TV Supernanny Jo Frost has 'life-threatening' medical condition like 'a loaded gun'
Jo Frost, the renowned TV Supernanny, has opened up about a serious medical condition she deals with, one that mandates her to tread through life with extraordinary care. Despite the challenges, she has expressed that she will not apologise for her condition but instead is keen on raising awareness.
"I've survived more anaphylactic shocks than I'm prepared to go into detail about right now," the 54 year old shared in an emotional Instagram video. "I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalisation.
"Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education and empathy from those who do not.
"Today, everyone will know someone or someone who knows of one with anaphylaxis. If you ignore the severity of this medical condition, it's as bad as shoving a loaded gun in my face."
Jo detailed that anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that unequivocally demands immediate attention and typically takes hold within moments of coming into contact with a trigger, such as particular foods, insect stings, or medications, reports the Mirror.
Commonly emerging symptoms include swelling of the tongue or throat which can seriously hinder breathing and swallowing, along with wheezing and lightheadedness. In some instances, there have also been reports of skin, tongue, or lips turning pale, grey, or even blue.
In a previous interview with the Mirror, Dr Gareth Nye, a Biomedical Science lecturer at the University of Salford, elucidated: "What triggers this is individual to you and it's down to your immune system and genetics to determine whether you are allergic to something or not, and if you are, how severe that reaction is. You can also develop allergies over time due to exposure to common causes like dust or animal hair."
Jo expressed that the dangers tied to anaphylaxis impose regularly on her life, demanding substantial efforts to stay precautious and maintain heightened awareness. She emphasised, however, that increased public comprehension would make managing the condition substantially more straightforward.
Asserting her stance, she added: "I'm unapologetic for my medical condition,
"I did not ask for it, and it does not define who I am and the impact that I make in the world daily."
Continuing, she highlighted the everyday implications of living with her condition: "But it does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance.[...] It means your 'it may contain' labels are a consistent truth that you dodge accountability legally and put your greed before my safety. It means that your 'inclusion' of health and safety standards doesn't apply to me. Just non-anaphylaxis people out there."
Moreover, she underlined the collective voice she represents, saying: "And by the way, I speak on behalf of those who also have celiac disease, too, because we are all not faddy eaters. I'm not looking to be treated special, I'm looking to be treated with the same dignity and attentiveness as you just showed others."
Jo highlighted her frustration with needing neither 'mumbling insults' nor 'passive-aggressive' comments from those who fail to understand the serious nature of her condition, instead calling for a push towards educational efforts that could potentially be life-saving.
"Menus, workspaces, school training, events spaces for all, to champion children who are all ours really in this world," she emphasised. "Get curious and learn more, because really, as I mentioned before, we all know someone."
Listed potential indicators of anaphylaxis.
The NHS lists the most common signs of anaphylaxis, indicating that:.
Without prompt treatment, one risks succumbing to a full-blown anaphylactic shock, which can prove fatal within just 15 minutes, underlining the importance of quick action when symptoms manifest.
Dr Nye went on to clarify: "Once the allergen is removed from the area, the clear priority is to maintain a good airway and so avoiding over crowding is key. Asking the patient to keep breathing as normally as possible and keep calm can also help.
"For individuals with severe allergies, carrying an 'EpiPen', which contains epinephrine, is the norm, and should they struggle to use it, others can assist. Naturally, phoning for an ambulance early is crucial."
While the thought of using an EpiPen on oneself or another person can be intimidating, instructions are usually provided on the side of the injector. As per the guidance available online for the product, this typically involves holding the EpiPen in your dominant hand and removing the blue safety cap by 'pulling straight up'.
On the opposite end of the EpiPen is an orange tip that should be aimed at the outer thigh from a distance of roughly 10cm. The tip should then be thrust into the area at a right angle, held there for three seconds before being withdrawn.
Regardless of the use of an EpiPen, it's crucial to call an ambulance - even if symptoms appear to be subsiding. A second anaphylactic reaction - known as a biphasic reaction - can occur within 12 hours of the first, hence the need for medical professionals to monitor the situation.
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