Hardman said becoming comfortable with her appearance took time. She now sees her prosthetic nose as a normal part of who she is.
“It took me a long time to be comfortable. Now I’m incredibly proud of what I wear and I just want everyone to see it,” she said.
She also volunteers for Vasculitis UK, using her experience to raise awareness of GPA and other forms of vasculitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important because severe untreated vasculitis can become life-threatening.
Hardman believes the accident involving her dog ultimately helped save her life because it led to medical investigations that uncovered her condition.
‘I think the dog saved my life,’ she said. ‘Without treatment, it can be fatal.’
Despite losing her natural nose, Hardman says she can breathe normally with her prosthesis and has made peace with her appearance.
“It’s just part of my life. It’s me now,” she said.