Colin didn’t take the typical journey to get a diagnosis of CF, receiving the news at the age of 53. Despite the shock of coming to terms with a new diagnosis, Colin has remained incredibly positive throughout his life, striving to be the happiest, healthiest version of himself possible.
Growing up in the United Kingdom, Colin often had troubles with his health, but all his symptoms were put down to other more common causes. “I’ve always noticed I had a sensitive stomach. It’s like having indigestion all day” Colin explained,
Even at school sport Colin would struggle to keep up with the class as he often felt short of breath, with teachers mistaking this for a lack of effort. He would also get frequent chest infections, however, this tended to happen when he was on ski trips in the snow, causing less suspicion that something else was going on in the background. He also experienced ongoing issues with his smell and having blocked sinuses.
Colin immigrated to Australia in 2009 and began his work as an accountant but continued to have mild symptoms. It wasn’t until an emergency trip to the hospital in 2012 that Colin started on a long and confusing journey to a diagnosis of CF. Multiple tests later and still no diagnosis after this hospital visit, it was lucky in a way after Colin’s brother experienced some health issues of his own, that he encouraged Colin to get a scan of his heart. Despite the scan showing his heart was perfectly healthy, the diligent radiologist picked up an abnormality in his lungs.
After many appointments with lung specialists and an array of tests, a genetic test revealed the true diagnosis of CF when Colin was 53. The specialist had even called Colin the day before the appointment to stress the importance of coming, leaving Colin to believe that it was going to be bad news. Still, when the diagnosis was given to him, Colin was understandably shocked.
“I had no idea what that meant,” Colin exclaimed. There was no one in the family with CF, and this was the first time Colin had heard of it. “It was a relief to actually know it was something. To feel so rough for so many years…there was a reason for it.”
Like many others receiving a diagnosis of CF later than average, Colin felt both relieved to have an answer, and shocked and confused about what it meant and where to start. Despite the incredible support available to those with a CF diagnosis and their carers, there are parts of having a chronic illness like CF that can be incredibly alienating.
Particularly challenging for those with CF is the fact that they must isolate from each other due to the risk of spreading certain bacteria. “You can’t all get together in a room and chat. It actually makes it quite isolating.”
For Colin, CF also came with some sacrifices in other aspects of his life. CF treatments, work and having a fulfilling life became difficult to juggle. As a result, Colin decided to make sacrifices in his work to allow room for CF treatments and enjoying life, which has become somewhat of a mantra of Colins.
There have certainly been many positives coming with this CF diagnosis for Colin. Despite the social isolation of CF, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital arrange time saving and co-ordinated multi-disciplinary clinics for adults with CF that have the same types of bugs in their lungs to prevent any cross infection of one person to another. Colin is also part of a Facebook page for adults with CF where they can share ideas, answer questions and get to know each other.
Colin also says that the team at CFWA have been a huge support, from answering any questions he had to looking after equipment and organising support to allow him to ease into his new life. Colin’s family and partner have also been integral in supporting him through all the ups and downs of life with CF.
Additionally, CF comes with daily lung physiotherapy, in which Colin has been able to find a new love for cycling as part of his management of CF, integrating his strong desire for being outdoors and exercising into his treatment.
Whilst remaining respectful to the seriousness of CF, Colin encourages people to keep a positive attitude in life and be grateful for what you have. This vibrant positivity and bubbly nature of Colins certainly helps him get through the hurdles in his life, and despite sacrifices to prioritize his health, Colin continues to enjoy what life has to offer him every day.
