Facing Pulmonary Fibrosis: Steve’s Journey
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease that affects around three million people worldwide with big implications for their daily lives.
For people living with IPF, their lungs experience scarring which makes it difficult for oxygen to get from their lungs into their bloodstream. This condition is progressive and chronic, and currently has no cure except for those individuals who choose to undergo lung transplants.
Due to the rarity of this disease, there is little awareness of it – this means that those living with the disease may feel alone or isolated. However, we at Boehringer Ingelheim are looking to change this. Rare does not mean alone.
Steve Jones, who lived with IPF prior to his lung transplant, talks below about his experiences with the disease, from adapting his lifestyle to allow him to live well with the disease, his support systems and his experience of symptom onset.
Now Chair of the Trustees of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, Steve is passionate about spreading awareness for IPF and connecting those who live with the disease.