Positive Exposure Initial Blog Post

It is a complete coincidence that I started the application form to be a PEARL Ambassador on World Asthma Day. A day that I aim to really increase my social media presence so that I can highlight just what living with severe asthma is like and everything that goes into self management. My plans all changed half way through the day. The morning started off well with a live feed on Facebook about taking my medication, peak flow and the importance of this. My plan was to do a few more live feeds throughout the day but this didn’t happen. I had to listen to my body and change my plans.

I guess that sums up a lot of what I do. I plan for things but then due to circumstances it doesn’t work out. Its not the end of the day though because there is always something else that can be done. While I couldn’t do the videos I wanted I was able to write up some blog posts, and review various patient information sheets.

So what does a typical day look like for me?? It varies but generally I will be up early have a quiet morning, have something planned for the afternoon and then an early night. Sounds fairly boring but it is far from it. In between the getting up and showered, I need to fit in taking my medications, nebulisers, chest physio, eat, check blood glucose levels all of which occurs 4 times a day and often is more regular than meal times are!!!

Having severe asthma makes planning very difficult as you never know when it is going to kick off and when you are going to have to cancel plans which can be so frustrating but the thing that has made this all manageable is being involved in research. I have found that being a patient research partner I have been able to still be productive with my day even when my health prevents me from being physically active.

I do believe that when we are prevented from doing something due to a medical condition there is something out there that can fulfil your life and accommodate how you are.