More than 100,000 individuals in the U.S. live with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT), a rare genetic, incurable disease which causes the liver to not release a certain protein which protects and keeps the lungs functional. What do you do if you’re diagnosed? How about long-term?
Understand Your Diagnosis
Take a step back and evaluate where your body is. It is important to understand your body, A1AT, augmentation therapy, and lifestyle changes. Research all of your options. Do not let your doctor pressure you into any treatments you are not 100 percent on board with.
Form a Team
You cannot do it alone. From physicians to family, it takes teamwork and specialists to put A1AT on the defense. Having support is crucial in fighting this illness. On days when we don’t feel like pushing to find answers anymore, those supportive people in our lives keep us going. It is also important that you feel like your doctor is listening to you. If you don’t feel this way, it may be time to find a new doctor. Connecting with others who also live with A1AT can be extremely helpful, because they understand and can relate more of what you are going through and validate how you’re feeling without making you feel judged. This can be a great tool for coping.
Research, Research, Research
Did I mention research? Researching A1AT and everything that comes with the illness is crucial. Books such as “Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency,” as well as websites and support groups are just a few research tools available for those who live with A1AT.
Know Your Medications and Treatment Options
There are several different types of medications doctors may prescribe to try to combat symptoms related to A1AT: augmentation therapy, inhalers, nebulizer medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, as well as others.
Keep a List of Your Symptoms
Keeping a list of the symptoms you have been experiencing can help you and your doctor determine what is going on and the best course of action. It can also help you remember what to tell your doctor during your appointment, as doctor appointments can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. Also, keeping track of your oxygen saturation level can be helpful to determine if it is regular or irregular, as pulmonologists usually check this at appointments.
Know Risk Factors for Other Diseases
Unfortunately, A1AT can also come with comorbidities, or other diseases. These include, but are not limited to: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, and pneumonia. Make sure you know about these in case they come up while living with A1AT or breathing difficulties.
Be Kind to Yourself
This is important! When you don’t feel well, remember it is OK to take time for yourself, whether it’s to sleep/rest, take a relaxing bath, or turn down plans because you don’t feel well. Other people may not understand, but that’s OK. They may not know or exactly get what you are going through, but it is important for you to take care of your body however you think you need to.
Decrease Stress
It is hard to not feel too stressed, but it is important for those who live with breathing illnesses to try and decrease their stress as much as possible, as added stress can impact breathing. Light exercise (if you are up to it), yoga, reading, writing, and coloring are just a few things you can do to try to relax.
Stay Mentally Positive
One of the hardest parts of A1AT is not being able to do the activities you once could. This can lead to self-doubt, depression, stress, and anxiety. It is important to stay as positive as possible for your health.
Stay Committed
Improving your health and daily life requires an unwavering commitment to the principles and tenets we lay out in detail inside “Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.” The most important factor in putting A1AT on the defense is to make a commitment to finding answers, if you haven’t already, and do everything in your power to stay as healthy as possible. It’s important to remember everybody is different and something that works for you may not work for someone else.
Getty image by dragana991
Hi! I'm Samantha Bowick and I have a Master of Public Health. I'm the author of "Living with Endometriosis: The Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options", "Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency", “Living with Endometriosis Workbook and Daily Journal”, and “Living with Kidney Stones”. I founded "Chronic Illness Support, LLC". I want to use my experience with endometriosis and other chronic illnesses to help others. My website is https://www.samanthabowick.com
skbowick