In life with angioedema, sometimes we just aren’t prepared to ‘take the win’

This column will be a little different from the ones I usually write. Normally, I’ll start with a story that celebrates the underdog, the person who had to come from behind to achieve a victory. By the end, I’ll have tied the tale neatly into our hereditary angioedema journey with our oldest daughter, whom we lovingly call Ladybug.

I love that format because we are usually the underdogs. It often feels like we’re always “coming from behind.”

I’m grateful for the lessons we learn in the process. I’ve learned about pre-dosing Ladybug with her emergency medication, although admittedly, I don’t always get the timing right. I’m grateful to have learned the mechanics of why her preventive shot stings when it’s administered, but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve learned to keep Ladybug informed about her symptoms without overwhelming her with too much information so that she doesn’t become discouraged.

Recommended Reading

Nov. 28, 2025 Columns by Danita LaShelle Jones

‘The Butterfly Effect’ warned me about unintended consequences

A mother’s pride

I admit that the perpetual pattern of “coming from behind” can be quite daunting. Don’t get me wrong — it is inspiring, but for a caregiver, it also carries a weight.

Sometimes, though, we win. We really win.

Currently, it’s prom season. This time of year, my social media timeline is flooded with pictures of high school kids standing cutely or awkwardly in a park as professional photographers or parental “phone-tographers” capture their children’s milestones.

However, because Ladybug attends a virtual school, I used to quietly worry that she wouldn’t experience making this core memory. But about a month ago, the wonderful young man she’s dating asked her to his prom.

In the weeks leading up to this event, I was terrified. I helped her make all of the hair and nail appointments, confirmed that she had all the necessities to apply her makeup, and made sure her dress would arrive on time.

But I also found myself hovering a lot and repeatedly asking her how she felt. I kept bracing myself for the possibility of her having a flare just days before the event, and trying to figure out how to desperately fight it if it happened.​ Or worse, I worried about her having a flare on the day of the event and being unable to go.

Then, last week, something changed my perception. While Ladybug was getting her nails done, I noticed her excitement when she found the perfect color to match her dress. I listened to her laugh as she described to the hairstylist the exact look she wanted. I watched silently as she diligently explained to the cashier at the makeup store the exact product she needed.

I’d started the process as a caregiver worried about the patient. But as the event approached, I became what I truly was: the mother of a teenage daughter who was nervously excited about attending her boyfriend’s prom.

And we won the night. We did the dress reveal, the boutonnière and the flowers, and the send-off. We won this prom season.

I had forgotten that in all the underdog stories, tales about teams that won “against all odds,” there are still stories about people who just win. And although it can feel like those moments don’t occur as often as I’d like, I need to learn how to live without just anticipating the next complication.

Sometimes, we just win.

Note: Angioedema News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Angioedema News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to angioedema.