Like many young people, I once believed I was invincible.
Although my career has largely been office-based, with only brief periods of part-time demolition work, my lung health was being affected in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.
I started smoking at the age of 16 and what I didn’t realise then was the cumulative impact smoking was having on my lungs. The damage didn’t happen overnight. It built quietly over many years, often without obvious warning signs.
”If I could share one message to young people today, it would be this: please take your lung health seriously and protect it early.”
About five years ago, while living in Queensland, I visited my GP after experiencing ongoing shortness of breath. I was referred to Gold Coast University Hospital for further testing and scans. The results showed I had lung emphysema (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and light asbestosis.
It came as a complete shock. The asbestos exposure likely dated back to my early twenties when I worked part-time helping with the demolition of fences and roofs in New Zealand. I had given up smoking nearly 18 years earlier, but the damage to my lungs was done.
I now live in Perth and, over the past year, have experienced one serious flare-up. It was following that, I was referred to Respiratory Care WA for lung function testing, education and support.
Through telehealth, I connected with Jacqueline Rapaic, one of Respiratory Care WA’s Respiratory Nurse Educators. The education and support I’ve received have been clear, reassuring and extremely helpful.
Jacqui’s positive approach and ability to explain things in a way that is easy to understand has given me greater confidence in managing my health. I now use inhalers to support my breathing and feel motivated to maintain my health and wellbeing. While there are some physical limitations, I am focusing on staying active in ways that work for me and continuing to build strength.
I’ve recently started pulmonary rehabilitation and am really looking forward to strengthening my body and lungs again.
For others living with a chronic condition, my advice is to take time to learn about your health and ask questions whenever something isn’t clear. Support is available and it makes a difference.
