Anthony’s story

Two years ago, my life slowly began to change, though I didn’t realise it at first.

It started with a cough I just couldn’t shake. I was still active, still fit, still pushing myself, so I didn’t think much of it. But over time, that cough became constant. I developed post-nasal drip, started coughing up phlegm, and began struggling to catch my breath. It crept up on me gradually, until breathing itself felt like work.

I was relying on Ventolin up to 15 times a day and through the night. I had inhalers everywhere: in my work bag, on my motorbike, in the car. My partner even carried one for me at all times. I stopped going out for drinks because I felt uncomfortable and anxious about my breathing. Cycling and the gym, things I loved, disappeared from my life.

This was especially hard to accept because being active had always been part of who I was. I’d run marathons in under four hours at 40 and stayed very fit well into my late 40s. But suddenly, even basic activities felt impossible without Ventolin. My quality of life dropped dramatically, and for two years, it felt like my life was on hold.

Desperately searching for answers

During this time, I was passed from one referral to another. My GP initially thought my symptoms were due to nasal polyps, something I’d dealt with before, and referred me to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. After more than 12 months of waiting, appointments, and back-and-forth, I was told the polyps were gone.

I was then given Nucala injections for asthma by my ENT specialist, despite never receiving a formal diagnosis. While it helped somewhat, I was still struggling badly. When I returned to my GP, I was told it might be allergies and referred on again. Another wait, another cost, and still no answers. By that point, I’d spent over $2,500 on specialists without a clear diagnosis or a real solution.

An unexpected turning point

I work as a prison officer, and one day nurses from Respiratory Care WA came in to talk with inmates about managing asthma ahead of summer. I got chatting with them and explained what I’d been going through. They listened, really listened and suggested I self-refer to the Respiratory Hub.

That decision changed everything.

From the moment I arrived, the nurses were welcoming, caring, and easy to talk to. The lung function testing wasn’t easy. I was so used to relying on Ventolin, and I had to go without it beforehand, but the results were eye-opening. Seeing a 30% improvement in my lung function after Ventolin was shocking. For the first time, I had clear evidence of what was happening in my body.

The nurses didn’t hesitate. They advised me to see my GP immediately and even suggested the preventer medication, Symbicort. I booked an urgent GP appointment that same day and started treatment straight away.

The very next day, I used Ventolin once and I haven’t needed it since. With one puff of preventer in the morning and one at night, my symptoms disappeared.

The support didn’t stop there. The nurses from Respiratory Care WA called me the next day, then again the following week, checking in on my progress. I can’t thank them enough for the care, follow-up and genuine concern they showed.

Getting my life back

My life had been on hold for two years.

Since I saw Respiratory Care WA, I’ve rejoined the gym. I can leave the house without fear or planning around my asthma. I’m active again, rebuilding my fitness, and no longer breathless doing the things I love. Physically and emotionally, I feel like myself again.

If you feel like you’re not getting the help you need, take action. The Respiratory Hub referral is free and it could change your life, just like it changed mine.

Thank you so much to Respiratory Care WA. You gave me my life back.