In my preteens  I develop respiratory issues – snoring, mouth breathing, wheezy, shortness of breath, my nose was always runny and I had puffy eyes. Given that I was referred to as tiny and was physically active; I should not have been short of breath. My family constantly teased me about how loud I would snore and breathe.  I would decline / refuse to go for a sleep over to friends houses because I was so ashamed; Young girls and women were not to snore. Why could I not breathe like everyone else. I became so self conscious and obsessive about my breathing. 

I did not age gracefully!!  I experienced heart palpitations, shaking hands where I would spill and drop almost everything, restlessness, heavy chest and struggling to take a breath.  Having swollen legs to the point where I could only wear Velcro sandals. The pressure was unbearable I cried in pain when I was alone.  Weight loss to the point where I felt I looked like a skeleton.  I was so hungry all the time and could eat a huge meal four times a day. My body just could not digest it all. I could not be more than five minutes from a bathroom…. EVER!!!  I carried around spray for bathrooms, a washcloth, a change of underwear and pants everywhere.  I was terrified to have an accident …… confession; I did not always make it.