Geoffrey (73), a proud Noongar Man, has lived with asthma since childhood and now manages emphysema, a chronic lung condition that makes breathing challenging. With support from Respiratory Care WA and Arche Health, he’s learning new ways to manage his breathing and stay active in his community.
Growing up, Geoffrey was diagnosed with mild asthma in the late 70s after a lung test at a shopping centre. Prescribed Ventolin, he immediately felt the difference—and to this day he never leaves home without it.
In the 1980s Geoffrey worked in building demolition, often surrounded by dust and debris without the protective gear we’d expect today. Smoking was part of the culture too with “smoko” breaks on site and more cigarettes at the pub after work.
“Even back then, I never really enjoyed smoking,” Geoffrey recalls. Years later, he quit for good with a staged approach and nicotine replacement.
Diagnosis and early challenges
A few years ago, chest X-rays revealed emphysema, one of the main conditions that make up Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), alongside chronic bronchitis.
”That’s when they told me, ‘You might have emphysema.’ It was the first time I’d ever heard of it.” - Geoffrey.
COPD is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as smoking, industrial dust and chemicals, and air pollution.
Seeking support
At first, Geoffrey struggled with breathlessness and didn’t know how to manage it. “There’ve been times when I’ve really struggled,” he shares. He even keeps a chair in the shower to rest and breathe easier.
Things started to turn around when he connected with Arche Health and Melanie from Respiratory Care WA. Melanie guided him through a lung function test, explained medications, and showed how a spacer could help deliver medicine more effectively. Simple tips, like walking in air-conditioned shopping centres with plenty of places to rest, gave Geoffrey the confidence to stay active.
“Melanie helped me understand my condition and reminded me that I could keep moving forward with the right plan,” he says.
Respiratory Care WA’s partnership with Arche Health is making a difference for many Western Australians, enabling the community to access care, diagnosis, and education on their respiratory health.
Arche Health Aboriginal Health Manager, Trish Bushby, says that together with Respiratory Care WA, they look forward to supporting more clients like Geoffrey to better manage their lung health.
“Our Integrated Team Care Program (ITC) has around 233 clients living with COPD or other respiratory conditions, so ensuring they have access to timely diagnosis, ongoing support, and education is vital.”
Geoffrey and Melanie, Respiratory Care WA Community and Outreach Programs Coordinator.
Learning to manage COPD
These days, Geoffrey begins each morning by taking his COPD medicine, a simple routine that helps him stay on track.
With the support of Arche Health, he also uses a sleep apnoea machine at night. Right now, Geoffrey is taking part in a pulmonary rehabilitation program — a mix of exercise and education designed to build strength, improve fitness, and ease symptoms.
“I push myself at these appointments,” Geoffrey says with a smile. “It’s not always easy, but I give it a red-hot go.”
Looking ahead and advice for others
Geoffrey approaches each day with humour, determination, and a positive outlook. His advice for others living with respiratory conditions is simple: “Don’t give up — keep pushing for the right diagnosis, and know that support is always out there.”
