Community Spotlight: Meet Mary
Poplar: We would like to introduce you to Mary! Mary is a member of the Poplar Fitness Club where she exercises and connects with others to share experiences, laugh, and breathe together. Let’s find out a little more about Mary.
Mary: Hi my name is Mary, I originally came to Canada 55 years ago from Trinidad - an Island in the caribbean! When I first moved to Canada, they had a big snow storm, this was my first experience with snow and cold! I’m still trying to get used to it 🙂
I was married and unfortunately widowed at a very young age. I am proud to have been able to bring up two daughters on my own. They are happy and successful and that is my joy.
I’m proud of the careers I’ve explored in Canada, including banking and early childcare. I’ve met a lot of kind and interesting friends who taught me the Canadian way of life. I’ve been able to travel to different places in Canada and my most memorable experience was at Harrison Hot Springs in BC. My favourite way to travel is on a motorcycle, a hobby that I cherish, since I’ve now hopped off it at the age of 75.
My dream as a young girl was to travel the world. I was inspired by the books I read at an early age. I feel like I have fulfilled my travelling dreams. My favourite travel places are: Greece, India, Dubai and Western Europe.
Poplar: What chronic lung condition have you been diagnosed with and how long ago did you get diagnosed?
Mary: I have been diagnosed with a lung nodule that my doctor is monitoring. As well, I come from a long family line of asthma and allergy sufferers. I have terrible seasonal allergies, and am being treated for allergic rhinitis. I am still in the process of getting worked up for asthma.
Poplar: How did getting this diagnosis (or the worsening of your breathing) impact you?
Mary: My seasonal allergies have impacted me greatly with symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. It’s to the point where I had to wear a mask outside before it became fashionable with the pandemic. It’s caused me to feel unwell, cancel plans, and stay inside. Through working with my family doctor and Respiratory Therapist, I am now on a good plan that includes: saline nasal rinses, nasal anti-inflammatories and anti-histamines. I am now trying to figure out if I have asthma, as I have had some infections that have lasted a long time requiring the use of inhalers on occasion.
Poplar: How has your condition affected your lifestyle and quality of life?
Mary: Allergies and potential asthma have impacted me greatly. In Trinidad I grew up living most of my life outside, climbing trees, and around many animals. In my early time in Canada, signs and symptoms showed up slowly but have since progressed. Perhaps, I had more resilience because I was younger. As I have aged however, my symptoms got worse and worse. It’s now to the point where I have to be selective about when I go outside, which is upsetting. I’ve had to self advocate for better treatment and to confirm a diagnosis of asthma. I’ve been re-referred to specialists.
Poplar: What has helped you manage your condition? Do you have any tricks or tips to share?
Mary: Honestly, wearing a mask outdoors has really helped me. I’ve been wearing it for 20 years before the pandemic!
Poplar: Prioritizing good mental health is an important part of living with lung disease. What helps you to keep a positive mindset and outlook?
Mary: Music, laughter, and moving my body has helped me to maintain a positive outlook over the years. The breathing exercises that I’ve learned in Poplar’s fitness classes have helped me to realize that I have not been breathing efficiently most of my life! I had mostly been using the upper part of my chest especially in times that I felt stressed or anxious. Improving my breathing technique has helped me to feel less stressed.
Poplar: What advice would you offer those who have recently been diagnosed?
Mary: Join a class, and find your people! Poplar leaders and participants have been very helpful in guiding me towards improved care. Everyone has a great sense of humour!
If you’re looking to connect with others living with a chronic lung condition, reach out to us! We have a free, online community (the Poplar Community) as well as live classes over Zoom, including a full Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. Give us a call at 236-361-3480 to book your free 15-minute Welcome call.