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Real Life Example Name: Suzanne Age: 36 years "I used to teach aerobics and was always very fit and active. I lived life to the full. Suddenly, inside the space of just a few days, my whole life turned upside down. Out of nowhere I had an asthma attack and ended up in the casualty department of our local hospital. It was a real shock when they told me it was asthma. Anyway, I took the medications and recovered a bit but couldn't do any sport; I just didn't feel well enough. Out of nowhere, I had another attack 2 months later. I felt so out of control, as if the asthma was controlling me, running my life. It was so unpredictable. I had no warning. After my second visit to hospital I was referred to the hospital asthma clinic. I saw a nurse who explained my attacks probably were predictable. I assured her they were not! She taught me to monitor my asthma at home using a peak flow meter. I would do this morning and evening and note the readings down along with any symptoms I had each day. It was a chore, and I thought, a waste of time, but I was desperate. She was right! There were ways of telling my asthma was getting worse. By working with the nurse I now have my own self-management plan and feel much more on top of things. I am back to normality, aerobics, the works - and I intend to stay there!" Comments Asthma is very variable and can be unpredictable. This often makes people feel out of control. Fortunately, there are only a small number of asthma attacks which come on without any warning at all; most can be prevented. You need to know what to look for and how to deal with the situation in advance. Suzanne was fortunate as she was referred to a specialist asthma clinic. The trained nurse taught her about the advantages of monitoring her asthma at home. Although inconvenient at first, this inconvenience became insignificant when she realised the benefits. It helped her understand her condition, take control of her asthma and restore normality to her life. You can find out more about home monitoring in Getting to Know Your Asthma.

Topic "Society and Self" Updated 14th August 2003

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