From www.AAAAI.org
I thought it appropriate to share this video, in this time of the Winter Olympics, of a speedskater who chose not to let asthma control her life.
Samantha, age 27, has been competing in speedskating as well as in cross country and track since she was 12. Her asthma, allergies and other illnesses haven't dampened her competitive spirit.
Samantha took a break from skating to discuss the challenges she faced before she was diagnosed with asthma and allergies. The story begins with help from an allergist who was able to put Samantha on the life-long road to victory.
Q: What went through your mind when you were diagnosed with asthma and then allergies?
A: When I was diagnosed with asthma, I was relieved. For the longest time, doctors could not identify what was going on with me, which was quite frustrating. With the right diagnosis, I could actually do things to make myself better and lead a more 'normal' life.
My allergist also determined that I have allergies, and he was actually able to pinpoint what I was allergic to. I was thankful that my doctor did all of the necessary tests at one time so that I didn't have to keep guessing about what was going on with my breathing. I could start creating a plan with him to best fit my needs.
Q: What obstacles have you faced in speedskating and other competitive sports?
A: I have allergy-induced and sport-induced asthma. I faced obstacles not only in speedskating, but in high school sports like cross country and track and field.
Since cross country is an outdoor fall sport, my asthma was an issue whenever the ragweed count was high. Unlike cross country, speedskating is done (for the most part) indoors in a controlled arena. The cold has actually been better for me and has limited the amount of asthma-induced issues.
Q: Do you to prepare differently for practices and competitions?
A: Living with asthma has definitely changed my preparation for practices and competition. There is a routine I follow in terms of warm up. I know my body well enough to feel when I need to do more of a particular exercise so my lungs are functioning to their full potential. I also make sure I have my inhaler with me at all times for both competitions and practice.
Q: Have you ever had to stop in a race because of an asthma attack?
A: Fortunately, I have never had to stop a race because of an asthma attack. Preparation is the key. From the time I was diagnosed, my doctor put me on a plan that included allergy shots, medication and learning my warning signs. To this day, I am thankful to him for instilling the importance of discipline in taking my medications and taking a pro-active role in my health and well-being so my asthma did not get in the way of what I really want to do in life.
Q: Have you ever wanted to quit skating because of your asthma?
A: I am a very strong-willed person and firmly believe that you are directly responsible for your destiny. A kind of mind-over-matter thought process, if you will. I have never wanted to quit skating just because of my asthma.
Q: Do you discuss your asthma with other skaters?
A: No, I don't talk about my asthma with other skaters. I am sure not a lot of people even know I have this condition. It's not that I don't want to. If the subject came up, I would talk about it, but it's not really something I feel needs to be shared.
A: I would tell them to go for it. Dream big, and don't let your asthma get in the way. I have never looked at my asthma as being a disability, and I would tell them to never listen to people who think it is one. Focus on what you can do and what you have done despite the asthma
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