Glenis

Birth Date
4/11/57

Gender
Female

Heritage
Scottish/Irish

Nationality
New Zealander

Alpha type
lung

Alpha gene
ZZ

Diagnosed
August 2004

Last FEV1
21%

Treatment
Combivent, Oxis,Beclazone inhalers

Siblings
5

Children
1

Glenis Capon

glenis.capon@xtra.co.nz

I live in Omarama, New Zealand.

I am an Office Administrator.

I love all Colors.

My favorite movie is "Dirty Dancing".

My favorite music is everything depending on mood.

My favorite pastime is reading, writing, movies, and my dog.

For pets, I have a Black lab called Blaize.

9/10/2004 Hi everyone. My name is Glenis and I live in the most beautiful part of New Zealand, in the heart of the Southern Alps, on a sheep station, next to a beautiful lake, and surrounded by majestic mountains.

I was told 5 years ago in England that I had Alpha 1 deficiency. I was also told that I didn't need to worry about it other than to ensure that I always got antibiotics if I got a chest infection. 18 months ago after a particularly virulent infection I was told this infection had left me with asthma (different doctor, same country).

I returned to NZ in June of last year in the hope that cleaner air and healthier lifestyle would improve my condition. Unfortunately my breathing has continued to deteriorate. Having spoken to a new doctor here re this deficiency, she decided to run the tests again. She then referred me to Dunedin Hospital for further tests and to see a specialist. Last month he confirmed that I have emphysema and that I have lost 50% of my lung capacity to date. He has changed my meds and I am seeing him again in early November for an update.

As of now all I really know about this is what I have learnt from the internet (this one and the Alpha 1 Lungs & Life group). I am desperately trying to find people in New Zealand to correspond with and maybe form our own support group. Anyone reading this please feel free to contact me.

Great site which I am sure is much appreciated by all.

5/24/2006 A little update on my story. Since first writing my blog, I have moved, but still living on high country sheep station. My lung function has reduced quite a bit and I have now had an abnormal liver function test. Waiting for further blood results. This and other sites like it keep me feeling positive, always on the lookout for a NZ site but I guess we are just too reticent in this country!!

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