ORAH Spring 2022

Just Breathe

After years of struggling with asthma and weight gain, Emily received a breakthrough treatment at the Institute of Pulmonary Functions and Diseases at Shamir Medical Center.

Emily Gur was a busy mother of two, working full time and training to become a volunteer EMT (emergency medical technician). She had suffered from mild asthma since her childhood in Siberia, but in early 2019, she suddenly started experiencing a series of breathing issues that made even simple tasks, like walking or showering, nearly impossible. “I went to my doctor, and he listened to my lungs and said it sounds like pneumonia. He gave me antibiotics, and after seven to 10 days, I was not getting better. He tried giving me inhalers and steroids, but it didn’t help.”

Emily had visited doctors and specialists over the years regarding her breathing issues, but followup appointments were rare. Her lung function was very poor, and she needed treatment immediately. “They couldn’t find out how to help. They started me on steroids, which did little to help. It caused me to get bigger and bigger. During the time I was on steroids, I gained 40kg.”

Her breathing soon deteriorated so much that she had to be taken to the emergency room at Shamir Medical Center. After several blood tests, she was admitted to the hospital for further investigation. After meeting with Dr. Benjamin Fox, Head of the Pulmonary Functions and Diseases Institute, on her second day in the hospital, she was transferred to the Pulmonary Institute for further testing. Dr. Fox reassured Emily that his team would do everything in their power to help determine the cause of her breathing troubles.

Several tests for lung function were completed, and doctors were able to carefully tailor a specialized treatment for Emily’s complex condition. According to Dr. Fox:

“After receiving the biological treatment, Emily just flourished. She lost a lot of weight, her asthma is controlled, and she’s never in the hospital. She’s back at work, she’s active, and she’s having a great life. When you work hard and use the treatment available, you can dramatically change people’s lives, just like we did for Emily.”

Emily had regular weekly followups with Dr. Fox after she was discharged, but now they only meet every six months. Once Emily’s breathing was under control, she was able to end the vicious cycle of weight gain caused by the steroids. She continued to work on her health and had bariatric surgery to help her reach her goals. Her lung functions are greatly improved, and she has returned to a normal life.

Emily in her volunteer EMT uniform, before her breakthrough medical treatment.

Emily in her volunteer EMT uniform, after her breakthrough medical treatment.

Emily and her children.

Emily being interviewed for ORAH at Shamir Medical Center

Just as her condition stabilized, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Being high-risk meant that Emily had to take extra precautions, and essentially has worked from home over the past year and a half. Emily and her family recently contracted COVID-19, but she was grateful to have received her vaccinations.

“I was very worried, and I did consult with the hospital because I was supposed to be there the very next Thursday for a checkup. We did a call and consulted Dr. Fox, who said if there is no respiratory aggravation, then it is not serious. A week later, I came for my checkup, and my lung function had not changed.”

Emily is back to leading a full life and has never felt healthier. She’s finally enjoying quality time with her kids and has returned to work in the office. Emily has always been fascinated with medicine, and is currently completing her Medical Administration certificate, and plans to pursue a degree in nursing. In her ‘spare’ time, Emily is an active EMT volunteer, with her medical bag in tow, responding to nearby medical emergencies. “I want to thank Dr. Fox for his help, assistance with the lung treatment, and consultations, and for helping me to get back on my feet. I can actually live my life and not just watch it go by.”

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Story from ORAH Magazine Spring 2022