colleagues wouldn’t understand why I needed so much time off for ‘just asthma’ and jokingly called me ‘sick note’.
My whole body changed
I relied on steroids to stabilise my condition, but the side effects were unbearable. I would be on steroids for less than a week and put on half a stone in weight. The changes in my mood were so intense and horrible I’m surprised my husband stuck by me. I’d wake up each morning and not know who I would be that day – irritable, teary, angry, moody.
Biologic drugs have helped
That’s all changed since I started on biologic drugs. I noticed a huge improvement almost immediately and have only needed two courses of steroids since starting on biologics. It’s not an exaggeration to say this medication has been life-changing. Asthma no longer dominates my life. I can go out and not really think about it, instead of it being my main priority.
I find it so upsetting that there are many people who are still in the same boat I was in several years ago. I know I’m very fortunate to live near a centre of excellence for asthma and to have a consultant who is advocating for me. Every person with asthma deserves this.
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