A REDDITCH mum says being able to choose a different prosthetic nose for every occasion has helped her to rebuild her life and confidence.
Winyates Green resident Jayne Hardman had her nose surgically removed after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, known as ANCA-Positive Vasculitis.
But now the brave 48-year-old has a choice of several different prosthetic noses, all with various shades, for particular times of the day and year.
One for the daytime, one for the summer and even one for partying – the latter designed to match her rosy cheeks when she drinks alcohol.
“People were staring at me everywhere I went because my nose was collapsing into my face,” said Jayne who was recently interviewed by the BBC, “It was an awful feeling having to go out into the world each day.
“There are many types of Vasculitis – which is an inflammation of the blood vessels – mine just happened to take over my upper body.”
Jayne underwent chemotherapy and had various stints at local hospitals before being finally correctly diagnosed at a London hospital following a blood check.
Now she attends Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and sees specialist Kelly Hood who is head of the Prosthetics Department, every three months.
Jayne receives a new nose, which is shaped to match Kelly’s nose, from the Q&E to keep her look feeling fresh.
“When I went in for the treatment I told Kelly I would love to have a nose shaped like hers and so that’s what we organised.
“She has been amazing to me, I can’t thank her enough because she’s changed my life and made me feel so confident again.”
Jayne, who is a patient advocate for charity Vasculitis UK, says she also couldn’t have made it through her ordeal without her family by her side.
“My husband Martin and my two sons Todd and Roman were there to pick me up whenever I felt low.
“I think it’s made us all a lot closer and, in a strange way, much kinder people.
“And now when I go out I’m looked at for the right reasons rather than feeling like I’m being stared at.”
Jayne is one of only two people to suffer from ANCA-Positive Vasculitis in the country.
For more information visit www.vasculitis.org.uk
