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Jaks CottenBritish woman with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- 13-Year Battle with Mystery Illness
- Diagnosis and Hair Loss
- Emotional Toll and Coping
- Job Loss and Financial Hardship
- Experimental Treatment and Medical Monitoring
- About Refractory Eosinophilic Asthma
13-Year Battle with Mystery Illness
For 13 years, Jax, a 28-year-old mother from Plymouth, battled with a debilitating illness that baffled doctors. Despite losing nine jobs and her hair, she finally received a diagnosis: severe refractory eosinophilic asthma.
Diagnosis and Hair Loss
Jax's diagnosis came after she was hospitalized with a collapsed lung. A bronchoscopy revealed both the severe asthma and an inflammatory lung disease. The high doses of steroids prescribed after her diagnosis triggered severe hair loss.
Emotional Toll and Coping
The news and the potent steroids took a toll on Jax's mental health, leading to a downward spiral of grief. Determined to make the best of a difficult situation, however, she raised funds for charity by shaving her head.
Job Loss and Financial Hardship
Jax's health condition has led to frequent job losses, with nine jobs lost in the past three years. Her husband, who has epilepsy, has also had to give up work. As a result, they lost their driving licenses and cars.
Experimental Treatment and Medical Monitoring
Jax is currently undergoing experimental treatment for her asthma, as other treatments have not been effective. She is also being monitored by specialists at the Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to manage her inflammatory lung disease.
About Refractory Eosinophilic Asthma
Refractory eosinophilic asthma is a severe form of asthma that cannot be controlled with inhalers. It is often associated with asthma that develops in adulthood. The exact prevalence is unknown, but it is estimated that around one in ten cases of asthma may be severe.
