surviving with an asbestos related disease
10 ways to help you relax when you have an asbestos related disease
Living with an asbestos related disease is stressful at the best of times. Relaxing activities can help us feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. In a new article Nurse Dana Nolan reminds us that they can also help us to improve our immune function and reduce inflammation and digestive problems [1]. The key to finding…
Read MoreAn interview with Mavis Nye
Mavis Nye has lived with mesothelioma for 13 years. Since her diagnosis she has been raising funds for research into mesothelioma and treatments for it. She also campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos. Mavis believes it is never safe to leave asbestos in place, especially in schools. She would like to see…
Read MoreMy journey with mesothelioma
I first went to my doctors’ in October 2018. I was told that my breathlessness on walking uphill was normal for my age. But in February 2019 an x-ray revealed fluid on my left lung. Three months later I had the fluid removed in the Royal Stoke Hospital. A biopsy confirmed my diagnosis of mesothelioma.…
Read MoreA personal view of mesothelioma by Rob Harper
It seems many years ago now that I was asked by Doug Jewell, who was then the manager of Asbestos Support Central England (ASCE)), if the Clarion Choir would sing for Action Mesothelioma Day. Clarion have long been prepared to support and raise awareness of issues that affect working people and their families so they…
Read MoreMaking the most of the holidays when you have an asbestos related disease
Christmas is often seen as a special time for renewing contact with family and friends. This is when we create memories that we’ll cherish for months and sometimes years to come. But for people facing health challenges it can be a difficult time. Lisa Hyde-Barrett from the American organisation Mesothelioma Help says, “When your world…
Read MoreBuying presents for people with asbestos related diseases
At this time of year you will find seasonal blogs telling you what to buy, and not to buy, for friends and loved ones who have an asbestos related disease. We’ve read them for you, so you don’t have to! Here are some suggestions. Tempting treats Sometimes people lose their appetite, or their tastebuds change,…
Read MoreYour diagnosis is the start of a journey
Being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease is likely to change your perspective on life. Things that used to matter may no longer seem so important. The relationships and everyday things you took for granted may now take on new value. Understanding what your body needs You will find out what really makes you tick.…
Read MoreSometimes people do beat the odds
In a recent post we explained how doctors work out their patients’ life expectancy after they have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. There is no crystal ball. An estimate of someone’s life expectancy is based on the average time that people survive with a particular disease. It’s also affected by any other health…
Read MoreCoping with a life-changing diagnosis and setting your own goals
Writing on mesotheliomahelp.org, nurse specialist Lisa Hyde-Barrett reminds us that being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease is life changing. Patients handle this differently. Everyone is unique and so there is no right or wrong way. She says, ‘We must allow ourselves or our family members to feel their fear, or anger, or whatever emotion…
Read MoreIf you missed Action Mesothelioma Day it’s never too late to get involved!
Our On-line ActionMeso Day meeting We held an informal meeting where people shared stories about how mesothelioma had affected their lives. Someone mentioned a link to the original World in Action investigation into the activities of Cape Asbestos in their Acre Mill at Hebden Bridge. This was a landmark in getting the damage caused by…
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