Location

Texas (73300-76499, 88500-88599)

Infusion Product

Prolastin-C

Contact

(844) 422-2828
mdempsey@alphanet.org

My name is Mike Dempsey, and I would like to introduce myself as your AlphaNet Coordinator.

My amazing wife, Pam, and I (along with Archie, the Wonder Dog) live in Fishers, Indiana – just outside of Indianapolis.  We have two adult sons and three beautiful granddaughters.  Pam and I enjoy traveling, watching old movies, and doing just about anything together.  We are active in our church and community.

My Alpha-1 journey, unfortunately, is an all-too-common one.  Several years ago, I began having occasional episodes of shortness of breath.  My doctor at the time ordered a multitude of tests to determine the cause.  Unfortunately, he was unable to make a definitive diagnosis and prescribed an inhaler.  My shortness of breath episodes continued to worsen.  Having a different primary care physician, I advised him of my history and symptoms.  Like my previous doctor, he ordered a gamut of diagnostic tests and dismissed my symptoms with another prescription for an emergency inhaler.  I was extremely frustrated because I was certain something was seriously wrong and getting worse. Both of my parents died as a result of severe respiratory issues and struggled to breath daily near the end of their lives. Finally, I insisted that I be referred to a pulmonologist.  Fortunately, the pulmonologist immediately suspected Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and had me tested.  A short time later, I was diagnosed with Alpha-1, in addition to moderate to severe emphysema.

Even though I finally had a diagnosis, I had never heard of Alpha-1.  At that time, I was certain my future was grim – convinced that I would likely suffer the same fate as my parents.  However, thanks to my AlphaNet Coordinator and all the resources available through AlphaNet and the Alpha-1 Foundation, I became more knowledgeable regarding my Alpha-1 diagnosis.  I am so much more confident that my condition is manageable and not the death sentence I had originally feared.

Being an AlphaNet Coordinator is truly a blessing.  I have the opportunity now to give back – to help fellow Alpha’s navigate their way through this condition.  I have the pleasure and responsibility to help them better understand their Alpha-1 diagnosis and assure them that their lives can still be enjoyable and productive.

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.