I have had asthma all my life and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist 28 years ago to take care and educate others about Asthma and other Lung Diseases. In New Jersey, I am involved with the ALA and Right2Breathe as a volunteer. I am also on the New Jersey State Society of Respiratory Care Board as Secretary.
When I was a child, it was difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and we finally found an incredible pediatric pulmonologist at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City that saved my life. Of course, in the 70's and 80's, we didn’t have the medications we do now. In fact, I was on prednisone every day of my childhood until my early 20's.
In my late teens and early 20's while in college, my asthma became unstable again, and while still on prednisone, I spent a week as an outpatient at National Jewish Health in Denver. Unfortunately, more prednisone and to wait for inhaled corticosteroids in the states is what I had to do. When inhaled corticosteroids where finally available, I was able to wean off prednisone.
My asthma has stayed pretty stable until this past year. I've been on prednisone more than off. A PFT in April 2018 showed moderate obstruction while on my medications. I have since started Xolair to suppress reactions and continue injections on a monthly basis, in addition to my daily regimen of medications.
Serving on the ALA Patient Panel will allow me to continue help others with Asthma using my experiences both as a patient and a caregiver (Registered Respiratory Therapist). I currently stay up to
date on research, education and programs that are available for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals on Asthma and share that education. I currently find that many people are not aware of Xolair and the other biologic therapies and have tried to educate as many people as I can about them. Also, numerous people are not aware of the variety of new medications out there to treat Asthma. I would like to continue help make a difference with educating others about Asthma.
