Maggie shared this account from Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2011. It describes her experience and beliefs at that time. It is not medical advice, and the events she describes do not establish what caused her illness.
I was working with young offenders when I became unwell. I believed that exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus through the air conditioning and heating in a new prison facility had triggered my symptoms. At the time, I did not know what was making me ill.
It took about 18 months to get answers. I was admitted to hospital around four months after the exposure I suspected, by which time I was very weak and having difficulty walking and coping with bright light. I had already had several courses of antibiotics.
Tests found Aspergillus in material from my sinuses and lungs. I felt that my concerns were not being taken seriously, so I continued to seek help. An allergist/immunologist tested me for several conditions, and I reacted strongly to Aspergillus fumigatus. After that, my other specialists began investigating further.
I had sinus surgery, but my symptoms continued. I felt there was still a problem deeper in my sinuses. A later scan found an area that needed further treatment, and I had another operation.
The illness affected many parts of my life. I experienced pain, fatigue and other symptoms, and I was unable to work for several years. My employer continued to pay my salary for four years, but that support eventually ended. My specialists later apologised for how things had gone.
I also tried complementary therapies, including acupuncture and lymphatic drainage. These were part of my personal approach to coping; they should not be taken as treatments for aspergillosis. I wanted to share my experience because the process of being unwell, seeking a diagnosis and trying to be heard was difficult.
Maggie M
Christchurch, New Zealand — 11 November 2011
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