Lorena Payne

"I would encourage anyone who has COPD, asthma or unexplained breathing problems to talk to your physician about being tested for AATD."

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Lorena Payne recently retired from teaching kindergarten. For more than 25 years, she spent her days educating students in her Indiana classroom. While actively teaching a classroom of energetic kids would be exhausting for anyone, for Lorena it would be extra challenging.

"Throughout the day I was constantly tired and frequently out of breath," Lorena said. "At first I attributed my breathing difficulties to aging and being out of shape. But I soon realized the shortness of breath I was experiencing was not normal."

In 2004 Lorena came down with bronchitis. She became very ill and decided to seek a diagnosis for the repeated respiratory infections and chronic lack of energy she had been experiencing. After visiting a variety of specialists, she was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

"I couldn’t believe my diagnosis since there wasn’t a reason why I would have COPD," Lorena said. "As a farm girl, I always tried to take care of myself. I don’t smoke and I try to lead a healthy lifestyle."

Lorena decided to seek a second opinion. After telling her story to a pulmonologist, she was tested for and diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or AATD. AATD is a genetic form of COPD and can severely affect a patient’s lung function. If left untreated, AATD can cause lung damage, emphysema and cirrhosis of the liver. Moreover, the disorder is often misdiagnosed as COPD or asthma.

"After receiving a proper diagnosis my doctor told me that I can live a healthy life with AATD as long as I take care of myself," Lorena said.

She currently manages her condition with Zemaira^®, an alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor that replaces the missing protein in people with AATD.

"My treatments fit in well with my active lifestyle because the infusion times are shorter," she said. "I also value that Zemaira is a highly purified product."

In addition to receiving treatment, Lorena began participating in CSL Behring’s My Steps for Healthy Living fitness program. This initiative encourages people with AATD to increase their walking, a little at a time.

"My doctor really emphasized that walking and exercise are beneficial for helping to improve my lung function," said Lorena. "There are very few days that I miss my walk, but when I do, I can really feel the difference and need to get on the treadmill."

Although Lorena is now retired, she continues to use her personal experiences to educate others.

"I would encourage anyone who has COPD, asthma or unexplained breathing problems to talk to your physician about being tested for AATD," she said. "A simple blood test could provide a clear diagnosis and make all the difference in helping you achieve better lung function and a more productive life."