Every step counts
Meg’s story
My name is Meg, and I’m from Cardiff. In 2021, I began experiencing fatigue and recurring rashes, which led me on a long journey of medical tests. I’m a former NHS healthcare support worker, where I had the privilege of caring for hundreds of wonderful patients, including end-of-life care. In 2022 my own life changed in one hour, when at the age of 32 I was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a form of pulmonary fibrosis. Here’s my story.
My disease developed as an immune response to something I inhaled. Since I don’t know what triggered this, I also don’t know whether I will come into contact with the substance again.
A diagnosis like this lifts a curtain on a world you really wish you didn’t see. Before, I didn’t fully know myself, but now I have a clearer outlook on life. It’s weird to say, but a diagnosis like this has given me a lot of control and power over my life.
I focus on surrounding myself with the things I love and activities which bring me joy. I take a ‘speed dating’ approach to trying different hobbies, to see what sticks. I have established ‘The Lung Club’, where fellow patients and I take regular walks to stay as active as possible.
I try not to dwell on the things I can no longer do and focus on what I can do. Walking is one of them. It helps me to clear my head, gives me gentle exercise, and I find being in nature healing.
I fundraise for Action for Pulmonary fibrosis, as there is a lack of services, funding and research for pulmonary fibrosis, though it isn’t a rare condition. I continue to take part in research trials, which are vital to progress.
Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis have been invaluable in supporting my quality of life.
Their work empowers people and supports vital research, giving people like me, somewhere to turn to.