Interview With Tyler Corella: Long Term Health in Micro Premies, Asthma, March of Dimes, and New Adventures: A Chronic Illness Podcast - a podcast by Hosts: Monica and Eva

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Instagram: @_tylershea_

Name *

Tyler Corella

What is your disorder? *

I have multiple (5 total), but my most prevalent one would be asthma. As of today (Not including prematurity affects that are no longer frequent): -Asthma/Mass Lung Scarring Tissue/Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Types of asthma: •Adult on-set Asthma •Allergic Asthma •Asthma/COPD Overlap •Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction •Occupational Asthma Most adults only suffer from 1 or 2 types, as they may only be caused my certain things. I myself, suffer from all 5 categories. -Retinopathy/Amblyopia/Partial Eye Blindness -Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis -Cold Urticaria -Chronic Rhinitis/Primary Immune-Deficiency

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

1

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

I’ve had it my entire life, so unfortunately, that is not a question I can faithfully answer. But, I believed I would have been more outgoing and more spontaneous with my younger life.

What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *

I would be more of a risk-taker, for sure. It was something I just recently learned myself as I took the biggest step out of my comfort zone I’ve taken in my life by joining a Track Team while I was a senior in HighSchool 2 years ago. I wanted to prove I could do it with my condition and mass amount of scar tissue that unconsciously held me back as a child and teenager. Long story short, that opportunity turned into one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, and it all happened because I chose to believe in changing my limits.

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

That lung conditions are different for everyone. That it is a privilege to be able to have what you have in terms of health. I’d also like to be able to educate people on prematurity as a whole, rather than just one condition that came from it, because it in itself, is a lifelong battle.

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

While tremendous health advancements have been made in terms of the last 20 years, there is always room for improvement. Luckily for asthma and many other disabilities, handheld devices are available for quick and easy relief in emergencies. In this case, inhalers. For asthma sufferers, a machine known as a nebulizer is an electric device that is vaporized into a mask. Also known as a breathing treatment. I’ve been in multiple situations where I’ve been without a nebulizer or somewhere where I can plug it up, and have had to rely solely on my inhaler. Nebulizers give a higher dose of medication in emergencies but aren’t always accessible. It would be a lot easier to have handheld devices that can require the same amount of medication without being dependent on electricity, space or accessibility, as with most.

Do you have any life hacks? *

I have too many too count! A few of them include using humidifiers to keep the air warm, wearing scarves around my mouth, pocket medication on hand, Medical ID on person, and always taking allergy medication. All of these help to prevent an attack from different triggers.

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

My family and friends are amazingly supportive! Everyone is aware and is always looking out for my well being in situations that may cause an attack.

Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out? *

With asthma, no. I know with that condition it’s unlikely because it’s such a common one that millions of others suffer with, so it’s more conclusive to those who don’t have it. With others, yes. But thankfully, only once. A friend of mine had questioned why I was always sitting in the back knowing I had “partial eye blindness”, almost as if he was questioning the validity of my condition. While it didn’t bother me much, it only concerned me that I couldn’t explain it in a way he would understand. I feel like this is a most for chronic illness, especially invisible ones. Personally, I don’t use the word “invisible”. Like I said, asthma is so common which makes it easy to appeal to others. I won’t know the true strength of someone who deals with a serious, yet rare invisible illness in which they find themselves trapped. Asthma has its limits, but it not being believed, isn’t one of them.

How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *

As stated back in the last question, I don’t have this sense of not being heard about my disability, because it’s so common to society. My illness only affects me at the end of the day and has thankfully never put a strain on someone else.

Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *

So far, no. I became a Youth Leader with the March of Dimes and have openly shared my story, as well as my moms, with my family, friends, teachers, and even complete strangers across the world. I wanted to take my story and turn it into hope for other children in terms of prematurity and their separate, yet unique disabilities, If any.

Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *

No, nor has it ever. I am blessed to say I don’t fall into that sub-category.

What is your best coping mechanism? *

My best coping mechanism for me in terms of asthma as a whole, would be learning to manage. The less managed, the more likely an attack will happen. I always ensure I know what I’m paying for medication, when, how much, dosages, ect, so that way I never find myself without it. Educating yourself as much as possible not only helps prevention, but helps to emotionally stabilize you in the future.

What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *

I’m most hopeful about the opportunities it’ll bring. Without my prematurity, or asthma, I would have never leaped into the things I did, or joined the things I joined. It allowed me to have a real gratification for a healthy lifestyle, which is something I can wait to continue on in my adult years.

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

As stated, I was a Youth Leader for the March of Dimes, but I am not any longer. I feel as though service is a great thing to share, especially with other minors who’re looking to get involved in something that personally affects them.

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

The best lesson that my condition(s) has taught me, is that I am more than capable of doing what everyone else can. The only person standing in my way is me.

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

The best purchase I made under $100 that helped my life, was a journal! It helped me to stay organized with things I needed to remember in terms of prevention and emergencies.

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