**Resilient Woman Shares Incredible Journey After Losing Her Nose to Rare Disease**
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Jayne Hardman, a resilient woman from the UK, has recounted her extraordinary health journey after undergoing surgery to remove her nose due to a rare autoimmune disease known as vasculitis. The condition led to her nose collapsing, but Hardman’s story also highlights her courage and her ability to adapt to significant life changes.
The origins of Hardman’s struggle began in 2012 when an unexpected incident involving her pet mastiff left her with complications affecting her nose. As she explained during her recent appearance on *This Morning*, her dog accidentally struck her in the face, which resulted in swelling and frequent nosebleeds. At the time, Hardman was unaware that this incident would eventually lead to a life-altering health crisis.
Following the initial injury, Hardman discovered that she had an undiagnosed case of vasculitis, a rare condition where the immune system erroneously attacks blood vessels, resulting in inflammation. Hardman notes the severity of the disease, stating, “If you don’t get treated, you’re dead within a year.” She has remarked that her dog may have inadvertently saved her life by drawing attention to her rapidly deteriorating condition.
For several years, Hardman struggled with inadequate treatment for her condition while the state of her nose worsened. By 2017, it had become necessary for doctors to perform a surgical procedure to remove her nose entirely as it had sunk back into her face. “They took off my nose that had sunk straight back into my face,” she recounted. This painful experience left her confronting significant social challenges, as she dealt with invasive questions and unwarranted stares from others in public.
Post-surgery, Hardman received her first prosthetic nose just six weeks later. “I just look normal again,” she expressed, highlighting the profound emotional impact of regaining her appearance after enduring such a traumatic experience. Adjusting to life with a facial difference was not easy, as she described the challenges of stepping outside her home in the months following her surgery.
The prosthetic noses are secured with magnets embedded near her surgical site, allowing her some flexibility and variety in her appearance. Hardman takes pride in her collection of prosthetics, which she stores in a keepsake wooden box. She humorously shared her selection, including one nose she affectionately calls her “drunk nose,” which has a slight pink tint, perfect for those occasions when she’s had a few too many glasses of wine.
Beyond the physical aspects of her journey, Hardman emphasises the transformative lessons she has learned about resilience and inner strength. “I can deal with anything, that I’m incredibly strong,” she reflected. Having gone into remission, she continues to undergo chemotherapy every six months in order to manage her condition more effectively.
Encouraging those who may also be grappling with facial differences, Hardman shared an uplifting message of hope: “I would say that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Her journey illustrates not only a fight against a rare disease but also a triumph of spirit, as she celebrates living a fulfilling life despite the challenges she has faced.
Jayne Hardman’s story is one of remarkable strength and perseverance, proving that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to maintain a positive outlook and embrace life fully. Now, she looks forward to the future, embodying an inspiring message for others confronting similar battles. “Now I just carry on and have a wonderful life,” she concluded.