How an Optum Infusion nurse puts Alpha-1 patients first

Because Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) can lead to damaged lung tissue, people living with this rare, genetic condition often have trouble breathing. Some people have no symptoms, while others may develop emphysema or chronic bronchitis. That makes even seemingly simple daily tasks like walking or eating more difficult.

If there is a buildup of the Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), the liver may also be affected, and this may cause chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. And while there’s no cure, managing symptoms can make a huge difference in quality of life.

In this article, 2 women living with Alpha-1 share how their Optum® Infusion Pharmacy nurse Amy built relationships based on real concern. More than administering infusion medications, Amy understood their needs and provided the emotional support and caring they needed to feel better.

Patient Bev

For many patients, home infusion eases the physical and emotional burden of managing rare diseases like Alpha-1.

In 2020, Bev got COVID, which almost took her life. “I have been on oxygen because of major lung damage from COVID and complications with breathing,” says Bev. So, Amy goes to Bev’s house to give her an intravenous (IV) treatment of Zemaira®, and Optum® Infusion Pharmacy delivers medication and supplies to her doorstep.

“The convenience of having Optum has taken away all worries,” Bev says. “My nurse Amy is amazing. She is on top of my health every week and advises me of where I am with my condition and when I should get in and see my doctor.”
 

Patient Jeannie

Since being diagnosed, Jeannie lost her only sister to this disease. Living with Alpha-1 can be tough. “I have been poked and prodded. I’ve gone through so many tests, been told there is no cure and I’ve become more symptomatic over time,” says Jeannie.

Many people don't realize how taxing that can be. But when you have serious breathing issues, just getting in and out of a car is challenging and stressful. “The outing creates a mental process for Alpha-1 patients who worry about air quality,” says Jeannie. “Cleaners, perfumes, smoke and poor air quality are all normal things in the outside world that most people don't pay much attention to. But Alpha-1 patients know these situations can send them to the emergency room or hospital.”

Amy understands the complexity and nuances of each of her patients and meets them where they are, so they have less to worry about.

The relationship between caregiver and patient can have a significant effect on how people feel and their ability to cope when they have hard days.

In addition to providing infusions, Amy offers true compassion and comfort. And that became the foundation for lasting relationships.

“After I was diagnosed with cancer, Amy supported me mentally and physically through the cancer surgeries,” says Bev. “The familiarity of having the same nurse and forming a relationship with her makes living with Alpha-1 and these treatments much easier to deal with. I believe Optum recognizes this and puts the patient first in all areas. My nurse isn’t just my nurse, she is someone that I have built a relationship with and feel comfortable talking to about the ups and downs of life.”

Forging a strong bond with Amy helped Jeannie weather the highs and lows of living with a chronic condition.

“I have gone through a gamut of emotions during the last 6 years and although my emotional state each time might be different, my nurse’s response has always remained the same,” says Jeannie.

“She came prepared every time to meet me where I was at. She encouraged me, supported me, listened to me, educated me, held my hand, laughed with me and helped me to grow as a disabled person but never treated me like one.”

Amy showed up with unparalleled compassion every time, building a community based on care.

Having expert clinical care is critical. Pairing that with emotional and mental support in so many areas is vital for lessening the burdens of Alpha-1.

“My quality of life with this disease has definitely improved thanks to my home infusion nurse,” says Jeannie.

“Having the infusion is so critical for me. I know by the end of the week it is time for the infusion; I can tell with my breathing.”

Optum Infusion Pharmacy takes pride in its team of knowledgeable nurses and their expertise.

“Optum has high standards in hiring nurses. The nurses are all very educated, capable and kind,” says Bev. But even more important is how their patients feel better knowing they’re in the hands of one of the best infusion teams in the nation.

“I have had several in-home nurses through Optum, and every one of them was professional, kind and caring,” says Jeannie.

“I love their high standard of nurses. lt seems to me their standard is their norm and not the exception. Their passion for helping others is not just because it's their job.”

Amy consistently provides superior infusion services, in part, because those services are rooted in deep, personal connections with the people she cares for. She’s one of the best infusion nurses on the team, but for Bev and Jeannie, she’s much more than that. She’s a friend.